2. Saturus

2

SATURUS

A piercing scream jolts me from my slumber. Fuck. Who dares disturb my rest?

I crack open an eye, ready to unleash hell on the fool who's interrupted my beauty sleep. But instead of some sniveling demon or pathetic dark elf, I spot a crumpled form at the base of my altar.

A human. Female.

Interesting.

I push myself up from my lounging position, stretching languidly as I observe the unconscious female. Her scent wafts towards me, something uniquely... enticing. My fangs elongate instinctively, a low growl rumbling in my chest.

How in the nine hells did a human end up here? The glacies isn't exactly a tourist destination, and my territory is warded against intruders. Yet here she lies, broken and battered at the foot of my altar.

I slide off my perch, bare feet silent on the icy floor as I approach her. Dark hair matted with blood frames a face that might be pretty if it weren't so swollen. Bruises mottle her skin, and her clothes are torn and filthy.

"Well, well. What have we here?"

I crouch beside her, inhaling deeply. The scent of her blood is intoxicating, a heady mix of fear, pain, and something... else. Something I can't quite place. My tongue darts out, tasting the air.

Fuck, it's been too long since I've had a human. The dark elves that occasionally stumble into my domain are all well and good, but there's something about human blood that sets my teeth on edge in the best way possible.

I trace a finger along her jawline, feeling the warmth of her skin even through the bruises. My nail catches on a cut, and a bead of blood wells up.

Before I can think better of it, I lean in and lick it off.

Holy shit.

The taste explodes on my tongue, a symphony of flavors I'd almost forgotten. Rich, complex, with an undertone of power that makes my head spin. My fangs ache, desperate to sink into her flesh and drink deeply.

But...

I pull back, forcing myself to think past the bloodlust. This woman is an enigma. How the fuck did she get past my wards? And why does she taste so damn good?

No, I can't just drain her dry. Not yet, anyway. I need answers.

I run my tongue over my fangs, considering. Then I lean in again, this time letting my saliva coat her visible injuries. The bruises on her face start to fade, the cuts knitting themselves closed.

"There you go, sweetheart," I murmur, watching as her features become clearer. "Let's get you fixed up so you can tell me just what the hell you're doing here."

Her eyelids flutter, and suddenly I'm staring into a pair of startlingly vibrant eyes. They're unfocused, clouded with confusion and pain. Her lips part, and a single word escapes in a hoarse whisper.

"Narina."

I cock my head, studying her intently. Who the fuck is Narina? And why does this human seem so damn familiar?

She blinks rapidly, struggling to focus. I can practically see the gears turning in her addled brain as she tries to make sense of her surroundings. The haze in her eyes gradually clears, replaced by a sharp awareness that sends a thrill down my spine.

Those eyes. Where have I seen them before?

I lean in closer, my face mere inches from hers. Her breath hitches, and I catch a whiff of fear mingled with... something else. Desire? Intrigue? Fuck if I know, but it's delicious.

Her eyes dart around, taking in the icy cavern, before locking onto mine. Fear radiates off her in delicious waves.

"Who... who are you? Where am I?"

I grin, letting my fangs show. "Name's Saturus, sweetheart. And you're in my domain now."

She tries to scramble back, but her body won't cooperate. I chuckle.

"Don't bother. You're not going anywhere."

"What are you?"

"A demon. A very powerful, very hungry demon." I lick my lips. "And you, my dear, look absolutely delectable."

Her eyes widen. "You're... you're going to eat me?"

"Oh yes." I trail a finger down her neck, feeling her pulse race beneath my touch. "Every. Last. Bite."

She shudders, but doesn't pull away. Can't pull away. I let my hand wander lower, skimming over her collarbone, down to the swell of her breast.

"You're in the glacies, darling. My little corner of frozen hell." I cup her breast, squeezing gently. "No one's coming to save you."

My other hand traces the curve of her hip, sliding around to grip her ass. She whimpers, but her eyes never leave mine.

I lean in closer, my breath ghosting over her skin. She shivers, and I can't help but smirk. This little human is more intriguing by the second.

"What's your name, mortal?" I ask.

My hand slides down her neck, feeling the warmth of her skin. She tenses, but doesn't pull away. Interesting.

"Claudia," she responds meekly.

"Well Claudia, you should be terrified right now," I murmur, nuzzling against her ear. "But I don't think you are. Not entirely."

Her breath hitches as I trail my fingers along her collarbone. "I-I'm not afraid of you."

A lie, but not entirely. There's fear there, yes, but something else too. A flicker of... desire? Fuck, that's unexpected.

I pull back slightly, meeting her gaze. Those eyes... they're mesmerizing. Defiant, yet vulnerable. I want to devour her whole.

"No?" I challenge, letting my fangs peek out. "Perhaps I should give you a reason to be."

I drag my fangs lightly across her neck, not breaking the skin. Just a taste of what I could do. She gasps, her body arching involuntarily.

Well, well. Seems our little Claudia has a taste for danger.

"You like that, don't you?" I tease, my hand sliding down to cup her breast. "The thrill of it all. The big bad demon who could tear you apart."

She bites her lip, clearly fighting against the sensations I'm stirring within her. But I can sense it - the growing heat, the quickening of her breath. She wants this, even if she won't admit it.

Her eyes flash with desperation, and she pushes against my chest. "Please, I need to go. My sister?—"

"Your sister?" I raise an eyebrow, amused by her sudden burst of energy. "Sweetheart, you're not going anywhere."

"You don't understand!" She struggles harder, her voice rising. "Narina needs me. They took her?—"

I press a finger to her lips, silencing her. "Shh. Your sister isn't my concern. You, on the other hand..." I trail my finger down her chin, along her throat. "You're very much my concern right now."

She shakes her head, tears welling in her eyes. "No, please. I'll do anything. Just let me go. I have to save her!"

Her pleas fall on deaf ears. I've waited too long for a meal this enticing to let it slip away. Besides, there's still the matter of how she got here in the first place.

I grasp her chin, forcing her to meet my gaze. "How about we make a deal? You tell me how you managed to stumble into my domain, and maybe—just maybe—I'll consider letting you go."