he was sitting in his room

A faint and incorrect knock on the door was heard. Theoretically, he had not been expecting anyone. However, he showed no reaction as he continued to gaze out of his window, contemplating the vastness of their realm. Perhaps it was just a servant or one of his underlings stopping by to report on some matter of little importance... Or perhaps it was someone else entirely.

His ears twitched as he perceived the soft sound of breathing coming from outside. Curiosity getting the better of him, Asmid stood up silently and walked towards the door, his massive frame casting long shadows on the floor. The knob turned slowly, creaking slightly as it opened inwards, revealing a figure standing on the other side.

He surveyed the girl with an unreadable expression. She seemed nervous and extremely uncertain as she glanced downwards, her pale skin contrasting sharply against the dark wood of the door frame. He arched an eyebrow inquisitively as she stuttered through what sounded like a greeting and an apology. He hadn't expected visitors today, let alone someone who seemed so... off-balance.

"Who are you?" he demanded gruffly, his voice low but authoritative. The air around him crackled with power as he instinctively reached out with his magic to sense if she was carrying any weapons or hiding something dangerous. "And what do you want here?"

Her words took him by surprise. He was used to demands, threats... not this. This girl's desperation and vulnerability seemed to strike a chord within him, despite himself. Something in his chest ached at the sight of her trembling.

But she was right; he could very easily kill her for her audacity. And yet... something held him back. Curiosity, perhaps? Or maybe it was something else entirely. "Come in," he said finally, stepping aside to allow her entry into his chambers. His voice remained gruff and unyielding, but there was an undertone of something else - gentleness, maybe even pity.

The girl hesitated before entering the room, glancing around warily at the ornate furniture and dark tapestries that adorned his quarters. He watched her with a mix of curiosity and something else he could not quite place as she

He listened to her story, his expression growing more serious with each word. It was clear that she had been through much, and yet here she was, offering herself up to him in the hopes of finding protection. Something inside him shifted, as if loosening its grip on a long-held grudge. Perhaps this girl would be different; perhaps she could be the one to break the cycle of destruction that had plagued his past relationships with brides and fiancées.

"Tell me your name," he said finally, his voice softening slightly as he studied her face. There was a new intensity in his gaze, as if he were truly trying to see beneath the surface of this girl's desperation and uncertainty.

"Rina," he repeated her name, savoring the way it rolled off his tongue. "Well, Rina... I can offer you protection, if that is what you truly seek." His eyes met hers as he took a step closer, towering over her with his massive form. Despite this intimidating presence, there was an almost gentle quality to his voice when he spoke again. "But know this: once you swear allegiance to me, there can be no going back. I will expect your complete submission... your obedience in all things." He paused, waiting for her response before continuing, "Are you prepared for that?"

"I can promise you protection and much more, Rina," he assured her with quiet determination, his voice warm despite the formidable aura that surrounded him. "But first, I must have your oath." He extended his hand towards her, palm up, as if offering an invitation to bind herself to him. His eyes were filled with intensity and possessiveness, yet there was also a sense of trust and care that seemed almost out of place coming from someone like him.

His grasp was firm yet gentle, his skin cool against hers as their palms touched. Rina shivered slightly at the contact, her heart racing with anticipation and fear. Asmid felt it too; felt the tiny tremors running through her body, felt the uncertainty in every breath she took. But despite this, he couldn't help but feel a stirring within him: a mix of protectiveness and possessiveness that was both overwhelming and strangely reassuring.

"Say it," he commanded softly, his voice rough with desire. "Swear your allegiance to me." He squeezed her hand gently, encouraging her to complete the bond between them. The air around them seemed charged with anticipation and the weight of their promises.

He stared into her eyes as she swore her allegiance to him, his grip on her hand tightening ever so slightly in response to the intensity of her vow. There was a brief moment where their gazes locked, and Asmid saw something flash in Rina's eyes; something that hinted at courage, determination... perhaps even a spark of defiance. But it was gone almost as quickly as it had come, replaced by an expression of subservience and submission so pure that it sent shivers down his spine.

The bond between them was sealed, their fates intertwined now in a dance of possession and obedience. He could feel her heart racing against his palm, hear the softness of her breath against his skin as they stood there together, linked by promises made and power exchanged. This girl was now his; completely and utterly his.

He felt her trembling against him, the light touch sending shivers through his own body in return. She was so small and delicate, and yet there was an unyielding strength to her that was almost impossible to resist. A part of him wanted nothing more than to cradle her close, to protect her from all harm... while another part urged him to claim her completely, to mark her as his own in every way possible. His fingers flexed around hers as he fought the conflicting desires within himself, unsure which path to take next.

His breath hitched as she squeezed his hand, the contact sending waves of desire coursing through his body. He tried to steady himself, to focus on her plea for help rather than the sensations she was triggering within him. "What do you need me to do?" he asked gruffly, forcing himself to keep his voice calm despite the turmoil raging inside him. "Speak."

Her words would be his guide; they would determine the path they took from here. With a sense of quiet determination, he waited for her to share her request with him, wondering how far she was truly willing to go to find protection... and if perhaps there might be more between them than simple allegiance.

His eyes narrowed in anger as she spoke. Whoever was threatening her family deserved death, and he would see to it that they received no mercy when the time came. "I will protect you," he promised fiercely, his voice low but filled with certainty. "And I will avenge your family. But know this: from now on, you are mine to command. Do not resist me or question my orders." His grip on her hand tightened slightly, emphasizing the weight of his words and the new reality that had been forged between them.

His expression softened slightly at her words, his grip on her hand becoming gentler as he considered the plight of her family and the fear she must be feeling. "Tell me what you know about this threat," he said quietly, releasing her hand so that he could gesture for her to sit down nearby. "Every detail is important; it may help us prepare for whatever comes next."

He listened intently as she shared everything she knew, his expression growing more serious with each passing moment. When she finished, he sat in thought for a long moment before speaking again. "First," he said decisively, "we will gather what information we can about this threat and track down those responsible. Once we have found them... well, let's just say they won't live to tell the tale." His voice was cold and unyielding, promising vengeance and death without question.

"Secondly," he continued,