As the dim light of torches flickered against the cold stone walls, Rael felt his heart pounding in his chest. His wrists were bound tightly by coarse rope, his skin rubbed raw as he was dragged through the dark corridors of the demon fortress. The air was thick with the smell of sulfur and decay, and the occasional growl of unseen creatures echoed through the halls. His captors, towering demons with skin as dark as obsidian and eyes that glowed faintly in the shadows, remained silent, their heavy footsteps the only sound as they led him deeper into the fortress.

Eventually, they stopped before a massive set of doors, carved from ancient stone and adorned with strange, glowing runes. One of the demons pushed the doors open, revealing a grand chamber lit by an eerie red glow. Rael was shoved forward, stumbling as he tried to regain his balance. He looked up and his breath caught in his throat.

Seated on a throne of twisted black iron, the Demon Queen stared down at him. She was impossibly beautiful, her pale skin a stark contrast to the dark stone around her. Long, flowing hair the color of midnight cascaded down her shoulders, framing a face that was both regal and terrifying. Her lips were painted a deep crimson, matching the color of her eyes that seemed to burn with a dangerous intensity. She wore a dress of dark velvet, clinging to her form as if woven from shadows themselves, and her presence exuded power.

Rael trembled under her gaze as she tilted her head slightly, eyeing him with clear disdain.

"A human in my realm?" she said with a low voice, dangerous purr that sent shivers down his spine.

"I'll make sure to make a good meal out of you."

Her eyes gleamed as she took him in, scanning him from head to toe. For a brief moment, her lips curled into a mocking smile.

"You're a pretty little thing, aren't you?" she said, her tone dripping with amusement.

Rael's throat was dry. He tried to speak, but the words caught in his mouth. His fear had taken hold, paralyzing him.

"I… I can assure you, I am not tasty at all!" he finally stammered, his voice cracking.

The Demon Queen let out a soft, dark chuckle. She rose from her throne with a graceful, predatory motion and began to descend the steps toward him.

"Oh?" she mused. "And what makes you say that, hm?"

She moved closer, her long, clawed fingers reaching out as she lifted Rael's chin with a single finger, forcing him to meet her gaze. Her touch was cold, sending a chill through his body. Her lips were so close to his now, he could feel her breath against his skin.

"Well?" she whispered, her crimson eyes gleaming with hunger as they glanced over his neck.

The sharp tips of her fangs glinted in the dim light. She was toying with him, savoring the fear that radiated from him like a scent in the air.

"I… I am ill!" Rael burst out, desperation driving his words. "I have a very bad disease!"

The Queen paused, raising a single, elegant eyebrow.

"Oh really now?" she said, her voice laced with skepticism. "And what disease might that be?"

"Rather than an illness, it is… it's a curse!" he continued, trying to sound convincing. "My flesh is poisonous. If you try to eat me, you'll be doomed."

For a moment, the Demon Queen's expression faltered, disbelief flashing across her face. She let out a slow, mocking laugh.

"A curse, you say?" Her voice was filled with amusement, her eyes narrowing as she leaned in even closer.

"Don't lie to me, human. I can read you like a book."

"I'm telling the truth!" Rael insisted, his voice rising in panic as he took a step back, but his retreat was cut short as his back pressed against the cold stone wall behind him.

The Demon Queen smiled wickedly, taking a deliberate step forward, closing the distance between them.

"Oh, I don't believe you for a second," she whispered, her voice soft and dangerous. "But even if you were cursed, it would be a shame not to taste you."

Rael's heart raced as she bared her fangs, her lips curling into a grin. She was toying with him, enjoying his fear as she drew closer, her gaze locked on his neck, her desire to bite clear in her eyes.

"Stay away, please!" he begged, his voice trembling.

"Why should I?" she teased, her voice low and filled with cruel amusement. "You're cornered, little human. There's nowhere to run. You're mine now."

Rael felt her breath cool against his skin as she leaned in closer, her presence overwhelming. He was trapped, helpless under her power. In his desperation, words slipped from his mouth without thought.

"I… I swear my loyalty to you!"

The Demon Queen pulled back slightly, her expression shifting to one of mild surprise.

"Loyalty, hmm?" she echoed, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "You're willing to swear your loyalty to me simply to save your life?"

Rael's mind raced. He had no other option, no way out.

"Yes!" he exclaimed, his voice barely a whisper.

The Queen's lips curled into a sinister smile.

"Very well then," she purred. "You're going to serve me, do everything I tell you, for the rest of your life. Are you prepared for that, darling?"

Rael hesitated for a moment, his mind screaming at him to resist, but he knew he had no choice.

"Yes… I am."

Her smirk deepened, clearly satisfied by his response.

"Good," she whispered, her hand brushing against his cheek in a gesture that was almost gentle. "You're mine now. You belong to me, and you will serve me, always."

As Rael stood there, trembling beneath her gaze, he knew his life had just been bound to a fate far darker than anything he could have ever imagined.