Page 57 of Demonic Cage
There is. Oh, how much there is!
“What are the conditions?” I inquire.
“You have to release my neck and trust that I won’t drop you.”
My mouth rounds, and I chuckle, but so genuinely that it surprises even me.
“No deal,” I say.
“If I wanted to kill you, you know I would’ve done it by now.”
“Even so, definitely not.”
“Then does that mean,” he asks curiously, “you don’t want an opportunity?”
I bite my lip.
“Okay. What I’d like is…”
“No-no. You have to agree first.”
“And what if you can’t deliver?”
“Choose something I’m capable of.”
I look into the calm face of the Demon King. I know he won’t back down, but what’s his goal? Finally, I sigh.
“Fine. Agreed. But I go first.”
The Kraldem nods.
“So,” I mumble, “I don’t want to fight any monsters. Don’t set us up to fight each other!”
Darya shakes his head.
“Sooner or later, you’ll have to fight one.”
“Why is it so important?”
“Because demons need to see you’re capable of bringing them redemption.”
I’ve never received such a straightforward answer from Darya, and I’m afraid if I don’t ask further, I never will.
“This is ridiculous! Redemption? How?”
“Decide if your wish is to learn more, or if you want something else.”
“I’ve already said what I want!”
“And I’ve said that it’s not happening.”
I switch tactics.
“If your goal is truly to show your subjects that I can defeat the monster, you’ll be disappointed. Even Kripot only gives me about ten seconds – half of which is me entering the arena – before the monster tears my head off. At least give me more time to prepare, and promise me that I’ll only enter the arena when I feel strong enough for it!”
Which is never. But he doesn’t need to know that. I just have to seem determined and convincing enough for him to believe it.
“Agreed,” he responds, and no sound comes out of my mouth from the shock. “If it’s up to me, you’ll fight the monster when you feel ready, not until then. Now let go of my neck!”
