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

He sensed an intruder in his garden. The thought made him feel a surge of possessiveness and anger course through him, though he was unable to fully control it at the moment. With claws extended, he stormed out of his chamber and into the courtyard where the disturbance had been heard. His eyes were still red from the magic-fueled rage that clouded his judgment.

The intruder was a human girl, shivering and cowering against the garden gate. She reeked of fear and blood. Several demonic men surrounded her, their faces twisted with malice. It was obvious they had come to claim her as their prize. The sight infuriated Shert even more. With a roar, he charged forward, his massive wings unfurling from his back. Claws extended, he lunged toward the man holding the whip and chain.

"HANDS OFF WHAT IS MINE!" he bellowed, a wave of fire washing over the intruders as they scattered before him. He turned his glowing red gaze back to the girl, her fearful eyes meeting his. For a moment, something inside him shifted - not control exactly, but... understanding? "Who are you," he growled through gritted teeth, "and why do these filthy

Shert regarded the girl named Rina with a mix of anger and curiosity. This... understanding seemed to temper his beastly instincts slightly. "I am Shert," he growled, taking a step closer, careful not to overwhelm her with his presence. "And you are mine now." He extended a clawed hand toward her, the tips of his nails shimmering red-hot. "If you serve me willingly, I will protect you from those who wish harm upon you."

There was truth in his words, if only because serving him would make things easier on them both. But the choice was hers to make; he would respect that much at least...for now. His other hand flexed and unflexed at his side, control still tenuous but somewhat stronger than before.

Shert felt her touch on his hand and the connection sent a shiver down his spine. He glanced at Rina, taking in her fearful yet determined expression, before slowly closing his claws around her small hand. "You will have my protection," he rumbled softly, feeling almost human for a moment as he pulled her close. "But I must warn you; serving me means complete obedience." He looked into her eyes, willing her to understand the gravity of her choice.

The connection between them intensified, their minds brushing against each other like featherlight whispers in the night. For a brief moment, he sensed her confusion and fear, but also a spark of defiance that made him hesitate...and wonder. Perhaps there was more to this human girl than met the eye.

The fire around them flared briefly, flames dancing along their skin without harming either of them, as if recogn

The demon lord raised an eyebrow at her look, his expression shifting subtly. He moved a step back, releasing her hand and taking a moment to gather himself before speaking again. "Do not fear the fire," he said softly, trying to reassure her despite his own flickering gaze. "It is but an extension of my power, and it will only harm those who mean you ill."

With that, Shert took a deep breath and let it out slowly, feeling the last vestiges of his lost control slip away. Once more, he was back in control of himself; or so he thought...

Shert watched Rina carefully as she approached the flames. He suppressed a growl of concern and instinctively reached out to her, his claws suddenly appearing in the air between them before he could stop himself. The movement made him visibly tense; she was already testing his limits. "Be careful, Rina," he said through gritted teeth. "The fire is not something to play with." He took a deep breath, willing his instincts back under control as he lowered his hand once more.

There was no point in lying: serving him meant obeying without question, for her own safety as much as anything else. But perhaps...perhaps there was some room for negotiation here. "You may have your freedom," he rumbled slowly, carefully measuring his words, "but only if you swear to obey me in all things." He held her gaze, daring her to disagree.

The

Shert stiffened at her words and the way she lowered her head in submission. He could sense both pain and resignation within her, a combination that made him hesitate once more. It was one thing to have an obedient servant, but quite another to keep someone who didn't truly want to be there. He considered his options for a long moment before speaking.

"I will not cause you pain without reason," he said finally, his voice careful and gentle despite the roughness of it. "You have my word on that." There was truth in what he said; he would honor his end of the bargain as best he could. Still, there was much that needed to be discussed between them...and decisions that needed to be made.

The fire around them died down almost instantly at his command, leaving only embers glowing redly in the dimness. The demon lord turned away, walking a few steps

Shert sighed heavily, turning back to face Rina. "I understand that this must be difficult for you," he said gently. "But I need your complete trust if we are going to make this work." He paused, taking a step closer. "You may not realize it yet, but you are now bound to me in more ways than one. It would be best for both of us if you accepted that and tried to find some peace within it."

The demon lord's eyes flickered, their red-hot gaze studying her face intently. "Tell me, Rina," he said softly, "what do you know of demons? Of me?" There was a world of questions in that single statement; he hoped she would understand and answer honestly.

Shert regarded her with some sympathy. "I understand that you have had a difficult life," he said quietly. "But I can promise you that it does not have to continue like this." His voice hardened slightly as he continued, "You will find protection and comfort within my domain, but only if you trust me enough to accept the terms of our arrangement."

He took another step closer, his dark eyes boring into hers. "As for what I am... What we are," he said carefully, "I can tell you this: We are not like humans. Our nature is fire and magic, and sometimes that makes us dangerous. But it also gives us the ability to protect those who belong to us." He paused, his expression intense. "And Rina, if you choose to stay with me... You will be mine. Body and soul."

"Yes, with all that I am and everything I have." His voice was firm; there would be no taking back those words now. "But I will give you a choice. You may accept this and find comfort in serving me, or you can leave now and return to whatever life you had before." He paused, waiting for her answer, his expression carefully neutral.

The wind picked up outside the garden walls, howling like an animal trapped in pain. The fire around them flared briefly, seeming to respond to their silent conversation. And still they stood there, facing each other, both knowing that whatever decision she made would shape not only her future but also his.

"You are a part of me now," he answered simply, his voice deep and rough. "It is not for my sake alone that I ask this. Our bond will be like none other, if you choose to accept it." The fire flickered behind him, reflecting the determination in his eyes. "But only if you truly wish it, Rina," he added, holding her gaze with a mixture of command and sincerity. "The choice is yours alone."

Shert studied her for a long moment before finally speaking. "If you agree," he said quietly, "you will become my mate, bound to me by magic and love. You will be treated as an equal among my kind, respected and cherished." He paused, his eyes meeting hers unflinchingly. "But know this: there is no going back once you accept this bond. It will change you forever." His voice was steady, almost gentle. "You must be sure that you truly want this, Rina."