This relationship is transactional, but we both prefer it that way. Every piece you take of my soul, I get what I need in return.

I haven’t gone hungry since before we met, and now my wished-upon lover and I reside in the castle you supplied. What happened to the previous owners, no matter — I just requested you to release their anguished spirits into your realm.

With them no longer haunting behind these walls at night, I have the peace and quiet I always craved.

Maybe these halls and rooms are too quiet now.

When did my “needs” turn into “wants”? The version of myself from before I first summoned you would’ve found an answer eventually. Now though, I have much bigger questions: What should I do when my soul runs out? What could I bargain with then?

You gave me a new body I never tire of admiring, but you never cared for human desires. Each time we meet, I can see in your fire-red eyes that our agreements will end soon.

I know I must become your apprentice eventually. I didn’t ignore those warnings in the tattered book I used to call you. For now, however, I will relish in the life I always deserved.