Damsel to the Demon

17. Mercedes

17

MERCEDES

B lood splatters across my face as I swing the sword, decapitating another dark elf. The metallic scent fills my nostrils, intoxicating. My body hums with newfound power, every nerve ending alive and crackling with demonic energy.

"More," I growl, my eyes scanning the chaotic banquet hall for my next victim.

Azaruk materializes beside me, his demon form a terrifying sight to behold. Long talons drip with gore, red veins pulsing beneath his skin. His eyes meet mine, a predatory gleam matching my own.

"Having fun, my little reaper?" He grins, revealing sharp fangs.

"I've never felt so alive."

A scream pierces the air. I whirl around to see a dark elf noble scrambling towards the exit. With inhuman speed, I'm on him in seconds. My hand wraps around his throat, lifting him off the ground.

"Please," he chokes out. "Mercy."

I laugh, the sound cold and hollow. "Mercy? Did you show mercy to my family? To Thomas?"

His eyes widen in recognition.

Good. I want him to know who's ending his miserable existence.

My fingers tighten, crushing his windpipe. The light fades from his eyes as I watch, savoring every moment. When his body goes limp, I toss him aside like garbage.

Azaruk appears at my side, licking blood from his claws. "You're a natural. It's beautiful to watch."

I turn to face him, my heart racing with adrenaline and something else... desire? "This is just the beginning," I purr, running a blood-soaked hand down his chest.

He grabs my wrist, bringing my fingers to his mouth. His tongue darts out, lapping at the blood. A shiver runs through me.

"Later," he promises, his voice husky. "We have more pigs to slaughter."

I nod, refocusing on our grim task. All around us, dark elves scramble in terror. Some beg for their lives, others try to fight back. It doesn't matter.

They're all dead men walking.

We move through the hall like a well-oiled killing machine. His raw power and my newfound abilities make us unstoppable. For every elf he rips apart, I behead another. Their blood paints the walls, their screams a symphony of vengeance.

Through the chaos and carnage, I spot him. The captain. My tormentor. He stands woodenly at the edge of the room, awaiting orders like the puppet he's become.

A wicked smile curves my lips. "Captain," I purr, sauntering towards him. "It's time for a family reunion."

His blank eyes meet mine. No trace of the cruel bastard remains. Just an empty shell, ready to do my bidding.

"Kill them," I command. "Your family. All of them."

Without hesitation, he moves. His steps are quick, purposeful. I follow, eager to watch.

We enter a side chamber. His wife cowers in a corner, clutching their young son. The captain approaches, sword raised.

"Darling?" his wife whimpers. "What are you doing?"

The blade falls. Blood sprays. I drink in their screams, relishing every moment.

The captain turns to his son next. The boy's eyes are wide with terror and confusion.

"Papa, no!"

Another swing. Another spray of crimson. My laughter mingles with their dying gasps.

I'm so engrossed in the spectacle that I don't notice the dark elf creeping up behind me. Suddenly, Azaruk's voice cuts through my euphoria.

"Mercedes! Behind you!"

I whirl around, narrowly dodging a blade aimed at my throat. With inhuman speed, I grab the attacker's wrist and snap it like a twig.

Azaruk appears at my side, concern etched on his demonic features. "Be careful," he growls. "I don't want to lose you."

His words hit me like a physical blow. In all this madness, I'd forgotten - we're in this together. Partners. Maybe even more.

I nod, a new determination flooding through me. "Let's finish this," I say. "Together."

More nobles rush at us, their faces contorted with rage and fear. I meet them head-on, my newfound powers surging through me. Blood splatters across my face as I tear through their ranks, my movements a blur of deadly precision.

"Is this all you've got?" I taunt, my voice dripping with malice.

Azaruk fights beside me, his demonic form a whirlwind of destruction. Together, we're unstoppable.

As the last noble falls, I turn my attention back to the captain. He stands there, vacant-eyed, awaiting my next command. Only one family member remains - his elderly father, cowering in the corner.

A wicked idea forms in my mind. "Stop," I order the captain, just as he raises his sword.

I saunter over to the old man, relishing his terror. "Your son has been such an obedient pet," I coo. "Let's see how far we can push him, shall we?"

Turning to the captain, I loosen my demonic control just enough. "Drink his blood," I command. "Eat his flesh."

The captain's eyes widen in horror as his body moves against his will. He fights it, muscles straining, but it's futile. His teeth sink into his father's neck, tearing flesh, gulping blood.

"No! Please!" the captain sobs, even as he continues to feast.

I watch, fascinated, as tears stream down his face, mixing with the blood of his last living relative. A laugh bubbles up from deep within me, dark and unhinged. My own eyes well up, tears of vindication and twisted joy.

"How does it feel?" I ask, my voice trembling with emotion. "To destroy everything you love?"

The captain can only whimper in response, his mouth full of his son’s flesh.

I throw my head back and laugh, the sound echoing off the blood-soaked walls. At last, my revenge is complete. The pain of losing my family, my Thomas, all of it - it doesn't disappear, but something else takes its place. A savage satisfaction that leaves me breathless.

As the last echoes of my laughter fade, a sudden emptiness washes over me. The bodies of my enemies litter the floor, their blood cooling beneath my feet.

I've done it. I've had my revenge. But now what?

My hands shake as the adrenaline ebbs away. The rage that fueled me, the hatred that drove me forward – it's all gone. In its place, a gaping void threatens to swallow me whole.

What am I supposed to do now? The thought of returning to my old life seems impossible. That Mercedes died with her family. But this new creature I've become – what place does she have in the world?

I look down at my blood-soaked hands, feeling lost and adrift. Without my vengeance to focus on, I'm rudderless, a ship without a destination.

Azaruk approaches, his demon form still intimidating despite all we've been through together. He studies me with those otherworldly eyes, and I wonder if he can sense my inner turmoil.

"Mercedes," he says, his voice softer than I've ever heard it. "It's over now. You've had your revenge."

I nod, unable to find words. He reaches out, cupping my face in his clawed hand. I should flinch away, but instead, I lean into his touch.

"What will you do now?" he asks.

I shake my head, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "I don't know," I whisper. "I don't know who I am anymore."

He pulls me closer, his demonic features softening. "Then let me show you," he says. "Give yourself to me. Not just for the contract, but completely."

My heart races at his words.

Is this what I want?

But as I look into his eyes, I see something I never expected – a glimmer of genuine care, maybe even love.

He leans in, his lips brushing my ear as he whispers, "Can I be your new purpose in life?"