Page 21 of Damsel to the Demon

I blink, shaking off the strange sensation. "Yes?"

"Why did you choose me? Out of all the humans, why did you decide to help me?"

I consider her question, my fingers tracing idle patterns on her skin. "Your eyes," I admit. "They're not just beautiful; they're alive. Full of emotion, passion, rage. I've never seen anything like them."

She smiles, a genuine smile that lights up her face. "Thank you."

I lean in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "We should focus on the mission. The captain will be here soon."

Mercedes nods, her expression turning serious. "What do I need to do?"

"Remember the plan," I remind her. "Seduce him, control him. Use your powers to make him believe you're his willing slave. Once he's under your spell, he'll take you to the noble's gathering."

"And then?" she asks, her voice steady.

"Then we strike," I say, a wicked grin spreading across my face. "The noble falls, and you get your revenge."

She takes a deep breath, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I won't let you down."

I cup her face, my thumb tracing her cheekbone. "I know you won't. You're stronger than you realize."

She leans into my touch, her eyes softening. "Thank you. For everything."

I press a gentle kiss to her lips, feeling a warmth spread through me. This isn't just a contract anymore. This is something more, something deeper. And for the first time in centuries, I find myself wanting to explore it.

But for now, we have a mission to complete. I pull away from her, my expression turning serious. "Remember, Mercedes. This is your fight. Your revenge. Use your powers wisely."

She nods, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I won't forget."

11

MERCEDES

Azurak calls out one last time before disappearing to keep from getting caught,

"Remember what you must do, Mercedes," he growls, his voice low and husky.

I nod, unable to form words. My heart races, a mix of anticipation and fear coursing through my veins.

"Seduce the captain," Azaruk continues. "Make him putty in your hands. Once you have him under your control, we'll strike."

His words ignite a fire within me. Rage bubbles up, threatening to consume me. The captain. The monster who destroyed everything I held dear. My family, my love, my future - all gone because of him.

"I'll make him pay," I whisper, my voice trembling with barely contained fury.

His lips curl into a wicked grin. "That's my girl," he purrs, running a clawed finger along my jawline. "Remember, this is just the beginning of our revenge."

With one last searing kiss, he vanishes, leaving me alone in the bath. The servants begin to stir, oblivious to what just transpired.

I ball my fists, nails digging into my palms. The pain grounds me, focuses my thoughts.

I will do this. I will play my part perfectly. The captain will rue the day he ever laid eyes on me.

Taking a deep breath, I school my features into a mask of demure submission. It's showtime. Every fiber of my being rebels against what I'm about to do, but I push through the disgust. This is necessary. This is the price of vengeance.

As I step out of the bath, allowing the servants to dry and dress me, I make a silent vow. I will do everything in my power to see this through.

No matter the cost, no matter how much it breaks me, I will have my revenge.

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