Page 20 of Illicit Bargain

Javan watches me as I drag Chalan across the ground over sharp stones and branches that pierce into his skin. Javan's face is a mask of barely contained amusement. “You look beautiful in your cruelty,” he murmurs, his voice like velvet wrapped in barbed wire.

A grin spreads across my face, a dark thrill racing through my veins. “I feel like I’m already a demon.”

He steps closer, his presence enveloping me. “You seem to be a demon only to these dark elves,” he says softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “It’s intriguing, really. You retain your humanity, wanting to help humans, while showing such cruelty to these creatures.”

I tilt my head, considering his words. “Do you want me to be cruel to humans too?”

He shakes his head, a smirk playing on his lips. “No. Humans are weak beings, already suffering. I have no issue with them.”

I frown, my grip tightening on Chalan’s hair. “Are you against me helping humans?”

His eyes bore into mine, amusement mingling in those depths. “You’re no hero, Catandria. You can’t protect everyone.”

I swallow, the weight of his words settling over me. “But if I can save even one?—”

“Then what?” He interrupts, his tone harsh. “You’ll spread yourself thin, trying to save every pathetic soul. You’ll lose focus. You’ll lose yourself.”

I glance at the dark elf captives, their eyes filled with terror and pain. "The dark elves have caused so much pain to my people, though."

He lifts my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “You’re meant for more than saving the weak. You have a greater purpose.”

His words ignite something inside me, a fire that burns brighter than my hatred. “What purpose?”

“To become a demon,” he says, his voice low and intense. “To gain power and take your revenge.”

I nod, determination hardening my resolve.

Javan’s eyes bore into mine, his voice a low growl. I suppose he notices the thoughtfulness on my expression. “You can’t return to the past, Catandria. What’s done is done. But you can look forward to the future. A future where you’re a powerful demon, standing with me.”

The words hit me like a bolt of lightning. “With you?”

He nods, a predatory grin spreading across his face. “Together, we’ll be unstoppable.”

I take a deep breath, the weight of his words sinking in. “I agree. I want that future.”

“Good.” He picks me up effortlessly, his muscles straining against his injuries. “Soon enough, you’ll become like me.”

His lips crash against mine, and the world fades away. The only thing that matters is the fire igniting between us. His kiss is demanding, consuming, and I respond with equal fervor. The groans of pain and humiliation from the captives are a distant backdrop, a symphony of suffering that fuels my desire.

Javan’s hands roam over my body, his touch electrifying. “You’re going to be magnificent,” he murmurs against my lips, his breath hot and intoxicating.

I cling to him, the promise of power and revenge swirling in my mind. “I want it all,” I whisper, my voice filled with determination.

"And I'll give it to you," he says against my lips.

16

JAVAN

The full moon hangs heavy in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the wild field. I drag Chalan, Kynor, and Darana behind me, their pleas grating on my ears.

“Please, we’ll do anything,” Chalan groans, trying to pull away. His arrogance has crumbled into desperation.

Catandria, eyes blazing with purpose, tightens her grip on Darana’s chain. “Shut up. There’s no forgiveness for you.”

Darana, once fierce and beautiful, now a pathetic sight, looks at me with wide eyes. “Mercy,” she whispers, her voice cracking.

I chuckle, the sound cold and empty. “Mercy? From me? You must be joking.”

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