20. Geneva

20

GENEVA

I clutch the amulet tightly, my heart pounding as I watch Calix's face contort with fury. His red eyes blaze, and for a moment, I wonder if I've made a terrible mistake.

"What have you done?" he snarls, his voice a low, dangerous growl that sends shivers down my spine.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "What I had to," I reply, my voice steadier than I feel. "I'm tired of being a slave, Calix. Tired of being in debt to someone else."

His eyes narrow, and I can practically feel the rage radiating off him. "So you thought trapping me was the solution? You foolish girl, do you have any idea?—"

"I know exactly what I'm doing," I cut him off, surprising myself with my boldness. "I want to be free. Really free. And with you by my side, I can be."

Calix's expression shifts from anger to confusion, then to a grudging curiosity. "Explain," he demands, his voice still tight with barely contained fury.

I loosen my grip on the amulet slightly, running my thumb over its smooth surface. "Think about it, Calix. You're powerful, more powerful than I could ever be on my own. But now, with this amulet, we're connected. We can work together."

He scoffs, but I can see a flicker of interest in his eyes. "And why would I want to work with a human who just trapped me?"

"Because I'm not like the others. I know how to satisfy you," I say, my voice growing stronger with each word. "And I'm not content to just survive. I want to thrive, to take control of my own destiny. And I think you do too."

Calix's expression softens slightly, and I press on. "We could be unstoppable together. No more being at someone else's mercy. No more following rules we didn't make. Just us, free to do whatever we want."

He's silent for a long moment, his gaze intense as he studies me. I hold my breath, waiting for his response.

Finally, he speaks, his voice low and thoughtful. "You're either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid, Geneva. Perhaps both."

I can't help but smile at that. "Maybe. But I'm also right, aren't I?"

I watch Calix's face intently, my heart racing as I try to gauge his reaction. His red eyes flicker with a mix of emotions - anger, frustration, and something else I can't quite place.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you?" he says, his voice low and dangerous. "I must admit, I didn't see this coming."

I grip the amulet tighter, feeling its power pulse through my fingers. "That was kind of the point," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm tired of being underestimated."

Calix's lips curl into a smirk, though I can still see the tension in his jaw. "Clearly, I made that mistake. But tell me, Geneva, what exactly do you plan to do now that you've trapped a demon?"

A soft breath escapes me. "I want you to turn me into one of your own. I want to be a demon, too."

Calix raises a brow. "A bold ask."

"I did everything you asked me to. I captured the souls. I had sex with you. I captured your soul in this amulet, too," I say, holding it up. "And now, I want what's rightfully mine. And you're going to give it to me."

"Who are you to make such demands of me?" he asks.

My fists clench. "I own your soul, Calix. You'd be smart to follow my instructions."

"And if I don't?" He closes the distance between us.

"I'll find someone who'll buy this amulet off of me. I'm sure a dark elf in this city would love a prize like this. Perhaps, I can give this to the King of Pyrthos. What do you think?" My eyes crinkle up as I smile. "I'm sure he'd love this little amulet."

Calix clenches his jaw. "You insolent creature."

I watch Calix's face, reluctance and intrigue playing across his features. Finally, he nods, his red eyes gleaming with an otherworldly light.

"Very well, Geneva. You've proven yourself... resourceful. I'll grant your wish."

My heart races with anticipation as Calix begins the ritual. He moves with fluid grace, his hands tracing arcane symbols in the air. The room fills with an eerie, pulsing energy that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

"This will hurt," Calix warns, his voice low and serious. "Are you certain you want this?"

I clench my jaw, steeling myself. "I've endured worse. Do it."

He nods, then places his hand on my forehead. The moment his skin touches mine, a jolt of energy surges through me. It's like nothing I've ever felt before—raw power coursing through my veins, setting every nerve ending alight.

I gasp, my body arching involuntarily. "Calix, what's?—"

"Don't fight it," he says, his voice sounding distant through the roar in my ears. "Let the change take you."

The pain hits then, sharp and sudden. I cry out, my hands flying to my forehead as I feel something pushing through my skin. Two bumps, hard and pointed, emerge from my skull.

"Horns," I manage to choke out, my voice sounding strange to my own ears.

Calix nods, his eyes never leaving mine. "You're becoming one of us now."

The transformation continues, relentless. My teeth ache, lengthening and sharpening into deadly fangs. I run my tongue over them, tasting blood where they've cut into my lip.

"This is—" I start to say, but my words are cut off by another wave of pain. My fingers spasm, and I watch in fascination as my nails elongate into wicked claws.

Through it all, Calix stands steady, his hand still on my forehead, anchoring me through the storm of change. His red eyes burn with an intensity I've never seen before.

"You're doing well," he murmurs, and despite everything, I feel a flush of pride at his words.

The pain begins to subside, leaving me breathless and trembling. I flex my new claws, marveling at their deadly sharpness. "Is it... is it done?"

"Indeed," he replies. "I can no longer call you my little human… because you're not human anymore."

I smile. "That's exactly what I wanted."

Raw power courses through my veins. "Oh, this is exhilarating," I purr, my voice deeper and more resonant than before. "I can feel the strength, the potential. It's amazing."

Calix raises an eyebrow, his red eyes gleaming with curiosity. "And what do you plan to do with this newfound power, little demoness?"

I laugh, the sound rich and dark. "Little? I don't think that applies anymore." I saunter towards him, reveling in the grace of my movements. "As for my plans... well, why think small? Oshta is just the beginning. I want it all, Calix. Every corner of Protheka."

He smirks, crossing his arms. "Ambitious. And how do you propose to achieve that?"

"With you by my side, of course. The dark elves stand no chance against us," I reply, tapping the amulet around my neck. "Your power, my ambition. We'll start here in Oshta, building our influence. The dark elves think they run this city? We'll show them what true power looks like."

Calix's eyes narrow. "And what makes you think I'll go along with this grand plan of yours?"

I step closer, trailing a claw along his jawline. "Because you're just as hungry for power as I am. And admit it, you're curious to see what I can do."

He catches my wrist, his grip firm. "You're playing a dangerous game, Geneva."

"I've been playing dangerous games my whole life," I retort. "But now, for the first time, I have the power to win." I pull my hand free, pacing the room. "Think about it. We could own this city within a year. The wealthy, the corrupt, they'll all bow to us. And from there? The sky's the limit."

Calix watches me, amusement apparent on his face. "You've certainly embraced your demonic nature quickly."

I pause, meeting his gaze. "I've had nothing my entire life, Calix. Now that I have a taste of power, I intend to gorge myself on it…" My eyes trail down to the bulge in his pants. "And I'll gorge myself on many other things, too."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You'll see. Now come along," I order, leading the way out of the orphange. "We have much to see, and much to do."

With Calix close behind me, we walk through the streets of Pyrthos together. An incredible satisfaction warms me up from the inside out.

I've earned this life, and I crave for wealth, power, and so much more. I will not accept anything less than that.