14. Saturus

14

SATURUS

T he captain's pathetic whimpers grate on my nerves, echoing off the damp stone walls of the dimly lit chamber. The air is thick with the metallic scent of blood and the acrid tang of fear. I materialize a wicked blade, its edge gleaming in the flickering torchlight. Claudia's eyes widen as I present it to her, handle-first.

"Take it, my dear. Let me show you the finer points of persuasion."

She grasps the knife, her fingers trembling slightly. I step behind her, my chest pressed against her back. My hands ghost over her arms, guiding her movements. The heat of her body seeps through her clothes, igniting a fire in my veins.

"Start here," I whisper, directing the blade to the captain's collarbone. "Shallow cuts. We don't want him passing out too soon."

Claudia hesitates for a heartbeat, her breath catching. I can sense the internal struggle within her, the last vestiges of her humanity warring with her newfound darkness. Then, with a soft exhale, she presses the knife against his skin. A thin line of crimson appears, eliciting a sharp gasp from our captive.

"Good," I purr, my lips brushing her ear. "Now, trace along his ribs. Slowly."

She follows my instructions, her movements becoming more fluid with each passing moment. The captain's screams fill the air, a symphony of agony that sends shivers of delight down my spine. Claudia's breathing quickens, and I can smell the intoxicating mix of fear and excitement emanating from her.

"Where's my sister?" Claudia demands, her voice low and dangerous. There's a new edge to her tone, a darkness that wasn't there before. It's music to my ears.

"I-I don't know!" he sputters, spittle and blood flying from his lips. "Please, I swear!"

I click my tongue. "He's lying, darling. Let's try something more... persuasive."

I guide her hand lower, to the soft flesh of his abdomen. "Here. Deeper this time."

Claudia plunges the blade in, twisting it slightly. The captain howls, his body convulsing against his restraints. The sound of tearing flesh and snapping sinew fills the air, a grisly melody that makes my heart race with excitement.

The captain's eyes roll wildly, blood dripping from his lips. "The general... he took them. Basement. His torture chamber for human women."

I feel Claudia stiffen against me, her grip on the knife tightening. The scent of her rage is intoxicating, a heady perfume that makes my head spin with desire.

"Please," the captain sobs, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Kill me. End it."

Claudia's voice trembles, a mix of emotions coloring her words. "I didn't want to kill you, but..."

"With the blood he's losing, death is inevitable," I murmur in her ear. My fingers trail down her arm, savoring the warmth of her skin. "I have a way."

I grin, savoring the delicious mix of fear and anticipation radiating from Claudia. Her transformation is intoxicating - from meek human to vengeful demoness. I lean in close, my lips brushing her ear.

"There's a way to make his suffering eternal, my dear. Kill him now, and his soul will be mine to torment for eternity in the depths of my dungeons."

Claudia's eyes shimmer with unholy glee. A soft giggle escapes her lips, sending shivers down my spine. The sound is both innocent and terrifying, a perfect encapsulation of her newfound nature.

"Forever?" she whispers, her voice dripping with dark promise.

I nod, drinking in her excitement. "Forever. Your revenge will never end."

She turns to face the captain, who whimpers pathetically. The knife in her hand gleams, hungry for blood. Claudia's eyes narrow, a predatory smile spreading across her face. In this moment, she's never looked more beautiful.

I lean in close, my lips brushing Claudia's ear. "Stab him in the heart, my dear. Then we'll drink his blood together."

Her eyes widen, a mix of shock and excitement dancing across her face. She nods, her grip tightening on the knife. I can feel her pulse racing, her body thrumming with anticipation.

"Do it," I urge, my voice a low growl.

Claudia steps forward, her movements fluid and purposeful. The captain's eyes bulge with terror as she raises the blade. In one swift motion, she plunges it deep into his chest.

His scream pierces the air, a final, agonized wail before death claims him. The room falls silent, save for the soft drip of blood hitting the floor. Claudia stands there, transfixed by the sight of her handiwork, her chest heaving with exertion and excitement.

I snap my fingers, and two ornate crystal glasses materialize in my hand. Carefully, I collect the captain's still-warm blood, filling each glass halfway. The rich, coppery scent fills the air, making my mouth water.

"A toast," I purr, offering one to Claudia. "To new beginnings."

She takes the glass, her fingers brushing mine. The contact sends a jolt of electricity through my body. We cross our arms, mimicking the gesture of human newlyweds.

Our eyes lock as we raise the glasses to our lips. I watch, mesmerized, as Claudia takes her first sip. She doesn't flinch, doesn't hesitate. Instead, a small smile plays at the corners of her mouth. Her tongue darts out to catch a stray droplet, and I have to suppress a groan at the sight.

We drink deeply, never breaking eye contact. The metallic tang of blood fills my mouth, intoxicating and familiar. But there's something different this time - a sweetness I've never tasted before. It's as if Claudia's transformation has added a new flavor to the blood, making it even more irresistible.

As we lower our empty glasses, I see a new fire burning in Claudia's eyes. She's crossed a line, embraced the darkness within herself. And I find myself craving more.

I gaze at Claudia, her eyes shimmering with a newfound darkness that sets my blood on fire. The realization hits me like a bolt of lightning - she's perfect. Absolutely perfect for me.

"You're exquisite," I growl, pulling her close. "Made for me in every way."

Before she can respond, I capture her lips in a searing kiss. She melts against me, her body molding to mine as if we were two pieces of a puzzle finally coming together. My hands roam her curves, leaving trails of heat in their wake.

Claudia's fingers tangle in my hair, tugging me closer. I groan, the sound rumbling deep in my chest. My lips leave hers, trailing down her jaw to the sensitive spot just below her ear. She gasps, arching into me.

"Saturus," she breathes, her voice thick with desire.

I nip at her earlobe, savoring the way she shivers against me. "Say it again," I command.

"Saturus," she moans, louder this time. The sound of my name on her lips is sweeter than any music I've ever heard.

A small part of my mind tries to remain focused on our mission. We still need to find Narina, and deal with the general. But for now, I allow myself to revel in this moment, in the perfect union of darkness and desire that Claudia and I have become.

This is just the beginning of our reign of terror, and I can't wait to see what delicious chaos we'll unleash upon the world.