"So, let me get this straight. All I have to do is sign here - in my own blood - and you will give whatever I desire, right?"

Forneus felt like rubbing his hands in glee. It wasn't often that the demon had such a wonderful prize within his grasp. The young woman sitting in front of him had that most sought after of things: a pure soul. Most souls had at least some form of taint in them; the less taint, the sweeter their suffering would be in the infernal pits and the more praise the demon responsible for capturing them would receive. The more corrupt a soul, however, the less interest that Forneus and his fellow demons would have. Such rotten fruit, however, was more prized by the 'other lot'.

"There are a few codicils," Forneus replied, fixing the woman with a practiced stare meant to imply honesty. "Of course, you will have to abide by the terms of the contract." The woman looked down at parchment scroll before her, its surface covered in infernal sigils. "But," Forneus said hurriedly, "you won't have to worry about them. Not in your lifetime, anyway."

Inwardly the demon cursed himself for his own eagerness. He didn't want to queer this deal. Not now. Not with the woman and her wondrous soul so close ... .

"But how do I know that you'll keep to the deal?" the woman asked. "I've heard so much about these too-good-to-be-true deals, and how if something looks too good, then it probably is."

"Miranda," the demon said, leaning closer to her. "Trust me."

"Well, if you were to sign this contract as well, then I'd know you were honest." Miranda folded her arms.

Forneus thought for a moment. It was unusual - in fact, it was unheard of! Nobody had ever insisted on a demon countersigning their agreement. Usually the victims were too blinded with desire to think. But, for this soul, this sweet essence of humanity! It wouldn't do any harm, would it?

"Of course," Forneus said as if this was something he had done before. He manifested a quill in his claws.

"In blood," Miranda admonished him. "After all, I have to do it as well."

"In blood." Forneus drew the end of the quill across the veins in his arm and made ready to sign the contract. He stopped. There was something different about the contract. He put the quill down and shook his head.

"No. I'm not falling for that one."

With a laugh, Miranda's form shifted into that of a succubus. "And I thought I had you that time," she said. "My servant. For ever."

"Not this time," Forneus growled. "Not this time."