Page 2 of Fated to the Demon

"Don't think so. But Claudia, they were heading in the direction of your place."

I grip my pickaxe tighter, knuckles turning white. "I have to go. Now."

"Wait," Vic grabs my arm. "You can't just leave. The foreman-"

"I don't care about the foreman," I hiss, yanking my arm free. "My sister's in danger."

Vic's expression softens. "I know. But rushing out there half-cocked won't help anyone."

I don't hear anything else Vic has to say as I run toward the outskirts.

My lungs burn as I sprint through the winding streets, coal dust still clinging to my skin. The outskirts of town loom ahead, and my heart pounds with each step. Narina. Please be safe.

As I round the final corner, my worst fears materialize. A group of dark elves, their armor gleaming in the fading light, surround a struggling figure. Narina.

"Let her go!" The scream tears from my throat before I can stop it.

The elves turn, their laughter cutting off abruptly. Narina's eyes widen as she spots me, a mix of relief and terror on her face.

"Claudia! Run!"

But I can't. I Won't. My feet carry me forward, even as the elves move to block my path. Their weapons glint, deadly and precise.

I lunge forward, aiming for the gap between two elves.

I barrel through the gap, but a gauntleted fist slams into my stomach. Air rushes from my lungs as I double over, gasping.

"Claudia!" Narina's scream pierces the air.

Another blow catches me across the jaw. Stars explode behind my eyes as I stumble backward. The metallic taste of blood fills my mouth.

"Stop it!" Narina pleads. "Leave her alone!"

I blink, trying to focus. The elves' laughter rings in my ears as they circle me. One lunges forward, and I barely dodge his fist. But another catches me from behind, sending me sprawling to the ground.

Boots connect with my ribs. Pain lances through me with each impact. I curl into a ball, trying to protect myself.

Suddenly, the assault stops. I look up to see Narina throwing herself over me, shielding my body with hers.

"Please," she sobs. "Don't hurt her anymore."

For a moment, everything stills. Then rough hands grab Narina, yanking her away from me.

"No!" I reach for her, my fingers brushing against hers before she's torn from my grasp.

Adrenaline surges through me. I scramble to my feet, ignoring the pain screaming through every nerve. My hand closes around a piece of broken wood lying nearby.

With a roar, I swing it at the nearest elf. It connects with a satisfying crack against his helmet. He staggers back, stunned.

But my victory is short-lived. Another elf snatches the wood from my hand. Before I can react, it comes crashing down on my skull.

The world tilts sideways. My vision blurs, darkness creeping in at the edges. I slump to my knees, fighting to stay conscious.

"Narina!" I scream, my voice hoarse and desperate. The world spins around me, but I force my eyes to focus on her terrified face. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"

Rough hands seize my arms, dragging me across the rocky ground. My body screams in protest, every nerve ending on fire. I try to dig my heels in, to find some purchase, but it's useless against their inhuman strength.

"Let her go!" Narina's voice cracks as she struggles against her captors. "Please, I'll do anything!"

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