Alinea felt a chill run through her at the sight of the demoness. She could feel the power radiating from her and knew that she was in way over her head. She found herself unable to speak or move, completely paralyzed by fear. The demoness moved deliberately, her slow, calculated steps heightening Alinea's dread. Alinea watched in horror as the demoness approached one of the empty cages, her clawed hand wrapping around the bars of the opened door. Her small black feathered wings flaring, feathers flashing a green jewel tone in the light before tucking neatly against her back. " A very brave, very stupid little mouse." The demoness hissed, her honeyed voice dripping in thinly veiled venom. she slammed the cage door violently, the echoing clang reverberating through the room. The demoness spun around, her gaze latching onto Alinea's. She advanced on her with purpose, her words slicing through the air with an icy menace. " So... you slipped out of your cage and thought you'd help your little friends too?"

Alinea felt a suffocating dread fall over her, her breath caught in her throat as the demoness closed the distance between them and grabbed Alinea by the chin, pulling her face close. "You should have just scurried away little mouse." The demoness sneered, her grip on Alinea's chin tight and unyielding. She pulled Alinea's face close. "It would be a waste to kill you." The demon's sickly sweet voice heightening Alinea's terror. Desperation coursed through her as she struggled to break free of the demoness' iron grip. But the creature was far stronger, her fingers like vices holding Alinea in place. Panic surged within Alinea as the futility of her resistance settled on her. " I like your fire," The demoness said, tone filled with malicious amusement. "It will be so much more fun to snuff it out."

Alinea's heart pounded furiously against her chest as the demoness raised an elegantly clawed hand as if to strike her. Alinea squeezed her eyes tight, she didn't want the last moment of her life filled with the demoness' wicked smile. "Release her." A commanding voice rang from the shadows, the demoness recoiled letting Alinea slip from her grasp as an imposing figure stepped forward. He regarded Alinea for a brief moment with sharp, crimson eyes before stepping between the two. He was tall, muscular, with tousled jet black hair that framed his chiseled face. Massive black-feathered wings unfurled from his back giving him the appearance of a dark angel; smooth black ram-like horns swept back from his temples in a gentle curve, one was broken off around its midpoint , the other held deep chips and cracks.

"Ah, Rennik," the demoness purred, her sickly-sweet voice dripping with false respect. "It's usually such a pleasure to see you, but I'm a bit busy. Perhaps you'll return later and I can make it a pleasure for you as well." The demoness' word's held a seductive edge and she gazed upon Rennik with an almost predatory intent.

"Another time, perhaps, Blandette." He replied, his words laden with a sense of detachment.

Blandette's eyes lingered on Rennik. "I'll hold you to that, Rennik." She purred, gaze shifting back to Alinea.

"I should thank you for finding my lost pet here," He said , a wry smile playing at the corners of his lips as he indicated Alinea. He moved closer to Alinea, nearly tucking her away out of sight with one of his massive wings, as though he were shielding her from Blandette's gaze. "I expect one little human hasn't caused you too much trouble."

Blandette's amber eyes shifted between Rennik and Alinea, a preparatory smile playing on her lips. "Rennik, I had no idea you'd picked up another stray." she mused. Alinea couldn't help but notice Rennik's grip on her tighten subtly and the flash of anger in his crimson eyes. Blandette, with a gleam of amusement in her amber eyes, offered a sweet smile. "You know, Rennik, she seems to be more trouble than she is worth. If you'd like, I can take her off your hands. After all, I'm sure there are more ... Suitable uses for her."

A chill ran down Alinea's spine at Blandette's words. Rennik's crimson eyes narrowed at Blandette's offer, his wings twitching slightly as he held Alinea close, almost protectively. "I appreciate the offer, Blandette, but you know I do not part with my possessions so carelessly." His voice was tinged with a mixture of indifference and veiled warning. With a hint of a sly grin he added, "and, I suspect after a little training, she'll be more than enough to satisfy my needs."

Blandette's eyes glinted with a mixture of annoyance and frustration. "While I would love to continue this little chat, I have far more important matters to attend to now." She remarked, her tone dripping with feigned politeness. "I expect you'll take your new plaything away before I return.” She turned her attention to Alinea, her gaze lingering on the human with disdain. "Perhaps, Rennik, you should first teach your ‘pet’ to keep her hands to herself unless directed otherwise." With a final displeased look from Rennik to Alinea, Blandette flared her iridescent wings and disappeared in a burst of greenish smoke.

Rennik looks down at Alinea, releasing her from his grasp. "You're lucky to be alive," he said, his voice cold , sending a chill through her, leaving her unsure if he was angry at her or simply indifferent. She looked up at him, taking in the sharp angles of his face and the way his black hair fell messily across his forehead. "I don't' know if you are insane, or just recklessly stupid." He regarded her with a steely gaze, his crimson eyes seemed to bore into her very soul.

