Damsel to the Demon

16. Azaruk

16

AZARUK

T he noble elf's eyes widen as I materialize in the room. His hand reaches for a weapon, but I'm faster. My claws extend, slashing across his chest before he can react. Blood sprays, painting the walls crimson.

"What in the hells?" he sputters, stumbling back.

I grin, savoring the fear in his eyes. "Surprise."

He lunges at me with inhuman speed, but I sidestep easily. My tail whips around, slicing into his leg. He howls in pain.

"Mercedes!" I call out.

She doesn't hesitate. In one fluid motion, she sheds her fake chains and pounces on the elf's friend. Her eyes gleam with a predatory hunger I've never seen before. It's intoxicating.

The noble elf tries to aid his companion, but I block his path. "Ah ah, your fight's with me."

We trade blows, his elven grace matching my demonic strength. But he's tiring, his movements becoming sluggish. I can smell his desperation.

A gurgling scream draws my attention. Mercedes straddles the friend, stabbing him repeatedly in the neck. Blood fountains with each thrust, coating her hands and face. She's laughing, a wild, unhinged sound that sends shivers down my spine.

The noble elf's eyes dart to the side, desperation etched on his face. I follow his gaze, spotting the anti-demon magic item on the nightstand. A smirk tugs at my lips. Poor fool doesn't realize it's already useless.

"Looking for this?" I taunt, snatching the item before he can reach it.

His face pales. "No!"

I dangle the trinket in front of him, relishing the panic in his eyes. "Your little safeguard? I'm afraid it's not quite up to snuff."

The elf lunges for it, but I dance out of reach. His movements are clumsy, driven by fear rather than skill. It's almost disappointing.

"You see," I continue, examining the item with mock interest, "my lovely assistant here already took care of this nuisance."

She pauses her assault on the friend to flash me a blood-stained grin. The elf's eyes widen in horror as he realizes the depth of his predicament.

"No... that's impossible," he stammers.

I shrug. "Impossible? Perhaps for you." With a swift motion, I crush the item in my hand, reducing it to dust. "But for us? Child's play."

The elf's shoulders slump in defeat. It's almost pitiable. Almost.

"Now then," I purr, advancing on him with claws extended, "shall we finish what we started?"

The noble elf's desperation grows palpable as he realizes the futility of his situation. His eyes dart wildly around the room, searching for an escape that doesn't exist.

"Help! Guards!" he screams, his voice cracking with panic.

I can't help but chuckle. "Scream all you want. No one's coming to save you."

He lunges at me again, but his movements are sluggish, uncoordinated. I sidestep easily, my tail whipping out to slice across his back. He stumbles, barely keeping his footing.

"Getting tired?" I taunt, circling him like a predator stalking its prey.

The elf grits his teeth, summoning what little strength he has left. He charges, swinging wildly. I dance around his attacks, letting him wear himself out further. It's almost too easy.

"You know," I muse, dodging another clumsy swing, "I expected more from a noble elf. This is rather disappointing."

Rage flashes in his eyes. Good. Anger makes him sloppy. He rushes at me again, but I'm ready. My claws rake across his chest, drawing fresh blood. He staggers back, gasping.

"Please," he wheezes, "I'll give you anything. Gold, power, whatever you want."

I laugh, the sound echoing off the walls. "Oh, you poor fool. I already have what I want."

My gaze flicks to Mercedes, still straddling the lifeless body of the elf's friend. Her eyes meet mine, burning with a hunger that matches my own. She grins, blood staining her teeth.

I step back, my eyes locked on Mercedes. This is her moment. Her revenge.

"He's all yours, my dear," I purr, gesturing to the cowering elf.

Her eyes light up with a feral gleam. She leaps from the corpse of the elf's friend, her movements fluid and predatory. As if sensing her intent, a large sword materializes on the wall behind the noble.

Without hesitation, she lunges for it. Her hand wraps around the hilt, and in one smooth motion, she tears it from its mount. The blade sings as it cuts through the air.

The noble elf's eyes widen in terror. He opens his mouth to plead, but it's too late.

She swings the sword with unexpected strength and precision. The blade connects with the elf's neck, and for a moment, time seems to stand still.

Then, with a sickening thud, his head hits the floor. Blood sprays from the severed neck, painting Mercedes in crimson.

“Good girl. You did fantastic.”

She stands there, sword still raised, a look of surprise on her face. It's as if she can't quite believe what she's just done. I watch, fascinated, as the realization dawns on her.

Slowly, her expression changes. The surprise melts away, replaced by something else entirely. Ecstasy. Pure, unadulterated joy spreads across her features. She throws her head back and laughs, a sound of pure elation and release.

“That felt amazing! They didn’t even see it coming! We work so good together.”

I can't take my eyes off her. The blood-soaked vision before me is intoxicating. She turns to me, her eyes wild with bloodlust and power. She's never looked more beautiful.

I grasp her hand, savoring the warmth of her blood-slicked skin against mine. We exit the room, dragging the noble elf's headless corpse behind us. The wet squelch of flesh on stone echoes through the empty hallway.

"Ready to paint the rest of this place red?" I ask, grinning.

Her eyes, once soft and innocent, now gleam with a predator's hunger. "Born ready."