Chapter 2 – The Demon's Temptation
The torches burned low in the throne room.
Rale leaned lazily on his throne, twirling a wine glass filled with dark crimson liquid that wasn't quite wine.
The succubus general stepped forward, hips swaying with every step. Her bat-like wings folded behind her, and her crimson eyes gleamed with mischief.
"My lord," she said softly, kneeling before him. "You seem… different today. Not like the cruel Arch Demon everyone feared."
Rale smirked.
"Maybe that's because I'm not interested in endless wars or killing. What I want…" He leaned forward, his voice dropping into a playful whisper. "...is a little fun."
The succubus tilted her head, her lips curling into a sultry smile.
"Oh? Fun, my lord? I could provide… plenty of that."
She rose slowly, placing one hand on his chest. Her touch was warm despite her demonic aura. Rale felt his heartbeat quicken—so different from the lonely silence of his old life.
Her lips brushed close to his ear.
"Shall I prove my loyalty to you… in a more personal way?"
Rale chuckled, fighting the urge to shiver.
"I died a virgin once, and I won't make that mistake again. But…" His crimson eyes locked with hers. "I don't want blind devotion. I want real love."
The succubus blinked in surprise. Demons were used to lust, not love. But his words stirred something different in her chest.
A playful smirk returned to her face as she leaned even closer.
"Then allow me to show you, my lord. Tonight… I will make you feel alive."
The torches flickered, casting their shadows together against the throne room walls.
And for the first time since his reincarnation, Rale realized—
Being the villain might not be so bad.