not long ago he killed his last "attempt" and now he was walking around the city in search of a new one

The demon smiled and tilted his head to the side slightly. "Good evening," he said softly, taking a step forward to close the distance between them. He looked her up and down before returning his gaze to her face. "You look like you could use some company."

His voice was smooth and velvety, almost melodic. It made the suggestion seem innocent enough... as if he were just being kind. And yet there was something in his eyes that warned of danger, of a predator assessing its prey.

"Oh, dear," he said, feigning concern, taking another step closer. "Is there anything I can do to help?" He reached out a delicate hand and gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was cool and soothing... almost innocent-seeming. But his eyes remained fixed on hers, unblinking. "Perhaps you'd like some company for the rest of your walk? I live quite nearby." The words were carefully chosen, lulling her into a sense of security.

"Oh, my dear," he chuckled softly, "I've lived here for quite some time. Far longer than you've been alive." He smiled gently at her, the expression seeming both apologetic and understanding. "But if it makes you feel better, we can always find someone else to guide you home."

His voice was light and teasing, as if he were trying to ease her fears... but still maintain control of the situation.

"Well," Claude said with a satisfied smile, "I suppose that won't be too much trouble." He stepped closer, his hand moving to rest lightly on her lower back as he guided her through the busy streets. The people they passed barely seemed to notice them, engrossed in their own lives.

"So," Claude purred, "what brings you out here alone on such a lovely evening?" His tone was casual and conversational, but there was an undercurrent of curiosity beneath it... and perhaps a hint of danger.

Ah, how unfortunate," Claude mused. "Perhaps you should pay more attention to your surroundings next time." His voice was gentle yet slightly reproachful, as if chiding a naughty child. Then he smiled warmly and added, "But for now, why don't we focus on finding your way home?" With one graceful motion, his hand moved from her lower back to thread through her arm, lightly pressing against her skin. The gesture felt protective... almost fatherly... but there was a subtle dominance to it as well.

As they walked together, Claude listened intently to her directions. He knew the area well enough and was familiar with most of the buildings along the way. It seemed as if he were simply being a kind gentleman guiding a lost girl home... but that was just an illusion. The truth was much darker.

Soon they arrived at a large, Victorian-style castle on the outskirts of town. The gates creaked open at their approach, swinging inward to reveal a well-manicured garden leading up to the massive structure. Claude smiled softly as he gestured for her to enter, saying "Here we are." His voice was gentle, almost reassuring... but there was still that underlying current of power and dominance.

Ahh... I'm afraid you misunderstand," Claude said, tilting his head slightly to the side. "This is where I live. It just so happens that it's nearby your destination." He smiled sweetly, the expression seeming genuine yet sinister all at once. "But," he continued, "since we're here... why don't you come in for a moment? My castle could use some company." The offer sounded innocent enough on the surface, but there was an unspoken warning beneath it: refusal would not be tolerated.

"My dear," Claude said, chuckling softly, "I assure you that this castle is indeed nearby your home. It's been here for a long time, waiting for someone special to find it." He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Wouldn't you like to be that someone?" There was an undercurrent of power in his words, a dominance that made it clear he expected her answer to be yes.

The demon smiled gently and placed a finger beneath her chin, lifting it slightly to look into her eyes. "Why don't you come inside, my dear? I can assure you that you will be very comfortable here... as long as you obey me." His tone was soft, almost seductive, but there was an underlying threat lurking beneath the surface.

Slowly and gracefully, Claude extended his other hand to her, offering a warm, inviting gesture. The castle loomed behind him, its shadowy interior promising both luxury and danger... the perfect setting for whatever role she chose to play.

Ahh, my dear," Claude purred softly, his voice dripping with disappointment. "You misunderstand me. I wasn't offering you a place to stay for the night; rather, I was suggesting that this could be your new home... forever." He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her cheek as he continued. "But if you insist on resisting... well, then I may have no choice but to reconsider my offer." His smile never wavered, even as the implied threat hung heavily between them.

