The Rise Of Third Rate Villain-Chapter 17 - Mabel - The Death Reaper

I got up, looking directly at the untamed, snarling demi-human slavish in front of me. She glared at me like I'd stolen her life savings and kicked her dog for good measure. Honestly, if looks could kill, I'd be six feet under.

Her messy hair and shackled wrists only added to the rebellious vibe. She didn't just look fierce—she looked like she was planning at least 37 different ways to murder me.

Perfect. She's exactly what I need.

I took a step, and then slowly and deliberately, only to try and get a reaction out of her. The pressure was so heavy it could be sliced with a knife. When I reached her, I ran my fingers through her hair—not gently, mind you—just enough to assert dominance.

"I'll have fun with you," I said, smiling mischievously.

Her eyes narrowed even further. Yeah, she's definitely thinking about murder.

Turning away, I waved at Darius. "Let's go."

Darius nodded and grabbed her leash, guiding her behind me like some wild animal.

Outside, the carriage was waiting. I climbed inside, expecting to leave, when I noticed Darius preparing to hoist her onto his horse.

"No, I called out lazily, leaning out of the carriage. "She'll be riding with me."

Darius paused, blinking like I'd just told him to eat his boots. But then his expression shifted into a sly smile. Of course, my lord, he replied, bending, as he got on his own horse.

The demi-human, on the other hand, froze. Her eyes darted around like a trapped animal. Ah, there it is—the panic.

"Come in," I said, motioning toward the carriage. "Sit in front of me."

She hesitated. Her entire body seized, and I swear, I could hear her internal thoughts screaming in full "have I gone mad" mode.

What's going on?! Why does he want me in his carriage? He's gonna r*pe me, isn't he?! Nooooo! Not like this! We haven't even introduced ourselves! I don't even know his name!

"Stop daydreaming and get inside," I snapped. "I don't have all day."

After a moment of indecision, she finally stepped inside and sat across from me, stiff as a board. Her eyes darted around, probably calculating how fast she'd have to run to escape.

Ugh, I can't even curse him to his face! He certainly is a wealthy noble—who wants to kill me never even gets attention.

Her eyes well up, as if she was going to cry.

Okay, wow. She really thinks I'm about to ruin her life.

"Relax," I said, rolling my eyes. "I didn't buy you for that."

She crossed her arms, glaring at me like I'd insulted her ancestors. "Then why did you buy me? You do know I'm a demi-human and a woman, right? What else could you want from me?"

I leaned back, smirking. "I need someone to protect me."

Her jaw dropped so fast, I thought it might hit the floor. "To protect you? Are you dumb? If you needed protection, you should've bought that beastman knight instead of... me!"

I chuckled, enjoying this far more than I should. "Oh, but I know exactly what I'm doing. I know everything about you, Mabel."

Her eyes went wide, her lips parting slightly. "How... How do you know my name?"

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"Oh, I don't just know your name," I said, moving in towards her. "I know who you really are. Mabel, or should I call you The Death Reaper?"

Her face drained of color. "You... You know about me?"

"Told you, didn't I? I know everything. I even know why you're chained up like a common slave."

Her shoulders slumped and she made a deep, weary sigh. "So... there's no point pretending to be a scared little slave anymore, huh?" She gave me a wicked grin. "I was actually planning to kill you the moment you tried anything funny."

"You thought I was going to r*pe you?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yah, what else was I supposed to think?" she shot back."Like what, going to treat me as a floor lamp in your manor?"

"Hah! No," I said, shaking my head. "I told you—I need someone to protect me."

Mabel narrowed her eyes and gave me a once-over. "You seem strong enough to protect yourself. Why me?"

"Where I'm going, I'll need someone with your skills."

"And what's in it for me?," she inquired, leaning back as if this was a normal bargaining session. "You do know I'm just pretending to be a slave, right? If I wanted, I could escape right now."

"I know you could," I said, widening my smile. "But you won't, Aren't you longing for a cure of that....illness?"

Her eyes again dilated amaze her, shock spreading all over her face. "H-How do you know about that?! Just... who are you?"

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