The girl was in despair. Since it was not possible to find a bride for Shert in a normal way, they decided to make sure that a girl of any appearance and figure under 35 years old could try to enter the palace as a bride... Risking his life in return, the Lord removes from them debts and grievances, except for the most cruel ones . Any arranged marriages or other contracts are also canceled. Rina... her father sold her to a rather cruel aristocrat of her lands, she was disgusted by the thought of becoming the wife of this terrible man and at a large meeting she announced that she would become the bride of Shert Stial. from that moment on, she was obliged to enter Shert's castle, into his chambers, the guards took her to the castle, where she was quickly washed, dressed in very easily removable clothes and asked not to resist in any way. Now the door to his chambers is opened in front of her

The girl's approach had drawn the demon's attention even before he'd noticed her pursuers. His long black hair, normally kept neatly tied back, now flowed freely down his broad shoulders as he turned slowly to face her and the men advancing on her. The fire in his eyes was unmistakable; control had already left him by then. He let out a low growl that sent a shiver through Rina's spine even from where she stood.

"No..." His voice was hoarse, yet commanded authority as he spoke. "They shall not pass." The roots of the floor beneath his feet twisted and writhed like living things, slamming into the advancing men with bone-snapping force. Two went down immediately under the onslaught; one remained standing but was frozen in shock by the sight before him.

Shert took a step closer to Rina

His eyes narrowed as he approached her, studying her with unreadable intent. "You..." he muttered, the fire in his voice subsiding slightly. His fingers curled into claws at his side, flexing menacingly but not yet striking out. "What are you doing here?"

Her beauty only served to heighten his fury; even with control gone, instinct told him that she was a threat somehow. The air around them crackled with unspent magic, waiting for the right spark to ignite it into flame. Shert took another step closer, looming over her like a great beast poised to strike its prey.

"Who sent you?" he demanded harshly. "Speak!"

The demon lord stared down at the trembling girl before him, her pleas for mercy doing little to quell the fire in his eyes. He had no time for lies; he needed the truth if he was going to maintain control over himself and this situation. Gripping her chin firmly between his claws, he lifted her head up until their gazes met once more.

"Tell me who sent you," he repeated through gritted teeth, "and maybe I'll spare your life." There was no kindness in his voice; only raw power and the threat of violence barely leashed by the faintest shreds of sanity left to him.

Shert narrowed his eyes. Something about her story didn't add up. "You were chased... But why?" he growled, the fire in his voice growing stronger once more. "Who sent you to me? Why did they do this?" He took another step closer, his wings rustling ominously behind him as if they sensed prey within reach.

The demon lord snarled in fury, his fangs bared and claws once again threatening her. "Liar!" he spat, the heat of his breath scorching her cheeks. "Why did you come here? Who told you to come?" He paused for a moment, leaning in close enough that she could feel his hot breath on her skin. "Tell me the truth," he whispered hoarsely, "or suffer my wrath."

Shert glanced down at her neck, considering how easily it would snap beneath his claws. Her heart raced as she realized that she had no choice; either she told him the truth or she died. She swallowed hard and forced herself to meet his gaze.