4. Saturus

4

SATURUS

H er lips taste like ambrosia. Sweet. Intoxicating. A flavor I've craved for centuries without knowing it. My tongue dances with hers, and a spark ignites deep within me. What is this feeling?

I purr, trailing a finger along her jawline. She shivers, and the reaction sends a thrill through me.

This woman. This fragile, infuriating human. She feels... right. Like a missing piece slotting into place. Like she belongs here, with me. To me.

Ridiculous. I'm Saturus, a demon lord. I don't form attachments to mortals. I devour them.

And yet...

I shake my head, banishing the foolish thoughts. It's been too long since I've tasted human flesh, that's all. The hunger is making me sentimental.

I break the kiss, my tongue savoring the last traces of her flavor. Her eyes are wide, her breath coming in short gasps. The energy I've given her pulses through her body, visible even to my jaded gaze.

"Servants!" I call out, my voice echoing through the chamber.

The woman tries to kneel, her movements clumsy and urgent. I wave a hand dismissively.

"Later. Wash up first."

Two imp-like creatures materialize, bowing low. She startles, her eyes darting between them and me.

"No!" she cries, panic lacing her voice. "I don't have time. I need to go back!"

I raise an eyebrow, amused by her audacity. "Go back? To what, precisely?"

"My sister," she pleads, her voice cracking. "The dark elves took her. I have to save her!"

Ah yes, the sister. I'd almost forgotten in the intoxicating rush of her presence.

I growl, my patience wearing thin. This human dares to defy me? In my own domain? Unacceptable.

In a blur of motion, I pin her against the cold stone wall. My claws dig into her shoulders, not quite breaking skin. A reminder of what I am. Of what she isn't.

"Listen carefully, little mortal," I hiss, my face inches from hers. "You want power? You want to save your precious sister? Then you will obey me. Without question. Without hesitation."

Her eyes widen, fear and defiance warring in their depths. The scent of her terror is intoxicating, stirring my hunger.

"I-I don't understand," she stammers, her breath hot against my face. "What do you want from me?"

I bare my fangs in a feral grin. "Everything."

My hand slides up to her throat, not squeezing, just resting there. A promise. A threat.

"Disobedience will not be tolerated," I continue, my voice a low rumble. "You will do as I say, when I say it. No arguments. No delays."

My other hand traces down her side, claws catching on the fabric of her tattered clothes. She shivers, but doesn't pull away.

"The choice is yours, little one," I purr, leaning in close. My lips brush her ear as I whisper, "Obey me, and I'll give you power beyond your wildest dreams. Defy me, and..."

I let the threat hang in the air, unspoken but unmistakable.

The human's eyes flicker with resignation. Good. She's learning.

"Fine," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "I'll do whatever you want. Just... please help me save my sister."

I release her, stepping back with a satisfied smirk. "Wise choice, little mortal. Now, go. Clean yourself."

My servants lead her away, their grotesque forms a stark contrast to her fragile beauty. As they disappear down the corridor, I find myself oddly... unsettled. What is it about this human that affects me so?

I pace the chamber, my claws clicking against the stone floor. Minutes crawl by like hours. The scent of her lingers, teasing my senses. I growl, frustration building within me.

What's taking so long? Surely she should be done by now.

Before I realize what I'm doing, my feet carry me towards the bathing chambers. The sound of running water grows louder with each step. Steam curls around my ankles as I approach.

I pause at the entrance, my hand resting on the cold stone archway. What am I doing? I'm a demon lord, not some lovesick puppy. And yet...

The urge to join her is overwhelming. To feel her soft skin against mine, to taste the water droplets on her flesh. It's been so long since I've indulged in the pleasures of a human body.

My fangs extend, hunger and desire warring within me. I take a deep breath, inhaling her scent mixed with soap and steam. It's intoxicating.

One step. That's all it would take. One step and I could have her. Claim her. Make her mine in every way.

But no. Not yet. This game has only just begun, and I intend to savor every moment.

I slip inside the bathing chamber, silent as a shadow. Steam curls around me, thick and fragrant. Through the haze, I see her.

Claudia.

She stands waist-deep in the spring, rivulets of water cascading down her caramel skin. My breath catches. How can a mere human be so... captivating?

I watch, transfixed, as she runs her hands through her short, dark hair. Something's different about her. The glacies should be unbearable for a mortal, yet she shows no signs of discomfort. How is this possible?

My eyes narrow. There's more to this woman than meets the eye.

She turns, giving me a tantalizing view of her profile. My fangs ache with hunger – for her flesh, her blood, her very essence. But there's something else too. A hunger I haven't felt in centuries.

I need answers. And I need them now.

With inhuman speed, I close the distance between us. She gasps, startled by my sudden appearance. Before she can speak, I capture her lips with mine.

The kiss is searing, passionate. I taste her surprise, her fear... and underneath it all, a burning desire that matches my own.

I break away, drinking in her flushed cheeks and wide eyes. My hands move of their own accord, shedding my garments. They fall to the ground with a soft thud.

"What are you?" I growl, my voice low and dangerous. "How can you withstand the glacies?"

She meets my gaze. I lean in, my lips brushing her ear. My hands slide down her sides, coming to rest on her hips. She shivers, but doesn't pull away.

"Tell me," I whisper, nipping at her earlobe. "What secrets are you hiding?"