Page 37 of Demon's Prey

Tears well up in my eyes as I clutch the necklace. The cool metal against my palm feels impossibly heavy with the weight of his words. No one has ever given me such power, such trust. He's giving me his life... his love.

My heart pounds, a mix of exhilaration and fear. He can't ever leave me. The thought is both thrilling and terrifying. I've been so scared of loving, of opening my heart again. EveryoneI've ever cared for has left me - my sister, Mariel, even the life I once knew.

But as I look into Dazirus' crimson eyes, I see something I've never seen before - unwavering devotion. He's a demon, a being I once feared above all else. Yet here he is, offering me everything.

I run my thumb over the smooth surface of the necklace, feeling its power hum beneath my skin. With this, I could control him, bend him to my will. But that's not what I want. I want his love freely given, just as I'm willing to give mine.

"Dazirus," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "I don't need this to keep you. I just need... you."

I'm taking a gamble, I know. Loving him could shatter me if I'm wrong. But as I look at him, I realize I'm willing to take that risk. For him. For us.

I cradle the necklace in my palm, its weight a reminder of the power it holds. But as I look into Dazirus' eyes, I know I don't need its magic to keep him by my side.

"I promise," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "I'll never use this against you, Dazirus. Never."

He pulls me closer, his forehead resting against mine. I can feel his breath, warm on my skin.

"This necklace brought us together," I murmur, tracing the delicate chain with my fingertip. "I'll keep it... as a reminder of how much we mean to each other."

Dazirus' lips curve into a smile, his crimson eyes softening. "And what do we mean to each other, Narina?"

My heart swells.

"Everything," I breathe. "You're everything to me."

He captures my lips in a kiss, deep and passionate. The necklace glows softly between us, pulsing with a gentle warmth. It's as if it's sealing our bond, our love.

When we finally part, I'm breathless. Dazirus cups my face in his hands, his gaze intense.

"I love you, Narina," he says, his voice low and fervent. "Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."

I nod, leaning into his touch.

"Together," I echo.

As I settle back into his arms, my mind wanders to the future. We've accepted our feelings, sealed our love. But what lies ahead? The demon world is vast and dangerous. And there's still so much I don't know about this realm, about Dazirus' life here.

I think of my sister, of the revenge I once sought. Those desires feel distant now, overshadowed by my love for Dazirus. But can I truly let them go?

And what of Dazirus' position? He's a noble, with responsibilities I can barely comprehend. How will I fit into that world?

Questions swirl in my mind, each one bringing new uncertainties. But as I feel Dazirus' arms tighten around me, I push those thoughts aside. Whatever challenges we face, we'll face them together.

18

DAZIRUS

Irun my fingers through Narina's silky hair as she nestles in my lap, her warmth seeping into me. The fire crackles in the hearth, casting flickering shadows across her face. My chest tightens with an unfamiliar emotion. Love. It's still strange to me, this overwhelming desire to protect and cherish another being.

But I know her heart isn't at peace. The thirst for vengeance still burns in her eyes, a smoldering ember waiting to ignite. I can't bear to see her suffer any longer.

"Narina," I murmur, tilting her chin up to meet my gaze. "I have a proposition for you."

Her emerald eyes widen with curiosity.

"What is it?" Narina asks.

I take a deep breath, savoring the anticipation.

---