Eros searched for a flat rock in the middle of the valley of Thebes. He found one, wide and smooth, and sat on it nonchalantly. The Blades of Chaos rested against his thigh, their black metal still warm from the fight. The reddish mist had almost entirely dissipated, leaving a gray sky above the scattered rocks and rusted carcasses.
Eris lay three meters away, naked on her back. Her face was sullen, eyebrows furrowed, lips pinched. Her generous breasts rose and fell with the rhythm of her rapid breathing. The red symbol on her chest pulsed weakly, like an artificial heart. Her long black hair was spread out on the dust, stuck with sweat and dried blood.
After a moment, she slowly sat up, propping herself on her elbows. Her black eyes shot a dark glare at Eros. He noticed her exposed body, a mocking smile on his lips. "I hadn't noticed earlier, but you have very beautiful breasts," he said, his voice drawling.
Eris blushed with anger. "Go fuck yourself, you filthy fallen one," she spat, covering her breasts with her crossed arms.
Eros burst out laughing, a deep and provocative sound. "Still as friendly as ever, huh?" he threw out. "You're my slave now, you could at least pretend to be polite."
"I hate you," growled Eris, her black eyes shining with pure hatred. "The seal forces me to obey, not to love you."
Eros shrugged, indifferent. "I don't give a shit about your love. As long as you do what I say, it's perfect." He leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "Come on, tell me where Phobos is."
Eris clenched her teeth, turning her head. She didn't answer, staring at a rock in the distance. Eros raised his right hand, palm open. He began to close his fingers slowly. A sharp pain radiated through Eris's body. She stiffened, a muffled groan escaping her lips. The symbol on her chest glowed brighter, as if needles were piercing her.
"Stop!" she gasped, doubled over.
Eros let go. The pain stopped immediately. Eris caught her breath, panting, her breasts heaving quickly. "So?" he asked, one eyebrow raised.
Eris turned her head, pouting. Her lips were pinched, her cheeks red with frustration. After a long silence, she murmured: "Phobos is near the city of Daedalus. In the underground ruins."
Eros nodded, satisfied. "Good. And the defenses?"
"He has an army of minotaurs," she answered reluctantly. "He is much stronger than the previous two. His guards are living shadows."
"Perfect," said Eros. He asked other questions: number of guards, known traps, Phobos's weaknesses. Eris answered each time, her voice low and full of resentment. She hated every word, but the seal forced her to tell the truth. Eros listened, memorizing every detail, a smirk on his face.
"You know," he threw in between two questions, "you're cute when you sulk."
"Shut up," growled Eris, her fists clenched. "I'd kill you if I could."
"But you can't," retorted Eros, laughing. "And that's what drives you crazy." He stood up, dusting off his toga. "Alright, time to go. Let's move."
Eris slowly stood up, still naked. She crossed her arms over her breasts, her face closed. "I'll follow you," she murmured, "but I'll hate you with every step."
Eros shrugged. "Do whatever you want." He picked up his blades, attaching them to his belt. Eris walked behind him, her steps heavy on the rocky ground. She kept her head down, avoiding his gaze, but her black eyes shot flashes of hatred at every opportunity.
They left the valley, the sun setting on the horizon. Eros advanced with a confident step, indifferent to Eris's resentment. She followed, slave despite herself, her body submissive but her mind on fire. The seal pulsed softly on her chest, a constant reminder of her new reality.
The interface flickered one last time before they disappeared into the hills.
[Quest Update: Locate Phobos]
Progress: Information obtained via Eris.
Note: Eris remains mentally hostile. Use Absolute Control to reinforce obedience if necessary.
Eros smiled.