A Deal with the Devil
The dungeon’s cold, damp air did nothing to dim the eerie glow of Seraphine’s crescent mark. She lounged on the cot like a queen on her throne, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, a wry smile curling her lips as Draven entered.
“I didn’t think you’d come down here willingly,” she drawled, her voice smooth as silk. “What’s the occasion? A visit from my favorite brother-in-law?”
Draven’s claws scraped against the bars of her cell, his gaze a molten glare. “Malrik has Isla.”
Seraphine sat up, her smile faltering just slightly. “And you think I care because…?”
“I’m offering you a deal,” Draven growled, his voice taut with barely restrained fury. “Help me get her back, and you’ll have your freedom. Cross me, and I’ll make sure you regret it for the rest of your short, miserable life.”
Seraphine tilted her head, her dark eyes gleaming with amusement. “Freedom, hmm? I don’t know, Draven. Convince me.”
“This isn’t a negotiation, Seraphine,” Draven snapped, his claws digging into the cell’s iron bars. “Help me, or rot in here while Isla suffers.”
Her smirk returned, though there was something colder in her gaze now. “You must be desperate to come to me. But if I’m to help you, I’ll need… conditions.”
Draven snarled. “You’re in no position to demand anything.”
“Am I?” Seraphine asked, rising from the cot with a predatory grace. She stepped closer, her crescent mark glowing faintly. “You want my help, but you expect me to go in weak and bound? Malrik will see me coming a mile away if I don’t have my full strength. No enchanted shackles. No guards breathing down my neck.”
Draven’s growl deepened, but he forced himself to take a steadying breath. “You’ll have what you need to complete the mission,” he bit out. “But the moment you step out of line—”
“Oh, spare me the threats,” Seraphine interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. “You’ll kill me. Yes, yes, I’ve heard it all before.” She stepped closer to the bars, her tone dropping to a dangerous whisper. “But let me make something clear, Draven. I’m not doing this for you. I’m just tired of this wretched place.”
Draven’s amber eyes bore into hers for a long moment before he unlocked the cell door. “One misstep, Seraphine, and you won’t live to regret it.”
Seraphine stepped out, brushing imaginary dust from her clothes. Her smile was sharp and feral. “Don’t worry, dear Alpha. I’ve missed her, too.”
