Page 34 of Damsel to the Demon

Another swing. Another spray of crimson. My laughter mingles with their dying gasps.

I'm so engrossed in the spectacle that I don't notice the dark elf creeping up behind me. Suddenly, Azaruk's voice cuts through my euphoria.

"Mercedes! Behind you!"

I whirl around, narrowly dodging a blade aimed at my throat. With inhuman speed, I grab the attacker's wrist and snap it like a twig.

Azaruk appears at my side, concern etched on his demonic features. "Be careful," he growls. "I don't want to lose you."

His words hit me like a physical blow. In all this madness, I'd forgotten - we're in this together. Partners. Maybe even more.

I nod, a new determination flooding through me. "Let's finish this," I say. "Together."

More nobles rush at us, their faces contorted with rage and fear. I meet them head-on, my newfound powers surging through me. Blood splatters across my face as I tear through their ranks, my movements a blur of deadly precision.

"Is this all you've got?" I taunt, my voice dripping with malice.

Azaruk fights beside me, his demonic form a whirlwind of destruction. Together, we're unstoppable.

As the last noble falls, I turn my attention back to the captain. He stands there, vacant-eyed, awaiting my next command. Only one family member remains - his elderly father, cowering in the corner.

A wicked idea forms in my mind. "Stop," I order the captain, just as he raises his sword.

I saunter over to the old man, relishing his terror. "Your son has been such an obedient pet," I coo. "Let's see how far we can push him, shall we?"

Turning to the captain, I loosen my demonic control just enough. "Drink his blood," I command. "Eat his flesh."

The captain's eyes widen in horror as his body moves against his will. He fights it, muscles straining, but it's futile. His teeth sink into his father's neck, tearing flesh, gulping blood.

"No! Please!" the captain sobs, even as he continues to feast.

I watch, fascinated, as tears stream down his face, mixing with the blood of his last living relative. A laugh bubbles up from deep within me, dark and unhinged. My own eyes well up, tears of vindication and twisted joy.

"How does it feel?" I ask, my voice trembling with emotion. "To destroy everything you love?"

The captain can only whimper in response, his mouth full of his son’s flesh.

I throw my head back and laugh, the sound echoing off the blood-soaked walls. At last, my revenge is complete. The pain of losing my family, my Thomas, all of it - it doesn't disappear, but something else takes its place. A savage satisfaction that leaves me breathless.

As the last echoes of my laughter fade, a sudden emptiness washes over me. The bodies of my enemies litter the floor, their blood cooling beneath my feet.

I've done it. I've had my revenge. But now what?

My hands shake as the adrenaline ebbs away. The rage that fueled me, the hatred that drove me forward – it's all gone. In its place, a gaping void threatens to swallow me whole.

What am I supposed to do now?The thought of returning to my old life seems impossible. That Mercedes died with her family. But this new creature I've become – what place does she have in the world?

I look down at my blood-soaked hands, feeling lost and adrift. Without my vengeance to focus on, I'm rudderless, a ship without a destination.

Azaruk approaches, his demon form still intimidating despite all we've been through together. He studies me with those otherworldly eyes, and I wonder if he can sense my inner turmoil.

"Mercedes," he says, his voice softer than I've ever heard it. "It's over now. You've had your revenge."

I nod, unable to find words. He reaches out, cupping my face in his clawed hand. I should flinch away, but instead, I lean into his touch.

"What will you do now?" he asks.

I shake my head, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "I don't know," I whisper. "I don't know who I am anymore."

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