Page 13 of The Demon Who Loved Me

EVELYN

The sun hangs low on the horizon as we make our way back to the chariot, the sage's words echo in my mind, a constant reminder of the weight that rests on our shoulders. I have to fall in love with this… monster?

Why does that word not feel quite right anymore?

Suddenly, a figure steps out from behind a rocky outcropping, blocking our path. He's tall and muscular, with jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes that seem to glow in the fading light. But it's the aura of power that surrounds him, the sense of barely contained rage, that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Well, well, well," the stranger drawls, his voice dripping with disdain. "If it isn't my dear half-brother, Malakai. And look, he's brought his little human pet along for the ride."

Malakai stiffens beside me, his hands clenching into fists. "Roth," he growls, his voice low and dangerous. "What are you doing here?"

The half-demon, Roth, laughs, the sound harsh and grating. "I'm here to remind you of your place, brother," he sneers. "You think you can just turn your back on your destiny, on your own kind, for what? A pathetic little human whore?"

I feel a surge of anger at his words, but before I can speak, Malakai steps forward, his eyes blazing with fury. "Watch your mouth, Roth," he snarls. "This tiny little, short pathetic human is stronger than you could ever hope to be."

Roth's eyes narrow, and he takes a step closer, his hand resting on the hilt of a wicked-looking blade at his side. "Is that so?" he hisses. "Prove it then, brother. Show me how strong you've become, how worthy you are of the title of demon king."

With a roar of rage, Malakai launches himself at Roth, his claws extended, his face twisted into a mask of fury. The two demons clash in a blur of movement, their inhuman strength and speed making it almost impossible to follow.

Around us, more demons emerge from the shadows, their eyes glinting with malice. I curse under my breath, reaching for the knife at my belt, the one Malakai insisted I carry for protection.

The demons circle me, their claws and fangs bared, ready to strike. I take a deep breath, focusing on the training Malakai has given me, on the power of our bond that flows through my veins.

As the first demon lunges, I dodge to the side, my blade flashing out to catch it across the throat. Black blood sprays across the sand as the creature falls, but there are more to take its place.

I lose myself in the rhythm of the fight, my body moving on instinct, my mind focused solely on survival. But even as I battle the demons around me, my thoughts are with Malakai, my heart aching with fear for his safety.

I risk a glance in his direction and feel my blood run cold. He's losing control, his demonic side consuming him, his eyes glowing red with rage. Roth is taunting him, his words like poison, driving Malakai closer and closer to the edge.

"Malakai!" I scream, my voice hoarse with desperation. "Remember who you are! You're stronger than this, stronger than him!"

As Malakai and Roth trade blows, their battle grows more intense, more brutal. Claws clash against blade, demonic power crackling in the air like electricity. I dispatch the last of the minion-sized demons surrounding me, my heart pounding in my chest as I watch the two brothers fight.

Malakai is holding his own, his strength and speed a match for Roth's, but I can see the toll the battle is taking on him. His movements are growing slower, and his reactions are less precise. Roth, on the other hand, seems to be reveling in the fight, his eyes alight with a cruel, mocking glee.

Suddenly, Roth feints to the left, his blade darting out to catch Malakai off guard. Malakai tries to dodge, but he's a fraction of a second too slow. The blade catches him across the chest, leaving a deep, jagged wound that immediately begins to gush blood.

Malakai staggers back, his hand pressed to the wound, his face contorted in pain. I scream his name, my heart in my throat as I race to his side.

Roth sees me coming and laughs, his voice cold and mocking. "Look at you, brother," he sneers. "Brought low by a mere human. Pathetic."

He raises his blade, ready to strike the final blow, but I'm faster. I throw myself between them, my knife raised, my eyes blazing with fury.

"Stay away from him," I snarl, my voice low and dangerous.

Roth hesitates, his eyes narrowing as he takes in my stance, the determination in my gaze. "You would fight me, little human?" he asks, his tone amused. "You, who are so weak, so fragile?"

"I am not weak," I snap, my grip tightening on my knife. "And I will not let you hurt him."

For a long moment, Roth simply stares at me, his expression unreadable. Then, to my surprise, he lowers his blade, a smirk twisting his lips.

"Very well," he says, his voice dripping with disdain. "I will spare your life, human, and that of my dear brother. But know this, in the end, his true nature will arise. Brother, get yourself together. You may have this human pet, but your destiny is to rule the realm."

With those ominous words, Roth turns and strides away, his form quickly swallowed up by the lengthening shadows of the desert.

I don't waste time watching him go. Instead, I drop to my knees beside Malakai, my hands shaking as I press them to his wound, trying desperately to stem the flow of blood.

"Hold on," I whisper, my voice choked with tears. "I've got you, just hold on."

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