10. Saturus

10

SATURUS

T he door creaks open as I shoulder my way into the dimly lit room. Claudia's limp form weighs heavily in my arms, her head lolling against my chest. Why am I even bothering with this human? I should have left her where she fell.

"Room's all yours, sir," the innkeeper grunts, jangling a set of iron keys. "Need anything else?"

"Leave us," I growl, my borrowed dark elf voice rougher than intended.

The man scurries away, door slamming in his wake. Good riddance.

I lay Claudia on the threadbare mattress. My fingers linger on her cheek, tracing the curve of her jaw. Warmth radiates from her skin, a stark contrast to the chill that perpetually clings to my own flesh.

"What are you doing to me, little human?" I mutter, perching on the edge of the bed.

Her chest rises and falls in steady rhythm. Alive. Safe. Why do I care?

I should leave. There are a thousand more entertaining diversions awaiting me in this realm. Chaos to sow, desires to feed upon. Yet I remain rooted to this spot, unable to tear my gaze from her face.

My hand drifts to her hair, stroking the silky strands. The contact sends a jolt through me, a spark of... something. Possession? No, that's absurd. She's nothing more than a fleeting amusement.

But as I cradle her head, supporting her neck, an unsettling comfort settles over me. Like a missing piece slotting into place.

"Damn it all," I hiss, fangs elongating despite myself. "What sort of spell have you cast, Claudia?"

She doesn't stir, oblivious to my inner turmoil. I shake my head, willing away these ridiculous notions. I'm a demon, for fuck's sake. I don't get attached to humans.

Do I?

I can't shake this nagging feeling. Something's off about Claudia, and it's driving me fucking insane. That contract... it shouldn't exist. Who the hell marked her before me?

My fingers trace the curve of her neck, searching for any sign of another demon's claim. Nothing. But I can sense it, that faint echo of power.

"Fuck this," I growl, rising from the bed. I need answers.

I snap my fingers, summoning my servants from the shadows. Two wispy forms materialize, their eyes glowing embers in the dim room.

"Find out who contracted this human," I order, gesturing to Claudia's sleeping form. "I want answers. Now."

They bow silently, melting back into the darkness. Good. Let them do the dirty work while I figure out what the fuck is going on here.

I pace the small room, my gaze drawn back to Claudia every few seconds. She looks so fragile, so... human. Yet there's something about her that sets my teeth on edge. A familiar energy that I can't quite place.

"Who are you?" I mutter, leaning closer to study her face.

Her eyelids flutter, and I freeze. Is she waking up? Part of me hopes she does – I have questions that need answering. But another part... another part wants her to stay asleep, wants to keep watching her in this peaceful state.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

I growl, running a hand through my hair. This isn't like me. I'm a demon, for fuck's sake. I don't get attached to humans. I use them, I feed on their desires, and I move on. That's how it's always been.

So why can't I stop staring at her?

My eyes trace the curve of her neck, the rise and fall of her chest. I remember the taste of her, the way she responded to my touch. It was... different. Special, even. And that scares the shit out of me.

I force myself to look away, focusing on the peeling wallpaper instead. But even as I try to distract myself, my mind keeps circling back to the mystery of her contract.

The questions gnaw at me, fueling a restlessness I can't shake. I need answers, and I need them soon. Before this human drives me completely insane.

Claudia's eyes flutter open, and I feel an unexpected surge of relief. I quickly mask it with a grin, leaning over her.

"Well, well. Sleeping Beauty awakens."

She blinks, disoriented. "Where...?"

"Never mind that," I cut her off. "I've got news. The captain's throwing a little shindig tonight. Heard it straight from our gracious innkeeper."

Her brow furrows. "The captain?"

"Indeed. And it just so happens he's the one who handled those young girls earlier. Including your dear sister, I'd wager."

Understanding dawns in her eyes, followed quickly by determination. Good girl.

"This is your chance, pet. Time to put those new skills to use. Seduce the bastard, get your information."

"I... thank you," Claudia murmurs, her voice soft and tinged with embarrassment.

I can't help myself. My hand moves of its own accord, caressing her cheek. Her skin is warm, alive. It stirs something in me I'd rather not examine too closely.

"No need for thanks, darling," I purr. "You've got an eternity to show your gratitude."

She shivers at my touch, and I feel that spark again. Dangerous territory.

I stand abruptly, breaking the moment. "Time to go. Get ready."

Claudia nods, sitting up slowly. I watch as she steadies herself, determination hardening her features. She's stronger than she looks, this one.

I turn away, giving her a moment of privacy. "Don't keep me waiting, pet. We've got a party to crash."