Page 31 of Demon's Prey

In this vision, she takes my hand. Her touch sends electricity through my body, awakening parts of me I thought long dead. She tugs me deeper into the garden, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Come on, Dazirus," she teases, her voice like honey. "Don't you want to explore?"

I let her lead me, entranced by the sway of her hips. The moonlight makes her skin glow, and I can almost see through that flimsy fabric. My hands itch to touch her, to pull her close.

In my mind's eye, I give in to that urge. I crush her against me, feeling every soft curve of her body. Her gasp of surprise turns into a moan as I capture her lips in a searing kiss. I imagine the taste of her, sweet and intoxicating.

But then reality crashes back. The garden is empty. Silent. No laughter, no Narina. Just me and the cold night air.

I shake my head, growling in frustration. What am I doing, indulging in fantasies when Narina is missing? I need to focus. I need to find her.

The urgency returns full force, driving out the lingering wisps of my daydream. Where could she be? What if she's hurt? Lost? The possibilities gnaw at me, each one worse than the last.

I clench my fists, steeling myself. No more distractions. I have to find Narina, no matter what it takes.

"Narina!" I roar, my voice echoing across the grounds. Only silence answers.

Hours blur together as I search. My servants scurry about, fear etched on their faces. They know the consequences of failure.

But their fear pales in comparison to the icy dread gripping my heart. What if something's happened to her? The thought of Narina hurt, alone... it's unbearable.

This is my territory. I should be able to protect her here. And yet...

I pause, leaning against a wall, chest heaving. Why? Why does this matter so much? She's just a human. A pawn in my games.

Isn't she?

The truth hits me like a physical blow, leaving me breathless. These feelings churning inside me—they're real. Raw. Uncontrolled by magic or contract.

I cover my mouth with my hand, stopping cold in my tracks. The realization hits me like a thunderbolt, shaking me to my core. Everything I feel for Narina... it's real. Painfully, terrifyingly real.

My hand trembles against my lips as the full weight of this truth settles upon me. I'm not just searching for some humanI've contracted with, or even a favored slave I've taken a fancy to. No, this is so much more.

Narina has become my world. And now, I'm on the verge of losing everything.

The panic rises in my chest, threatening to overwhelm me. My breath comes in short, sharp gasps. I've never felt this vulnerable, this exposed. For centuries, I've prided myself on my control, my power. But now? I feel like a fledgling demon, lost and afraid.

I close my eyes, forcing myself to breathe deeply. I can't give in to this fear. I won't. Narina needs me, and I'll be damned if I let her down.

With a growl, I push off the wall, my fists clenched at my sides. I have to find her. There's no other option.

I stride through the halls with renewed purpose, my eyes scanning every shadow, every corner. My senses are on high alert, straining to catch any hint of her presence.

"Narina!" I call out, my voice echoing through the empty corridors. "Where are you?"

The silence that answers me is deafening. But I refuse to let it deter me. I'll tear this mansion apart stone by stone if that's what it takes.

As I search, memories of Narina flood my mind. Her smile, her laugh, the way her eyes light up when she's excited. Each recollection fuels my determination. I can't lose her. I won't.

"I will find you, Narina,"I whisper, pushing off the wall. "Whatever it takes."

15

NARINA

The night air bites my skin as I stumble through the shadows of Glacies. My feet carry me forward, but my mind remains trapped in that moment—Claudia's smile, her contentment, the family she's built without me.

I clutch my arms, trying to hold myself together. The image of her braiding that demon child's hair burns behind my eyelids. How could she forget me so easily? Replace me?

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