Alinea swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his stare. "I had to help them." She said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "They were suffering...I couldn't just walk away."

The demon's expression softened ever so slightly at her words . He leaned closer, his face only inches from hers. "You should be more careful," he said, his breath hot against her cheek. "Wouldn't want to attract more of the wrong attention." He murmured, his voice low and dangerously seductive. Alinea shuddered at the proximity of Rennik's face to hers. Alinea nodded, unable to tear her gaze away from his piercing crimson eyes. She didn't know what to make of this demon in front of her. She had faced many demons before, yet he was unlike any creature she had ever encountered. And yet, despite the darkness that seemed to cling to his very being, there was a strange allure to him that drew her in.

Rennik stood up straight, his massive wings folding loosely against his back . "Come with me." He said , gesturing for her to follow. "Blandette won't stay sulking for long, I'd prefer not to deal with her further tonight." Alinea hesitated as Rennik turned from her and began to walk away. Every story she had ever heard of demons, spoke of cruelty and sadistic joy in causing pain to humans. Her own experience with demons should have should have sent her running the moment she had the chance. She chewed her lip weighing the various paths laden with danger before her. With a determined nod she made her choice and walked quickly to catch up with the demon.

"Cover your eyes." He commanded simply as they neared the only door to the structure. Alinea's stomach churned as she recalled chaos of the humans she had tried to free and their screams of agony moments before encountering Blandette. With a trembling hand, she did as Rennik commanded, her heart heavy with guilt, shielding her from the horrors that awaited outside the door. As they exited the structure, Alinea could feel the heat of freshly spilled blood still warm and sticky in the air. It seemed to cling to her skin like a thick blanket and she found herself shuddering in revulsion. With his hand around her upper arm, he guided her out the door, through the small clearing, and into the forests beyond that. Alinea stumbled over twisted ancient roots, but Rennik's grasp on her was steady.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

After what felt like an eternity, Rennik finally stopped in a small clearing. He released her arm and stepped away from her, allowing her to uncover her eyes. Alinea blinked slowly, ridding the darkness from her vision as the light of the full moon cast its pale glow across the forest floor. Rennik shifted his weight as if about to turn away from her when she summoned up the courage to look him in the eye once more. "Thank you," she said quietly, feeling ashamed for not having thought it earlier. He merely shrugged as if it were a trivial matter. Curiosity gnawed at Alinea. She had to know, to understand. "Why," She began, swallowing hard and taking a steadying breath. "Why did you save me?"

Rennik regarded her for a moment, his crimson eyes seemed to be searching hers for something. He leaned in close, his voice casual but still filled with intrigue. "I have a habit of collecting things that interest me." He said, a faint smile dancing on his lips. Her heart faltered for a moment before picking up pace , his lips quirked as if he could hear it. "And you are certainly interesting."

Alinea shifted on her feet, taking a step back from the demon. Curiosity and wariness waged a silent battle within her. On one hand, before her stood a demon, possibly capable of unspeakable evil, maybe he'd killed hundreds of humans, maybe he planned to lure her back to his lair to eat her heart in peace. On the other hand, he'd saved her. She couldn't imagine for what reason. "Can I trust you?" she asked finally, quietly, afraid to meet his gaze as she spoke her thoughts. "We have lots of stories about demons where I'm from. We don't have stories about demons saving humans, only stores about bloodthirsty monsters."

Rennik seemed unfazed by her limited view of demon kind. "Stories are often limited to the perspective from which they are told. My thirst... is of a different kind." His words hung in the air leaving Alinea all the more confused by his intentions. He looked to the crimson painted sky over the demon realm, the sun beginning to set. "Come, human..."

"Alinea." She corrected. "My name, its Alinea."

Rennik turned to her, his eyes meeting hers once again. "Alinea," he repeated, as if tasting the sound of her name on his tongue. "Come, Alinea," he continued, gesturing for her to follow him. "I'll take you somewhere safe for the night." Alinea hesitated, but the thought of being alone in this unfamiliar and dangerous realm was enough to convince her to follow the demon. As they walked through the forest, Alinea couldn't help but feel a strange sense of security with Rennik. Despite his demonic features, there was something about him that made her feel safe in his presence.

Finally, after what seemed like hours of walking, they arrived at their destination. Alinea stepped into the clearing, her eyes widening as they settled on a large manor nestled amongst the trees. It seemed to emerge from the dense woodland like a secret whispered by the trees themselves. Ivy-like plants clung to the stone walls as it nature sought to claim the home as its own. She approached the manor with a mix of trepidation and wonder. The stone exterior exuded an an ancient charm, its weathered surface revealing the passage of countless seasons. Moonlight filtered through the towering trees overhead, casing ghostly dappled shadows on the stone steps leading to the entrance.

