Chapter 30: Descent into Darkness
Valtor's eyes locked onto Alawis. "You see, Alawis, I have..." He smirked.
Alawis regained her confidence. "I'm not afraid. Do what you want; you can't kill me. Niel will be back."
Valtor laughed maniacally. "Oh, Alawis, there are fates worse than death. Did you forget where you are?"
Still strangling her, Valtor continued, "Let me show you..." Before Alawis could process his words, Valtor conjured a black dagger from his demonic power.
He stabbed her, twisting the blade. Alawis gasped, her eyes tearing up. The excruciating pain felt like lava coursing through her veins.
Valtor removed the dagger and stabbed her again. Alawis shrieked.
"I'll introduce you to pain that will make you wish for death with every breath," Valtor sneered.
Alawis met his gaze, her red-rimmed eyes burning with defiance. "He'll come, and you'll suffer a fate worse than mine."
Valtor continued, "That was always the plan, Alawis."
Alawis looked at him in dread. "What do you mean?"
Valtor smiled faintly. "I spent years serving Niel. I know how he thinks. It's simple: protect his mate at all costs. It's a demon's natural instinct."
Alawis's expression conveyed, "Isn't that obvious?"
Valtor nodded, smirking. "Niel isn't simple-minded. Once he realizes the plan, he'll rush back, fueled by rage and a desire to protect you."
"The plan is for him to lose control," Valtor revealed. "As a Stage 1 Dark Star demon, Niel can usually control his power, but his star shatterer—his mate—can be used against him. If you're hurt or worse, he'll succumb to his powers."
Alawis gasped.
Valtor continued, "I discovered an ancient rule: when a Stage 1 Dark Star demon loses control, hell will reclaim him, chaining him for eternity."
Alawis's eyes widened in horror.