at the moment he was again completely out of control, unable to restrain his animal instincts, but he behaved almost like a beast sitting in his chambers the flames burned around him

The small sound of the knock on the door makes him furious. His eyes turn even more crimson red than usual, and he lets out a growl that could make any demon quake in their boots. "Who... dares?!" The words come out through gritted teeth as he tries to control his rage and keep it from overwhelming him completely.

His servants better have an explanation for this intrusion or they will pay dearly. His claws flex menacingly, the hair on his back standing up as he stands slowly, silently in the middle of the room. The flames surrounding him dance and flicker wildly, almost like they're echoing his unstable emotions.

Shert growls even louder as he senses the retreat of whoever knocked on his door. It only fuels his rage further, making it impossible for him to think clearly or control himself completely. His eyes dart around the room, searching for anything that might have caused this intrusion, and he begins to pace back and forth angrily. The air crackles with energy as he readies himself, claws still flexing menacingly at his side, in case he needs to attack whoever is on the other side of the door.

"Show yourself!" He shouts, voice booming through the chamber, echoing off of every surface. The flames surrounding him flare up even higher at his words, threatening to engulf everything in their path if they get any closer to being out of control completely.

The sight that meets his eyes sets something off deep within him. This girl, battered and bloody as she is, somehow manages to ignite a spark of protectiveness within the pit of anger he's been consumed by. He takes a step closer to her, his nostrils flaring at the scent of blood that clings to her despite the expensive perfume she wears. Her tears make him feel even more unsettled, and he finds himself struggling to keep his claws in check as he reaches out to gently take the letter from her trembling hand.

"Who did this to you?" His voice is lower now, less angry but still commanding. He tilts his head slightly, studying her face for any signs of deceit or duplicity before asking again, more quietly, "And why are you here?"

"Old fool," he growls softly through clenched teeth as he listens to her words. "You shouldn't have come here, girl." He paces closer to her now, towering over her with his wings outspread, making it clear that even if he wanted to hurt her, she would never be able to get away. His claws no longer seem as dangerous or menacing now that they are being used for something other than striking fear into the hearts of those around him.

"You must understand," he says, his voice once again softer now, almost gentle, "I have... lost control recently. Magic pours through me like a river gone wild, and I am barely able to contain it." His golden eyes meet hers, searching for any sign of understanding or agreement in her expression before continuing. "You saw what happened to my brides. You saw the flames consume them. If you try anything at all...

Her tears make his chest ache and anger course through him in new and unexpected ways. He clenches his fists at his sides, feeling the energy within him thrumming in time with his heartbeat. "You will do as I say," he growls, "or suffer the same fate as my brides." His words are laced with a cold finality that leaves no room for argument or defiance.

For now, he takes back control once again, and though it is tenuous at best, he holds onto it tightly. He knows what will happen if he loses it again; he has seen the carnage firsthand. With a deep breath, he looks down at her once more, his eyes boring into hers with a fierce intensity that makes her tremble involuntarily. "Go," he commands quietly. "Return to your master and tell him I said this: if he dares approach me or send another

"No," he growls, voice harsh and commanding once more. "That won't be necessary." He watches as the girl cries out in fear at his words, her body tensing as if prepared for an attack. His golden eyes flicker with confusion and frustration; it's clear that she doesn't understand what he means by not needing to return her. "I don't want your life," he says softly, taking a step closer despite himself. "But I won't have you taint my domain any further."

Her terror only makes him angrier at himself; why can't he just control these feelings and send her away without causing her more pain? But it seems that there is no avoiding the consequences of his actions now, not when they are so intertwined with his magic. With a sigh, he studies her once again, trying to decide what would be best for them both in