บท 5: Training begins!

Esteria sat on her bed, her body still tingling from the intimate moment they had just shared. Every single touch from him lingered on her skin, leaving her breathless. She was truly wet down there, a sensation her body was not yet accustomed to. Vincent had never gone this far with her. The only things he ever did were butterfly kisses, gentle pecks, or a soft kiss on her forehead. They had never gone to such extremes, and she had never held his...

But this god made her wet by just looking at him, standing there with only a towel on. She could still vividly remember how his hard, monstrous length felt against her. So big, long, and hard—something she had only ever felt with her legs.

She sighed and let her back sink into the bed. This was just the beginning. She had pledged her whole body to him and him alone, not merely because of the deal but also because of the powerful mating bond that tied them together. Although she knew little about demons and demon gods, she understood the mating bond very well. It worked the same for everyone. She had always thought Vincent would be the one to mate with her after their wedding night, but instead, it was a gorgeous demon god?!

Agreeing to the deal was the best decision she could have made. She had to take her revenge for the death of her family, her people, and her own heart. Since this one was nothing like the heart she had when she was still a normal human, it burned with a fiery determination.

Esteria's thoughts were soon disrupted by a gentle knock at the door.

"Should I say come in? I don't even know where I am or anything about this place," her thoughts clouded her mind.

"Come in," she said, almost a whisper but loud enough for the person knocking to hear.

The door opened to reveal a group of maids, their faces serene and composed. They entered the room with a quiet grace, bowing slightly as they approached her.

"We were ordered by Lord El-Kharis to assist you," the head maid said softly. "We are here to help you bathe and dress."

Esteria hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes, but then she nodded, a mix of curiosity and resignation settling over her. She allowed them to guide her to an adjoining chamber, where a large marble bathtub was already filled with steaming, fragrant water. The maids gently undressed her, their hands deft and respectful. She stepped into the bath, feeling the warmth of the water soothe her body and calm her mind. The last time she had bathed like this was in her own country, when she was still a queen.

The maids worked in silence, washing her hair with scented oils and scrubbing her skin until it glowed. Esteria closed her eyes, letting herself relax under their careful ministrations.

After the bath, the maids wrapped her in soft towels and led her back to the bedroom. There, a magnificent gown awaited her, draped elegantly over a chair. The dress was made of the finest silk, shimmering with every movement. It was a deep, rich blue, adorned with intricate silver embroidery that mimicked the patterns of stars and constellations. The bodice was fitted, cinching her waist and accentuating her curves, while the skirt flowed down in layers, cascading like a waterfall.

The maids helped her into the gown, their hands skilled and gentle. They laced up the back, ensuring a perfect fit, and adjusted the sleeves, which were long and fitted, ending in delicate lace cuffs. The neckline was modest yet alluring, with a subtle hint of her collarbone showing.

They brushed her hair until it shone, arranging it in loose, flowing waves that framed her face. When they were done, Esteria looked at herself in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back at her. She looked more beautiful than she ever had; the demon blood within her had altered her features, enhancing her beauty in ways she could scarcely believe.

The moment the maids were done performing their magic on her, they simply bowed their heads and left. She stood there, glaring at herself in the mirror. The effects of the mating bond had started to show. Her features had changed—her heart was now full of revenge and fierceness, and her skin was more radiant than ever. She brushed her hair off her neck to see her mating mark. It looked so real; she had always read about it in books and heard stories, but seeing it on her own neck was a different experience entirely.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and she immediately flinched, swiftly grabbing a piece of wood from the table and pointing it towards the figure that barged in. Her stomach tightened as she saw the most glinting yellow eyes staring at her intensely. He pointed his long claws at her neck as she aimed the wood at his head.

The two of them stood there, completely still, staring at each other with deadly intent. The staring competition ended when the yellow-eyed, black-haired figure slowly dropped his claw. Esteria sighed in relief; she had thought she would have to fight him. Although she was impressed by her swift reflexes, which she guessed were a result of the demon blood now flowing through her, she was still wary of fighting a demon.

"Are you Lord El's new mistress?" he asked, his voice hoarse and deep but nowhere near as commanding as El-Kharis's own.

"Mistress?" she repeated in disbelief. She thought she was his mate and her master. That was the relationship between them, not that she was his mistress.

"Yes, I'm his..." she started to say before she was abruptly cut off.

"Yes, you are the one. Follow me. You are being called by him," he said, turning around to leave.

"Why should I follow you?" she retorted, irritated by his rudeness. He had just barged in and suddenly told her to follow him. El-Kharis hadn't mentioned sending anyone to fetch her. He had only told her about sending the maids to help her out.

"I'm sorry... he did not tell me to follow anyone. If anything, he told me to be careful about this place," she fumed.

The demon tapped his head in annoyance. "He didn't tell me she was a stubborn one," he muttered, though she could hear him clearly.

"Look, he told me to summon you and bring you to the training ground. We are all waiting for you," he said. "Follow me or not, it is your choice." He then turned and started walking away, leaving her behind.

Esteria blinked, her mind racing. She couldn't trust anyone. She didn't even fully trust El-Kharis himself.

"Wa...ii...t," she stammered, causing him to pause and glance back at her over his shoulder. "Follow me," he repeated, then continued walking.

Esteria hesitated only for a moment before following the demon. They crossed a large room filled with peculiar, almost eerie portraits that seemed to watch them as they passed. The walls were adorned with ornate tapestries, and the passageway was illuminated by old-fashioned chandeliers that cast a warm, golden light. The intricate designs on the walls depicted scenes of ancient battles and mythical creatures, adding to the surreal atmosphere.

They descended a grand staircase, the beauty of the surroundings growing more pronounced with each step. The marble steps gleamed under the light, and the railings were intricately carved with patterns of vines and flowers. She marveled at the exquisite craftsmanship, noting how the walls were decorated with elaborate frescoes that told stories of long-forgotten legends. Each floor they passed seemed more opulent than the last, with luxurious carpets and gilded fixtures that spoke of a bygone era.

As they reached the last floor, the demon opened a set of heavy, wooden doors, and the outside world came into view. The sight that greeted her was a stark contrast to the dark interior. The training ground was expansive, with lush green grass and tall trees bordering the area. The fresh air was a welcome change, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant chirping of birds.

In the center, three figures were seated in a circle. As Esteria and her guide approached, their gazes turned towards her, and she felt a chill run down her spine. She was the only female and human among them; the rest were all demons. The demons eyed her with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. She felt small and out of place, her heart pounding in her chest.

Soon, El-Kharis appeared, stepping into the clearing with an air of authority. His hair was neatly pulled back, revealing his sharp, angular features. He wore a fine dark cloak that flowed behind him like liquid shadows, the fabric rich and textured, glimmering with an ethereal sheen as it caught the light. The cloak was embroidered with intricate silver patterns that swirled and curled like wisps of smoke, hinting at ancient magic woven into its very fibers. It draped elegantly over his shoulders, the high collar framing his face and enhancing the regal presence he commanded.

Esteria's fear was momentarily overshadowed by a strange sense of admiration. El-Kharis looked every bit the powerful demon god he was, and despite her apprehension, she couldn't deny the magnetism he exuded. He moved with a grace and confidence that was almost mesmerizing, and his eyes held a depth of knowledge and power that made her pulse quicken.

As he approached, he fixed his piercing gaze on her, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "Esteria," he said, his voice carrying easily across the training ground, "welcome. Your training begins now."

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