Damsel to the Demon

11. Mercedes

11

MERCEDES

A zurak calls out one last time before disappearing to keep from getting caught,

"Remember what you must do, Mercedes," he growls, his voice low and husky.

I nod, unable to form words. My heart races, a mix of anticipation and fear coursing through my veins.

"Seduce the captain," Azaruk continues. "Make him putty in your hands. Once you have him under your control, we'll strike."

His words ignite a fire within me. Rage bubbles up, threatening to consume me. The captain. The monster who destroyed everything I held dear. My family, my love, my future - all gone because of him.

"I'll make him pay," I whisper, my voice trembling with barely contained fury.

His lips curl into a wicked grin. "That's my girl," he purrs, running a clawed finger along my jawline. "Remember, this is just the beginning of our revenge."

With one last searing kiss, he vanishes, leaving me alone in the bath. The servants begin to stir, oblivious to what just transpired.

I ball my fists, nails digging into my palms. The pain grounds me, focuses my thoughts.

I will do this. I will play my part perfectly. The captain will rue the day he ever laid eyes on me.

Taking a deep breath, I school my features into a mask of demure submission. It's showtime. Every fiber of my being rebels against what I'm about to do, but I push through the disgust. This is necessary. This is the price of vengeance.

As I step out of the bath, allowing the servants to dry and dress me, I make a silent vow. I will do everything in my power to see this through.

No matter the cost, no matter how much it breaks me, I will have my revenge.

The servants finish dressing me in a gown that feels more like a cage than clothing. Its fabric clings to my skin, accentuating every curve. I hate how vulnerable it makes me feel, but I remind myself this is part of the plan.

"Follow us, human," one of the servants sneers, yanking my arm.

I bite back a retort, forcing myself to appear meek and compliant. Every step towards the captain's room feels like a march to my execution. My heart pounds so loudly I'm sure they can hear it.

We stop before an ornate door. The servant knocks, and a gruff voice calls out, "Enter."

The door swings open, revealing the captain lounging on a plush chair. His eyes rake over me, and I fight the urge to vomit.

"Leave us," he commands the servants.

As the door closes behind them, I'm left alone with the monster who destroyed my life. The air feels thick, oppressive. I can barely breathe.

"Come here, my little pet," he purrs, patting his lap.

Every instinct screams at me to run, to fight, to do anything but obey. But Azaruk's words echo in my mind.

I have to do this. For my family. For Thomas. For revenge.

I force a shy smile onto my face and take a tentative step forward. "My lord," I murmur, lowering my eyes in what I hope passes for submission.

The captain's grin widens. "That's more like it. I knew you'd come around eventually."

I swallow hard, fighting back the bile rising in my throat. As I approach him, I focus on Azaruk's promise. This won't last forever. Soon, I'll have the power to make this bastard suffer.

"Crawl to me, pet," the captain orders, his voice dripping with malice.

My stomach churns at his words, but I force myself to obey. I drop to my hands and knees, the cold floor biting into my palms. Each movement forward is agony, my body screaming in protest. But I push on, reminding myself of the endgame.

The captain's eyes gleam with satisfaction as I approach. "That's it," he purrs. "I've waited so long for this moment."

His words send a shudder through me, memories flooding back. The wedding, Thomas's lifeless body, my family slaughtered before my eyes. All because of this monster.

"You've always been mine," he continues, reaching out to stroke my cheek. "From the first moment I saw you, I knew I had to have you."

I fight the urge to recoil from his touch, instead leaning into it like the obedient pet he wants me to be. My skin crawls, but I endure. I have to.

As his hand moves to grip my chin, forcing me to look up at him, I'm transported back to that dungeon cell. The despair, the overwhelming desire to die, to join my loved ones in oblivion. But that Mercedes is gone now.

In her place stands a woman with purpose, with a burning need for vengeance. I may be on my knees before him now, but soon, oh so soon, our positions will be reversed. And when that moment comes, I'll savor every second of his suffering.

