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But even as I say it, more memories surface. The time I'd been cornered by a pack of feral dogs, only for them to suddenly whimper and slink away. The night I'd been freezing in a doorway and felt warmth spread through my body, like I'd been wrapped in an invisible blanket.
But it's never worked on a dark elf. Because they have magic, too…
"Oh gods," I breathe, sinking to my knees. "All this time... how did I not see it?"
The demon crouches beside me, his massive form surprisingly graceful. "You've felt it, haven't you? A power thrumming beneath your skin, begging to be released."
I want to deny it, to run, to wake up from this fever dream. But something in his words resonates, striking a chord deep within me. "I... I don't understand."
"Neither do I, fully," he admits. "But I sensed it the moment I saw you. You're no ordinary slave. You're something... more."
The branch slips from my fingers. "Who are you? What do you want from me?"
"I'm Kairos, and you're coming with me." His tone leaves no room for argument.
I scramble to my feet, backing away. "No the fuck I am not. I don't care what kind of magic you think I have, I'm not?—"
His hand shoots out, grabbing my wrist. A jolt of energy courses through me, and I gasp as glowing blue runes appear on my skin, mirroring the ones on his body.
"What are you doing?" I try to pull away, but it's like my arm is fused to his.
"Ensuring you don't run," Kairos growls. His silver eyes flash with determination. "I didn't come all this way to let you slip away."
The runes pulse, spreading up my arm and across my chest. It doesn't hurt, exactly, but it feels... wrong. Like something foreign is invading my body.
"Stop it!" I shout, panic rising in my throat. "Take it off!"
Kairos releases my wrist, but the runes remain. "I can't. Not until I'm certain you won't flee."
I rub at the glowing marks, but they don't smudge or fade. "What is this? What have you done to me?"
"A binding spell," he explains, his voice softening slightly. "It won't harm you, but it will prevent you from straying too farfrom me. And before you get any ideas, it can't be broken by anyone but me."
"You can't just... own me!" I spit the words at him, fury replacing fear. "I'm not some pet you can leash!"
"This isn't about ownership," Kairos says, frustration evident in his voice. "It's about necessity. Your magic is raw, untrained. You're a beacon to any creature sensitive to such things. And trust me, there are far worse beings out there who would love to get their hands on you."
I want to argue, to rage against this new captivity. But exhaustion suddenly washes over me, my legs trembling beneath me. I sink to the ground, cradling my marked arm against my chest.
"Why me?" I whisper, looking up at the demon towering over me. "What makes me so special?"
Kairos crouches down, bringing himself to my eye level. "That's what I intend to find out. But I can't do it alone, and I can't risk you running off before we have answers."
I thrash against Kairos, my fists pounding uselessly against his broad chest. "Let me go, you overgrown demon bastard!"
He doesn't even flinch. Those silver eyes narrow, and before I can blink, he's moving. Strong hands grip my waist, and suddenly I'm airborne. The world spins, and I find myself draped unceremoniously over his shoulder like a sack of grain.
"Put me down!" I screech, kicking my legs wildly. My heel connects with his stomach, but it's like hitting a brick wall. He doesn't even grunt.
"Not a chance," Kairos growls, his grip tightening. "I'm not leaving you behind."
I squirm, trying to wriggle free, but his arm is like an iron band across my thighs. Blood rushes to my head, making me dizzy. The forest floor sways beneath me as he starts walking.
"I'll scream," I threaten, pounding my fists against his back. "I'll bring every dark elf and beast for miles down on us."
"Go ahead," he says, and I can hear the smirk in his voice. "My magic will muffle any sound you make. Scream all you want, little one. No one will hear you."
Fury burns through me. I grab a fistful of his long white hair and yank hard. "Don't call me that like I'm a child! You could at least call me my name."
