Page 119 of Wings of Destiny

I shut my eyes, slowly releasing my breath. My flame and lightning appeared behind my lids, aching to be used. Another sensation hid in the shadows, calling to me. I stepped towards it, and it jumped back. I tried again, this time slowly extending my hand. I held myself still, pushing down the growing anxiety in the well of my stomach as the Demons were closing in.

I won’t hurt you.

It peaked out at me, and slowly reached for my extended hand. The sensation’s form grew into a shimmering white blob as its warmth grasped my fingertips, my ponytail whipped around in a sudden gust of wind. An angelic voice rang through the crevices of my mind, caressing me.

“Home.”

Home?

“Yes.”

I am your home?

“Yes. And I am a part of yours.”

What does that mean?

“That is for another time. Now, tell me, what do you need?”

Help me.

My eyes flew open as a pale demon launched itself through the air, aiming for Libby.

This one.The angelic voice cooed. I twisted, jumping and using Libby as leverage, and launched myself at the Demon. My dagger made contact with its neck, missing the jugular and nicking the side. Its blood spurted, before the wound healed almost instantly. I bit back the surprise, masking my expression and lining up for my next move, the Demon’s attention fully on me and no longer on Libby. It growled as we circled one another. Another surge caught my attention.

“Libby to your right!” She leaped into action, quickly taking down the Demon as it came into view, her blade slicing through its middle.

I returned my attention to the Demon towering over me, our eyes locked, a cocky snarl ripped from its lips. Recognition flared in its yellowed eyes. “You’re the one he’s been searching for,” he exhaled deeply. “Ah, yes. Just as delectable as Erebus had described. I shall have my fun with our Key before you fulfill your purpose.” A shiver raked down my spine as I swallowed down my first encounter with Erebus.

“Do not falter. You are The Key. Be the key to his undoing.”

I smacked my lips. “Oof, sorry to disappoint but you’ll have to buy me dinner first, big guy.” I could’ve sworn I felt the voice shake its head. I feigned boredom, taking a note from Libby and glanced at my severely chipped and neglected nails on my free hand, dagger in the other.

The Demon gawked at me and took the bait. He roared in pure ego-stricken offense. “How dare you not fall to your knees in fear. You should be begging for me to spare you.” He puffed out his chest as he cackled.

I looked up from my nails and pursed my lips. “Eh. I’ve seen worse. Try again.”

His eyes went wild as the Demon lunged forward, claws extending. His movement was fueled by rage; I took the opportunity and pulled my sword from its sheath, leaping high and bringing it down on the Demon's head. The blade slicing all the way down, splitting it in half, its entrails roping outward, and flopping to the ground. Its guts squashed underfoot as I stepped between the two halves.

I wiped the inked blood on my sword onto my leggings and slid her back into her harness. I extended my hands, palms facing the Demon’s severed body and called my flames forward, burning it until nothing but ashes remained.

I am taking no chances.

Libby fought against two others, out maneuvering and slowly wearing them down. I readied to join in when another presence caught my attention.

I hissed. “Derik, what the fuck are you doing here?”

I’m going to kill Josh.

“We’re a team, remember?”

I growled and jumped in to snatch another Demon that had crept in while I was briefly distracted by Derik’s unexpected appearance. I made quick work, as it was a smaller Demon; it hadn’t seen me and was hunting Libby. I kicked it in the center of its back and shoved my dagger into its stomach as it whirled on me, sending electricity through my blade and frying the damned creature from the inside out.

Sweet. I didn't know if that’d work. I didn’t hurt your sister, did I?

“No, she is fine. But really? No thought, just went for it?”

Yeap.

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