Damsel to the Demon

10. Azaruk

10

AZARUK

I tear myself away from Mercedes, my claws lingering on her soft skin.

Fuck. What's happening to me? I have to get out of here for a minute. I need to get myself together.

Her scent clings to my body, a heady mix of desire and power that makes my head spin.

"Stay here," I growl, my voice rougher than intended. "I'll be back soon."

Mercedes nods, her eyes gleaming with newfound strength. The sight nearly makes me forget why I'm leaving.

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog of lust. This isn't like me. I've never been so... distracted by a human before. Or anyone, for that matter.

"Remember the plan," I say, more to remind myself than her. "Seduce the captain, control him. We need access to that noble elf."

"I won't forget," she whispers, her voice sending shivers down my spine.

I turn away before I can change my mind. The dungeon walls blur as I phase through them, leaving the intoxicating presence of Mercedes behind. The cool night air hits my face, a stark contrast to the heat of her body.

Focus, damn it. I have a job to do. A contract to fulfill. Those rare eyes waiting for me...

But even as I think about my prize, all I can see are Mercedes' eyes, alive with emotion. Burning with hatred, shining with lust, gleaming with power.

How can dead, preserved eyes compare to that?

I growl in frustration, my tail lashing behind me. This isn't me. I'm Azaruk, feared assassin, collector of beautiful eyes. I don't get attached. I don't feel... whatever this is.

It's just the contract. The soul binding. Nothing more.

But even as I melt into the shadows, preparing to infiltrate the captain's quarters, I can't shake the feeling that something fundamental has shifted. And for the first time in centuries, I'm not sure if I'm in control anymore.

The sun's barely risen when I hear the commotion. Footsteps echo through the halls, accompanied by the clanking of armor. I shift into the shadows, my form melding with the darkness as the captain storms past.

My fists clench as I watch him drag Mercedes from her cell. Her eyes meet mine for a fleeting moment, a silent exchange passing between us. I want to tear the captain's throat out, to feel his life drain beneath my claws. But I can't. Not yet.

This is Mercedes' fight. Her revenge.

I follow them, silent as death, as the captain hauls her to his quarters. His grip on her arm is bruising, but she doesn't flinch. Good girl.

"Clean her up," the captain barks at his servants. "I want her presentable."

The servants scurry to obey, filling a large tub with steaming water. I watch from the shadows as they strip Mercedes, my blood boiling at the captain's leering gaze.

She catches my eye again, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. She knows what she's doing. The power I gave her thrums beneath her skin, invisible to these fools but clear as day to me.

The servants step out leaving her alone in the steaming bath while gathering a towel and her garments.

Perfect .

I slip into the room, silent as a shadow. With a flick of my wrist, they fall to the floor unconscious.

No interruptions.

I approach the tub, shedding my disguise. Mercedes startles, her eyes wide. "Azaruk! What are you-"

"Shh." I press a finger to her lips. "We can't waste this opportunity."

I slide into the water, savoring her sharp intake of breath. Her cheeks flush, and she averts her gaze.

Interesting. Where's that boldness from before?

"Let me," I murmur, reaching for the soap. She tenses as I run my hands over her shoulders. "Relax. I won't hurt you."

"I know," she whispers. "It's just... different. When we're not..."

I chuckle. "Fucking like animals?"

Her blush deepens. I work the soap into a lather, trailing my fingers down her arms. "Tell me about yourself, Mercedes. Your life before... all this."

She hesitates, then speaks softly. "I was a cook. Nothing special, but people seemed to like my food."

"Mmm." I massage her back, feeling the tension melt away. "What was your favorite thing to make?"

"Sweetbread," she says, a hint of a smile in her voice. "With honey and cinnamon."

I lean closer, breathing in her scent. "I'd like to try that someday."

She turns, meeting my gaze. Those eyes... they still captivate me. "Really? I thought demons didn't eat human food."

"We don't need to," I admit. "But some of us enjoy it. Especially when it's made by someone... special."

Her breath catches. I cup her face, thumb tracing her cheekbone. "Your turn. Ask me something."

"Why..." She swallows hard. "Why do you collect eyes?"

I pause, considering. No one's ever asked me that before. "They're windows to the soul," I finally say. "Each one unique, beautiful in its own way. But yours..."

I trail off, lost in the depths of her gaze. Something stirs within me, unfamiliar and terrifying.

"Azaruk?" her voice is soft, almost hesitant.

I blink, shaking off the strange sensation. "Yes?"

"Why did you choose me? Out of all the humans, why did you decide to help me?"

I consider her question, my fingers tracing idle patterns on her skin. "Your eyes," I admit. "They're not just beautiful; they're alive. Full of emotion, passion, rage. I've never seen anything like them."

She smiles, a genuine smile that lights up her face. "Thank you."

I lean in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "We should focus on the mission. The captain will be here soon."

Mercedes nods, her expression turning serious. "What do I need to do?"

"Remember the plan," I remind her. "Seduce him, control him. Use your powers to make him believe you're his willing slave. Once he's under your spell, he'll take you to the noble's gathering."

"And then?" she asks, her voice steady.

"Then we strike," I say, a wicked grin spreading across my face. "The noble falls, and you get your revenge."

She takes a deep breath, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I won't let you down."

I cup her face, my thumb tracing her cheekbone. "I know you won't. You're stronger than you realize."

She leans into my touch, her eyes softening. "Thank you. For everything."

I press a gentle kiss to her lips, feeling a warmth spread through me. This isn't just a contract anymore. This is something more, something deeper. And for the first time in centuries, I find myself wanting to explore it.

But for now, we have a mission to complete. I pull away from her, my expression turning serious. "Remember, Mercedes. This is your fight. Your revenge. Use your powers wisely."

She nods, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I won't forget."