The Demon Queen's Contract

"And what exactly do you want us to do?" Seraphina asked, her tone cautious but firm.

Cratos's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "It's quite simple, really. There's a certain woman in the university I fancy. Her name is Alexandra, and I want a date with her."

Seraphina and I exchanged wary glances, our suspicion evident. "That's it?" I asked, incredulous. "You want us to play matchmaker?"

Cratos shrugged, his expression innocent. "Think of it as a small favor for a big reward. Help me, and I'll help you with your symbol."

"This feels like a wild goose chase," Seraphina muttered under her breath.

I sighed, knowing we had little choice but to go along with his absurd request. "Fine, we'll do it. But you better hold up your end of the bargain."

Cratos's grin widened. "Deal. You'll find Alexandra usually hanging around the botanical gardens. Good luck!"

With a reluctant nod, we left Cratos behind and headed towards the university's botanical gardens. The gardens were lush and vibrant, a haven of greenery and colorful blooms amidst the stone and brick of the university buildings. We wandered through the pathways, our eyes peeled for any sign of Alexandra.

"This is ridiculous," I muttered, brushing a stray leaf from my hair. "We should be focusing on finding out more about the symbol, not playing cupid."

"I know," Seraphina agreed, scanning the area. "But we need Cratos's help. Let's just get this over with."

We approached a group of students lounging on the grass, chatting and laughing. "Excuse me," Seraphina said, interrupting their conversation. "Do any of you know where we can find Alexandra?"

A blonde girl looked up and smirked. "Alexandra? Oh, she's usually by the fountain. Good luck getting her attention, though."

We thanked her and made our way to the fountain, a grand stone structure adorned with intricate carvings and spouting clear water. To our dismay, Alexandra was nowhere in sight.

"This is turning into a scavenger hunt," I said, exasperated.

We continued to ask around, each inquiry leading us to a different part of the gardens. One person directed us to the greenhouse, another to the arboretum, and yet another to the rose garden. It felt like we were chasing a ghost.

"She's like a phantom," Seraphina said, frustration creeping into her voice.

Just as we were about to give up, we spotted a couple near the gazebo.

The woman had long, flowing auburn hair that cascaded down her back in loose waves, catching the light in a way that made it seem almost as if it were glowing.

Her hair framed a face that was both striking and beautiful, with high cheekbones, a delicate nose, and full, inviting lips that were often curved into a playful smile.

Her eyes were a mesmerizing shade of green, sparkling with intelligence and a hint of mischief. She had a flawless complexion, with a subtle, natural tan that suggested she spent just the right amount of time in the sun.

Her sense of style was impeccable, exuding elegance and grace. She wore a fitted, emerald-green dress that complemented her hair and eyes perfectly. The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, highlighting her slender waist and the gentle flare of her hips.

She moved with a fluid grace, every gesture and motion imbued with confidence and poise. Even in a room full of people, she had a way of commanding attention, drawing eyes and turning heads wherever she went.

The tall, dark-haired man beside her was equally captivating. He had a strong, chiseled jawline and a rugged handsomeness that was softened by his warm, inviting smile. His dark hair was thick and slightly tousled, giving him a charmingly roguish appearance.

His eyes were a deep, rich brown, filled with warmth and a quiet intensity that hinted at a depth of character beneath his easygoing exterior. His complexion was a healthy olive tone, suggesting a life spent outdoors, perhaps engaged in some physically demanding yet rewarding work.

He was dressed in a crisp, white shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and well-defined chest, hinting at the powerful muscles beneath. The shirt was tucked into a pair of tailored, dark trousers that emphasized his tall, athletic frame.

He had an easy, relaxed manner about him, as if he were completely at ease in any situation. His laugh was deep and genuine, and his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, giving him an approachable, boyish charm.

Together, they made a striking pair. The woman's vibrant beauty and magnetic confidence perfectly complemented the man's rugged handsomeness and easy charm. They moved in harmony, their interactions filled with a natural, effortless chemistry that was evident to anyone watching.

Whether they were sharing a private joke, exchanging a knowing glance, or simply enjoying each other's company in comfortable silence, it was clear that they were deeply connected. Well if it's her we are going to be in trouble.

"Is that her?" I asked, squinting to get a better look.

Seraphina nodded. "I think so. Let's get closer."

We approached cautiously, trying not to draw attention to ourselves. As we got nearer, we realized Alexandra was indeed the woman Cratos had described. She was beautiful, with striking features and an easy grace. However, our hearts sank when we saw her lean in and kiss the man she was with.

"Well, this complicates things," I whispered, feeling a mix of pity for Cratos and dread at having to break the news to him.

"Let's just talk to her," Seraphina suggested, her tone resigned.

We waited until the couple had finished their tender moment before stepping forward. "Excuse me, are you Alexandra?" Seraphina asked, trying to sound casual.

Alexandra looked up, a hint of annoyance flickering in her eyes. "Yes, I am. Can I help you?"

"Actually, we were sent by Cratos," I began, choosing my words carefully. "He...uh, he wanted us to ask you out on his behalf."

For a moment, there was silence. Then Alexandra burst out laughing, a sharp, mocking sound. "Cratos? That lazy fool? You've got to be kidding me."

Her companion raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the situation. "Cratos sent messengers now? That's a new low, even for him."

Seraphina and I exchanged uncomfortable glances. "So, we're guessing that's a no?" Seraphina ventured.

Alexandra's laughter died down, replaced by a look of disdain. "Absolutely not. I can't stand Cratos. He's a slacker, a nuisance, and frankly, a bit of a creep. You can tell him I said that."

We nodded, feeling the weight of the awkward encounter settling over us. As we turned to leave, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Cratos, despite his infuriating behavior. This was not going to be an easy message to deliver.