Wu Heng's energy extraction paused slightly, and the unnerving hum briefly fell silent.
He turned his head, his cold gaze sweeping over Sam and Dean. His tone was calm and emotionless. "Your business. Your decision."
He had not completely stopped the ritual. The energy drain had merely slowed rather than ceased, as though a single thought from him could immediately squeeze this demon prince dry.
The black smoke formed from the demon's soul churned violently. Seizing this final chance at survival, it hurriedly said:
"Yes, John Winchester!"
"Yellow Eyes dragged him into Hell, but I—I am now the Legion's new leader. I inherited everything from him, including the contracts in his possession. I know where John is. I know his situation. Spare me, and I guarantee his safety. We can even make a contract!"
"A contract?" Dean spat out a mouthful of bloody saliva, his gaze as vicious as that of a wounded wolf. "Who the fuck wants to make a contract with a piece of shit like you? You want to live? Fine! Bring our dad back whole, right now!"
"Trading a human soul for the miserable life of a demon prince like you is a damn good deal for you!"
Sam forcefully suppressed his agitation and worry, his voice hoarse with tension. "That's right. Release our father immediately and send him back to the human world. That's the only condition. Otherwise—"
He glanced at Wu Heng's utterly unmoved back. The meaning was obvious.
The black mist comprising the demon's soul twisted, clearly weighing its options at frantic speed.
Trading a human soul that was of little use to it anyway for a chance to survive was indeed a worthwhile deal.
As for promises? Demons had countless ways to twist and break them.
"...Fine, I agree!" The demon appeared