Page 16 of Demon's Claim

The creature sneers, its eyes narrowing. “Protection? You’re a fool. Her power is a beacon, a threat to the very balance of the Underworld. She will be consumed, one way or another. And when that happens, not even you will be able to stop it.”

A surge of anger flares within me, and I feel my magic pulsing, dark and deadly, ready to strike. “If you value your existence, you’ll leave now,” I growl, my voice edged with fury.

The creature hesitates, sensing the danger, but it gives one last mocking laugh before it fades into the shadows, its voice echoing in the air. “Remember my words, Lucian. She is a flame, and flames always burn out.”

As the silence settles, I feel the tension in my body slowly fade, the anger receding. But the creature’s words linger, a reminder of the risk I’m taking by keeping her here, by allowing her power to grow unchecked. This realm is unforgiving, and even I can’t protect her from every threat that lurks in the shadows.

I turn to find her watching me, her expression a mix of gratitude and fear. “Thank you,” she says softly, her voice barely a whisper.

I nod, my gaze hardening. “That creature was right about one thing. Your power is a beacon. It will draw attention, and the threats will only grow stronger.”

She looks away, the weight of my words settling over her. “Then teach me to control it. Show me how to defend myself.”

Her determination is fierce, unyielding, and for a moment, I feel a pang of something I can’t quite name. She’s not just a mortal, not just a fleeting soul bound by a curse. She’s becoming a part of this world—a part of my world—and it terrifies me more than any creature lurking in the shadows.

“You’re already stronger than you know,” I say, my voice softening. “But strength without control is a weapon that can turn against you. If you’re to survive, you’ll need to master this power, to wield it without mercy.”

She nods, her gaze steady, resolute. “I understand. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

I take a step back, the distance between us both comforting and unsettling. I can feel the bond between us, the pact that ties our fates together, and it’s stronger than I anticipated, a thread woven deeper than I’d intended.

“You have potential,” I say, my tone colder than I feel. “But don’t mistake power for invincibility. The Underworld is relentless. If you’re not careful, it will consume you.”

She meets my gaze, a fierce determination in her eyes. “Then I’ll make sure it doesn’t.”

I nod, unwilling to admit the strange sense of pride her words stir within me. She’s become more than just a responsibility, more than a burden. She’s a spark in this endless darkness, and though I’ve tried to ignore it, I know now that I can’t. I won’t let her be consumed, won’t let this realm take her from me.

As I turn to leave, I feel her gaze lingering on me, and for the first time, I allow myself to acknowledge the truth I’ve been denying. She’s more than just a spark. She’s become a flame—a force that could either bring light to this world or burn it to the ground.

Whatever the future holds, I know one thing with certainty: I’ll defend her, no matter the cost. And if that means facing the darkness within myself, then so be it.

The Underworld may test us both, but I won’t let it break her. Not while there’s still a part of me that remembers what it means to fight for something beyond myself.

15

ELARA

The shadows linger even after the creature is gone, the memory of its twisted form haunting the corners of my mind. I watch Lucian, his gaze hard, his posture tense, and I realize how much I’ve come to rely on him. It’s an unsettling thought, one that fills me with both gratitude and frustration. I came here unwillingly, thrust into a world I barely understand, but he’s been my anchor, my shield in this realm of darkness.

But this isn’t enough—not anymore. If I’m going to survive, I need more than just protection. I need strength. And maybe… maybe I need to understand what binds us, what lies beneath this pact that links our fates.

When Lucian finally turns to leave, I follow him, my steps hurried as I try to catch up. “Lucian,” I call, and he pauses, glancing over his shoulder. “We need to talk. About… the pact.”

His eyes narrow slightly, but he doesn’t dismiss me. “What about it?”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “It’s more than just protection, isn’t it? I can feel it, this connection between us. It’s deeper than I thought.”

He sighs, his expression guarded. “A pact in the Underworld is not a simple promise, Elara. It binds us, yes. But it also links us in ways that are… difficult to explain.”

I step closer, my gaze unwavering. “Then explain it to me. I deserve to know what I’ve agreed to, what’s truly tying us together.”

He watches me for a moment, as if weighing whether or not to trust me with the truth. Finally, he nods, gesturing for me to follow him into a quiet chamber. The shadows here are softer, less foreboding, and I feel a strange sense of calm settle over me.

“When I made the pact,” he begins, his voice low, “I didn’t anticipate… this. I meant only to keep you safe, to ensure you’d survive long enough to understand your power. But the bond—it ties us beyond mere protection. It shares… essence.”

“Essence?” I echo, trying to grasp his meaning.

“Our lives are intertwined,” he says, his gaze steady. “Your survival affects mine, and mine… affects yours. We share strength, endurance, even emotions to an extent. The longer this pact holds, the stronger it grows.”

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