Absorbed in the situation I felt, Ralph's hands grasp my wrists, spinning me around with a gentle yet firm touch. My back pressed against his chest, his warmth enveloping me like a soft embrace. His grip on my wrists was unyielding, yet his thumbs traced gentle patterns on my skin, sending shivers down my spine. “Trying to outsmart and kill the devil, I see.” He whispered, his breath dancing across my neck like a soft caress. His lips grazed my skin, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake. I felt his chest rise and fall with each breath, his heartbeat steady and strong against my back.

“I wasn't trying to kill you,” I protested, my voice barely above a whisper. “There's nothing that I'd gain by getting rid of you. I know better than to mess with the future hell king.” I felt a surge of excitement emanating from Ralph, his heart racing with anticipation. It was as if he was barely containing his joy, his happiness radiating like a palpable force. His fingers tightened around my wrists, his grip gentle yet insistent.

Suddenly, a crown materialized in the air before me, its beauty leaving me breathless. Diamonds and rubies sparkled in the light, their facets glinting like tiny stars. The crown's delicate filigree seemed to shimmer and shine, its intricate design weaving a spell of wonder around me. My eyes widened in awe, my gaze drinking in the sight of the magnificent crown. “You seem to just know the right words that'll please me.” Ralph whispered, his voice full of warmth and admiration. “And to reward you, I have this special crown.”

As he spoke, the crown began to glow, its light enveloping me in a soft, ethereal radiance. I felt a sense of wonder and excitement wash over me, as if I was being bestowed with a great honor. Ralph's hands released my wrists, and he stepped back, his eyes shining with a warm, gentle light. “It’s yours,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “A symbol of our bond, and a reminder of the power of words to bring us together.”

The crown hovered in the air before me, its glow pulsing with an otherworldly energy. I reached out a trembling hand, my fingers brushing against its delicate edges. As I touched it, the crown's glow intensified, its light enveloping me in a warm embrace. I felt a surge of power and strength flow through me, as if the crown was imbuing me with a piece of Ralph's own essence.

“Will this crown be mine?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, my eyes fixed on the glittering jewels.

Ralph nodded his head, a sly smile spreading across his face. He reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers grazing my skin like a gentle caress. “All yours, my dear, if you behave like a good maiden.” He whispered, his voice low and husky, sending shivers down my spine.

I felt a sudden jolt of surprise as a rope appeared in my hands, its rough texture a stark contrast to the softness of Ralph's touch. Before I could react, the rope seized me in its grip, wrapping around my wrists like a vice. I tried to struggle, but it only seemed to tighten its hold.

“Enjoy being a pretty hostage,” Ralph whispered, his eyes glinting with mischief. “And all your desires shall come true.”

I felt a surge of indignation at his words, but my anger was tempered by the thrill of excitement that ran through me. There was something alluring about being at Ralph's mercy, something that made me feel alive and vulnerable all at once.

I stood there, my eyes remained fixed on the crown, my mind consumed by its beauty and the promise of power it held. I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing, a deep desire to possess it and unlock its secrets. Ralph's words echoed in my mind. “All yours, my dear, if you behave like a good maiden.” I knew he was toying with me, but I couldn't resist the allure of the crown.

I felt a sense of determination wash over me, a resolve to play along with Ralph's game and see where it would lead. I knew I was walking into a trap, but I was willing to take the risk. And so, I nodded again, my eyes still fixed on the crown, my heart racing with anticipation.

Ralph's smirk grew wider, his eyes glinting with amusement. “I knew you'd see things my way,” he said, his voice low and husky. “You humans are so predictable, always chasing after shiny things and promises of power.” He chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. “But I'll give you credit, you're more entertaining than most. Let's see how long you'll last in my game.”

It had been three days since the incident, and I had been diligently following Ralph's instructions, still trying to wrap my head around the notion of being the demon's counterpart. The idea seemed both fascinating and far-fetched, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was being entirely truthful. Yet, the prospect of potentially becoming his Queen was tantalizing, and the thought of ruling the world alongside him sent a thrill through my veins.

As I stood there, lost in thought, Kaidën, my coworker, leaned against the wall, gazing at me with a curious expression. “Which lucky guy has managed to capture the attention of such a lovely lady in broad daylight?” He asked, his voice laced with amusement.

Before I could respond, a cough echoed from behind me, and I turned to see Ralph standing there, his face radiating agitation. His eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed intently on Kaidën, as he growled. “Who is this man, Amor?” His tone dropped an octave, his voice low and menacing, sending a shiver down my spine.

As I stood there, lost in the reverie of my own thoughts, Kaidën's words pierced the air, shattering the fragile tranquility of the moment. I turned to face him, my cheeks flushing with a subtle warmth, as I endeavored to feign nonchalance. “Oh, no one, Kaidën,” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper, as I attempted to downplay the situation. “Just a... a friend.”

But Ralph's piercing gaze would not be so easily assuaged. His eyes narrowed, his irises constricting into slits, as he beheld Kaidën with an unnerving intensity. The air seemed to thicken, the very atmosphere growing heavier, as the tension between the two men palpably escalated. Kaidën, sensing the precarious nature of the situation, retreated a step, his eyes darting nervously between Ralph and myself, as he raised his hands in a defensive gesture.

“I-I'm Kaidën, a coworker,” he stuttered, his voice trembling ever so slightly, as he endeavored to placate the obvious ire of the man before him. “I didn't mean to intrude.”

Ralph's gaze remained fixed, unwavering, his eyes burning with an unrelenting ferocity, as he continued to regard Kaidën with an unnerving scrutiny. I could feel the weight of his gaze, the intensity of his emotions, as if the very air itself was charged with an electric tension. I knew, in that moment, that I had to intervene, to diffuse the situation before it spiralled further out of control.

“Ralph, it's okay,” I said, my voice soft, gentle, as I placed a hand upon his arm, endeavoring to calm the tempest that raged within him. “Kaidën didn't mean any harm. Let's just focus on our work, shall we?”

“He's no one,” Ralph growled, his teeth clenched in anger as he pointed a menacing finger at Ming. “This woman belongs to me. She's my treasure, my precious gem, and I won't let anyone gaze upon her again. Dare to lay your eyes on her once more, and it will be the last day you breathe on this planet.”

Kaidën’s eyes widened in shock and fear as he took a step back, clearly intimidated by Ralph's fierce warning. His face pale, he glanced at me apologetically, as if seeking forgiveness for his innocent remark.

Ralph's gaze remained fixed on Kaidën, his eyes blazing with a possessive intensity that made me shiver. I felt a surge of unease, trapped in the midst of this tense confrontation.

“Let's go home,” Ralph said finally, his voice slightly softer as he turned to me. “You've done enough work for the day. We'll leave this place behind, and I'll make sure you're safe from prying eyes.”

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions as I followed Ralph out of the room. Kaidën’s worried gaze lingered on me, but I couldn't reassure him without making things worse. As we left the building, I couldn't help but wonder what other challenges lay ahead, now that Ralph had claimed me as his own.