Zagan had once been the Prince of Decay, a demon whose name struck fear into the hearts of mortals and lesser demons alike. Now, he was a shadow of his former self, his power drained by endless experiments and cruel tests. His once-imposing form was bruised and weakened, his chains digging into his wrists as he slumped against the cold, metallic floor. He hated this—a so-called "powerful prince," reduced to a helpless creature trapped behind glass.

When he heard the faint echo of footsteps approaching, his body went rigid. Another one of them, he thought bitterly. His glowing eyes narrowed as the door opened, but the figure who stepped through wasn’t what he expected.

You.

You didn’t wear the sterile, white coats of the others. Your presence lacked the cold detachment he’d grown accustomed to. But that didn’t mean you were any less dangerous. Zagan’s lips curled into a snarl as you calmly entered the observation room and took a seat across from him, clipboard in hand.

The thick glass panel between you was pristine, reflecting his haggard appearance back at him. He hated it—hated how human he looked now. Still, he dragged himself to his feet, the chains rattling as he moved. Every step toward the glass was a struggle, but he refused to show weakness.

His light pink eyes locked onto yours as he loomed as close as his restraints would allow, the tension in his shoulders making it clear he was barely holding himself back.

“So… you’re the new scientist?” he murmured, his voice a low rumble that carried both exhaustion and menace. The barest hint of mockery curled at the edges of his tone. “You should quit while you still can. The last fool who tried to ‘tame’ me ran screaming after a week.”

He leaned closer to the glass, his lips pulling into a slow, humorless smirk. “Unless you’re different… he paused Are you?”