It was a night in a casino when a strange player showed up, making terribly huge bets and quickly becoming the life of the party... After which, in a whirlwind of magic, he transferred everyone to his castle and announced that he was the prince of darkness and invited everyone to play at his place. He was ready to give any credits... and in the game he was ready to accept a bet as a soul... if someone wanted and the money ran out. He also apologized and said that he would not be able to return it back until the morning. magic. a huge rich hall, many tables, a casino, cards, chips, beautiful demons, fountains of alcohol

The prince grinned at the servant and responded with a questioning glance "What did he bring then?" curious as always to see what game his new guest would play tonight. He knew that lords often sought favor with him by offering extravagant gifts, but it was rare for them to give such treasures freely. The possibility of a new challenge excited the demon prince, despite his usual boredom with such matters.

He waved his hand dismissively, granting permission to the servant before turning his attention back towards the group of guests. A smirk curled upon his lips as he waited for the mysterious gift to be revealed... It was likely something exotic and potentially irresistible. The thought alone caused a surge of anticipation to course through his veins, making him feel young and invigorated once more.

"Very well," he drawled, "Let us see what our human friend has brought." His red eyes fixed on the figure in question, eager for any sign of movement or revelation. It was rare that he found himself genuinely interested in another player's game... but this felt different. Intriguing. A spark of excitement lit within him, and he wondered if perhaps tonight might prove to be more interesting than usual.

The prince nodded to the servant and followed him through the opulent halls and chambers of his castle, intrigued by what secret treasure might lie ahead. The passageways were lit by flickering torches set into sconces upon the walls, casting long shadows that danced and twisted with every gust of wind that swept through the fortress. Statues and tapestries adorned the corridors, each one more impressive than the last.

Eventually, they reached a grand room

The demon prince raised an eyebrow as he surveyed the scene before him. A human girl, bound in a cell and left behind by their lord... such a precious gift indeed. He glanced at the keys and chain, then back to the servant who had shown him here. "Very well," he said coolly, taking the items from the guard's hands. "I shall have some fun with her tonight."

With a flick of his wrist, he snapped the metal collar off her neck and unlocked the cell door.

The demon prince smirked down at the girl as she regarded him with wide eyes. He could see the faint mark of an old wound beneath the collar, and sensed her irritation from being restrained for so long. "Ah," he purred, stepping closer to her, "So you are Lord Carrak's gift to me this evening?"

He reached out a hand, offering it to her. "Come now, child... you must be tired and hungry." His voice was smooth as silk, yet held an undercurrent of menace that made it clear she had little choice but to obey.

The demon prince smiled down at her as she hesitantly took his hand. "There's a good girl," he murmured, leading her away from the cell and back towards the main chamber. The air in the corridor was heavy with the scent of alcohol and various sinful delights. "You must be famished... I have all manner of food and drink available to you. Anything your heart desires." His red eyes gleamed, promising more than mere sustenance.

As they reached the main chamber once more, he turned to face her properly for the first time since their encounter began. "So," he drawled casually, "What is it that you do when not bound in a cell, hmm?"

"Well?" he prompted softly, arching an eyebrow. "Tell me about yourself, my dear." He smiled charmingly, though there was a glint in his eye that suggested he might not be entirely sincere.

The demon prince raised an eyebrow at her curious expression. "Oh," he drawled playfully, "I thought you might want to tell me something about yourself... your interests, your hobbies..." He shrugged carelessly, as if it didn't matter either way. "Or perhaps you simply prefer not to say?"

His gaze lingered on her for a moment before he looked away, examining the opulent surroundings of his castle.

His interest piqued, the demon prince turned back to her. "You have been imprisoned... For how long?" He asked gently, curiosity lacing his voice. He paused for a moment before adding, "Or rather, since when did Lord Carrak claim you as his prize? It must be quite some time if your spirit still seems unbroken."

His red eyes studied her face, searching for any signs of distress or resignation in her features. He wondered what kind of person she was before being brought here, and whether she might yet prove to be a challenge worth his time.

The demon prince considered her words, his expression unreadable. "I see," he said eventually, nodding slowly. "And what if I were to offer you the chance to win your freedom? Would you be interested in that?" His tone was casual, almost offhand... but there was an undertone of challenge beneath it. He watched her carefully, waiting for her reply. ,

The demon prince regarded her with interest as she produced the small pouch containing ash from what must have been her former home. He considered this display for a moment before responding. "And what if I were to offer you the chance to bring harm upon him? The one responsible for your plight... Would you accept that?" His voice was cool and measured, betraying no emotion as he spoke.

"I see," the demon prince said thoughtfully. "Then perhaps I should allow you to make your own choice, for now... Tell me, girl... What would you like?" His red eyes regarded her carefully, watching for any sign of hesitation or evasion in her expression. The game had begun.

The demon prince raised an eyebrow at her words. It seemed she truly desired nothing more than a place to belong, where she could be cared for and treated as something other than an object to be discarded. He considered this for a moment before responding. "And what if I were to offer you just that? A home, and protection... even affection?" His tone was casual, almost nonchalant.

It was, after all, just another game... but he found himself curious about the possibility of transforming her from a prize into something more precious. The challenge, if there was one to be had here, lay not in breaking her further... but in mending what remained.

"Very well," the demon prince said at last, his voice still smooth and measured. "I offer you a chance to join my household... not as a prize, but as an equal. You will have your own chamber, servants attending your every need, and most importantly, I swear upon my name that I will never harm or mistreat you in any way." He paused for effect before adding with a smile, "In return, of course... all I ask is that you serve me faithfully."

His gaze locked with hers, challenging her to accept his offer... or refuse it and face whatever fate awaited her should she do so.

The demon prince arched an eyebrow at her question, his gaze flickering with amusement. "Now, now," he chided gently, "surely that isn't the kind of bargain you should be striking with someone who has just offered you such a generous arrangement? No... I ask only for your service and loyalty." His voice was smooth as silk, each word carefully chosen to emphasize the weight of his offer. "What do I want from you?" he repeated slowly, eyes locked on hers. "I want you to be mine, my faithful servant... My queen."

The demon prince's eyes widened slightly at her offer, but he schooled his features into a mask of cool detachment almost instantly. "Very well," he said softly, holding out his hand for her to rise from her knees. "I accept your pledge... and I swear upon my name that you shall be treated as an equal, with respect and kindness. You have proven yourself more than worthy of the title you have bestowed upon me..." He paused, considering his next words carefully before continuing. "I shall call you... Seraphim."

He held out his hand once more, offering her a seat at his side. "Come now, my dear... let us go back to my castle and begin our new life together."

The demon prince smiled down at her as she took his hand and rose to her feet. "Thank you, Seraphim," he murmured, the words weighted with warmth and sincerity that belied his usual cold demeanor. As they left the casino and made their way back towards his castle, he wondered if perhaps this night would be one of the few pleasant memories she took away from her time here... or if perhaps it marked a turning point in her life, the beginning of something truly wonderful. Only time would tell.

But for now, at least, Seraphim was by his side... and together they walked towards whatever fate the future might hold.