7. Claudia

7

CLAUDIA

T he leather clings to my skin like a second layer, hugging every curve. I tug at the straps, trying to cover more of my exposed flesh. This outfit leaves little to the imagination.

"Stop fidgeting," Saturus growls.

I freeze, my hand hovering over the corset laces. "I can't go out like this. People will stare."

"That's the point, pet."

Before I can protest further, the world shifts. My stomach lurches as reality bends around us. In a blink, we're standing outside the ravine. Warm sunlight bathes my face, a stark contrast to the chill of the glacies.

I blink, disoriented. "How...?"

"Demon, remember?" Saturus smirks, his mismatched eyes gleaming with amusement.

The familiar scent of pine and earth fills my lungs. Birds chirp in the distance. It's surreal, being back so suddenly. I glance at the sun, hanging low in the western sky.

"It's afternoon," I murmur, bewildered. "We were gone for hours."

Saturus shrugs. "Time moves differently in my realm."

I shake my head, trying to process everything. The contract, the power he promised, my sister...

"Narina," I gasp, suddenly remembering why I made this deal in the first place. "We have to find her. The dark elves-"

Saturus grabs my wrist, yanking me forward. "Look."

My jaw drops. We're standing mere feet from a bustling camp, tents and makeshift buildings scattered across a clearing. Dark elves mill about, their silver hair glinting in the sunlight. Weapons clang as soldiers train, their lithe bodies moving with inhuman grace.

"The barracks," I whisper, heart pounding. "But how-"

A dark elf strides past, so close I can smell the leather of his armor. He doesn't even glance our way.

"They can't see us?"

Saturus grins, fangs glinting. "One of your new talents, pet. Invisibility."

I blink, stunned. "My... talents?"

"The contract, remember? I've granted you powers."

My mind reels. Invisibility? What else can I do? A spark of hope ignites in my chest. Maybe I can save Narina after all.

"I've given you the tools. It's up to you to use them."

"How do I use these... powers?"

"Figure it out." He smirks, clearly enjoying my confusion. "Consider it your first test."

I take a deep breath, trying to focus. I spot a lone dark elf patrolling the edge of the camp. My lips curl into a feral grin. Perfect.

Willing myself invisible, I stalk towards him. Each step is silent, my newfound grace making me a perfect predator.

I'm inches away from the dark elf when a strong hand grips my shoulder, yanking me back. Saturus materializes beside me, his mismatched eyes glinting with mischief.

"Where's the fun in just killing him?" he purrs, his breath hot against my ear.

I bristle. "Fun? This isn't about fun. I need to find Narina."

"And you will." His fingers trail down my arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake. "But first, a lesson."

"I don't have time for-"

"Transform," he interrupts, nodding towards the oblivious dark elf. "Become what his heart truly desires."

I frown. "How am I supposed to know what that is?"

Saturus chuckles, low and dark. "Feel it."

His hands slide around my waist, pulling me flush against him. Heat blooms in my core as he nuzzles my neck, his fangs grazing my skin.

"Close your eyes," he murmurs. "Let the energy flow."

I want to resist, to push him away and focus on my mission. But as his fingers dance across my leather-clad body, something stirs within me. Power, raw and intoxicating, pulses through my veins.

"That's it," Saturus encourages. "Let it consume you."

Saturus's touch ignites a fire within me. My skin tingles where his fingers trace patterns across my leather-clad body. I should be focused on finding Narina, but the intoxicating blend of power and desire clouds my mind.

The oblivious dark elf patrols mere feet away. My breath catches as Saturus's hand slides lower, teasing. The thrill of being so exposed, yet invisible, sends a shiver down my spine.

"Why does this feel so..." I can't finish the thought.

Saturus chuckles against my neck. "Exciting? Forbidden fruit always tastes the sweetest, pet."

His fingers dip dangerously low, and I bite back a moan. Just as the tension coils tight in my core, he pulls away abruptly.

"Now," he purrs, "seduce him."

I blink, disoriented. "What?"

"Transform. Become his deepest desire."

The power thrums beneath my skin, eager to be unleashed. I close my eyes, reaching out with senses I didn't know I possessed. An image forms in my mind – lithe limbs, silver hair, eyes like liquid moonlight.

When I open my eyes, I gasp. My body has shifted, taking on the ethereal beauty of a dark elf female. The leather outfit clings to new curves, accentuating my transformed figure.

The patrolling elf stops in his tracks, eyes widening as he spots me.

"My lady," he calls out, voice filled with awe and desire. "I didn't see you arrive. Are you new to the camp?"