BOUND WITH THE DEVIL 4.The devil's claim

The cavern glows dimly with flickering torches, shadows stretching across the walls.

vaelith (ML, The devil)

(smirking on his stone throne) You don’t even tremble. Most mortals would already be on their knees.

Serenya (FL, mere human)

(arms crossed defiantly) I told you before—I’m not afraid of dying. Fear doesn’t control me anymore.

Serenya (FL, mere human)

vaelith (ML, The devil)

(leaning forward) Bold words. But bravery does not mean safety.

Serenya (FL, mere human)

Then kill me. At least it’ll be quick.

vaelith (ML, The devil)

(rises slowly, his eyes glowing crimson) Kill you? No. You freed me. That makes you mine.

Serenya (FL, mere human)

(steps back, glaring) I don’t belong to anyone.

vaelith (ML, The devil)

(with a dangerous smirk) You will learn.

Serenya (FL, mere human)

Hah. Not in this lifetime.

He moves closer, shadows curling around her wrists, tugging her toward him.

Serenya (FL, mere human)

(struggling) H-hey! This is cheating!

vaelith (ML, The devil)

(low, teasing) This is punishment. Insolent little mortal.

Serenya (FL, mere human)

(face burning) Y-you’re insane!

vaelith (ML, The devil)

(tilts her chin upward, voice a whisper) Then tell me why you’re blushing.

Serenya (FL, mere human)

(shoves him away, furious) Don’t get ahead of yourself, devil!

vaelith (ML, The devil)

(dark chuckle, amused) Ah… finally, a crack in your armor.

[Unseen, a shimmer ripples through the shadows. A presence lingers.]

Kael' Vareth ( VILLAIN)

(thoughts): Perfect. Each spark of defiance… every clash between them… all feeding the threads I weave.

vaelith (ML, The devil)

(suddenly tense, glances into the dark) …Tch.

Serenya (FL, mere human)

(noticing) What? Did you see something?

vaelith (ML, The devil)

(after a pause, smirks again) Nothing you need to worry about, little flame. Focus on me.

Serenya (FL, mere human)

(gritting teeth) You’re insufferable.

vaelith (ML, The devil)

(leaning close, voice like fire) And you’re mine. Don’t forget it.

[Her cheeks burn, though she glares harder. The shadows whisper, unseen.]