Page 23 of Damsel to the Demon

Where is Azaruk?I scan the room, desperate for any sign of him. But I know he can't enter. The anti-demon magic pulses around us, an invisible barrier keeping my dark savior at bay.

I need to invite him in. Somehow, I have to break through this magical shield. But how? My mind races, searching for a solution as the captain continues to degrade me.

"You know," he muses, sipping his wine, "I think I prefer you like this. Silent. Obedient. Nothing but an object for my pleasure."

I swallow hard, choking back the venom I long to spit at him.Just a little longer,I tell myself.Soon, Azaruk will be here. Soon, we'll make this monster pay for everything he's done.

But first, I need to find a way to let Azaruk in.

My heart pounds as I realize what I must do. The thought of kissing this monster makes my skin crawl, but I know it's necessary. I have to get close enough to use my newfound powers.

Swallowing my revulsion, I look up at the captain through lowered lashes. "Please, my lord," I whisper, forcing a tremor into my voice. "I... I need you."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my sudden change in demeanor. "Oh? And what exactly do you need, pet?"

I bite my lip, playing the part of the shy, eager lover. "Your kiss, my lord. I... I want to taste you."

The captain's eyes darken with lust, but he doesn't move. He's enjoying this, the bastard. Making me beg.

"Please," I whimper, hating myself for every word. "I'm yours. Your... your whore. Use me as you wish."

A cruel laugh escapes his lips. "Well, well. It seems you've finally learned your place."

Before I can react, he grabs my hair, yanking me forward. His lips crash against mine, hungry and demanding. I fight the urge to gag as his tongue invades my mouth.

This is it. My chance.

I focus on the demonic energy coursing through my veins, willing it to flow into him. It's like trying to direct a raging riverwith my bare hands, but slowly, I feel it working. My eyes begin to burn, and I know they must be glowing with an otherworldly light.

The captain stiffens against me, his body going rigid. He tries to pull away, but I hold him close, pouring every ounce of power I can muster into him. This is the most I can manage, and I pray it's enough.

Suddenly, he begins to convulse. His eyes roll back in his head, and his entire body shakes violently. I push him away with all my strength, watching as he collapses to the floor, twitching and gasping.

Rage and disgust fuel my actions as I stand over him. Without thinking, I bring my foot down hard on his groin. He howls in pain, curling into a fetal position.

"That's for my family," I spit, my voice trembling with fury.

But there's no time to savor this small victory. I need to act fast. I rush to the door, my heart pounding in my chest. As I fling it open, I call out into the empty hallway.

"Azaruk! I invite you in!"

My words echo through the corridor, and for a moment, nothing happens. Then, like a shadow come to life, Azaruk materializes before me. His eyes gleam with wicked delight as he takes in the scene behind me.

"Well done, my pet," he purrs, stepping into the room. "Now, let's have some real fun."

12

AZARUK

The captain writhes on the floor, his eyes rolling back as Mercedes channels my power through her newly acquired demonic abilities. His body convulses, muscles spasming uncontrollably. I can't help but smirk at the pathetic display.

"More," I whisper in Mercedes' ear, my breath hot against her skin. "Show him true suffering."

Her eyes blaze with an otherworldly fire as she focuses her hatred on the writhing elf. The air crackles with dark energy, and I feel a surge of pride at how quickly she's adapted to her new powers.

The captain's mouth opens in a silent scream, drool trickling down his chin. His limbs twitch and jerk, no longer under his control. It's a delicious sight, but I want more.

"Make him yours," I growl. "Bend his will to your command."

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