The Cruel Prince of Wolves

2

Ramona was exhausted by the time she reached a tavern just outside the capital of the palace. The kind of tavern that is unnoticed to regular human eyes. It's said to host an unusual population of supernatural's; vampires, faeries, witches, trolls, pixies, and all kinds of otherworldly creatures. She came here to meet someone, a demon, to strike a bargain. He is said to be powerful and a god amongst demons, and he could grant a wish in exchange for something in return.

She swept her eyes inside, dark wood beams lined the ceiling. Sconces hung on the walls providing light in the dark establishment. A loud group of people howled as they down their drinks. A woman with pointy ears, dressed seductively danced in slow provocative motion to the sound of music coming from everywhere and nowhere at once. She walked deeper into the room and made eye contact with someone with sharp pointed teeth who smiled at her like she was appetizing. The atmosphere isn't exactly what she would consider safe or inviting.

"I believe you are here for my services." A smooth voice came from the darkest corner of the room. Ramona turned and found a large man dressed in a cloak. He'd been watching her from the time she walked in. Ramona noticed he was an island, alone in his seat, a mug of dark liquid placed in front of him. She narrowed her eyes trying to see through the darkness that hugged him but the only thing visible to her was the outline of his massive silhouette.

She sensed danger emanating from him making her stomach twist. But she's also desperate enough to risk her safety to make this bargain happen.

Bravely, Ramona joins him walking closer. She swallowed her rising fret, hoping her uncertainty is not too obvious from the stranger. She had convinced herself a bargain with a powerful demon was the only way to solve all her problems.

A gleam of devilish smile crept up the stranger's lips as she came closer, aware of the jewel he's about to possess. "Please, take a seat." He gestured with his hand to the chair across from him. "The drinks are on me."

She did so obediently, her gaze never leaving him, curious of the demon so willingly ready to strike a bargain with her. The stranger chuckled. "Curious, princess?"

She cleared her throat. "Yes. I've never seen a demon before." Though she had to admit, she's also intrigued by him.

"Well, you're looking at one now."

She frowned. "A shadow doesn't count."

"I assure you, princess. I'm as solid as I could get." He placed a hand to his chest.

"They say you are as powerful as a god."

He arched his hidden eyebrow. "Is that the word around?"

"Yes, I hear you can grant people's desires."
The demon's voice crawled. "It depends on what you desire."
She tipped her chin, trying to steal a glimpse of him. The demon noticed and tugged the hood further to conceal his face.

"What is it you're trying to see?" He asked.

"I'd like to see the face of whom I'm bargaining with."

"Does it matter? How I look would not make any difference."

"Because, it would make me feel better if I could see whom I'm bargaining with."

The demon considered this. "Fine." He said reluctantly. It's rare that he steps out of hell, and it's even rarer that he allows anyone to lay their eyes upon him. He doesn't make bargains often, but she's one that he is thrilled to possess. An exception has to be made once in a while, he convinced himself, if he were determined enough to have her. Without another thought, he pulled the hood from his head.

She gasped and her lips parted. She has heard of stories written of demons before. Their beastly appearances, brute strength and appetite for human souls, but nothing could have prepared her for this, no one warned her of higher demons' beauty, their angelic appearance that could rival even the fairest of gods and angels.

The strange demon sitting across from her was unearthly handsome. He had hair like a raven's feather that draped upon his neck, eyes black and deep as the middle of the ocean, jaws that cut through a human's heart, and lips red and sinful as Eve's forbidden apple. He has the kind of lips that dared a woman to risk getting thrown out of Eden just to get a taste. A shiver ran down her spine, the longer she stared, the deeper she was ensnared, sucking her in the depths of his misery. He's mesmerizing.

The demon blinked once, releasing her from his captivity. "Happy, princess?"

Ramona closed her eyes, shuddering as she collected herself back together. She shook the thought out of her mind, reprimanding herself for her hapless self control. She couldn't afford to be distracted by a gorgeous demon of all things, she came here to make a bargain and not to get ensnared.

She let herself calm and opened her eyes, her breath was stolen as the daring demon pressed closer, invading her space. His beautiful visage assaulted her senses with their perfection yet again. If she wasn't mistaken, he was teasing her.

Her heart somersault without her consent.

The demon chuckled faintly as he focused on the thundering of her heart, well aware of the effect he arrested on her. "Relax, I'm not here to make you uncomfortable." He allowed for some space and leaned back. "Shall we carry on with the bargain?"

Ramona exhaled in relief, the demon could have snared her soul if he wanted. He has that kind of power among women, she supposed. She steeled herself to be firm. "Yes, I came to bargain for strength and skill so I may kill my husband."

The demon's luxurious lips stretched into a wide grin. "You know the price for a bargain such as that, don't you?"

"Yes," she answered. "A soul I no longer needed."