Page 38 of Damsel to the Demon

"Welcome to our dungeon," he says, ushering me inside.

My eyes adjust to the dim light. At first, I see nothing but shadows. Then, movement catches my eye. I gasp.

Chained to the floor are... spirits? No, souls. Dozens of them, writhing and moaning. Their ethereal forms flicker like dying flames.

"Are those...?" I can't finish the question.

"The souls of the dark elves you killed," he confirms, his voice thick with pride. "I captured them for you."

I stare, mesmerized and horrified. I recognize faces – the captain, his family, soldiers from the camp. Their eyes, once so cruel, now filled with terror.

My heart races as I stare at the writhing souls before me. Happiness bursts from deep within, a fierce joy I've never experienced before.

Can it be true? My tormentors, trapped here for eternity?

"Azaruk," I breathe, barely able to form words. "Does this mean... I can torture them forever?"

His eyes gleam with dark satisfaction. "Yes, my dear. They're yours to do with as you please. Their suffering is in your hands now."

A heady rush of power floods through me. I imagine all the ways I can make them pay, all the pain I can inflict. It's intoxicating.

Without thinking, I throw myself into Azaruk's arms. My lips find his, desperate and hungry. I pour all my gratitude, all my newfound joy into that kiss. He responds with equal fervor, his hands tangling in my hair.

When we finally break apart, I'm breathless. "Thank you," I whisper against his lips. "Thank you for giving me this."

He cups my face, his touch surprisingly gentle. "You've more than earned it. Your strength, your determination - they deserve to be rewarded."

I turn back to the souls, my mind already spinning with possibilities.

Where should I start? The captain who destroyed my family? Or perhaps one of his lackeys?

Azaruk's voice cuts through my thoughts. "Take your time, my dear. We have eternity."

Eternity. The word sends a shiver down my spine.

An eternity of revenge, of power, of... us?

I look up at him, seeing something new in his eyes. Something beyond our initial bargain.

My heart swells. This is more than I ever dreamed possible. Revenge, power, and perhaps... love?

"Mercedes," he murmurs, his voice low and husky. "You're not just a human slave anymore. You're a force to be reckoned with. You're my partner."

His words send a thrill through me. I've never felt so seen, so understood. It's a feeling that fills me with a sense of belonging, of rightness.

"And you," I say, my voice steady and sure. "You're not just a demon to me. You're more. You're my protector, my guide, my... everything."

He smiles, a genuine smile that reaches his eyes. It's a sight I've never seen before, and it takes my breath away.

"Together," he says, his voice filled with conviction. "We'll conquer the world."

"Together," I echo, my voice filled with the same conviction.

As we stand there, surrounded by the writhing souls of our enemies, I feel a sense of completeness.

This is where I belong. This is who I am now.

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