Unexpexted ally

Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice echoed throughout Marus's chamber, "So, you desire to slay Marus, Paladin. We share a common adversary, and I am pleased to see that you understand your goddess won't assist you here."

Mira, still consumed by rage, showed no signs of calming down. "Who are you and what do you want!?" she demanded.

"Quiet now," the mysterious voice whispered, "I appreciate your delicious anger but let us not draw unwanted attention. I am Taracus, and I repeat, we share a mutual enemy." Mira recalled past battles against this demon's minions. He was a demon of wroth. She knew that it was her anger that summoned him and

"Let me guess, you want to kill Marus to seize all his power and then slaughter all mortals after devouring his minions?" Mira sneered, suspicion lacing her words. "Me being angry doesn't mean I am under your control, seek servants elsewhere, demon. You are more vile than Marus."

Taracus laughed darkly. "Worse? Perhaps. But consider this, if I capture you, I would never defile your spirit like he intends. I respect warriors and attempt to recruit them... For him, you are merely another, forgive me for a vulgar word, twat to enjoy. For me, you are one of the greatest warriors of this century. Is that truly worse?"

Mira hesitated, clinging onto her remaining honor. "No." Her voice was barely audible. "But you remain my enemy. A murderous fiend."

"Oh, naive girl Mira. The world isn't black and white. You should learn diplomacy. Enemy of an enemy is a friend," his voice dripped with manipulation. "Swear fealty to me, and I grant you power - power these chains cannot contain," as he spoke chains fell off Mira's body allowing her to get on her feet, "Then, you'll join my army, leading it against his forces. His forces will be defeated once and for all. He can't win a two-front war."

"And once we defeat Marus, you will destroy my kingdom, worm!" Mira retorted flexing her numb muscles.

"Silence, fool!" Taraucus snapped, losing patience. "Yes, I will destroy your puny kingdom, too. They will bend their knee, serving me. But rest assured, my plans stretch further than mere destruction. Beyond **** and ****, unlike Marus."

"Then how can I join you? Duty calls me to protect my countrymen, my king. Those who I love." Despite her firm tone, Doubt began creeping into Mira's thoughts.

"To whom do you owe loyalty? Didn't you abandon your Goddess?" The demon questioned relentlessly. "Didn't your king send you to cover the retreat of his brother's forces, putting you in this situation? Didn't commoners lament that the army is led by a mere woman? Didn't other knights lust for you?"

He paused giving Mira time to reflect and continued, "Join me, earn your share of plunder. Take those you cherish as payment. Would Marus allow such freedom? No. He would use them against you. Imagine what he could do to your cousin, sweet Tara. Think carefully, paladin."

"I can't" Mira whispered, her resolve shattering.

"Marus is coming back soon. Remember, either you agree to become my soldier or spend the rest of your life, again. forgive my rudeness, as a set of fuckholes. Your choice, brave knight."