No deal, but a new temptation!

"Sorry, lady, but my love isn't weak enough to falter from a little threat. I'll prove to you that I can make it to you and take her back! You won't live long enough to regret your decision!" Ark spat out, only earning the laugher of the Succubus as her voice faded. For now, he needed to press on. Her annoying taunts weren't nearly enough to put a dent in his armor.

He was, however, curious about the castle he'd found himself in. It was incredibly large and seemed to stretch into the sky. How had no one seen this place before? Why hadn't anyone put out an order to kill the succubus? It didn't make sense to him. The building looked too old and too worn down to be new.

He bristled as he felt a sudden cool air on his neck followed by a pair of arms dealing over his shoulders. "Are you lost, little one?" Ark jumped and drew his sword and pointing it at the woman in front of him.

"I take it you're a succubus," he sneered back. While her form was absolutely enticing, he had a mission. "Don't try to stop me."

"Aw," she cooed and leaned forward a bit. "You're being a bit of a naughty boy."

"What do you even want? Why get in my way? There's only one succubus I'm after," he hoped to convince these others to stand down. He wasn't sure how many would get in his way, but he didn't want to waste any time.

"Well, sweetie, the succubus that ensnares you becomes the new Queen. You're quite the special prize," the succubus winked and straightened out. "I am Venus, but you can just call me mommy~. No sense in worrying about all of this stupid castle and tower stuff. Just let me pamper you and take care of you for eternity!"

"I'll stick with 'succubus,' thanks. And I'll find my wife and get her out of here. I'm not just going to stop and give in right off the jump," he kept his sword steady in case she made any movements. He didn't know what her plan was, but he wasn't going to let his guard down. "And what's so special about me?"

Venus clicked her tongue in motherly disappointment, "I've already said all I'm allowed to say. That is, unless, you agree to become mine. I'll tell you everything you want to know! I only want you, sweetie. I'm doing this for your own good."

Yeah. Like that was going to happen. "I appreciate that, but I prefer things without strings attached. If you were doing it for my own good, you would be helping me instead of trying to stop me."

She looked down and shook her head, "I suppose you're right."