Page 5 of Illicit Bargain

"No," I say, shaking my head. "But I can offer you something in return. Freedom."

He leans back, a smirk playing on his lips. "Freedom, huh? And how do you plan to accomplish that?"

"I'll find a way to get you out," I say, my voice steady now. "But you have to promise to help me. To kill them."

He laughs, a deep, resonant sound. "Oh, little one, you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. You've just walked into my sanctuary, like a sacrifice ready to be slaughtered."

Trembling where I stand, I grip my knife and watch as his body heaves forward with laughter. The sound of his voice sends a shudder through me.

Is this the right choice? Or am I making the mistake of a lifetime?

4

JAVAN

"You should be careful where you tread," I rasp, leaning back against the wall. The chains that hold me clink loudly. "This dungeon isn't known for its hospitality. And if the dark elves find you, they won't be kind."

The girl before me flinches at my words but doesn't retreat. Admirable.

"Didn't you hear me? I can help you obtain your freedom."

I raise an eyebrow. "And why would a human help a demon?"

Her hands clench into fists. "Because I want something in return. They say you're powerful, right? So prove it. I want to become a demon. I need to escape this life."

The desperation in her voice catches my interest. I tilt my head, studying her more closely. Her clothes are torn, her face bruised. Yet, there's a fire in her eyes, one that hasn't been extinguished by the darkness around her.

The human woman squares her shoulders, as if bracing herself against an invisible wind. "My name is Catandria," she begins, her voice steady despite the turmoil I sense within her. "I'm a... 'flesh' slave for the dark elves. Tossed around for their enjoyment. But I want more than this. I want a better life."

I lean forward, the chains around my wrists groaning in protest. "And you think becoming a demon will give you that better life?"

She nods, her green eyes reflecting the dim torchlight. "Yes. I want power. Enough to exact revenge on the dark elves who did this to me and my village."

"Revenge, you say?" I muse, intrigued. Her hatred is palpable, almost tangible. It swirls around her like a storm, yet within it, I see a flicker of hope. A small, stubborn flame that refuses to die. "Do you even know what you're asking for, little human? Becoming a demon isn't a simple transformation. It comes with a price."

Her jaw tightens, and she takes a step closer. "I'm willing to pay it. Whatever it takes. It can’t be any worse than what they make me do for them."

I can't help but chuckle, a deep, resonant sound that echoes off the stone walls. "Brave words. But are you truly prepared for the cost? The darkness, the pain, the eternal hunger for power?"

Her eyes flash with determination. "I don't have a choice. If I stay human, I'll die here. At least as a demon, I'll have a chance to fight back."

Just then, we're interrupted by the distant sound of strong footsteps. They quickly approach us, echoing through the narrow corridors. Catandria stiffens, eyes widening as she grips onto her dagger as if it were a lifeline.

"Well, little one," I whisper. "Seems like this is your first test."

"What?!" she exclaims, whipping around to stare at me. "What do you mean?"

"Prove how badly you want my help," I explain. "And perhaps, I'll be able to grant you what you need."

The clatter of armor interrupts our tense exchange. Two dark elf guards burst into the dungeon, their eyes narrowing as theyspot Catandria. She pales, backing away instinctively, but there's nowhere to run. One of them sneers, stepping closer.

"Look what we have here," the guard mocks, his voice dripping with malice. "A lost little human."

"Why the fuck did you wander down here? Do you want to get killed, stupid bitch?" I can feel the venom palpable in his words amidst this dank air.

Catandria's hands tremble, but she tightens her grip on the dagger. "Stay back!" she warns, her voice quivering yet defiant, a spark of courage in her wide eyes.

The second guard chuckles, drawing his blade with a menacing scrape. "What's a slave going to do with a knife? Are you trying to amuse us?" He steps forward, the blade glinting ominously in the torchlight.

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