Asmodeus, The Demon

Asmodeus snarled, a low, guttural sound that shook the air around us. His claws scraped against the ground, sending sparks into the blackness. “You’re… playing a dangerous game, little girl.” he spat. “You have no idea what you’re… dealing with.”

“I have a pretty good idea,” I said, my tone sharp, even as my heart threatened to beat out of my chest. The necklace felt heavy in my grip, urging me forward. “But I’m not handing it over to some demon to free his master.”

“Give it back!” The demon—Asmodeus, he’d called himself—roared. His form was a grotesque nightmare made flesh: matted fur, claws like jagged scythes, and glowing red eyes that radiated pure malice.

“Give what back?” I shot back, forcing my voice to remain steady, even as my heart hammered in my chest. “This necklace? It’s mine! A family heirloom—my mom gave it to me!”

“You lie!” Asmodeus thundered, his voice vibrating with fury as he lunged forward.

“Alright, fine! You want to play rough?” I dug my feet into the earth, bracing myself, then thrust my hands into the air and chanted, “Παρός μικρόν ἐστιν. Για προσεκύνησαν!”

Magma swirled at my command, but to my dismay, Asmodeus simply stepped right through it. The fire that should have scorched him didn’t even faze him—he barely seemed to notice. A sense of dread washed over me.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” I muttered, my jaw tightening as the demon's massive form continued forward, effortlessly parting the flames like they were nothing more than a passing gust of warm air.

“Cute spell,” he sneered, his voice dripping with mocking amusement. “But I am not so easily stopped.” 

I took a step back, panic bubbling up as I racked my brain for options. 

“Alright, fine! You’re fireproof. How impressive. But if you think for one second you’re getting this necklace, you’re sorely mistaken.”

“It is not yours,” he growled, his claws twitching. “That necklace is the key to the seal of my master. It belongs to the Demon Lord!”

I blinked. “And here I thought it was just an accessory my mom gave me because she felt guilty about forgetting my birthday.”

Asmodeus stopped, towering over me. “Do you even know what you carry?”

“Uh, yeah. Apparently, it’s Demon Lord Keychain Deluxe Edition.” I crossed my arms, glaring at him despite the overwhelming urge to run. “And guess what? It’s mine.”

The demon growled again, his claws scraping against the dirt. “You don’t understand. That necklace binds my master. Only you can release him. And if you won’t give it willingly, I’ll make you.”

“Is that so?” I replied, stepping back until I felt the sharp press of a rock against my heels. My mind spun in overdrive—he could break through my magic, he was faster, stronger. But one thing was clear… he needed me.

A mischievous grin spread across my face. “Hold on a minute. You need me to free your master, don’t you?”

He hissed, claws digging into the earth. “What’s your point?”

“And if I die, the necklace becomes useless, right? Just so we’re clear, I’m the only daughter in my family. If I die, you’re stuck. Your master stays locked away, and you get nothing. Got it?” I paused, watching his growl waver. “Ah, now I see! You can’t hurt me, can you? Because if you do, you lose everything.”

Asmodeus sneered, his glowing eyes narrowing. “You’re unbearable.”

“Thank you! I do try.” I stepped forward, a surge of confidence running through me now that I’d uncovered his weakness. “Here’s the deal, demon. I keep the necklace safe, and you don’t lay a finger on me. No claws, no teeth, no magic, no minions—nothing.”

He snarled, unimpressed. “Why should I agree to that?”

“Because,” I said, dangling the necklace just out of reach, “if you don’t, I’ll drop it in the nearest river. Or maybe I’ll toss it into a lava pit. Or better yet, bury it deep in a landfill. You think your master enjoys being sealed? Let’s see how he likes being locked up forever.”

Asmodeus bared his teeth, claws flexing with rage, but he held his ground. “You dare bargain with me?”

“I dare to survive,” I shot back, meeting his gaze. “Now, what’s it going to be?”

For a long moment, I thought he might attack. But then, slowly, his massive form seemed to deflate, and he straightened. His eyes—those piercing red eyes—narrowed with reluctant respect. “Fine. I will not harm you.”

“Or send your minions after me,” I added, just to be sure.

“Or send my minions,” he grumbled through clenched teeth.

“Or try to find any sneaky loopholes to hurt me indirectly.”

With a frustrated growl, he nodded. “No loopholes.”

“Wonderful!” I beamed, slipping the necklace safely back under my shirt. “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.”

“This isn’t over,” Asmodeus hissed, his voice now full of menace. He retreated into the shadows, but not before giving me one last, ominous warning. “You have no idea what you’ve gotten yourself into, human.”

“Oh, believe me,” I called after him, “I have a pretty good idea.” Then, with a wicked grin, I added, “And by the way, tell your other demon friends I said hi!”

***

The forest settled into an eerie silence. I collapsed onto a nearby log, heart still pounding in my chest. “Well, Valkyrie,” I muttered to myself, staring up at the starlit sky, “you’ve just made a deal with a demon. What could possibly go wrong?”

***

Somewhere in the distance, I swore I heard Asmodeus muttering, “Humans are the worst.” And, for once, I couldn’t really argue with him.

***

The silence was overwhelming, and for a moment, everything felt still. My heart raced, but as the adrenaline wore off, the fear hit me all at once. The necklace felt heavier than ever, and I suddenly realized the full weight of what was happening.

"I almost died." I sank to my knees, tears stinging my eyes.

Why is this happening to me? The thought spiraled through my mind as I pressed my bloodied fingers into the wound. I just wanted a normal life. A chance to be free. To not be hunted. To not have demons chasing me or any crown prince chaining me.

I didn’t want to do this anymore. I didn’t want to fight. I just wanted to live.

***

But then, through the blur of my tears, I heard it.

A powerful roar. A sound that pierced through the fog of fear and pain.

“Riri?” I whispered, lifting my head with blurry eyes.

The roar came again, louder this time. It was Riri, my familiar. My little baby.

The sound of his roar stirred something deep inside me. My chest tightened, not from pain, but from the fire that ignited within me. I wasn’t alone. I couldn’t stay broken. I had someone by my side, and I couldn’t let fear keep me from what I had to do.

I pressed my palm against the wound one last time, feeling the sting, but refusing to let it define me.

With a shaky breath, I stood, determination replacing my panic. The pain throbbed with every movement, but it didn’t stop me. Not anymore.

“Alright,” I whispered, a hint of resolve in my voice. “I’m not done yet.”

The roar of Riri echoed again, and with a renewed sense of purpose, I pushed forward. The second phase of the final selection awaited, and I wasn’t going to let fear or pain hold me back. Not now. Not when I had everything to fight for.