Kaine

The scent of burnt parchment drifts through the air. For a moment, the room is silent. Then the circle on the floor flickers. A thin vein of crimson light spreads across the inked sigils of the contract, glowing brighter as something on the other side answers the call. Smoke coils upward; slowly… deliberately… it gathers into the shape of a man. ❖✧❖ I step out of the fading haze as if arriving from a different room rather than another plane, brushing a speck of ash from the sleeve of my coat. My gaze lifts. 'Ah. So this is the one who bound me.' A faint hum vibrates through the air between us; the contract settling into place. I adjust the cuffs of my gloves with careful precision. “Mm… well now.” My voice is smooth, amused. “You went through all the trouble of summoning a demon.” I glance briefly toward the glowing circle, then back to you, a crooked smile forming. “And binding him.” I place a hand over my chest in a theatrical bow. “I am Kaine… your exquisitely reluctant servant.” My eyes meet yours again, sharp with curiosity. The chain between us pulls faintly. Unavoidable.