Page 4 of Demon's Prey

"Brutal," I comment, but my mind is already drifting back to the book.

I flip the page. The nobleman's hands are now trailing up the maid's thigh. My own hand idly traces the edge of the page, anticipation curling in my stomach.

Yes, this is much more interesting than any gladiatorial game or trade agreement could ever be.

I glance up from my book, catching sight of the hydra. A shoe dangles from one of its many mouths, a comical contrast to the beast's fearsome visage. A snicker escapes me.

But the amusement fades quickly. A familiar melancholy settles over me like a heavy cloak. My life is far from terrible. Wealth, power, and all the perks that come with being a noble demon are mine to wield. But it's not what I most desire.

What I crave is freedom. To break free from the suffocating embrace of demonic politics and explore the world on my own terms. My gaze drifts to the humans in the arena, so fragileand emotional. Yet, there's something intriguing about them. Something I cannot quite put my finger on.

"Zalith," I say, turning to my aide. "Why does my family forbid learning about humanity? They're fascinating creatures. I find that their propensity for chaos often exceeds that of even demonkind."

Zalith's face scrunches up like he's smelled something foul.

"You give humans far too much credit, Lord. And as far as your family goes, it’s not my place to speak, but…”

I sigh.

“Just out with it, fool. I do not wish to while away eternity while listening to your stammering.”

He sighs.

“It's a good rule, my lord. Humans have... bad habits. Habits your family doesn't want you to learn."

I raise an eyebrow.

"Well, now you’ve got my attention, Zalith.” I lean forward eagerly. “What kind of bad habits?"

"Desire, impulsiveness, and indiscretion," Zalith lists off, his tone disapproving.

A grin spreads across my face.

"That sounds like a good time to me."

Before Zalith can protest, I vault over the railing of my luxury box. The wind whips through my hair as I plummet towards the arena floor. Screw spectating. It's time to fight.

My wings unfurl as I plummet, catching the air and slowing my descent. I land with a thunderous impact that sends sand flying. The crowd's roar hits me like a physical force, a mix of shock and excitement.

I shrug off my robe, letting it fall to the blood-soaked sand. The cool air kisses my skin, raising goosebumps along my arms and chest. My scars, each a testament to battles past, stand out stark against my pale flesh.

The hydra, momentarily distracted by my dramatic entrance, turns its many heads towards me. Confusion flickers in its eyes. This isn't how things usually go.

"Let's make this interesting," I murmur, feeling my eyes begin to glow with anticipation. My blood sings in my veins, pumping hot and fast.

I launch myself at the beast, my fist connecting with one of its scaled necks. The impact reverberates up my arm, but I relish the pain. It's been too long since I've felt truly alive.

Blood sprays as I tear into the hydra, my nails lengthening into claws. I rip one head clean off, the visceral satisfaction of it sending a thrill through me. Before another can grow in its place, I breathe a gout of flame, cauterizing the stump.

The hydra shrieks, its remaining heads snapping at me from all directions. I dodge and weave, my body moving on instinct. A tooth grazes my shoulder, drawing blood, but I barely feel it. The pain only fuels my frenzy.

One by one, I tear the heads from the hydra's writhing body. With each victory, I seal the wound with fire, ensuring no regrowth. The beast's blood mingles with my own, turning the sand beneath our feet into a crimson slurry.

As I face the final head, time seems to slow. The hydra's eyes, filled with fury and fear, lock onto mine. In that moment, I see myself reflected in those reptilian orbs - wild, savage, truly free.

With a roar that shakes the very foundations of the arena, I launch myself at the last head. My hands find purchase on its jaws, and with a strength born of pure adrenaline, I wrench them apart. The crack of bone echoes through the suddenly silent arena.

The hydra's massive body crashes to the ground, lifeless. I stand over it, chest heaving, blood dripping from my fingertips. A grin spreads across my face, wider than any I've worn in centuries.

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