19. Dazirus

19

DAZIRUS

I watch in awe as Claudia begins to cast her spell. Her eyes blaze with infernal flame, the air around her crackling with raw power. Even I, a demon noble, feel a shiver run down my spine at the sheer magnitude of the magic she's wielding.

Narina stands transfixed beside me, her mouth agape as she witnesses her sister's true strength for the first time. I can't help but feel a twinge of pride - this is the family my beloved comes from.

Claudia's chanting grows louder, her voice taking on an otherworldly quality that seems to resonate with the very fabric of reality. Suddenly, she rises into the air, her body wreathed in eldritch energy. The sound of her voice splits the heavens, and I watch in stunned silence as fire streaks across the night sky, leaving a burning scar among the stars.

A massive meteor, birthed from Claudia's spell, hurtles towards the auction house. It strikes with earth-shattering force, obliterating the building in a spectacular explosion of flame and debris. The shockwave nearly knocks me off my feet, and I instinctively pull Narina close, shielding her from the rain of flaming splinters.

As the dust settles, Claudia descends, her eyes still glowing with residual power. Her voice rings out, filled with righteous fury: "Never again will humans suffer within those walls."

I'm about to congratulate her on such an impressive display of magic when I hear a familiar whistle. My battle-honed instincts kick in, and I barely manage to pull Narina down as an arrow whizzes past where her head had been moments before.

I growl, scanning our surroundings. The dark elves have regrouped, and they're coming for us in force. We're under attack.

The dark elves swarm us, their blades glinting in the firelight. I bare my fangs, relishing the thrill of battle. My claws extend, and I leap into the fray, tearing through our attackers with demonic glee. Blood splatters across my face, hot and metallic. I lick my lips, savoring the taste.

Claudia fights beside me, her magic decimating swaths of enemies. But my eyes keep darting to Narina. She's holding her own, but barely. Three swordsmen converge on her, their blades a whirlwind of steel. She parries desperately, her movements growing frantic.

I need to help her, but I'm surrounded by my own opponents. Then I remember - our Contract. The bond we share. I reach out through that ethereal connection, feeling her fear, her determination.

"Narina," I push the thought into her mind. "Let go. Embrace the power within you. It's there, waiting."

I feel her hesitation, then her acceptance. Suddenly, a blinding flash erupts from where she stands. I shield my eyes, grinning as I hear the pained cries of the dark elves around her.

When the light fades, I see Narina standing amidst a circle of fallen foes. Her eyes glow with newfound power, her blade dripping with blood. She moves like lightning, cutting down the blinded elves before they can recover.

Pride swells in my chest. I knew she had potential, but this... this is beyond my wildest expectations. She's magnificent, a perfect blend of human tenacity and demonic power. My mate, my equal.

I turn back to my own fight, dispatching the remaining elves with renewed vigor. Narina has proven herself worthy of standing by my side. Together, we'll be unstoppable.

I feel the infernal power surge through my veins, concentrating between my palms. A sphere of hellfire materializes, pulsing with malevolent energy. The air around me shimmers with heat, and I bare my fangs in a wicked grin as the nearest dark elves drop their swords, the metal too hot to hold.

"Let's turn up the heat, shall we?" I growl, my eyes blazing with demonic glee.

With a flick of my wrists, I unleash the fireball. It streaks through the air, leaving a trail of scorched earth in its wake. The dark elves' screams are music to my ears as the inferno engulfs them. Their flesh blackens and peels away, revealing charred bone beneath. The stench of burning meat fills the air, intoxicating in its brutality.

I throw my head back and laugh, reveling in the carnage. This is what it means to be a demon - pure, unadulterated destruction. My blood sings with the thrill of battle, every nerve alight with savage joy.

Through our bond, I feel Narina's emotions mirror my own. Her eyes gleam with fierce satisfaction as she cuts down another elf, her blade slick with blood. She's magnificent in her fury, a vengeful goddess come to life.

"That's it, my love," I call out to her. "Make them pay for everything they've done!"

Narina responds with a feral cry, plunging her sword into an elf's chest. As she yanks it free, arterial spray paints her face crimson. She licks her lips, savoring the taste of revenge.

