Page 3 of Sundered By Fate

A warding sigil flared into existence before him, blindingly bright even in the daylight, and then slammed into the demons' ranks with an explosion of sound and light. The creatures shrieked as it burned through their shadowy forms, slicing through their defenses with ease.

Aric grinned at the sight—the spell working just as he'd hoped—but he didn't allow himself to celebrate for long.

The battle raged on around him: screams and clangs ringing off cobblestones; shadows clashing against firelight as humans scrambled out of the way or leaped forward, weapons raised?—

But Aric was in his element now. He ducked between two guards locked in combat with one of the wraithlike creatures—the young woman from before—and hurled a blast of golden flames that shattered its form apart like glass.

Her eyes widened at the sight—but she quickly nodded her thanks before turning back to her own opponent.

"Stay with me!" she shouted over her shoulder as she slashed at another demon with her dagger—a bold move for such a young girl—and Aric felt something warm unfurl inside him at her bravery.

He moved to her side as more demons surged toward them; their crimson eyes glowed like embers in the night even as they bore down on him with claws outstretched?—

And suddenly Aric was back-to-back with this girl he'd never met before, fighting together against all odds.

They moved in tandem—her small form darting forward to strike at one demon's legs while Aric's magic flared outwards to engulf another; her dagger arcing up toward a looming creature while his flames licked around its body like caresses?—

Aric found himself laughing breathlessly at this unexpected camaraderie—at the exhilaration coursing through his veins despite knowing full well they might not survive this day?—

But still: Together, they were unstoppable.

And fleetingly—just for a heartbeat or two—Aric felt as if he truly belonged here once more.

The tide of battle was shifting now; even Aric felt it as the demons began to retreat under their onslaught. Though his mind still buzzed with magic's song, his limbs weighed him down like leaden weights, his muscles screaming for rest. But he couldn't let up yet. Not when they were so close.

The guards were fighting with renewed fervor now—Aric's presence seeming to bolster their spirits, even as the townsfolk watched from a safe distance. And as he glanced around at thedefenders, Aric saw expressions ranging from awe to fear to confusion.

They didn't know what to make of him—this stranger who wielded magic like a weapon and fought by their side without hesitation. He didn't know what to make of himself, either.

But he couldn't stop now; not when there was still work to be done.

With one final surge of power, Aric unleashed a torrent of gold across the battlefield, consuming the last of the demons in its searing heat. Their cries echoed in the night air before being abruptly cut off as they were banished back to whatever dark realm had spawned them.

Aric sagged forward, one hand braced on his knees as he gasped for breath. The world spun dizzily around him—but he forced himself upright, blinking back the sweat and tears stinging his eyes. He couldn't afford to show any weakness now, with all eyes on him.

The square fell silent, save for the defenders' heavy breathing and the wounded's groans. Aric stood in the center, acutely aware of all eyes upon him. The magic sigils on his skin, usually hidden, glowed faintly in the aftermath of the battle. He drew in air, preparing to speak, to explain, to beg for understanding if necessary.

Before he could, the young defender approached, her hand extended in gratitude.

"Thank you," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Hope bloomed in Aric's chest, a fragile thing made all the more precious by its rarity.

But as she drew closer, her eyes widened in shock and then horror. Her gaze fixed on the fading sigils on Aric's skin, unmistakably demonic in origin. Her outstretched hand faltered, then dropped. She took one step back, then another.Around them, the other townspeople picked up on her reaction, murmurs of unease spreading through the crowd.

Aric stood frozen, the elation of victory crumbling into ash.

"Demon magic," someone hissed.

Another voice, rough with fear: "He's one of them."

Aric opened his mouth to protest, to explain—but his words died unspoken as the defenders closed ranks around him, weapons drawn once more.

"Stand down," a voice ordered, and Aric found himself on his knees before he even realized he'd moved.

The guards encircled him, their spears and swords leveled at his heart.

"Who are you?" one demanded. "What are you?"

---