Today he returns from hunting on the fiery plane to his castle

Moving quickly through the hellish scenery, he reaches her. Her pale body, trembling with exhaustion and fear, catches his eye. He growls menacingly at the gathering vermin as they close in, intimidating them enough to stay back for now. Bending down, Aldor studies the pathetic creature before him: human girl, out of place and obviously unprepared for this world. His yellow eyes narrow as he whispers softly, "Who summoned you?"

It's not often that one could describe the infernal visage of Aldor as gentle or concerned, but there it is now. He doesn't want to kill her... yet. But if she proves herself useless and foolish like most who cross his path, death will come swiftly.

The demon's expression darkens as the girl tells her pathetic story. "Fool," he hisses softly, glancing at the now-distant portal. That idiot must have thought it would be a joke to send such a weak thing through a functioning portal, let alone an untested one. Ah well. He shakes his head slowly, looking back down at her. "What is your name?"

Her breath fogs the air between them as she struggles for air and words alike. Aldor's nostrils flare briefly in annoyance before he relents, flexing one hand into a fist. He could force the information from her now, but where's the fun in that? No...he'd rather play a game with this one first. "Your name, girl," he repeats more insistently.

"Rina Artai," he repeats, committing the name to memory. The girl's eyelids droop heavily as she slips further into unconsciousness. Aldor decides that he can play with her a bit longer before sending her home. With a growl, he wraps one powerful arm around her slender waist, lifting her from the ground with ease. "You're coming with me," he rumbles huskily into her ear.

Her head lolls to the side, the motion causing a bead of sweat to roll down her cheek and onto his palm. Aldor chuckles darkly before using his free hand to wipe it away roughly. "I've got business here first," he says softly as he carries her through the infernal landscape toward one of his favorite fighting pits, "but once that's done...well, we'll

The fiery arena looms ahead, its dark obsidian walls and pitted floor bathed in an unnatural glow. Aldor's demonic features remain impassive as he carries the unconscious girl toward one of his favorite spots to feed. A small group of demons have already gathered to watch their master in action, casting lustful gazes at the helpless human prize in his possession. Aldor can sense their eagerness and anticipation, like wolves scenting fresh prey. It's enough to make him grin wickedly as he plows deeper into the infernal landscape.

The fighting pit comes into view, its hellish embers crackling invitingly against the black stone. Aldor crouches down, carefully setting Rina Artai on her feet before spinning her around to face him. "Wake up," he growls softly, cu

"Come now," he hisses impatiently, grasping her chin firmly in one hand as he forces her head upward. "You must be awake if you want to survive this." His grip tightens painfully, drawing a tiny yelp from the girl. The demon ignores it; he's not looking for obedience so much as acknowledgment that she understands her situation.

Satisfied at last that she's sufficiently alert, Aldor releases her and steps back. He surveys the crowd of demons now gathered around them, their eyes gleaming hungrily in the infernal light. "You are mine, girl," he whispers roughly into her ear. "Do you understand?"

The words send a shiver through Rina Artai's entire body; part fear and part something else entirely. Her response takes him by surprise: she nods jerkily, meeting

The demon's expression darkens as Rina Artai speaks again, and her words strike a chord within him that he hadn't expected. He takes a step closer to her, his towering form casting a long shadow across the flaming earth at their feet. "Yes," Aldor growls softly, almost reluctantly, "I am aware of what you are."

The other demons shift restlessly at his words; they've never seen their master so...interested in a human prize before. It makes them uneasy, uncertain how this will play out. Aldor ignores them as he continues to study the girl at his side, her eyes wide with fear and confusion. He takes another step closer still, looming over her like some monstrous protector. "I can send you home," he says carefully, each word weighted heavily in the oppressive heat of the arena.

The gathered dem

"I can," Aldor agrees slowly, eyeing her carefully as she sinks down to the ground. "But it will cost you." His words carry a threat that most demons could not ignore, but he senses something different about Rina Artai; an air of defiance mixed with desperation. He doesn't know quite what it is, but it intrigues him all the same.

"You will be my servant," he continues, his voice dark and commanding as he looms over her. "You will obey my every command, and in return I will protect you from this place." His eyes flicker toward the gathered demons once more before returning to hers. "Do we have an agreement?"

The heat of the arena presses down on them like a physical weight, merciless and relentless. Rina Artai's chest heaves as she struggles for breath, tears

The muscles in Aldor's neck tense as he inclines his head slightly, accepting her agreement. "Good," he growls approvingly. Then, with a suddenness that takes even Rina Artai by surprise, he scoops her up into his powerful arms once more and turns to face the waiting demons. "You heard her," he roars, his voice echoing through the arena like thunder. "She is mine."