The dark elves' ranks are thinning now, their screams of agony filling the night air. I generate another fireball, eager to continue the slaughter. Narina and I move as one, cutting a bloody swath through our enemies. With each life we take, I feel her thirst for vengeance being slaked, her soul singing in harmony with my own.

I stand amidst the carnage, my chest heaving with exertion and triumph. The dark elves lie scattered around us, their broken bodies a testament to our power. Narina catches my eye, her face splattered with blood but her eyes shining with fierce satisfaction. I can't help but grin - she's truly embraced her demonic side.

We make our way back to Claudia, who's looking at her sister with a mix of pride and concern. I'm about to speak when a puff of smoke and brimstone erupts beside us. The acrid scent fills my nostrils as a tall, imposing demon materializes.

Claudia's face lights up.

"Saturnus!" she exclaims, rushing into his arms.

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by this display of affection. Narina looks equally surprised, her eyes widening as she watches her sister embrace the demon.

Claudia turns to us, her arm still wrapped around Saturnus's waist. "Narina, Dazirus, I'd like you to meet my mate, Saturnus."

I nod respectfully to the other demon. Narina, however, seems stunned into silence, her gaze darting between Claudia and Saturnus.

Claudia notices her sister's reaction and smiles softly. "Saturnus treats me very well, Narina. He makes me happier than I ever thought possible."

I watch as emotions play across Narina's face - surprise, confusion, and finally, acceptance. She takes a deep breath and meets her sister's eyes.

"If you're happy, then I'm happy for you," Narina says, her voice quiet but sincere.

I clear my throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Perhaps we should continue this reunion somewhere more... comfortable?" I gesture to the carnage surrounding us. "Claudia, Saturnus, would you care to join us for dinner at my manor?"

Claudia's eyes light up, and she nods eagerly. Saturnus gives a small bow of acceptance. I can't help but smirk - it seems even demon nobles have manners.

Back at my estate, I lead our guests to the grand dining hall. The table is laden with an array of delicacies - both human and demonic fare. I've instructed my servants to prepare for all tastes.

As we settle in, I can't take my eyes off Narina. She's practically glowing with happiness, her earlier bloodlust replaced by a softer joy. It warms something deep inside me to see her like this.

The sisters waste no time diving into conversation, their words tumbling over each other in their excitement. I lean back in my chair, content to simply watch. Beside me, Saturnus seems equally at ease, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Remember that time we snuck into old man Grigori's orchard?" Narina laughs, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Claudia nearly chokes on her wine.

"How could I forget?” Claudia says. “You insisted we could outrun his hounds!"

I chuckle softly, imagining a younger Narina, wild and carefree. It's a side of her I've rarely seen, but one I hope to nurture.

As the night wears on, I find myself growing increasingly fond of Claudia and Saturnus. They're good for each other - that much is clear. And more importantly, they clearly care for Narina.

I catch Saturnus's eye across the table and raise my glass in a silent toast. He nods, understanding passing between us. We may be demon nobles, but tonight, we're simply two men watching the women we love reconnect.

As Claudia and Saturnus prepare to leave, I catch her eye. She gestures subtly, and I follow her to a quiet corner of the room. Her expression is serious, a stark contrast to the joy of moments ago.

"Dazirus," she says softly, her eyes flickering to where Narina stands with Saturnus. "I need you to promise me something."

I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued.

"What is it?" I ask.

Claudia takes a deep breath.

"Promise me you'll take good care of Narina,” Claudia says. “She's been through so much... she deserves happiness."

A warmth spreads through my chest. I don't hesitate.

"Claudia, you have my word,” I say. “Narina's happiness is my highest priority. I'll protect her with my life."

Relief washes over Claudia's face. She nods, satisfied.

"Thank you." Claudia says.

We rejoin the others, and soon after, Claudia and Saturnus take their leave. As the door closes behind them, I turn to find Narina approaching me, her eyes shining.

"Dazirus," she says, her voice soft. "I... I want to thank you. For everything you've done. For bringing me to my sister, for helping me get my revenge. For..." She trails off, seemingly at a loss for words.

I don't let her finish. In two strides, I close the distance between us. My hands cup her face, and I kiss her passionately. Her lips are soft against mine, yielding yet eager. I pour everything I feel for her into that kiss - my love, my devotion, my promise to Claudia.

After all, I did promise to take good care of Narina. And I intend to keep that promise in every way possible.