Page 2 of Illicit Bargain

"I-I did my best. I'm sorry," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "Please, just let me go back to my friend. It’s an emergency. I can do whatever you want me to do afterward, but please let me take her some water."

"Your best isn't good enough. You won’t be seeing your friend. We’re not much for giving favors to the weak. You’re here to serve us, not the other way around," he snarls, and then the first blow lands. Pain explodes across my face, and I taste blood.

Another kick to my stomach, and I curl up, trying to shield myself. The blows come faster, each one sending a fresh wave of agony through my body. Their laughter echoes in my ears, a cruel chorus that drowns out my cries.

"Pathetic," one of them mutters, his boot connecting with my side. "You humans are all the same. Weak."

Something snaps inside me. The pain, the humiliation, the helplessness—it's all fuel for the fire burning in my chest. I grit my teeth, my vision blurring with tears and blood. I'm not weak.

Catandria, be strong. You won't be their victim forever.

The beating continues, but my mind is elsewhere. I see my village burning, my family torn apart. I see the faces of the dark elves who did this to us, their sneers, their cruelty. A red haze clouds my vision, and all I can think of is revenge.

They eventually tire of their game, leaving me in a crumpled heap on the forest floor. My body throbs with pain, but my resolve is stronger than ever. I'll survive this. I'll find a way to fight back. And when I do, they'll pay for every scar, every tear, every drop of blood.

Freedom. Revenge. They're all I have left. And I won't stop until I have both.

2

JAVAN

Sitting in this damp dungeon, my wrists raw from the metal shackles, I wonder if letting these dark elves capture me was worth the trouble.

Their "torture" is laughable.

I lean back against the cold stone wall, feeling the sharp edges dig into my skin, and close my eyes. The chains rattle, the only sound breaking the monotony.

Being captured by the dark elves is a pity. As much as they try to abuse my body, nothing works. They're too foolish, too weak, to deal with the likes of demons. We harbor a power that they simply don't understand.

It doesn't matter if the dark elves have magic of their own. It doesn't match what I'm capable of.

Footsteps echo down the hallway, a group of them. The laughter is unmistakable.

Great, here comes the entertainment.

"Look at him. He's a fucking pathetic mess. See his hair? We should chop it off," one of them sneers, stepping into the dim torchlight. His face twists in a mockery of a smile.

"Maybe even take his scalp while we're at it," another chimes in, his voice dripping with malice. He whistles sharply. "Hey! Open your fucking eyes!"

With a sigh, I open my eyes, meeting his gaze with a blank stare. "Got tired of playing with your dolls?" I retort, my voice calm and mocking. The chains rattle as I shift slightly, the cold metal biting into my skin. Their laughter falters, just for a moment.

Another dark elf, taller, with a scar running down his cheek, joins in. "Funny, for a demon, you're not much of a fighter. Or maybe you've just given up?"

"Or maybe I'm just enjoying the show," I reply, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

They laugh, a chorus of cruelty. The one with the scar steps closer, producing a dagger. "Let's see if we can make you scream this time."

He pierces my side, drawing blood. The pain is a dull throb, barely noticeable. I've felt worse from a paper cut. He looks disappointed when I don't react. Still, he reaches out with a small vial and collects my blood. For their pointless little rituals, I suppose.

"Nothing? Really?" He twists the blade, raising a brow.

"Is that all you've got?" I yawn, stretching as much as the chains allow. "I've had insect bites that were more annoying."

A third dark elf, shorter and stockier, mutters a spell, and the chains around my wrists tighten, biting into my flesh. "Let's see how you like this."

I don't flinch. Instead, I lean forward, meeting his gaze with a dark smile. "You think this is going to break me? I've been chained by gods. Your magic is like a child's lullaby."

He scowls, frustration evident in his eyes. "You're not invincible, demon," he growls, voice trembling slightly.

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