The Mother of Demons

"Aretha! Your arm!"

"Oh, this! It's nothing. It's like pulling out the scales. See?" She replied, pulling them out piece by piece without flinching. "It's fine."

"You're bleeding!"

"It'll heal soon. I need to get that thing that attacked us out of the town. Would you be a dear and keep going until you get to the guard barracks? They'll protect you."

"Thing? Is it a demon?"

"Something like that. See you soon."

"Are-!"

She jumped out of the carriage before he could say anything. She wasn't even armed but he knew she could slay men with only her arms. But when it came to demons, was it really possible? However, what would he be able to do about it?

While Caspian's dilemma had him silent, Aretha was scaling landscapes, her eyes darting left and right. Her crimson eyes glowed like an animal's as she hunted, searching for her prey. She came to a halt around a tree, almost pulling it all out.

She glared straight ahead, narrowing her eyes. She picked out a humanoid figure, walking slowly towards her. The earth shook as the figure walked closer and she finally caught a glimpse of the spines that pierced her arm. She broke off a branch and raised it beside her, waiting.

(Humans do really look down on me)

"If you're being a bastard, you'll be treated like a bastard. What do you want?"

(I smell the blood of the old traitor. What are you, human?)

"The unfortunate bastard tasked with protecting this region. I will not let you 'reclaim' any more land. Just go back to your hell and we'll keep the treaty."

(The time is almost upon us, human. I'm sure your ancestors told you about our promise. I will come back to collect what I am owed.)

"Ugh! Men always think they're owed something. Shut up, you privileged arsehole."

(Men?)

The figure got closer and Aretha saw the most voluptuous woman she had ever seen. Her eyes were crimson and her body was covered in scales, her skin as dark as night. Her hair was like a headdress, several jewels sewn into it.

"Y-Y-You can't be…"

(You seem to know who I am, human.)

"Nyx."

The humanoid figure smiled, revealing her long fangs. If her skin was just a bit lighter, she would've looked just like Aretha. This revelation was baffling to Aretha because she knew who this figure was.

Nyx. Mother of Demons and ruler of the night. She rarely appeared during the day and to humans no less. She fed off the energy of living things and was the most powerful demon ever known to humans. Some even called her the mother of the hive but unlike a regular hive, she didn't need to be protected.

(To take in my spikes, you are rather brave, human. You wish to protect the human with you? Such a fine prey.)

"He's mine. Not even Raphet can take him away from me. Don't even think about it."

(I see you haven't even harnessed a little bit of that energy. How do you manage to control yourself? You're so young. Your hunger should be insatiable.)

"I am not a demon."

(Oh, child. Do you not see it yet? We are so alike. I can see your body developing. You must accept it. You are a…)

"I am not a damn demon! What do you want?"

(I was coming to claim his heart but I have changed my mind. You are a far more precious treasure. I never thought the heavens would bless me with you. I shall make you my successor.)

Down the hills, Caspian finally made it to the town. He struggled to find his way down from the carriage, eventually helped by the carriage driver. He wheeled himself into the barracks and called for a superior immediately.

"What is the meaning of this commotion?"

"The Duchess is in trouble! You need to help her! She's in the woods, alone!"

"The Duchess…is in trouble and she needs help?"

"Yes! She sent me ahead but I couldn't help but be worried. Would you at least send someone to check it out?"

"Do you think we're stupid?"

"…what?"

"How are we sure you're not a demon?" The supposed captain of the guard pointed a sword at his neck, his eyes bearing a steely gaze. Having a sword pointed at his neck, Caspian stopped panicking.

"You…don't believe me?"

"Are we supposed to believe just anyone who walks in here? Do you know what would happen if we all left the barracks? You're coming in here to get us to abandon the town so we could all get killed, huh?!"

"But I'm not…"

"Lying? Am I supposed to take you on your word?"

"I…I am the Duchess's husband."

Hearing that, they were all stunned to silence. They knew the Duchess had a husband but having never met him before, they couldn't let go of their caution. The two sides stood in fierce opposition and a fight was about to break out.

"What's going on here?"

The door flung open and she strolled in with a cold gaze. Her crimson eyes scared them, the captain quickly taking his sword away from Caspian's neck.

"He claims to be your husband, Sire."

"He is my husband."

"But Sire, he could be pretending to be a demon…"

"I'm grateful for your caution, Sir Raymond but I know my husband. Caspian, are you hurt?"

"…no, I'm fine. Your arm!"

"My arm is fine. See?" She replied, displaying her arm. There was barely any marks left. He heaved a sigh of relief and ran his fingers over it. She cupped his face with her free hand, smiling at him.

"I'm glad you made it here safely. Did anything happen here?"

"No, it's nothing serious."

"Are you sure? You are free to punish whoever offends you, my husband."

"I don't want to punish anyone doing their jobs. Besides, they don't know me. I'm just glad you're safe."

Her smile became cryptic. She rose and walked closer to the captain who still held a sword.