Just before the City Lord's wife reached the two mercenaries, the remains of the wooden doors that still clung to the hinges flew open as a massive amount of black mist rolled into the room accompanied by an incredibly oppressive aura.

With slow steps, Mors' figure emerged from the mist with Morrigan however at the moment, even Mors' adoptive mother; Verz would struggle to recognise him.

The black mist had completely encased Mors as black bolts of lightning crackled out from his body, mostly being drawn to Morrigan who was at least double the size it should be. Crude red runes glowed on the crescent blade while the spikes on its serrated edge curved menacingly, looking more like the jaws of a terrifying beast than an actual weapon.  

However, all of these details paled compared to Mors' eyes; Flaming purple reptilian eyes scanned the room as if searching for their prey, causing everyone who felt his gaze land on them, to hold their breath subconsciously and break out into a cold sweat.

Realising that she had to act now or face the worst case scenario, the City Lord's wife quickly stepped in front of Ran and gave a deep bow. Using every ounce of her willpower to speak as Mors' attention was instantly drawn to her. "My name is Elenor Greenwood, wife of Darren Greenwood, Lord to this City and mother to David Greenwood. I am sorry that the person we sent to deliver your invitation was... discourteous and beg your forgiveness."

As if he weighed as much as a mountain, Mors stepped forward cracking the marble slab underneath his foot. This action caused all of the mercenaries as well as the two cloaked figures holding Kara to draw their weapons.

"WAIT!" Screamed Elenor. "Sheath your weapons immediately; we are here to talk."

A cold, vicious voice erupted from the mist, full of bloodlust. "Speak for yourself elf... I am of the disposition that actions speak louder than words."

Elenor put on her best smile, unphased by his response as she pointed behind her, drawing Mors' attention to Kara. "If we fight, both sides will sustain casualties, and I am sure you wouldn't want your companion to be... collateral damage."

The lightning bolts emanating from Mors' body slightly decreased as he stopped walking forward, causing Elenor's eyes to brighten. -"Good, he is not completely lost his senses... We can still come out of this on top."

As their eyes met, a wave of sadness fell over Kara as she looked down at the floor. "Mors... I couldn't protect Runt... I'm sorry."

The bloodlust immediately doubled as grief seemed to flash across Mors' purple eyes. "The fault lies with those that took her life. Their subordinates, family, friends, acquaintances, pets and their ancestors."

The demon's words, though spoken quietly, echoed in the ears of everyone present.

While Mors was distracted, Ran crept as close as he dared to Elenor and let out a soft whisper. "He is on the cusp of evolving and could drop at any moment; I think the weapon he is holding is helping him channel the berserking energy."

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

-"Excellent! not only can this situation be turned around... we can come out even stronger," Elenor smiled inwardly and cleared her throat. "I promise you two can catch up later, however, I feel it would be best if we peacefully resolved our differences beforehand."

The moment Elenor spoke, the strongest killing intent any of them had ever felt in their lives, exploded from Mors, causing everyone, including Kara to take a step back. "Your fancy words will not work on me... Elf. Threaten me or those I am close to one more time and I swear on my very existence... Not one single soul will remain intact enough to meet whatever maker they worship."

Elenor gulped as she regained her composure. "Even it that means your actions indirectly kill your companion?"

"Although I can't say the same for myself, I guarantee she will make it out of here in one piece." A red light appeared where Mors' mouth should be and turned into a semi crescent smile.

Everyone swallowed. Before them stood a being suited to nightmares. "Now elf... let's hear your terms."

-"The reports were right, truly an intelligent being to be able to be able to set up a bluff like that on the spot. I need to show that I am no pushover either." Thought Elenor as she held her hands up in an apologetic manner and a wicked smile crossed her face. "Sorry, A bad habit formed when dealing with people who like to bluff and have nothing really to offer."

Mors' smile didn't even waver, but the sound of his voice showed clear irritation. "Your right, it was a bluff. Some have already escaped the city so I would need to hunt them down like dogs. Now, tThe terms..."

"A pact between me and you. I will provide you and your companion a method of leaving this city safely, Solidify the groundwork you have done to frame the Black Hearts for your little rampage and in the future, should you need it, which after meeting you I can almost guarantee, provide shelter." Elenor stepped forward. "In exchange, no member of our household or associates can ever be harmed without my permission and, if the situation ever calls for it... you will lend us your aid. No matter the cause."

The City Lord who had been listening in silence the entire time could take no more. "Elenor! What are you doing?... There has been over 120,000 confirmed deaths already! We cannot be linked with such a being."

Elenor turned to him and flashed a smile. "Securing an asset that can, on a whim bring a city to its knees in less than a week and fight toe to toe with one of the most powerful mercenary groups on the continent, ones that have even slain dragons... all while his body is entering its evolution state... It's not often you get to sign a pact with a future demon lord."

The glowing purple eyes contracted at Eleanor's last statement as gasps of surprise could be heard around the room. "Elf... you talk too much...."

Elenor laughed. "So what... we are soon to be allies, so word of this never needs to leave this room... don't you agree?"

-"How does everyone seem to know what I will evolve into?... from the little I know, there are countless possibilities for a demons third evolution." Mors was almost lost in his emotions however he was still able to think somewhat clearly thanks to the pain caused by his body. His aura had already diminished significantly since his entrance as he had not been absorbing mana so recklessly because, even with Morrigan filtering and storing over seventy percent of it, he was rapidly reaching his limit. "What if I refuse?"

"Then most of us will die." Said Elenor in a neutral tone. "As a mother, either I secure the safety of my son with a pact or your death... your not the only one willing to sacrifice their life....Demon."