Another term of their deal

(And we are back to Matthew)

I allowed a horrific grin to spread across my face as she flailed in my grip. I gave a low deep chuckle as I continued to use the magic of the land to echo my voice. "What is wrong, lady Normn? What brings you such fear? Shoult you not already know that flailing about achieves nothing?"

I had to admit, 'this had most certainly not gone to the original plan. At first, I had planned to be a naive nature god until I had gotten her where I wanted her. However, that went out the window when she saw me and immediately cowered in fear.'

It was safe to say that fear was a strategy that I would work with. Of course, it isn't always the best strategy. Fear only worked as long as the subjects feared you, which meant if you were in a pinch, it would only get worse. However, no matter how hard I attempted to bring the conversation to a calmer place, she seemed unable to get over her terror.

Regardless of my first plan, the deal had still most certainly gone in my favor. I had been amazed at her terms, as they were both secretly in my favor. I of course needed my church to spread, but her asking me to help Wodegta would give me the perfect excuse to begin working on the preparations for my great plans. I just needed to confirm that this deal would work.

At a lack of better options, I gave an internal shrug, mentally said 'Fuck it', and went all in on fear. 'At least for her, this strategy should not backfire. She isn't going to become a key minion in my plans, not most likely. The most I need is for this deal to hold.'

She stopped for a few seconds, panting to catch her breath and watching me fearfully. There was something thrilling about being this feared, about inspiring this much terror within someone. To have them feel so weak towards you and have them know it.

She gathered herself enough to barely speak, "W-why are you doing this?"

I tilted my head, "Why? I thought we were making a pact?"

She looked at me with confusion slightly dominating her fear for a slight moment, "What does that have to do with you seizing me like this?" Fear was still prevalent in her voice, defying her expression.

I let out a laugh like someone laughing at a child asking an obvious question, "A pact must be sealed with a fitting means. With your kind it is commonly in blood or a contract. But, I am a god," I stared directly into her eyes, "And a god leaves a mark upon those they deal with."

Her eyes widened in realization, and somehow yet greater horror. At last, she became unable to hold back her tears as she shook her head in disbelief. "No. P-p-please no! I can't go back with some brand on me! Please!"

The struggling began anew as I reached my other hand towards her. She tried in vain to push my hand away as I pressed my pointer finger to the very base of her neck. Unlike last time, I didn't want this to be a form of intimidation/****, as she was already scared enough of me. If it weren't for warmth, she may have died from fear by now.

Remembering warmth, I realized that I must either look truly horrific, or have accidentally played into the fear myself, as it was supposed to make people less scared of my appearance. I internally snarled, careful to not scare Norma anymore, cursing the Femboy angel for his lacking information on the skills he gave me.

Going back to Norma, I carefully activated Mark of Submission, putting as smooth a flow of mana into it as possible. She gave a gasp of shock, but it didn't seem to be from pain as much as just a surprise from the sensation. Her fight seemed to halt, perhaps having some fear fade seeing as it was not as painful as she thought.

The mark was different this time. It was still the collar of thorns and fangs, but it seemed less aggressive. The thorns and teeth were smaller, with budding roses visible upon the vine parts. All in all, it gave a more elegant and distinguished feel than the previous threatening and oppressive one.

Once the process was done, I carefully set her down, and she immediately fell forward to her kneed, panting. As she fell further down, holding herself up with her arms, I could have sworn I saw her blushing. I shook my head, disregarding that mistake, as I waited for her to respond to the situation.

It took a surprisingly long time for her to compose herself. She managed to pant out, "What... did you do... to me?"

I simply chuckled in response, "I believe I already told you that. I have given you my mark." I waved my hand towards the gateway from here, sensing its location. Using my mana, I pulled it closer and split the foliage between me and it, making a clear path. I turned back to her, "You are free to leave this place, it is not quite fitting of one with your demeanor. Matthew will meet you again outside, I wish you good fortune in the near future."

As I began to leave, I heard her call out behind me, "Wait!" Unfortunately for her, I was quite satisfied with the events of this negotiation, and was fine cutting it off there. I made sure to break line of sight once again before I was prepared to go back.

One last question lingered in my mind as I began my transformation back into my human form.