Three days passed. Ren settled into the Demon Castle surprisingly well. He bossed the servants around, critiqued Malphas's decor, and ate all the fancy food.
Malphas found himself lingering around Ren's room more often. He liked the human's snark. It was refreshing.
But tonight, something was wrong.
Ren woke up in the middle of the night. His body was burning up. His skin felt like it was on fire.
"System?" Ren gasped, clutching his chest. "What's happening?"
[ALERT! ALERT! Side effect of the soul transfer! Your body is reacting to the high demonic energy in the castle. It is triggering a phantom 'Heat' cycle. Even though you aren't an Omega, the magic is forcing your body to adapt to the environment!]
"Are you kidding me?" Ren groaned, sweat dripping down his face. "I'm a Saint! Saints don't have heats!"
[This world has flexible biology rules. The system suggests you find a partner to balance your energy. Or you might explode.]
"Explode? I'd rather not!"
The door opened. Malphas stood there, wearing only loose pants. He had come to check on Ren.
"Ren? I smell... sweetness," Malphas said, his pupils dilating. "What is this?"
Ren was panting on the bed, his white pajamas clinging to his body. "Malphas... go away. I'm... sick."
Malphas walked closer. The scent was intoxicating. It smelled like holy water mixed with honey. It drove his demon instincts crazy.
"You aren't sick," Malphas growled, his voice dropping an octave. He pinned Ren to the bed. "Your body is calling for me."
Ren tried to push him away, but his strength was gone. "I didn't call for you! This is a glitch! System, help!"
[I can't interfere with biological needs! Good luck, Host! Use protection!]
Useless system!
Malphas buried his face in Ren's neck, inhaling deeply. "You smell... delicious. I want to devour you."
Ren shivered. He could feel Malphas's power pressing down on him. But instead of being scared, his body arched up, seeking contact.
"Stop..." Ren whispered, but it sounded like a plea for more.
Malphas looked into Ren's glazed eyes. "Do you really want me to stop?"
This was the test. If Malphas forced him, it would trigger the 'Bad Ending'.
Ren gathered his scattered thoughts. He reached up and grabbed Malphas by the hair, pulling hard.
"Listen to me, you horned idiot," Ren gasped out. "If you touch me... you have to take responsibility. No biting. No marking. Not yet. I'm not some toy."
Malphas groaned at the pain in his scalp. It excited him. "You demand terms even now?"
"Yes," Ren stared him down, panting. "Treat me right... or get out."
Malphas grinned, revealing sharp fangs. "You are the only one who dares to order me, Ren. I accept your terms."
He leaned down, capturing Ren's lips in a fierce, bruising kiss. It wasn't gentle. It was a battle for dominance. But Ren kissed back with just as much fervor, biting Malphas's lip until it bled.
"You taste like trouble," Malphas murmured against his lips.
"And you taste like ash," Ren retorted, pulling him closer. "Now, help me fix this mess you caused with your creepy demon energy."
[WARNING! SPICY SCENE INITIATED. CENSORSHIP FILTER: OFF (Just kidding, keep it tasteful). Affection Level: 30%.]
Malphas's hands roamed over Ren's hot skin, cooling him down with his touch. It was a strange contrast—fire and ice.
Ren moaned, throwing his head back. He hated to admit it, but the villain was good with his hands.
Maybe this mission won't be so bad after all, Ren thought, before his brain turned to mush.