11. Claudia

11

CLAUDIA

T he door bursts open, startling me from my reverie. Two shadowy figures materialize, their forms rippling like smoke. Saturus' servants. My breath catches as they approach him, whispering urgently.

I strain to hear, but their voices are too low. Frustration bubbles in my chest. What could be so important?

Saturus' expression shifts, his eyes widening. Then, slowly, a grin spreads across his face. He turns to me, that smile growing impossibly wider.

My heart hammers against my ribs. Why is he looking at me like that? Like I'm some kind of prize he's just won?

"Well, what do you know," he purrs, sauntering towards me. "It seems we have quite the... interesting situation on our hands."

I swallow hard, willing my voice not to shake. "What do you mean?"

He chuckles, a sound that sends shivers down my spine. "It appears, my dear Claudia, that you and I have a much deeper connection than either of us realized."

My stomach drops. What is he talking about? I want to demand answers, but the words stick in my throat.

"You see," he continues, circling me like a predator, "it turns out that you're not just any human who stumbled into my domain. You're mine. Bound to me by an ancient contract."

The world tilts on its axis. "What?" I manage to croak out.

"Oh yes," Saturus says, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "It seems one of your ancestors made a deal with me long ago. And now, after all this time, that debt has finally come due."

I can't breathe. This can't be happening. I came here to save my sister, not to become... what? A slave?

"Don't look so terrified," Saturus laughs, cupping my chin. "Being mine isn't such a terrible fate. In fact, I think you'll find it quite... pleasurable."

My cheeks burn at his words, at the memory of our earlier encounters. What's wrong with me? I should be horrified, disgusted. Instead, a part of me thrills at the possessiveness in his voice.

I'm losing my mind. That has to be it. There's no other explanation for the way my body responds to him, even as my mind reels from this revelation.

Saturus' expression shifts, a mix of intrigue and something else I can't quite place. He leans in close.

"I've got news about your sister."

My heart leaps into my throat. "Narina? Where is she? We have to go now!"

I try to push past him, but his iron grip on my arm stops me cold.

"Not so fast, little one. It's not that simple."

Frustration bubbles up inside me. "What do you mean? Just take us there!"

Saturus' eyes narrow. "The captain's private residence. Heavily fortified. Even my powers have limits."

My stomach drops. "But... but you're a demon. Can't you just..."

"Teleport in?" He laughs, but there's no humor in it. "Anti-demon magic. The attacks have made them cautious."

I slump against the wall, despair threatening to overwhelm me. "So what, we just give up? I can't abandon her!"

Saturus tilts my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze. "I didn't say that. We'll need a plan. Something clever.

___________________________________________________________

The music pulses through my veins, a discordant rhythm that matches the chaos in my heart. I twirl and sway, my body moving to the beat while my mind races. My long white hair moves in time with my hips. The silken costume clings to my skin, a constant reminder of the role I'm playing. The air is thick with the scent of perfume, sweat, and alcohol, making my head spin.

Across the room, the captain lounges on his throne-like chair, basking in all his profound glory. This whole spectacle is due to the captain receiving some pretentious award.

His bloodshot eyes continue roving over the dancers with predatory interest. My stomach churns. Is he looking for his next victim? Maybe his consolation prize was one of the poor defenseless girls they keep as prisoners. Did he have a hand in giving my sister over to that monster of a general?

I force a sultry smile, letting my hips sway as I move closer to his dais. His gaze locks onto me, and I fight the urge to recoil. Instead, I blow him a kiss, bile rising in my throat.

Rage bubbles up inside me, hot and vicious. My newfound demon power surges through my veins, begging for release. I imagine plunging my hand into the captain's chest, ripping out his black heart. It would be so easy. So satisfying.

But then I catch a glimpse of Saturus across the room. Even in his disguise, those mismatched eyes are unmistakable. Our gazes lock, and a wave of calm washes over me. Right. The plan. I can't lose control now.

I take a deep breath, forcing my features into a coy smile. The face I wear isn't my own - it's a near-perfect copy of the captain's sister-in-law. His forbidden desire. The knowledge makes my skin crawl, but I use it to my advantage.

"You there, lovely one!" The captain's voice booms across the room, cutting through the din of the party. "Come, serve me some wine."

I saunter over, swaying my hips in a way that makes me want to scrub myself raw. "Of course, my lord," I purr, pouring him a generous goblet of deep red wine. The aroma of the rich vintage mingles with the captain's cloying cologne, making my stomach turn.

His meaty hand closes around my wrist. "Why don't you have a seat, my dear?" He pats his lap, grinning lecherously. The flickering candlelight casts shadows across his face, making him look even more sinister.

Every instinct screams at me to run, to fight, to do anything but comply. But Narina's face flashes through my mind. I have to do this. For her.

Swallowing my revulsion, I perch delicately on the captain's knee. His arm snakes around my waist, pulling me flush against him. The stench of alcohol and sweat assaults my nose, and I struggle not to gag.

"Feed me," he commands, opening his mouth like an overgrown baby bird.

I pick up a grape from his plate, fighting the urge to shove the bunch down his throat until he chokes. Instead, I gently place one between his lips, my fingers brushing against his mouth. The fruit's skin is cool and smooth, a stark contrast to the captain's hot, moist lips.

He sucks on my fingertips, and bile rises in my throat. I want nothing more than to vomit all over his expensive uniform. But I can't. Not yet.

The captain's face looms closer, his breath hot and sour. I turn my head at the last second, his lips grazing my cheek instead of my mouth. A girlish giggle escapes me as I press a finger to his chest.

"My lord, not here," I coo, batting my eyelashes. "What would people say?"

He laughs, a booming sound that makes my skin crawl. His meaty hand squeezes my ass, hard enough to bruise. "Since when do I care what they think, little minx?"

Before I can respond, he stands abruptly, scooping me up like a sack of grain. I yelp in surprise, my borrowed face flushing with genuine embarrassment.

"Gentlemen!" the captain bellows, addressing the room. "I'm afraid I must retire for the evening. This lovely creature requires my... personal attention."

Raucous cheers and lewd comments follow us as he carries me from the hall. His grip on my backside never loosens, fingers digging into soft flesh. I want to claw his eyes out, to scream until my throat bleeds. Instead, I force out another simpering laugh.

"Oh, you beast," I titter, tapping his chest playfully. "Whatever shall I do with you?"

He grins, all teeth and hunger. "I have a few ideas."

Panic rises in my throat as we leave the crowded room behind. My eyes dart frantically, searching for a familiar face. Where is Saturus? He wouldn't abandon me now, would he?

The captain's quarters loom ahead, a fortress of stone and dark wood. My heart pounds so hard I'm sure he must feel it. What if Saturus can't get to me in there? What if I'm truly on my own?

I crane my neck, desperately seeking those mismatched eyes in the shadows. Nothing. The demon is gone, leaving me alone with this monster of a man.

Anxiety claws at my insides as the captain kicks open his bedroom door. I'm out of time. Out of options. The heavy door slams shut behind us, sealing my fate.