Page 11 of Demon's Prey

Dazirus crosses his powerfully built arms, his crimson gaze piercing.

"And how exactly do you plan on doing that? You're weak. You wouldn't last a day out there."

His expression shifts, eyes gleaming with something darker I can't quite name.

"Claudia and Saturus - yes, I've heard of them. But I'm afraid I can't help you." A slow, predatory smile curves his lips. "Not for free, anyway."

My heart sinks like a stone in my chest. Of course it couldn't be that easy.

"What do you want? I don’t have any gold, or anything of value, really."

His eyes ru up and down my body. It’s like he can see everything, despite my being fully clothed. I cross my arms over my chest and huddle up, shivering not from fear, but from what the scalding hot desire in his gaze does to me.

He flashes a wicked grin, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

"It's impolite, you know, for you to ask questions before introducing yourself. Even demons have manners."

I glare at him, feeling a mix of anger and helplessness. My fists clench in the soft blankets.

"Narina,” I say at last. “My name is Narina."

"It's apleasureto meet you, Narina,” he replies in melodious tones.

The way he says my name, and the emphasis he puts on the word 'pleasure', makes me squirm. His alien yet seductive eyes seem to draw me in despite my best efforts to resist. I find myself fascinated and, to my shock, aroused by his attention.

I know I should feel gratitude - after all, he saved my life. I would have bled out in the forest for certain without his help. But my emotions are a tangled mess. Fear, anger, confusion, and something else I can't quite name swirl together in a dizzying cocktail.

There's something intriguing about this demon lord. The way he carries himself, the power that radiates from him in waves. It's terrifying, yes, but also... alluring. I catch myself staring at the curve of his jaw, the breadth of his shoulders, and quickly avert my gaze.

What's wrong with me? He's a demon. I shouldn't be feeling this way.

And yet, I can't deny the pull. It's like he's exerting some kind of magnetic force, drawing me in even as every instinct screams at me to run.

I swallow hard, trying to regain my composure.

"Thank you," I manage to croak out, hating how weak my voice sounds. "For saving me."

His smirk widens, revealing a flash of sharp teeth.

"You're quite welcome, little human,” he replies. “Though I do wonder what I'll get in return for my... generosity."

My heart thuds into overdrive. Does he mean what I think he does? Does he want me to trade my body for my rescue? And if so, why does that idea excite me instead of filling me with dread?

I take a deep breath, steeling myself.

"I just want to find my sister. I don’t want riches, or power, or anything like that."

Dazirus's eyes glitter with interest.

"I can help find your sister. But first, we need a contract."

My heart skips a beat. A contract? With a demon? Every story I've ever heard warns against such things.

"It’s for your protection as much as my own," he adds, as if sensing my hesitation.

“Yeah, right,” I mutter.

“Oh, sweet, sweet Narina,” he purrs, licking his sensual lips. “Do you really think I’m trying to cheat you?”

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