The gathered demons exchange wary glances before turning away in submission, disappearing back into the hellish landscape from whence they came. Aldor's breath ruffles through Rina Artai's hair as he holds her close to his chest, her slender body now warm against his infernal scales. "Now," he whispers roughly into her ear, "let us find my sanctuary."

Her heart pounds frantically in her chest as

The demon pauses for a moment, surprised by her request. Her resilience is impressive; most humans would have collapsed long ago under the oppressive heat and pressure of the arena. Aldor's massive form shudders slightly as he focuses his magic, weaving a thin film of coolant around them before releasing it in a sudden gust that blows across Rina Artai's body like a spring breeze.

Her shivering eases immediately, and she leans back against Aldor's chest with a sigh of relief. He ignores the tiny sensation of pleasure that his touch elicits; for now it is enough to know that she survives. With renewed strength, he continues on through the hellish landscape, searching for his sanctuary where they can rest and discuss their new arrangement.

The demon's massive chest rumbles beneath Rina Artai's back as he continues to move through the infernal landscape toward his sanctuary, their journey finally beginning in earnest. She feels warm against his scaled hide, and a strange sense of calm washes over him as he holds her close. Her weight is reassuringly solid, her body lithe and supple despite the oppressive heat that surrounds them. He wonders idly if she has any idea what sort of creature holds her now; such ignorance is rare among those who summon demons from the lower planes.

He'd have to be careful with her, keep his claws sheathed and his fangs concealed as much as possible. The last thing he needs is for her to realize that he could snap her in two like a twig if he so chose. No, better to play this game carefully, slowly wearing down her def

Her movements draw his attention back to her; she stirs and comes awake, seemingly refreshed by the brief respite they've been afforded. Aldor's yellow eyes study her face for a moment before glancing away, his expression unreadable. "Rina Artai," he says softly, using her name for the first time since she agreed to serve him, "you should know that I am not like other demons."

He waits for her to respond, but she remains silent and motionless in his grasp. Aldor's expression darkens slightly; perhaps she doesn't understand the implications of what he's saying. Well, he supposes he'd have to clarify things further. "I am stronger than most," he continues, "but I also have my own code of honor...for lack of a better term."

He pauses, considering his next words carefully. "I will not

His expression softens slightly at the look in her eyes. "I will not harm you unless it is absolutely necessary," he says, his voice gentle but firm. "And I will never force myself upon you...but know this: if you betray me, if you disobey my commands or if you attempt to escape, I will show no mercy."

He waits for her reaction, watching as she considers his words carefully.

The demon narrows his eyes slightly at her words, unsure how to respond. "It was not out of kindness that I saved you," he says eventually, his tone gruff with discomfort. "You are mine now, and I expect obedience in exchange for my protection." He pauses, seeming to consider his next words carefully before continuing, "But perhaps...perhaps there will come a time when we can find common ground, where both our needs are met."

His words hang in the air between them, and he waits once more for her reaction.

The demon's expression softens slightly at her words and the small smile she offers him. "Your honesty is appreciated," he says gently, studying her face once more. "As for what I might require of you...that is something we will discuss in due time." His massive shoulders rise and fall with a sigh as they near his sanctuary, its warmth beckoning them like a haven in the infernal wasteland. "For now, rest. We have much to discuss when we arrive."

He continues on toward his lair, careful not to let her slip from his grasp, even though he knows she's hardly capable of putting up any sort of fight at this point. The thought both amuses and concerns him in equal measure.

The demon carries her through the rest of the journey in silence, his massive form a shield against the hellish landscape they pass through. The warmth of his lair envelops them as they step inside; cool stone floors and soft furs line the walls, providing much-needed relief from the oppressive heat. A cozy fire burns merrily in the center of the room, casting dancing shadows against the far wall.

He places Rina Artai gently on one of the many comfortable furs scattered about the floor, studying her face carefully before speaking. "Rest," he says quietly, "we will discuss our terms further when you are ready." With that, he turns and stalks purposefully away, disappearing into a separate part of the lair to tend to his own affairs.

The demon spends the next few hours engaged in various tasks around his lair, giving Rina Artai ample time to recuperate from her recent ordeal. As she sleeps, he paces thoughtfully, considering the terms of their new arrangement and what role she might play in his life. The more he thinks about it, the less certain he becomes as to whether or not this is a wise decision on his part...but then again, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Finally, when he can bear it no longer, Aldor turns back toward where she lies sleeping and approaches carefully, kneeling beside her once more. "Rina Artai," he says softly, studying her face as she stirs in her slumber, "it is time we discuss our arrangement further." He waits for her to fully awaken before continuing, his voice firm yet gentle at the same time.