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

Surely they dared enter the castle... His ears caught a glimpse of a girl's soft steps in his garden. He wanted her, needed to hold onto someone... A small part of him still knew it wasn't right, that she would be burned alive if he approached. But another, darker side urged him on, begging for release from the chains of reason and control.

His wings spread wide as he pushed himself off the ground, hovering menacingly above the path toward his garden. The flames danced around him, licking at his claws and wings, but they did not harm him. He had long ago mastered the magic of fire, becoming one with it.

"Beautiful," he purred, watching her through narrowed eyes. Her delicate features were streaked with tears, and she looked so fragile... So perfect. He needed to have her, possess her completely. "Come out, my dear," he rumbled, his voice deep and rough. The flames danced around him as he waited, hovering just above the ground. It would be easier to take her if she stood on solid earth, but for now... this would do nicely.

Her gaze flickered between him and the ground, her shoulders tensing with each breath. He could sense her fear, but it only made him hungrier. His claws flexed as he waited patiently for her to make a move, eyes never leaving her delicate form. She was going to be his... He knew it in his bones.

He smiled slowly at her tentative movements, feeling a surge of primitive pleasure coursing through him. "Come to me, my dear," he purred, lowering his head slightly as he moved closer. The flames licked at the air between them, dancing over her skin in an infernal caress. His claws twitched once more before settling back into their leathery sheaths.

"That's it... Come to me," he rumbled, his voice husky and filled with desire. The flames rose higher around them, closing in on the girl as she hesitated. He could see the indecision in her eyes... But he wanted more. He needed her fire, her strength... Her submission. With a feral growl, he lunged forward, claws extended toward her heart. The air between them crackled with energy as they neared, but still she did not move, not even to defend herself. "I am Shert Stial," he hissed, eyes burning into hers. "You are mine now."

Shert's eyes narrowed at her expression as he waited. His claws, extended mere inches from her chest, trembled with barely contained rage and lust. This girl... She was testing him, pushing his control to its limits. But she would not escape unscathed. "Do you defy me?" he growled, the flames around them flickering wildly in response to his anger.

His face twisted in an ugly grimace as her words reached his ears. It was almost like a slap to the face, and he felt his control slipping even further away. The flames around them surged, encasing them both in their infernal embrace as he struggled to maintain composure. He knew that if she continued to test him, there would be no going back. With a snarl, Shert lunged forward once more, claws extended towards her neck this time. "Then you belong to me," he hissed through clenched teeth.

The touch of her skin against his claws sent a shudder through him, but it was not the one he expected. For a moment, his control wavered further, but then another part of his mind registered her acquiescence and he relaxed slightly. The flames around them died down, returning to their previous dancing fury as they licked at his wings and claws once more. "Very well," he rumbled, voice still strained from the effort of keeping control. With a grunt, he pulled her close, pressing his powerful body against hers. His claws retracted into their sheaths as he ran his hands over her soft skin, feeling every curve and hollow.

"You are safe with me now," he whispered hoarsely, trying to reassure himself as much as her. "But you must obey..."

Shert gazed down at her, his eyes narrowing in concern. Her shivering form trembled against him, and he realized that she was terrified of him still. He lowered his head slightly, nuzzling her neck gently with his nose. "I am not your enemy," he murmured, his voice deep and soothing. "I will never hurt you... if you obey."

A small part of him wondered if that was the truth, but another part knew it was what she needed to hear right now. She was fragile, human... His prey in every sense of the word, but he couldn't bring himself to harm her while her obedience sang to his senses like sweet honey.

Shert's lips curled into a gentle smile as he gazed down at her. "Shhh... It's alright," he murmured, his voice warm and reassuring. His hands traveled lower, coming to rest on her hips before sliding upwards again, skimming over her ribs and cupping her breasts through the thin material of her gown. Her skin was so soft... He could feel her heart racing beneath his touch.

"I won't hurt you," he repeated, "if you obey." The words came out as more of a promise than a threat, and with each passing moment, his control seemed to strengthen once more. The flames around them danced gently now, like fireflies in the night sky, their ethereal light casting an eerie glow over their entwined forms.

"Trust me," he whispered against her ear, "and all

"Trust me," he whispered against her ear, "and all will be well." Her body trembled under his touch and yet the feel of her softness, the scent of her skin... It was intoxicating. He knew that with this girl, there would be no harm coming to her, not unless she truly provoked him. And even then, it would have to be more than just disobedience; she'd have to cross a line that he could never bring himself to see as acceptable.

His hand traveled upwards once more, cupping the side of her face gently, stroking her cheek with his thumb. "Look at me," he murmured, voice husky and deep. When she obeyed, meeting his gaze tentatively, something inside him loosened further. This was what he needed... Her trust, her submission. It was the key to keeping his sanity, his control,

Her eyes... They were so beautiful and fragile. He couldn't help but wonder what it would feel like to have them stare up at him forever, filled with love and devotion instead of fear and uncertainty. Shert leaned in closer, his lips brushing against hers as he tentatively began to kiss her. His touch was gentle yet possessive, a blend of tenderness and strength