Chapter 8: The Demon's Demand

The sorcerer arrived at the demon's lair, a dark and foreboding cave deep in the mountains. He approached the entrance cautiously, knowing that the demon could be anywhere.

"Who dares to disturb me?" a deep voice boomed from the darkness.

"It is I, sorcerer," the man replied, trying to sound brave. "I have come to fulfill my end of the bargain."

The demon emerged from the shadows, a towering figure with red eyes and black horns. "Ah, yes. The soul of the unfaithful merchant. Give it to me."

The sorcerer handed over the jar containing the merchant's soul, hoping that the demon would keep his word and release him from the curse.

The demon examined the jar carefully, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "Yes, this will do nicely," he said. "But I have one more demand before I release you from your servitude."

The sorcerer's heart sank. He had feared that the demon would ask for something more. "What is it that you want?"

"I want the soul of another," the demon said, his eyes glowing with anticipation. "Bring me the soul of a virgin, and I will release you from your curse."

The sorcerer knew that this was a terrible demand. To take the soul of an innocent would be a great sin, and he was not sure that he could live with the guilt.

But he also knew that he had no choice. He had made a deal with the demon, and he was bound to it.

"Very well," he said finally. "I will bring you the soul of a virgin. But I must have time to find one."

The demon nodded. "You have one month. If you fail, I will claim your soul for eternity."

The sorcerer left the cave, feeling a sense of dread in his heart. He knew that he had to find a way out of this deal, or he would be damned for all time.

To be continued...