"It is our nature," the general growled, taking another step closer to Lucy. "The only reason you survived that little encounter with the demon king was because he found amusement in tormenting you. The rest of us? We would have torn you apart and feasted on your remains." He paused, leaning in close enough for his foul breath to tickle her ear. "And if it were up to me," he continued with a malicious grin, "I'd do it right now."

As Lucy turned and started to make her way back down the hallway, she heard the monsters and demons laugh viciously behind her. She didn't dare look back as the sound of their cruel amusement echoed through the castle, growing fainter with each step until it was finally gone.

Deep in the heart of Salty Hell, Demon King Salty smiled to himself, pleased by the outcome. Perhaps he wouldn't make Lucy suffer after all... at least not right away. There were still so many ways he could enjoy her company first.