4. Javan

4

JAVAN

" Y ou should be careful where you tread," I rasp, leaning back against the wall. The chains that hold me clink loudly. "This dungeon isn't known for its hospitality. And if the dark elves find you, they won't be kind."

The girl before me flinches at my words but doesn't retreat. Admirable.

"Didn't you hear me? I can help you obtain your freedom."

I raise an eyebrow. "And why would a human help a demon?"

Her hands clench into fists. "Because I want something in return. They say you're powerful, right? So prove it. I want to become a demon. I need to escape this life."

The desperation in her voice catches my interest. I tilt my head, studying her more closely. Her clothes are torn, her face bruised. Yet, there's a fire in her eyes, one that hasn't been extinguished by the darkness around her.

The human woman squares her shoulders, as if bracing herself against an invisible wind. "My name is Catandria," she begins, her voice steady despite the turmoil I sense within her. "I'm a... 'flesh' slave for the dark elves. Tossed around for their enjoyment. But I want more than this. I want a better life."

I lean forward, the chains around my wrists groaning in protest. "And you think becoming a demon will give you that better life?"

She nods, her green eyes reflecting the dim torchlight. "Yes. I want power. Enough to exact revenge on the dark elves who did this to me and my village."

"Revenge, you say?" I muse, intrigued. Her hatred is palpable, almost tangible. It swirls around her like a storm, yet within it, I see a flicker of hope. A small, stubborn flame that refuses to die. "Do you even know what you're asking for, little human? Becoming a demon isn't a simple transformation. It comes with a price."

Her jaw tightens, and she takes a step closer. "I'm willing to pay it. Whatever it takes. It can’t be any worse than what they make me do for them."

I can't help but chuckle, a deep, resonant sound that echoes off the stone walls. "Brave words. But are you truly prepared for the cost? The darkness, the pain, the eternal hunger for power?"

Her eyes flash with determination. "I don't have a choice. If I stay human, I'll die here. At least as a demon, I'll have a chance to fight back."

Just then, we're interrupted by the distant sound of strong footsteps. They quickly approach us, echoing through the narrow corridors. Catandria stiffens, eyes widening as she grips onto her dagger as if it were a lifeline.

"Well, little one," I whisper. "Seems like this is your first test."

"What?!" she exclaims, whipping around to stare at me. "What do you mean?"

"Prove how badly you want my help," I explain. "And perhaps, I'll be able to grant you what you need."

The clatter of armor interrupts our tense exchange. Two dark elf guards burst into the dungeon, their eyes narrowing as they spot Catandria. She pales, backing away instinctively, but there's nowhere to run. One of them sneers, stepping closer.

"Look what we have here," the guard mocks, his voice dripping with malice. "A lost little human."

"Why the fuck did you wander down here? Do you want to get killed, stupid bitch?" I can feel the venom palpable in his words amidst this dank air.

Catandria's hands tremble, but she tightens her grip on the dagger. "Stay back!" she warns, her voice quivering yet defiant, a spark of courage in her wide eyes.

The second guard chuckles, drawing his blade with a menacing scrape. "What's a slave going to do with a knife? Are you trying to amuse us?" He steps forward, the blade glinting ominously in the torchlight.

Before she can respond, he lunges. Catandria dodges clumsily, the dagger slicing through the air but missing its mark. The guard's laughter echoes through the dungeon, a sound that grates on my nerves.

"Come now, little human," I drawl, leaning back against the cold stone wall and watching the scene unfold with a smirk. "Is that the best you can do?"

Catandria's eyes dart to me, wide and desperate, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The desperation etched in every line of her face is almost palpable. "Please! I'll do anything. I'll pay any price!" she begs, her voice trembling but laced with a resolve that piques my interest.

Her plea hangs in the air, and for a moment, everything slows. The guards advance, their initial amusement turning to deadly annoyance. Catandria stumbles, her back hitting the cold stone wall.

"Pathetic," one of the guards spits, raising his sword. "Let's end this. She isn't worth the trouble."

I can almost taste the fear radiating off her, mingling with the dank, musty air of the dungeon. Her knuckles whiten around the dagger, but it’s clear she’s no match for these brutes. They're too fast, too powerful for anything the human woman can do. My fingers twitch, the temptation to intervene growing stronger.

After all, a little chaos might just be the thrill I've been craving.

A grin forms on my lips, watching the foolish dark elves close in on the even more foolish human. These creatures are beneath me in every single way.

With a flick of my wrist, the air thickens with power. The guard's eyes widen in shock as he drops to his knees, clawing at his throat. The other follows suit, their faces contorting in agony. Horrifying screams escape their throats as they convulse on the ground, their souls leaving their bodies with ease. I lick my lips, savoring their fear.

"Impressive, isn't it?" I muse, watching them writhe. "Such fragile creatures."

Catandria collapses to the ground, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The guards' bodies go still, lifeless on the cold stone floor. She turns to me, eyes wide with horror.

"How...?" she begins, voice barely a whisper.

I beckon her over with a chained hand. "Come inside the cell," I command, my words teeming with danger.

Is this human audacious enough to obey a demon?

"Prove yourself to me."