As she strode across the threshold she was struck by the blending of the natural and supernatural. Dark, polished wood and rich fabrics created an inviting interior that beckoned her deeper. The large windows windows like portals to the forest, their glass panes etched with runes that held and ethereal quality. A grand staircase led up to a wide hallway filled with mysterious objects of both earthly and arcane origin lined the shelves. Candlelight danced off striking crystals and jewels, glimmering against the plush furniture littered across each room. Talismans and totems from distant lands whispered secrets of dark magics. "You seem impressed." He said, breaking Alinea from her enchantment, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Rennik lead her up the grand staircase down a hall of grand doors, he stopped before a set of beautifully carved double doors. He opened the heavy wooden doors allowing Alinea to step into the bedroom, her eyes wide with wonder. He presented her with a space like nothing she had ever seen before, a symphony of dark allure and sensual comfort. As she gazed around, she couldn't help but feel the room's mystique wrap around her like a velvet shroud.

The walls were adorned with rich, midnight-blue wallpaper, adorned with intricate, swirling patterns that seemed to come alive in the dim light. Soft, flickering candle sconces adorned the walls, casting a warm, amber glow that danced with shadows, creating a feeling of intimacy. The bed, an opulent creation of dark mahogany, stood as the room's centerpiece. Its massive, intricately carved headboard featured a elegant thorned vines and delicate roses. The bedding, made from the fine, glossy silks, was as black as night, and it seemed to beckon her to sink into its plush depths. On either side of the bed were small, ornate tables holding crystal vases filled with dark blood-red roses, their petals almost luminescent in the soft candlelight. The air was heavy with their heady scent, a sweet and intoxicating aroma. Across from the bed, a tall, full-length mirror stood, its frame adorned with strange occult symbols and runes. A chaise lounge upholstered in deep crimson velvet nestled in a corner, inviting her to recline and lose herself in its luxurious embrace. Nearby, a bookshelf held a collection of ancient looking tomes, their worn leather spines hinted a long history of heavy use.

The room felt like a sanctuary of desires and secrets. Alinea looked to Rennik, the room beckoned to her with promises on luxurious comfort unlike anything she had ever known, but she hesitated at the threshold, recognizing that this was not just any demon's lair but an incubus. Her stomach turned as she wondered what would be asked of her in exchange for the creature’s assistance. As if reading her thoughts, Rennik's demeanor shifted. Alinea gasps in shock as she finds herself pinned between the door frame and the demon, he wore a devilish smile as he regarded her. Alinea's heart raced as Rennik leaned in close, his breath hot against her ear. "You're afraid of me," he murmured, his voice low and seductive. "You think I'll ask something of you in exchange for my help." His lips brushed against her neck, sending shivers down her spine. "I'm a demon," he said, his words laced with a mixture of seriousness and something akin to reassurance. "But I'm not a monster, Alinea."

His lifted his gaze to meet hers and there was an earnestness in his eyes as he continued, "In any case... I have no taste for fear." With a final lingering gaze, he released her, an almost unnoticeable weight finding its way into her hand as the demon retreated deeper into his manor without another word. Alinea glanced at the small unassuming object in her palm. A simple piece of chalk. Her fingers curled around the small gift. She hesitated before using the chalk to scrawl the only bit of magic she knew on the back of the door. The sigil was probably the the most beautiful she had ever drawn, the chalk flowed easily over the smooth lacquered wood of the door. She stepped back, admiring her work and feeling a small sense of security.

Alinea took a deep breath and stepped into the room. The soft, lush carpet felt wonderful against her feet as she slowly made her way around the bed, taking in the details of her surroundings. Her fingers brushed against the carved headboard as she passed by, admiring the intricate vines and roses on its face. She smiled when she noticed that some of the petals had been delicately shaded a pale pink, giving them a lifelike quality.

At last Alinea settled onto the chaise lounge in front of the mirror. She gazed into it's depths, watching as shadows danced across her reflection and feeling like she was looking into unknown secrets of another realm. Her attention shifted to one of bookshelves where she picked up one of ancient leather-bound volumes resting there. It's pages were filled with strange symbols and diagrams that spoke of ancient magic; though she hardly understood any of it, each page turn revealed something new and wondrous for Alinea to explore.

With an eagerness that only came from discovering something completely unexpected, Alinea curled up on the chaise lounge with the book in hand and began to flip through its contents, page after page, until finally her eyes became heavy and exhaustion overcame her. For the first time in a long time, she drifted off into a gentle sleep, dreaming of secret places beyond this world.