Page 17 of Damsel to the Demon

"Azaruk, this power... what can I do with it? How do I use it?"

His eyes gleam in the dim light. "Whatever you desire, little one. Your rage will fuel it."

I clench my fists, feeling that new energy surge. "I want to tear them apart. To drink their blood and feast on their flesh."

"Such delicious darkness." He traces a talon along my jawline. "Tell me more."

"I want to start with that bastard captain. Make him suffer like he made me suffer." My voice drops to a growl. "But how? Where do I even begin?"

Azaruk's lips curl into a wicked grin. "Your instincts will guide you. The power responds to your will. And I’ll be here every step of the way. I have to see what you do with the power I’ve given you."

I close my eyes, picturing the captain's smug face. Something stirs within me, hot and violent. When I open them again, my nails have sharpened to points.

"What else can I do? Can I shapeshift like you?"

He shakes his head. "Not yet. Your abilities will grow with time and... practice."

A thought strikes me. "The other dark elves, the ones who helped him. I want them to suffer too. All of them."

"Patience, my pet. One step at a time."

I growl in frustration. "But I need to act now! Before they come back, before-"

His hand clamps over my mouth, silencing my outburst. His eyes flash with a mixture of amusement and irritation.

"Hush, little one. Your time will come, but not yet. I have a proposition for you."

I force myself to take a deep breath, tamping down the rage that threatens to consume me. "What kind of proposition?"

"A mission. Your first, in fact." His grin widens, revealing sharp teeth. "One that will serve both our interests."

My heart races. A mission? Already?

"I'm listening."

He leans in close, his breath hot against my ear. "There's a noble elf I need to... dispose of. But he's well-guarded, difficult to reach."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"Everything, my pet. Your dear captain is our key." His talons trace lazy circles on my skin. "With his help, we can get close to our target. And you... you'll get your revenge."

My breath catches in my throat. The captain. The thought of facing him again sends a shiver down my spine, but it's not fear I feel. It's anticipation.

"How?" I whisper.

"We use your newfound powers to manipulate him. Make him believe you've broken, that you're his willing slave." Azaruk's voice drips with dark promise. "He'll lower his guard, take you to the noble's gathering. And then..."

"And then we strike," I finish, a wicked smile spreading across my face.

He nods, approval gleaming in his otherworldly eyes. "Precisely. You'll have your vengeance, and I'll complete my contract. Everyone wins."

I consider his words, feeling the demonic power pulse beneath my skin. The thought of playing submissive to that bastard turns my stomach, but the promise of retribution is too sweet to ignore.

"When do we start?"

His eyes gleam with wicked intent as he outlines the plan. My skin prickles with a mixture of anticipation and revulsion.

"You'll seduce the captain, my pet. Use your newfound charms to bend him to your will."

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