he was just summoned by another group of magicians, it looks like they threw a girl into the pentagram for some reason. as if it would save them or was once accepted for payment

He sighed and turned to the girl. "What's your name, child?" He asked, his voice raspy and cold.

He cocked his head to the side slightly. "Rina? You don't belong here, child." He paused, then added, "And neither do I... But if you tell me how it is that you ended up in this mess, we might be able to sort it out." There was a faint glint of something unreadable in his multifaceted eyes.

Azer felt his anger stirring at the girl's words. "Those fools," he spat, his voice venomous. Without further warning, he launched himself at the circle of magicians, tearing through their pathetic barriers and ripping them apart with ease. As they screamed in terror, he turned back to Rina.

"Now, child," he growled, "tell me what you want me to do." His claws twitched ominously as he loomed over her, waiting for her answer.

"Foolish girl," Azer sighed, moving closer to her, his voice almost soothing despite the menace that lurked beneath it, "I am not here to hurt you." He paused, then added with a small smile, "Unless you want me to." His fingers flexed, and for a moment, she could have sworn they were tipped with ice.

"I see." Azer's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied her face. "And where would you like to go now?" he asked. His tone was still gentle, almost curious, but there was a hidden threat behind it nonetheless.

"Home it shall be, then." He looked over at the circle that the magicians had tried to summon him in and gave a small shrug. "It seems I may have made some... unplanned alterations to your ritual," he said with a grin that was more sinister than amused. Then, with surprising swiftness, he scooped up Rina in his powerful arms and leapt high into the air, disappearing amidst a swirling cloud of black smoke.

When they reappeared moments later, it was in the middle of a small clearing deep within the forest. Azer carefully set her down on the soft grass before looking back at her with his usual unreadable expression. "There you are," he said simply. "Safe and sound... for now." His tail flicked idly behind him as he waited for her response.

"You are here, child," Azer rumbled. "This is where I brought you." He took a step forward, examining her carefully. "You needn't fear me any longer... unless it pleases you to do so, of course." There was an almost mocking note in his voice as he spoke these words.

"But tell me," he continued, tilting his head slightly to the side, "why did those foolish magicians summon me? What did they want with a mere girl like yourself?" His eyes bored into hers unblinkingly, searching for any sign of guilt or deceit.

He smiled slightly at her words. "Ah, the old sacrifice trick... how predictable." He took another step closer, his long black hair brushing gently against her face. "Do not fear them anymore, child," he murmured soothingly. "They no longer have any power over you... or me." His voice was soft as silk and deadlier than a poisoned dart. "And as for what you would like me to do with you..." He paused, letting his words hang in the air, inviting her to answer.

"What shall it be, Rina?" he asked finally, those glittering multifaceted eyes fixed on hers. "Shall I return you to your home unharmed? Or... shall we strike a different bargain?" The last part was spoken almost casually, as if the outcome were of little consequence to him.

He snorted softly at her words. "You really don't know who you're dealing with, do you?" He stepped even closer now, his breath warm against her cheek. "Do not mistake my kindness for weakness, child," he whispered in a voice that seemed to caress her ears. "I am not one to be trifled with... nor is this forest a safe place for you."

He lifted his clawed hand and gently brushed a lock of hair from her face. "No, child," he said, his voice almost kindly now, "you have not wronged me." There was a brief silence as he considered his next words. "Perhaps... an arrangement could be made between us." He stepped back, giving her some space once more. "What do you think?"

"I could help you return home safely," he began, his tone thoughtful, "but in return, I would like a small favor." He paused, his gaze steady on her face as she tried to gauge her reaction. "It is up to you, of course... but know this: the longer we stand here, the greater the chance that someone else might try to force my hand." His claws flexed slightly at his sides, an unspoken threat lingering in the air between them.

"What do you say, Rina?" he asked finally, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice. "Do we strike a bargain, or do you wish to take your chances elsewhere?" The choice was hers... and she had better choose wisely.

"Ah, so you accuse me of wrongdoing," he murmured, his tone amused. "Very well then... I accept your terms." He drew himself up to his full height, looming over her once more. "Since you insist on playing the role of the damsel in distress, I shall help you as best I can... but know this: once our business is concluded, I expect repayment in full." His voice was firm now, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Now," he continued, "tell me where it is that you wish to go... and perhaps we should hurry before someone else decides to intervene." He glanced over his shoulder at the treeline, a sinister smile playing around his lips.

"What I want," he growled, his voice low and dangerous, "is your loyalty." He stepped closer, his eyes boring into hers with an intensity that made her heart race. "I've saved your life, child... the least you could do is return the favor. And trust me when I say this: in my world, trust is a valuable commodity indeed." His breath fanned across her cheek as he spoke, sending shivers down her spine despite herself.

"Now," he continued more softly, "tell me where your home lies... and let us make haste before someone else interferes."