The devil's proposal

Cora sat in the secluded corner of the library, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to process what had just occurred. Her mind replayed the horrifying moment when Jaffet's eyes turned crimson and his fangs extended. She clenched her fists, willing her nerves to settle. Damien stood in front of her, leaning against the table with the kind of cocky ease that grated her nerves.

"You're shaking, little bird," Damien noted, his voice laced with an infuriating amount of amusement. "Let me guess—Jaffet tried to get cozy?"

Cora's gaze shot up, narrowing at him. "Cozy? He's a vampire, Damien! He tried to—" Her voice faltered as the memory of Jaffet's hypnotic whisper resurfaced. "And what's worse, you already knew, didn't you?"

Damien's smirk deepened, the curve of his lips maddeningly smug. He folded his arms, his presence commanding even in silence. "I wouldn't say I knew he'd try to bite you, but I'm not surprised. You're... different, Cora."

Her stomach twisted. "Different? What's that supposed to mean?"

Damien's eyes gleamed, predatory yet amused. "You resisted his hypnotic spell, didn't you? That's not something a human should be able to do."

Cora stiffened, her heart pounding painfully in her chest. "So what are you saying? That I'm not human?"

His brow arched arrogantly as he leaned closer, his piercing eyes locking onto hers. "That's exactly what I'm saying, little bird. And I'd suggest you figure out what you are before someone less charming than me decides to make it their business."

Cora's breath hitched. Her dreams, the masked woman, the whispers in the dark—they all suddenly felt like pieces of a puzzle she wasn't ready to solve. She glared at Damien, desperate to deflect. "And what about Jaffet? He said something about reporting me to the authorities. Who are they?"

Damien straightened, his hands sliding into his pockets with infuriating nonchalance. "Ah, yes. The authorities. Let's just say they're not the friendly neighborhood watch. They don't take kindly to anomalies like you."

Cora's blood ran cold. "Anomalies? You're making it sound like I'm some kind of freak!"

Damien chuckled, the sound low and sinful, like he was enjoying her distress. "Relax, Cora. Freak is such an ugly word. Let's go with unique."

Her temper flared, but before she could retort, Damien cut her off with a raised hand. "Here's the deal. Jaffet's going to run his mouth about you, and when the authorities come sniffing, they'll want answers. Answers you can't give. That's where I come in."

"Let me guess," Cora said dryly, "this is where your infamous proposal comes in."

He grinned, all teeth and charm. "Bingo. You're catching on fast."

Cora folded her arms, her frustration bubbling over. "Why do you care, Damien? You don't strike me as the altruistic type."

Damien stepped closer, and she felt the shift in the air, heavy and charged. "Let me make something clear," he murmured, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "This isn't about charity. You're useful to me, Cora. And I don't let things I find useful slip through my fingers."

Her pulse raced, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. "Useful how?"

He smirked again, a flicker of mischief dancing in his eyes. "You'll act as my girlfriend."

Cora blinked, convinced she'd misheard him. "I'm sorry, what?"

Damien's smirk widened, clearly enjoying her reaction. "You heard me. Play the role. Be my girlfriend. Smile when I tell you to. Cling to my arm. You get the picture."

"You can't be serious!" she snapped, her voice rising slightly. "What kind of narcissistic—"

Damien's laughter cut her off, rich and utterly unapologetic. "Narcissistic? Absolutely. But I'm also your best chance at staying alive, little bird. So what's it going to be?"

Cora glared at him, the audacity of his proposal making her blood boil. "Why would I ever agree to something so... ridiculous?"

Damien leaned in, his midnight black eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "Because if you don't, the authorities will come for you. And trust me, they're not known for their mercy."

Her throat went dry. She didn't doubt him—something about the way he said it sent a shiver down her spine. But agreeing to this... charade? The idea made her stomach churn.

"You're impossible," she muttered, looking away.

"I prefer irreplaceable," Damien countered smoothly. "But I'll take the compliment."

Cora bit back a groan. "And what happens when this little act of yours falls apart?"

"It won't," he said confidently. "Because you'll play your part perfectly. Won't you, little bird?"

The nickname grated on her nerves, but she knew she didn't have much of a choice. Damien had her cornered, and he knew it.

"Fine," she bit out, her voice laced with reluctance. "I'll do it. But this doesn't mean I trust you."

Damien's grin was nothing short of triumphant. "Trust is overrated anyway."

As he turned to leave, Cora called after him. "Damien?"

He paused, glancing back over his shoulder. "Yes, little bird?"

"Why me?" she asked quietly. "Out of everyone, why are you doing this for me?"

For a moment, his cocky demeanor faltered, replaced by something darker, something unreadable. But then his smirk returned, sharp and playful. "You intrigue me, Cora. And I don't let intriguing things slip away."

With that, he walked off, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the growing realization that she'd just made a deal with the devil.