I closed my eyes, trying to cheer myself up. A strong wind began to rise from the water and pushed me away from Morien's body. My back collided with the rough trunk of a tree and the sword escaped from my hands.

«Stop, dear mademoiselle» said a voice that I recognized immediately.

A shiver run down my back. I felt the blade rattle on the ground and leaned forward to try to pick it up.

«I said stop! Are you deaf? We made a deal. With those blood-covered hands you can open the door that will lead you to your world. But first you have to do a thing for me, as you promise».

«The pact was that I had to go back with him» I reminded to the demon with angry voice.

He laughed. «Well he told you he'd always be by your side, even if you couldn't see him» he mimicked Morien's voice.

«What do want from me?». I searched his golden eyes until I found them staring at me from the branches.

He smiled, showing his sharp teeth. «I want you to become my queen».

«Forget it» I replied.

«A pact is a pact, you can't refuse».

I decided to ignore him. I felt the metallic smell of blood smeared on my hands. My skin was sticky. I felt myself drowning , wishing Morien could talk to me again.

I wiped my wet eyes with the sleeve of my dress and I got up. I have to find Morien's sword or body. Dark fingers approached me, intending to help me.

«Please, leave me alone» I begged him, feeling my heart heavy. The knowledge that Morien had died was crushing me like an insect in his hands.

He sighed. «Everything was designed by your father. It was easy to find the book to summon me, wasn't it? His plan was to kill your lover, but he couldn't do that without unleashing the Pellinore's wrath». He turned his face to the lake. «Now that he's dead, you can go back and your father will marry you with someone he wants to ally your lineage with. Maybe with a rich, fat old man or worse with a slimy that will put his hands on you. Think about it, I'm offering you an escape route».

«You helped him» I yelled, reminding him to stay in his place. «I don't want to be your wife. You are a demon without any heart».

«It's just work. But I must say that more courageous they are, and more they are an excellent fertilizer» he laughed.

I pounced on him, trying to jump on his shoulders. The darkness moved where he was, forming purple curls, so I could easily spot him. I felt cold claws blocking my feet and hands before I could try to scratch him.

«You're right, I don't have a heart» he said, while I squirmed, trying to free myself.  «But Morien talked to me a lot about you, while he wandered through my kingdom. I could not accomplish the task your father asked me to do, but if you accept this crown you will be my second queen, and with half of my power you can even bring back Morien, or his spectrum at least».

«Where's the deception?».

He laughed again. «There's no deception, I promise».

«I... I can't trust you» I said, confused.

«Never mind, I won't let you be stupid» he said, turning his face on mine. His golden eyes was hypnotics. He showed me a crown appeared of nowhere. A silver circle with many small blue gems set in it. His dark lips curved into a smile as he put the crown on my head.