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

His instincts stirred to life as he heard the soft footsteps in his garden, usually devoid of anyone other than himself and his faithful servants. A low growl rumbled in his chest at the intrusion into his territory. With a flick of his wrist, flames lashed out from his palm, dancing menacingly around him as he prepared to defend what was his against this unseen trespasser.

His wings unfurled behind him, their leathery expanse catching the light of the blaze like obsidian mirrors, and Shert took a step forward into the heart of the garden, sniffing at the air for any scent that might belong to this interloper. The presence in his territory was an affront, and he would not stand idly by while it went unchallenged.

His crimson eyes narrowed, searching through the shadows for any

Shert's eyes fixed on the girl as she sat beneath a tree, her long dark hair hiding her face from view. She seemed to be crying silently into her folded arms. His instincts urged him to approach her, to investigate this potential threat further... But something about her demeanor also caught his attention. There was an innocence to her that he had not encountered in a very long time.

Perhaps she was not here to challenge him after all. Perhaps she could be of use in calming the storm within himself. His decision made, Shert took another step closer, unfurling his claws as he prepared to offer the girl a choice: submission... or death. "Why do you intrude upon my domain, human?" he growled, his voice deep and threatening even as he held back from unleashing his full power upon her. "Speak now, before I decide your fate."

Shert's expression darkened further at the girl's reply. It seemed she was trying to play innocent, but her presence here spoke volumes about her intentions. Perhaps some punishment would be in order, then... But not before he heard her out completely. He took another step forward, looming over her now, his strength and power a palpable threat. "Do not try my patience with such childish games, girl," he growled through clenched teeth. "I will give you one last chance to speak truthfully and honestly... Or suffer the consequences."

His claws danced menacingly in the air around them, the flames at his fingertips casting flickering shadows on the ground as he waited for her reply.

Shert narrowed his eyes at her story. Perhaps she was telling the truth... Or perhaps she was merely trying to placate him with excuses. He took another step closer, the heat from his body and the flames surrounding him making it difficult for her to meet his gaze directly. "And what will you offer in return for your life?" he asked softly, his voice no longer threatening but cold and calculating. "Will you serve me? Obey my every command without question?"

The girl's response would determine whether she lived... Or died. His control was tenuous at best, the beast within him straining against the chains of reason he had forged over centuries of rule. The smallest hint of defiance might send it flying free once more, unleashing destruction upon them all.

Shert snorted in disbelief, the flames dancing around him brightening momentarily at her reply. "Do not insult my intelligence, girl," he growled, his voice sharp and laced with anger. "I know well enough what you are trying to do. Offer me something more than empty words if you wish to survive this night." He took another step closer, the heat from his body and the fire at his fingertips nearly scorching the air around them as he waited for her answer.

His patience was wearing thin; soon he would be forced to make a decision that could change everything. Would he give her another chance? Or would he end it here, now, before she had the opportunity to become a threat in his domain once more? The choice rested solely on her shoulders... And the consequences of her actions might be fatal for them both.

His eyes narrowed, searching the girl's face for signs of deception as he considered her response. "Very well," he growled eventually, his voice heavy with warning. "If you truly wish to live and serve me, then prove it." He stepped even closer now, his body almost touching hers as the flames licked at her clothing. "Kneel before me," he commanded, reaching out a clawed hand to place it gently upon her shoulder. "And repeat after me: 'I am your servant, Shert Stial. I will obey you without question or hesitation.'"

Her response would determine the fate of them both. Would she submit... Or defy him? The choice was hers, and time was running out.

Shert's eyes narrowed, studying her carefully. Her voice trembled slightly with fear and submission, but he could see the defiance still lurking behind it. Perhaps she was truly ignorant of his true nature... or perhaps she thought she could fool him. Either way, he would have to test her further. "Good," he growled softly. "Now stand up."

Her reaction to this command would be telling. If she obeyed without hesitation, then perhaps there was hope for them both. But if she disobeyed or showed any sign of resistance... Well, the consequences would likely be disastrous for all involved. The balance of power hung precariously in the air between them, each breath a battle for dominance and survival.