In a beautiful yet dark regal office, Crimson sits behind a grand, ornate desk. His arms are folded, expression sharp and unwelcoming. Two demons enter. Their momentary surprise at seeing an imp quickly turns to smug amusement—especially from one of them.
DEMON 1
(Scoffing, grinning)
"Well, well. What's a little imp like you doing behind the big desk?"
Crimson's fingers tap the desk in a slow, ominous rhythm. His gaze cuts sharp as a blade. He leans forward, voice cool and full of warning.
CRIMSON
"Lord Ravish is otherwise occupied. I'm managing things in his absence. I understand you were sent on a job. Care to tell me how that went?"
The demons exchange a glance. Demon 2 looks uneasy. Demon 1 kicks back in his seat, flashing an arrogant smirk.
DEMON 1
"Yeah, sure. Minor setback, no biggie. We'll snag that soul next time."
Crimson's tail gives a slow, irritated flick. He masks it with a thin smile, keeping his demeanor calm but cold.
CRIMSON
(Evenly)
"And how much does this setback cost Lord Ravish?"
DEMON 2
(Anxiously)
"Half a million, sir. We—uh—we really didn't mean—"
DEMON 1
(Interrupting, with a chuckle)
"Oh, c'mon. It's just a few souls. Don't get your tail in a twist."
Crimson exhales a cloud of smoke, his smirk now tinged with menace. He snaps his fingers. Two gang members glide from the shadows like predators, seizing Demon 1 and slamming him against the desk.
CRIMSON
(Rising slowly)
"Funny. You think I'm just some imp you can laugh off? That I don't bite?"
He grabs Demon 1's chin, forcing eye contact. His tone drops to a cold whisper.
CRIMSON
"You botched the job. Insulted me. That's two strikes. I was going to split the punishment, but since you like running your mouth…"
He releases him with a shove, turning to his crew.
CRIMSON
"Make sure this one remembers what respect looks like."
Blades glint in the low light. With a nod from Crimson, the enforcers strike. Demon 1's screams rip through the air as his horns and tail are severed with brutal precision. Blood stains the floor as his body shudders in agony.
DEMON 1
(Screaming)
"AAAAAAGGHHHH!!"
Crimson watches, unmoved. Then he kicks the crumpled demon toward his trembling companion.
CRIMSON
"That's your lesson for today. And you—" (his gaze locks on Demon 2) "—get to walk. But next time you talk to me? You remember what I did to your buddy."
Demon 2 frantically nods, barely catching Demon 1 before he collapses completely.
CRIMSON
(Waving them off)
"Go. Get outta here."
As they limp out, Crimson calls after them with a wicked grin.
CRIMSON
"And remember—no more excuses!"
He sinks back into his chair, lighting a fresh cigar. A thin smile of satisfaction creeps across his face—until a sharp chime breaks the moment. A summoning bell.
CRIMSON
(Groans)
"Of course. That's Ravish."
He sighs, extinguishes his cigar, and straightens his jacket. Tail swishing in irritation, he mutters as he walks toward Ravish's chambers.
CRIMSON
(Sighs)
"Let's get this fuckin' over with..."
Crimson enters the lavish bedroom. Lord Ravish lounges across silken sheets, a devilish grin spreading across his lips as he beckons Crimson closer with a single, curled finger.
RAVISH
(Smoothly)
"There you are, Crimmy. Done roughhousing? I trust you've been managing my empire well in my absence?"
Crimson approaches, half-exasperated, half-affectionate. He sits beside Ravish, his tail curling around his ankle.
CRIMSON
(Dryly)
"Everything's fine. Just had to remind a few amateurs who's in charge."
Ravish laughs, eyes gleaming with pride.
RAVISH
"That's my boy. Knew you had it in you. Now, come show me just how much you missed me."
Crimson smirks and leans in. Their kiss is slow, deep, and full of pent-up desire—heat rising between them as their bodies press close, lost in a moment only they share.
Ravish slinks closer, his fingers drifting casually along Crimson's thigh. Crimson stiffens, tail twitching in unease as the touch lingers, creeping higher.
RAVISH
(Purring, mock-pouting)
"Mmm, always so tense, Crimmy. That soul can wait. What really matters is how you're handling my guests. You're not being too rough, are you? I'd hate for you to break my favorite toys."
Crimson keeps his posture controlled, voice even, masking the discomfort curling in his gut.
CRIMSON
"They crossed a line. Disrespected me—and by extension, you. I reminded them where they stand. Just like you asked."
Ravish leans in, nuzzling Crimson's cheek affectionately, the touch laced with possession. His tone is soft, almost sweet—but sharp beneath the surface.
RAVISH
"Mmm… fair. But you can't squeeze blood from a stone, darling. Don't mistake my approval for a green light to maim everything. I liked what you did… just leave them functional, yes?"
Crimson forces a smile, knuckles whitening on the edge of the bed.
CRIMSON
"Understood. I'll… dial it back. Next time."
Ravish slides a hand around Crimson's back, pulling him down to rest against his chest. His touch is both soothing and dominant, a reminder of who holds the leash.
RAVISH
"You're so damn sexy when you're furious. Gets me hot."
He trails his tongue across Crimson's lips. Crimson flinches. He tries to stay composed, but his voice betrays strain.
CRIMSON
"My lord… I really should get back. Reports, finances—there's still work to be done."
Ravish clicks his tongue disapprovingly, voice turning low and predatory.
RAVISH
"Tsk, tsk. Crimmy… I told you to call me love. You remember what happens when you don't listen, right?"
Crimson goes rigid. The air in his lungs tightens as old fear slithers back into his chest.
CRIMSON
(Quietly, through gritted teeth)
"Yes… my love. I'm sorry. I just need to finish a few things. Then I'll come back. I promise."
Ravish cups Crimson's face with a sickly sweet smile, eyes gleaming with control and desire.
RAVISH
"Good. Because tonight, I want you back here… in that little outfit I picked out. You know the one."
Crimson's face burns with humiliation, but he nods quickly, grateful for the out.
CRIMSON
"Yes, my love. I'll wear it. I'll be back soon."
He leaves in a hurry, the echo of Ravish's gaze crawling down his spine. Once outside, he collapses against the wall, breath shallow, hands trembling as he adjusts his tie.
CRIMSON
(Under his breath)
"Fucking bastard… Just get through this night. One more night…"
But as he returns to the office, Crimson's shoulders straighten. The fear dulls beneath a rising sense of purpose. With Ravish's backing, he's now untouchable—powerful. No more looking over his shoulder. No more being dismissed because of his species.
He lights a fine cigar, sinking into his chair like a king on his throne. The reports before him look less like chores now, and more like opportunities.
CRIMSON
(Dark, satisfied)
"This… this is the life. No more being stepped on. No more playing the bottom rung. They'll respect me—because I'm Ravish's partner… and because I earned this."
He takes a slow drag from the cigar, the smoke curling around him like a crown. Crimson's eyes gleam—not with fear this time, but with ambition.