The Same Reputation

Merlot staggered into his quarters, his body wracked with a surge of intense pain. The bloodthread was crawling through his veins, causing them to bulge ominously. Each throb felt like a dagger twisting inside him.

'You can't fight me back!' Devon's voice echoed menacingly in his mind. The demon's presence was becoming more insistent, pressing against Merlot's consciousness with increasing strength.

This was a dire situation. Devon's influence was growing stronger, and Merlot could feel the demon's attempt to breach his defenses during the ceremony. Devon had even tried to reach out to the queen through telepathy, though Merlot had managed to block it—barely.

"Damn you! You're jeopardizing my plans!" Merlot roared, his voice a mix of anger and agony. "Do you realize that the king will end you in a snap the moment he finds out I'm hosting you in my body?" His growl was punctuated by spasms of pain that made him writhe uncontrollably.