Page 100 of Dark Captivation

“You’re smarter than that. Isn’t it obvious?” He grinned, licking the blade of his dagger like a lunatic. “They hate all demons, but none more than Malek because he's our king. Malek is their antithesis. The gods of the heavens detest the god of the underworld because he represents what they fear most. Damnation.”

He spun around, raising his heel to head level in a split second. The shoe rammed me in the face and I cursed myself for not seeing the surprise blow coming.

I’d lost my footing, stumbled over my own feet and my cheek swelled. Using his sudden advantage to the fullest, he struck me in the abdomen and chest.

I couldn’t have avoided the last blow but allowed it to connect as it left him wide open. My sword removed a chunk of his calf.

He hopped twice, leaning most of his weight on his uninjured leg. His blood trickled on the floor as he chuckled like this was all a big game. “You’re faster than I thought. But it doesn’t matter. I’ve got Heaven on my side.”

His eyes glistened as they flittered along the shining dagger’s edge. “The gods sent me this gift because they revile what Malek plans to do to their creations. They know that the only way to protect life on Earth is for him to die. That’s why you can’t be allowed to win. The gods won’t let you defeat me.”

I wiped the sweat from my palms and tightened my grip around the sword. I was nearing my limit. I caught a glimpse of Malek as he writhed on the floor several feet away. It gave me hope to see that at least he was still alive.

Music formed as emerald connected with gold, both our weapons hungry for blood. We fought toe to toe, his calf wound barely seeming to slow him.

The air was supercharged with righteous fury, my blood pumping so fast I thought my heart would give out.

The only thing that thundered faster were my thoughts. From the moment I’d arrived at Malek’s castle, I’d devoted myself to preventing war and saving all the innocent lives it would steal. To bring death and destruction may have been in a demon’s nature but I was no demon.

“Maybe the gods do hate demons...” I piped up and Varcus lowered his weapon, seeming surprised by my sudden outburst.

“Oh, are you still awake? I couldn’t tell by the impish way you’ve been fighting.” Varcus mocked.

“I’m not a demon.” I murmured.

Varcus cackled, throwing his head back and casting his arms wide. “And? Are you just realizing that now?”

“Humans, shifters and mages are all the creations of the celestial gods. If they cared anything about saving us, they wouldn’t allow their weapon to be used to kill me. Nor would they entrust wicked vermin like you to save us.”

“And you think you can save the world?” The smile blew off his face as he scanned my ankles for a wrong step.

“I know I can.” I summoned all my strength, finding my center of gravity.

Chasten had taught me several sword fighting techniques but none more difficult or lethal than the one I planned on using now.

My blade formed an ‘S’ and before he could figure out what I was doing, I stabbed four points below Varcus’s knees. It did little more than graze his skin but if positioned perfectly, they would split crucial arteries that moderated a demon’s circulatory system.

He peered at me with confused eyes and took a step closer. His legs immediately failed him, forcing him to his knees.

“What is this sorcery?” His eyes lashed about, mirroring fear and alarm.

I initiated my final blow, aiming center left on his chest, right to the heart.

He tried to stand but it was impossible as his legs were rendered useless.

In a desperate Hail Mary, he shielded his chest with the dagger, setting it over himself like a crucifix.

My sword clanged with the dagger slicing it in two like butter. The dagger which had been so powerful all along, had become as flimsy as cardboard.

It was as if the gods had heard me and in the final moment retracted all power from the dagger, leaving Varcus to his fate.

I stabbed him through the heart and pure shock had him grasping for something invisible.

His jaw gaped, and before he could say a word I made a horizontal cut. It was deep, quick and merciless.

His upper half flew left, his bottom falling right. Blood gushed like a fresh spring. His dead eyes were frozen permanently open as his lips went slack for the last time.

Proud as I was, I knew I hadn’t done this alone. This was about more than my vengeance. And more than Malek’s revenge. This was an act of the gods.

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