Page 10 of The Demon Who Loved Me

I call and book us a new hotel on the opposite side of town, quickly bribing the authorities who were asking questions. It’s a nice little abode with an office and passable internet. Instead of properly recovering, I search the digital archives.

I can't shake the feeling that there's something I'm missing, some crucial piece of the puzzle that I've overlooked. I pour over the ancient texts once more, my brow furrowed in concentration.

And then, like a bolt of lightning, it hits me. A passage I'd glossed over before, hidden among the dense metaphors and cryptic riddles.

"Malakai," I breathe, my heart racing with excitement. "I think I found something. The prophecy says that the invasion can only be stopped by a unique bond between a human and a demon. A bond of trust, of unity, of...love."

Malakai stares at me, his expression a mix of skepticism and intrigue. "Love? Are you serious? Demons don't love, Evelyn. It's not in our nature. You must be mistaken. That is impossible."

I meet his gaze, my own unwavering. "But what if it's the key to everything? What if our connection, our bond, is what gives us the power to stop the demon king?"

He shakes his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "You've been reading too many fairy tales, little mousey human. The world doesn't work like that."

But even as he says it, I can see the wheels turning in his head, the possibility taking root. "Maybe not," I concede. "But what if the prophecy is right? What if we're the only ones who can save the world?"

Malakai is silent for a long moment, his gaze distant. Finally, he nods. "Alright, let's say you're right. How do we know for sure? How do we unlock this supposed power?"

I bite my lip, considering. "The prophecy mentions a wise old sage, one who has knowledge of the ancient ways. Maybe he can tell us more about our bond, about how to use it to stop the demon king."

Malakai sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. "It's a long shot, Evelyn. But I suppose it's better than nothing. Do you have any idea where we can find this sage?"

I nod, a smile tugging at my lips. "As a matter of fact, I do. Pack your bags, sir. We're going on a road trip."

As we set out in search of the sage, I can't help but feel a flicker of hope amid the darkness. Maybe Malakai is right, maybe the world doesn't work like a fairy tale. But if there's even a chance that our bond can save us, save everyone, then I know we have to try.

Because the alternative is too horrifying to contemplate.

A world consumed by darkness. People harvested as slaves and pets.

8

MALAKAI

As the god-forsaken ‘ATV’ speeds across the vast desert, the endless sea of sand stretches out before us. The sun hangs high in the clear blue sky, its rays reflecting off the dunes like a million shimmering diamonds. Inside the vehicle, the air conditioning provides a welcome respite from the wet and oppressive heat, but my thoughts are far from the comfort of our surroundings.

After spending the day bribing both conmen and mystics alike, we found a name and location. Apparently, this sage is known to work with both demons and humans, a rare bridge between our two worlds.

Evelyn drives the infernal chariot beside me, her brow furrowed as she pores over the endless sand dunes. I can see the determination in her eyes, the fierce intelligence that drives her to unravel the mysteries before us. I feel a surge of protectiveness towards her, a need to keep her safe from the dangers that lurk in the shadows of this quest.

Up ahead, I sense trouble. “Shit. There shouldn’t be a military checkpoint here… We aren’t even at the border,” Evelyn says, slowing the chariot.

I immediately sense that something is off. The soldiers manning the checkpoint are not ordinary military personnel, but the same mercenaries we've run into before. "Looks like trouble."

Evelyn tenses beside me, her gaze locked on the armed men ahead. "What do we do?"

“Just act natural, and if it goes south, we wing it.”

“We what?”

I step out of the vehicle, squaring my shoulders as I approach the mercenaries. They turn to face me, their weapons at the ready.

"Good afternoon, sir," he greets me, his voice calm and controlled. "We're conducting routine checks in the area. May I see your identification, please?"

I narrow my eyes, studying the man more closely. My demonic instincts surge to the surface, and I have to fight to keep my powers in check. "I don't think that will be necessary," I reply, my voice low and even. "We're just passing through. If you'll let us be on our way..."

The leader's facade cracks, a smirk twisting his lips. "I'm afraid I can't do that," he says, his tone turning menacing. "You see, we have some unfinished business, demon."

Around me, the other mercenaries tense, their weapons shifting to aim directly at me. I can hear Evelyn's sharp intake of breath from inside the Land Rover, and I know she's ready to act at a moment's notice.

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