Shake the hand. You have a feeling things will work out.

You shake the demons gloved hand. Her grip is strong around your fingers, and hot. Her covered skin is scalding as your hands intertwine.

You feel apprehension at what is to come. Truth be told, you and your people know very little of infernal existence. Encounters with such creatures are rare, and knowledge about them is forbidden to clandestine circles. The big question: Have I made a huge mistake? races through your mind, until you are interrupted by a powerful surge of magic sent through your connected limbs. The paralyzing lightning drops you to one knee. You try to wrench free, but you are caught by an grip stronger then steel. In deep pain and fear, you see the devil. The pain continues until you've dropped down-- kneeling on the ground impotently. She has crossed over the border of the circle, and is standing over you like a cat over its prey.

She lets go of your hand, but your muscles are sluggish and unresponsive. Crouched on the ground, you focus on trying to catch your breath.

"Let's get ready to head out. Time is ticking, and we are going to have so much fun!" She starts walking down the room. "Don't worry about the vampire, it's a few hours until dawn-- but we'll be done here shortly."

The creaking of hinges, then a rustling tells you the devil has walked across the room to ornate chest. You hear the clack of her heels striking stone as she strides back your way. You are still slouched on the ground, kneeling-- unable to stand. You try to look her way, but your head is heavy. Some magical forces has innervated every muscle-- your heart races in fear.

A heap of ropes and straps thumps loudly at your side.

You start to regain control of your body. Your hands open and close weakly, and you can turn your head slightly. I'll be able to fight back soon... I need to be ready.

Before you can set your plan in motion, the devil sets upon you. Like a spider wrapping up a fly, the devil is a focused blur of activity. Coils of rope go around your chest and limbs, tightened and cinched in every spot. The restraints dig into your leather armor firmly. Your arms are pulled back, crisscrossed, and wrenched up into a painful tie. Several loops of rope go under and above your chest securing your bound arms to your torso.

You try to pull your arms free, straining with all your might, but the ropes are steadfast. The best you can manage is to rotate your hands and flail your entire torso. Damn... there isn't a single knot in reach. You try to reach your sword, still belted at your side, but you can't come close with your hands stuck high up your back.

She moves onto your legs. You are kneeling on the ground still. More rope is piled around each leg separately, welding calf to thigh.

Moments pass, and you've almost completely regained control of your movements-- but it's too late. You try to stand, but the best you can manage is to squirm helplessly on your feet and knees. Your arms are completely stuck. You look up at the satisfied devil. The demon's eyes are penetrating balls of fire. She wipes several loose strands of hair out of your eyes.

"Having fun yet?" she taunts. "If you want out of the contract, just say so."

She waits for a response.