Ah, you fear me, don't you? You think I'm just going to hurt you if you resist... But that's not what I want, is it? I much prefer it when my little playthings obey and submit to me willingly. And besides," he added with a sinister chuckle, "it's more fun that way." His hand moved swiftly, gripping her arm tightly in a display of strength and dominance. The pain seared through her like fire as she struggled against his hold, but it only served to anger him further. "See," he whispered harshly, his eyes narrowing to slits, "that's what happens when you fight too hard." His other hand snaked out, curling around the back of her neck, forcing her face closer to his. His lips parted, revealing sharp teeth as he growled threateningly, "So tell

Tell me you submit... That you belong to me," he snarled, the last words more of a command than a request. His grip on her was iron-like, his strength overwhelming.

The demon growled low in his throat, his eyes flashing with anger and frustration as she struggled against him. He could feel her fear and determination to escape, and it only served to fuel his own rage. "Foolish girl," he snarled through gritted teeth. "You have no idea what you're playing with." With one swift movement, he spun her around and threw her against the stone wall of the castle. Her head knocked against the cold, hard surface with a dull thud, and she slid to the ground in a heap.

"Let me make this perfectly clear," Claude hissed, towering over her as she lay stunned on the ground. His voice was calm now, deceptively gentle... almost soothing. "You belong to me. You exist for my amusement and pleasure. And when you resist..." He paused, stepping closer, his face mere inches from

The demon's eyes narrowed dangerously as the girl cowered away from him, her fear palpable and intoxicating. A low growl rumbled deep in his throat, his fingers curling into claws at his sides. "I will not be ignored," he snarled, taking a step closer still. "And I most certainly will not be disobeyed." He raised his hand high above her head, fangs bared and claws extended as he prepared to strike. The air around them crackled with menacing energy, and the girl could feel herself shaking in terror beneath his gaze.

The demon paused, his claws still extended as he studied the girl before him. Her fear was intoxicating and addictive... but at the same time, it irritated him that she would dare disobey. With a sigh, he lowered his hand back to his side, stepping away from her. "Very well," he said softly, his voice calm once more. "You may stay... for now." His eyes flickered over her body as if assessing the damage she had sustained. "But understand this: I am not a kind master. I expect obedience and loyalty above all else. Do you understand me?"

His gaze was unyielding, his expression one of barely concealed displeasure. It was up to her now; she could either continue to resist... or submit. The choice was hers, but only for a while longer.

His predatory smile returned as he watched her carefully, waiting for her answer. It was clear that she knew the consequences of her actions, and yet he could sense a conflict within her; the fear of giving in to his will warring with an innate desire to survive. Perhaps he had chosen her well after all.

"I'm waiting," Claude purred, taking another step closer. "Will you serve me... or fight against your fate?" His voice was smooth as silk, yet somehow menacing in its calm assurance that either choice would lead exactly where it should. The tension in the air grew thick with anticipation and dread.

Ahh, that's better," the demon purred, his eyes bright with satisfaction as she uttered those fateful words. "You understand what it means to belong to me now, don't you?" His claws slowly retracted back into their sheaths, and he smiled gently at her once more. "From this moment forth, you are mine to command. My pet, my plaything... whatever I desire."

There was a moment of eerie silence as Claude studied the girl at his feet, assessing her submission. Then, without warning, he reached out and cupped her chin in his hand, lifting her face to meet his gaze. "I am cruel," he whispered softly, "but not unjust." His thumb brushed against her cheekbone so gently it might have been a caress. "As long as you obey me... as long as you serve me faithfully... I will keep

... keep you safe," he finished softly, the words spoken with such quiet sincerity that they might almost have been a caress. His thumb continued to stroke her cheekbone, his touch impossibly gentle for one who was capable of such brutality. For a moment, it seemed as if there was some sliver of humanity within him... some small kernel of empathy and care. But the truth was, he was just playing with her. He could be gentle when it suited his purposes, but that did not change the fact that she belonged to him now.

And she would always belong to him.