As we enter, all eyes turn to us. The noble elf sits at the head table, his gaze immediately fixing on Mercedes. I suppress a grin.
The trap is set.
As we approach the noble elf, a faint shimmer catches my eye. Fuck. The anti-demon magic item hangs from his neck, pulsing with an ethereal glow. My lips twitch into a frown before I smooth my expression. One wrong move and this whole charade goes up in smoke.
I tug Mercedes' chain, pulling her close. "Change of plans," I whisper, my lips barely moving. "You're taking point."
Her eyes widen for a fraction of a second before she nods imperceptibly.
Smart girl.
She understands the gravity of the situation without needing an explanation.
I hang back, watching as the captain leads Mercedes toward the noble elf. My face remains impassive, but inside, my mind races with calculations and contingencies.
The noble's eyes light up as Mercedes approaches. She plays her part perfectly, eyes downcast but with a hint of defiance that's impossible to miss. The captain introduces her, his voice a monotone thanks to her control.
"My lord, may I present this... special gift for your enjoyment."
The noble leans forward, his gaze raking over Mercedes' form. "My, my. What a delightful surprise."
I suppress a smirk. The fool has no idea what's coming for him. She raises her eyes, meeting the noble's gaze. Even from here, I can see the momentary flash of power in her eyes. The noble's breath catches.
"Come closer, my dear," he purrs, beckoning her forward.
She obeys, her chains clinking softly as she moves. The captain releases her chain, and the noble reaches out, running a finger along her jaw. My fists clench at my sides, an unexpected surge of possessiveness rising within me.
Focus, I remind myself.The mission comes first.
But as I watch Mercedes work her magic on the unsuspecting noble, I can't help but imagine whisking her away from all this.
Soon we'll be done here, and I can claim my prize fully.
The noble elf's eyes gleam with lust as he regards Mercedes. "Dance for me, my pretty slave."
Mercedes bows her head submissively, then begins to move. The chains clink rhythmically as she sways her hips, her movements fluid and sensual despite the restraints.
I watch, transfixed, as she twirls and undulates. Even bound, she's graceful as a viper, just as deadly and alluring. The other elves fade into the background. All I can see is her.
Her eyes meet mine for a fleeting moment. That brief connection sends a jolt of electricity through me. My cock stiffens, straining against my pants. I shift, trying to hide my obvious arousal.
Mercedes arches her back, arms raised above her head. The pose accentuates every luscious curve. My mouth goes dry. I imagine running my hands over that lithe body, tasting every inch of her skin.
She drops to her knees, writhing sinuously. The chains rattle as she rolls her hips. I picture her moving like that while impaled on my cock. The thought makes me throb with need.
My mind races with all the delicious ways I'll claim her once this mission is over. I'll bind her with demonic magic, edging her for hours until she begs for release. I'll fuck her hard against every surface, making her scream my name. I'll torture her with pleasure until she's delirious with ecstasy.
I clench my fists, fighting back a snarl. Soon, I remind myself. Soon she'll be mine alone to enjoy.
15
MERCEDES
The music pulses through me, a primal beat that matches the thundering of my heart. My hips sway, my body undulates. Power courses through my veins, intoxicating and dangerous. This is it. My moment.
I lock eyes with the noble dark elf. His gaze rakes over me, hungry and possessive. Disgust churns in my gut, but I force a coy smile. Just a little longer.
"Come here, pretty thing," he purrs.