Page 14 of Damsel to the Demon

He leans close, his tongue darting out. I flinch, expecting pain, but he merely licks the blood from my temple. The wound tingles, pain fading to a dull throb. His touch is surprisingly gentle, at odds with his fearsome appearance.

His tongue traces my cheekbone, cleaning away tears and grime. "Don't hide those beautiful eyes," he murmurs, his voice low and hypnotic.

I start to cover my face, suddenly self-conscious, but he gently catches my wrists. "What are you-"

His lips press against my eyelids, one after the other. The touch is reverent, almost worshipful. Shock courses through me. This isn't what I expected from a demon. It's tender, intimate in a way that makes my heart race.

"What are you doing?" I ask, voice barely above a whisper.

He pulls back, studying me with an intensity that makes me shiver. His eyes roam over my face, taking in every bruise, every cut. "Savoring you," he replies simply.

His words send a shiver down my spine. Savoring me? Like I'm some delicacy to be consumed? I swallow hard, trying to gather my thoughts. My mind feels foggy, whether from the pain or his presence, I'm not sure.

"The deal," I rasp, my throat dry and sore. "You said you'd help me get revenge."

Azaruk's lips curl into a predatory smile, revealing sharp teeth. "Indeed I did, little one. But first, we must make it official."

My heart pounds against my ribs, a mixture of fear and anticipation. "Official? How?"

"An oath," he purrs, tracing a talon along my jaw. The sharp point sends tingles across my skin. "Bind yourself to me, bodyand soul, and I'll give you the power to destroy those who wronged you."

I hesitate, the weight of his words sinking in.

Body and soul? What exactly does that entail?

The implications are terrifying, yet a part of me yearns for it, for the power he promises.

As if reading my thoughts, Azaruk continues, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper, "To seal our pact, we must become one. Physically."

My eyes widen as understanding dawns. "You mean..."

"We need to fuck, Mercedes," he states bluntly, his eyes gleaming with hunger and something else... anticipation?

I recoil, my back hitting the cold stone wall. The rough surface scrapes against my bruised skin, a sharp reminder of my vulnerability. "What? No, I can't?—"

"Can't you?" Azaruk challenges, moving closer. His body radiates heat, a stark contrast to the chill of the dungeon. "Think of your family, your Thomas. Think of the pain they suffered. Don't you want justice?"

Images flash through my mind - blood, screams, lifeless eyes. My resolve hardens, pushing aside my fear and hesitation. The faces of my loved ones, forever frozen in their final moments of terror, fuel a fire within me.

"I do," I whisper, clenching my fists. "More than anything."

Azaruk's hand cups my cheek, his touch surprisingly gentle. "Then prove it. Give yourself to me, and I'll give you the world."

I close my eyes, taking a shaky breath.

Can I really do this? Offer my body to a demon?

But then I think of the captain, of the dark elves who destroyed everything I loved. My hatred burns hotter than any shame or fear.

When I open my eyes again, they're filled with determination. "Do it," I say, my voice steady. "Make me yours."

8

AZARUK

Her eyes flutter open, meeting mine with a newfound resolve. I can sense the shift in her, the steel beneath her soft exterior.

"I'll do it," Mercedes says, her voice surprisingly steady. "Whatever it takes to make them pay."

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