“Well done,” Mulguran smirked. “I didn’t think you could get it down in such a short amount of time. I expected you to fail, but alas, you have proven me wrong. That is a feat in and of itself. You seemed to hesitate though. Why?” the demon questioned.

“He revealed himself.” the figure in black spoke. “He believed he could… save me.”

Mulguran jerked his head up in disgusting laughter. “That fool. I always knew it would get him killed. He never learns.”

“I think he knew you sent me after him. The way he spoke.”

Mulguran stared at the figure in black, measuring the human up. He squinted his red eyes, “If he knew…” the demon trailed off. “That is troubling. He’s up to something.”

“He is dead now. I made sure of it.”

Mulguran sighed in annoyance. “You humans are all the same. So hopeless and simple-minded. Soon I will correct that mistake.”

“Indeed, my lord.” the figure agreed. “I look forward to that day.”

“Enough of that…” he waved his hand in dismissal. “You had another task, why haven’t you completed it?” Mulguran hissed, his usual annoyance replacing his temporary joy.

“My lord.” the hooded figure bowed deeply. “Killing either of them takes time. An opportunity has not yet risen. However, I have made sure she will be delayed. She will not get here in time to spoil my plans.”

“Good.” Mulguran gritted his teeth. “You are exactly where I want you. Focus on your next target for now. Leave Cara to me.”

“My allies intercepted her messenger hawks. She intends to follow us.” the human said. “However, not only is my target in Unari, but the queen is also on her way. And no one knows she is coming.”

“I am aware,” Mulguran said in annoyance.

The figure in black bowed once again.

Mulguran raised an eyebrow, he was impressed with his servant and he showed it by smiling evilly. “You have done well so far. But I feel the doubt in you. Don’t falter now. The more you resist, the harder it becomes for you.”

“I live to serve you, my lord.” the figure dressed in black bowed further to the ground.

“Excellent,” Mulguran noted. “It will bring great pleasure to finally see her dead. She’s been a thorn in my side for some time. I’m through with toying with her. Now I need to be rid of her.”

“Yes, my lord,” the figure nodded.

Mulguran immediately noticed the hint of regret in the voice and he turned to his servant with glaring red eyes.

“You don’t agree?” Mulguran frowned in disappointment. “I can feel it emanating from you. Don’t lose your edge now.” he mocked. “You may care for them. But remember what I hold in the palm of my hand. Her life is in the balance.”

The hooded figure said nothing, only freezing in motion.

“I don’t have to tell you again what will happen if you don’t obey me, do I?” Mulguran sighed in annoyance. “As much as I love tormenting you, I grow tired of your sentiment. That is your species greatest weakness.”

He loomed over the human, measuring the tiny life form that seemed so small compared to him, his gaze flickered back and forth.

“Forget your love. Forget your passion. Forget your heart.” Mulguran warned. “It belongs to me. I own you. Don’t disappoint me. You are so close to achieving something greater than yourself. If I deem you worthy, you will be rewarded in the new world.”

He scoffed, watching his servant's reaction. “I might even let you rule.”

“Forgive me, my lord.” the human said. “I have not forgotten. I am determined to see it through. I will do your bidding... without hesitation. And I will not fail you.”

“Good.” Mulguran glared at the human.

His eyes flickered upward, into the sky in which the figure in black could not see. He grinned evilly, his fangs showing.

Through the black spiraling portal, the human could only watch the demon.

“He’s finally come.” Mulguran chuckled to no one in particular. “Oh how long I’ve waited for this moment. Can’t you see? You’ve already lost.”

A voice called back to Mulguran, it was calm and collected which infuriated the demon.

Mulguran hissed in anger. “You cannot stop me. You can’t even save yourself.”

A voice replied to him, still low and calm but the figure in black could not make out the words.

“I won’t let you interfere further.” Mulguran barked. “You will not take this victory from me!”

The figure in black only stared into the dark vortex in awe and confusion. Mulguran was arguing with someone, something, from behind the image. Without another word, the portal closed in on itself and Mulguran disappeared from sight.

Whatever was happening, the figure in black had a task. Mulguran sounded troubled but that did not diminish the importance of the mission. That task would be fulfilled.