A small smile plays at the corners of my mouth, one the captain mistakes for submission. Little does he know, it's anticipation. For the first time since that fateful day, I feel truly alive. My purpose is clear, my resolve unshakeable.

I will have my revenge, no matter the cost. I repeat over and over in my head.

The captain's grip tightens on my arm as he yanks me to my feet. Before I can steady myself, he throws me onto the bed. The mattress barely cushions the impact, knocking the breath from my lungs.

"Finally," he growls, looming over me. "You're where you belong."

His hands grasp at my gown, ripping the delicate fabric. I flinch, fighting the urge to cover myself. Every instinct screams at me to fight back, but I force myself to remain still. This is part of the plan. I have to endure.

"On your knees," he barks, grabbing a fistful of my hair.

I grit my teeth as he drags me off the bed, forcing me to kneel before him. The cold floor bites into my skin, a stark contrast to the heat of rage building inside me.

"Perfect," he sneers, running a finger along my jaw. "You make such a lovely piece of furniture."

Before I can process his words, he places a goblet on my back. I stiffen, struggling to keep perfectly still as he uses me like a table. The weight of the cup is nothing compared to the weight of my fury.

Where is Azaruk? I scan the room, desperate for any sign of him. But I know he can't enter. The anti-demon magic pulses around us, an invisible barrier keeping my dark savior at bay.

I need to invite him in. Somehow, I have to break through this magical shield. But how? My mind races, searching for a solution as the captain continues to degrade me.

"You know," he muses, sipping his wine, "I think I prefer you like this. Silent. Obedient. Nothing but an object for my pleasure."

I swallow hard, choking back the venom I long to spit at him. Just a little longer, I tell myself. Soon, Azaruk will be here. Soon, we'll make this monster pay for everything he's done.

But first, I need to find a way to let Azaruk in.

My heart pounds as I realize what I must do. The thought of kissing this monster makes my skin crawl, but I know it's necessary. I have to get close enough to use my newfound powers.

Swallowing my revulsion, I look up at the captain through lowered lashes. "Please, my lord," I whisper, forcing a tremor into my voice. "I... I need you."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised by my sudden change in demeanor. "Oh? And what exactly do you need, pet?"

I bite my lip, playing the part of the shy, eager lover. "Your kiss, my lord. I... I want to taste you."

The captain's eyes darken with lust, but he doesn't move. He's enjoying this, the bastard. Making me beg.

"Please," I whimper, hating myself for every word. "I'm yours. Your... your whore. Use me as you wish."

A cruel laugh escapes his lips. "Well, well. It seems you've finally learned your place."

Before I can react, he grabs my hair, yanking me forward. His lips crash against mine, hungry and demanding. I fight the urge to gag as his tongue invades my mouth.

This is it. My chance.

I focus on the demonic energy coursing through my veins, willing it to flow into him. It's like trying to direct a raging river with my bare hands, but slowly, I feel it working. My eyes begin to burn, and I know they must be glowing with an otherworldly light.

The captain stiffens against me, his body going rigid. He tries to pull away, but I hold him close, pouring every ounce of power I can muster into him. This is the most I can manage, and I pray it's enough.

Suddenly, he begins to convulse. His eyes roll back in his head, and his entire body shakes violently. I push him away with all my strength, watching as he collapses to the floor, twitching and gasping.

Rage and disgust fuel my actions as I stand over him. Without thinking, I bring my foot down hard on his groin. He howls in pain, curling into a fetal position.

"That's for my family," I spit, my voice trembling with fury.

But there's no time to savor this small victory. I need to act fast. I rush to the door, my heart pounding in my chest. As I fling it open, I call out into the empty hallway.

"Azaruk! I invite you in!"

My words echo through the corridor, and for a moment, nothing happens. Then, like a shadow come to life, Azaruk materializes before me. His eyes gleam with wicked delight as he takes in the scene behind me.

"Well done, my pet," he purrs, stepping into the room. "Now, let's have some real fun."