Page 26 of Illicit Bargain

"I am yours," I whisper, my voice trembling with the force of my impending release. "Now and forevermore."

With a final, powerful thrust, Javan sends me spiraling over the edge. My orgasm crashes over me like a wave, my body convulsing with the intensity of it. Javan follows me into the abyss, his roar of fulfillment a primal, savage sound that reverberates through the very marrow of my bones.

20

CATANDRIA

Javan and I stand in the shadows, our eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding at the general's mansion. Dark elves rush in and out, their faces twisted in fear and anger. The news of the massacre spreads like wildfire, igniting whispers and hushed conversations in every corner of this town. I feel a thrill of satisfaction watching their terror.

"Looks like they’re having a rough night," Javan remarks, his voice laced with dark amusement. His eyes gleam with a predatory light.

I smirk, my gaze never leaving the scene. "They deserve worse," I reply, my voice cold and unwavering. The sight of their panic fuels the fire within me.

"Always so bloodthirsty, my dear," he quips, the sound deep and resonant, sending a shiver of delight through me. "I like it." His approval is like a dark caress, igniting a thrill that courses through my veins.

We walk through the narrow streets, blending into the crowd. The humans keep their heads down, but I catch the flicker of hope in their eyes. They may not openly celebrate, but their relief is palpable.

"Do you think they know it was us?" I ask, glancing up at Javan.

"Does it matter?" He shrugs, his expression indifferent. "They'll find out soon enough."

We turn a corner, and I spot a familiar figure standing by a pile of garbage. It's the woman who once handed me water when I was first brought to the barracks. Her eyes widen in recognition, and she quickly looks away, trying to hide.

"Wait here," I tell him, my voice softening. Javan raises an eyebrow but nods, letting me approach her alone.

She flinches as I step closer. "It's okay," I say gently. "I'm not going to hurt you."

Her eyes meet mine, filled with fear and curiosity. "You... you’ve changed."

I nod, a sad smile playing on my lips. "Yes. But I remember you. You helped me once."

"I didn't think you'd survive," she whispers, glancing around nervously.

"Neither did I," I admit. "But here I am."

She looks at Javan, standing a few paces away, his eyes never leaving me. "Is he...?"

"Yes," I say simply. "He's the reason I'm still here."

She swallows hard, nodding. "Thank you for what you did. The general... he was a monster."

"I know," I reply, my voice hardening. "And now he’s gone."

I reach into my cloak, pulling a small, folded parchment from the inside of my sleeve. She looks at it warily, her eyes flicking back to mine. I offer it to her, my hand steady.

"What's this?" she asks, her voice trembling slightly.

"An incantation," I reply, pressing it into her palm. "If you ever find the courage to change your life, to seek freedom or revenge, use this. Drip your blood onto it and infuse it with all your sorrow and desperation."

Her eyes widen, and she clutches the parchment tightly. "But... what will happen?"

"You'll find out once you do it," I say simply. "But once you do this, you will find salvation or destruction. It depends on you."

She looks at the parchment, then back at me. She nods firmly. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice barely audible.

I nod and turn away, heading back to where Javan waits. His eyes are on me, a smirk playing on his lips as I approach.

"Done being the savior of the town?" he teases, his tone light but with an edge of amusement.

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