Page 12 of Demon's Claim

But I'm not done with her yet.

As she lies there, panting and flushed with the afterglow of release, I withdraw slightly, allowing her a moment to catch her breath. Her eyes flutter open, confusion and curiosity warring in their green depths as she watches me rise to my full height.

"Lucian... what are you?—"

Before she can finish her question, I reach down and release the illusion that has hidden my true form from her. My tail, a sinuous extension of my demonic nature, uncurls from where it has been carefully concealed. It's a part of me that I've kept hidden from her, a symbol of the power I wield—and the pleasure I can provide.

Her eyes widen as she takes in the sight, a mixture of trepidation and intrigue flickering across her face. "Is that...?"

"Yes," I confirm, my tone husky with anticipation. "And if you trust me, it will bring you pleasure beyond anything you've ever known."

Elara swallows hard, her gaze locked onto my tail as it sways gently before her. "I trust you," she whispers, the words a vow between us.

I can't help the smirk that tugs at my lips, a sense of satisfaction washing over me. "Good girl."

With deliberate slowness, I lower my tail, the tip gliding over her sensitive flesh with a featherlight touch. She gasps at the contact, her body arching as if seeking more. I oblige, increasing the pressure, my tail moving with practiced precision as I tease and torment her swollen clit.

"Oh gods!" she cries out, her hands gripping the edge of the bed as her body is wracked with pleasure.

I watch her, a study in rapture, as I bring her to the brink once more. Her eyes are closed, her lips parted in a silent scream as she surrenders herself to the sensation. And when she finally shatters, the sight of her unraveling sends a jolt of pure, unadulterated desire coursing through my veins.

Her body goes limp, her breaths coming in short, ragged gasps as she rides out the aftershocks of her release. I withdraw my tail, the appendage disappearing once more as I carefully conceal it from view.

Elara looks up at me, her eyes hazy with satisfaction, a sated smile playing on her lips. "That was... incredible."

I chuckle, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. "And this is only the beginning, my dear Elara."

For a moment, we simply lie there, basking in the warmth of each other's company. It's a rare moment of vulnerability for me, one that I find myself surprisingly unwilling to end. But as the euphoria of the moment begins to fade, I can feel the familiar wall of caution rising within me.

I pull away slightly, putting a respectful distance between us. "You should rest," I say, my voice gruffer than intended.

She looks at me, a question in her eyes, but she simply nods, curling up on the bed with a contented sigh. As I watch her drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder if I've made a terrible mistake. Because despite my better judgment, despite the walls I've built around myself, I can feel the bonds of attachment tightening around my heart.

And in the Underworld, attachment is a luxury no one can afford.

11

ELARA

The air is different today, heavier, as if it’s thick with secrets I’m not meant to know. Shadows coil and twist around me, stretching across the cold stone like they’re alive. I can’t shake the feeling that something is watching me, something dark and ancient. It’s like a weight pressing down on me, filling the air with a sense of dread that I can’t explain.

I know Lucian has been keeping things from me. He’s never been forthcoming, but lately, there’s been an edge to his silence, a caution in his gaze that leaves me uneasy. I’m done being left in the dark. Whatever’s out there, whatever’s watching me, I need to know what I’m dealing with.

With a surge of determination, I make my way through the keep, searching for him. I find him in one of the shadowed corridors, his expression distant, thoughtful. He looks up as I approach, his eyes narrowing as he sees the determination on my face.

“We need to talk,” I say, crossing my arms.

He raises an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “About what?”

“About whatever it is that’s out there,” I reply, my voice steady. “I can feel it, Lucian. Something’s changed. I know you sense it too.”

He sighs, looking away, his expression unreadable. “This realm is filled with dangers, Elara. Nothing here is safe.”

I clench my fists, refusing to let him deflect. “Don’t play games with me. I know you’re hiding something. Whatever it is, I need to know. If I’m going to survive here, I can’t do it blind.”

He studies me for a moment, his gaze intense, as if weighing whether or not I’m ready for the truth. Finally, he sighs, his shoulders tensing as if he’s bracing himself. “There are… entities in this realm,” he says slowly, his voice low. “Beings drawn to power, to anything that doesn’t belong. They’re older than I am, older than this realm itself.”

A chill runs through me, but I force myself to stay calm. “And they’re after me?”

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