Page 19 of Demon's Claim

"Thank you," she whispers against my lips, and I realize that for the first time in centuries, I'm grateful for the unpredictable twists of fate that led her to me. And as we stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, I can't help but feel a sense of awe at the power of this unlikely alliance.

The storm is coming, but so are we.

17

ELARA

Ifeel it—the weight of the bond, pulsing between us like a second heartbeat. It’s stronger than I anticipated, a tether that connects not only our lives but our emotions, our very essence. There are moments when I can sense Lucian’s presence, a dark and steady force, anchoring me even when he’s not near. But that bond is a double-edged sword, making me vulnerable in ways I hadn’t considered.

A shiver runs down my spine as I stand alone in the keep, the shadows pressing in closer than usual. There’s a chill in the air, a sense of something watching, waiting. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not alone, that something is lurking just beyond my sight.

The shadows seem to shift, and I hear a faint, predatory hiss echoing through the hall. My heart races, and I realize with a jolt that this isn’t a simple demon or a minor threat. Whatever it is, it’s ancient, powerful, and drawn to me—to us. The bond between Lucian and me has become a beacon, a signal calling out to things that should have remained buried.

I glance around, hoping for some sign of Lucian, but he’s not here. I’m on my own.

I take a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. I can’t rely on Lucian to protect me from everything. If I’m going to survive in this world, I have to learn to stand on my own, to face whatever comes my way. I close my eyes, reaching for that spark within me, the power that’s always just out of reach.

“Come on,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. “I know you’re there. Show yourself.”

The shadows deepen, swirling around me, and I sense the entity drawing closer. Its presence is oppressive, suffocating, a darkness that feels alive, pulsing with malice. I grit my teeth, refusing to let fear take over. I won’t be a victim. Not here. Not now.

The power within me stirs, a faint warmth growing stronger, hotter. I focus, drawing it closer, feeling it build like a flame igniting, ready to burn. The entity moves forward, a massive shape looming in the shadows, eyes gleaming with hunger.

With a surge of determination, I release the energy, a wave of light that bursts from me, pushing back the darkness. The light strikes the creature, and it shrieks, retreating, the shadows unraveling as my power forces it away.

The light fades, and I’m left breathing hard, my body trembling from the effort. I did it—I drove it back. But the power… it’s overwhelming, raw and untamed, and I feel the strain of it settling into my bones. My knees buckle, and I sink to the floor, exhaustion washing over me.

Before I can catch my breath, I feel Lucian’s presence, a dark, protective force surging into the room. He’s at my side in an instant, his gaze scanning the shadows, his expression hard. “Elara,” he says, his voice low, filled with a concern I didn’t expect. “What happened?”

I look up at him, my heart still racing, and I see the fury in his eyes. He’s furious—not just at the creature that dared to approach but at himself, at the situation that left me vulnerable.

“There was… something,” I manage, my voice shaky. “It came for me. I could feel it—it was drawn here.”

He clenches his fists, a dark anger simmering beneath the surface. “I should have been here,” he mutters, almost to himself. “I never should have left you alone.”

I shake my head, finding a flicker of strength. “I need to learn to face these things on my own, Lucian. I can’t always rely on you.”

He’s silent for a moment, his gaze softening as he looks at me. There’s something in his eyes, a depth of emotion that goes beyond mere duty, something raw and unguarded. I feel our bond pulse, a shared understanding passing between us, a connection that speaks louder than words.

“You did well,” he says finally, his voice quiet. “But this realm… it’s relentless. And our bond—it’s only making you more of a target.”

I nod, feeling the weight of his words. “Then I’ll keep fighting. I’ll learn to control this power, to wield it without fear.”

He watches me, a faint glimmer of approval in his gaze. “Good. But be cautious, Elara. The price of this bond—it’s greater than either of us anticipated. It will continue to attract enemies, forces beyond your understanding.”

I meet his gaze, feeling a surge of confidence. “Then let them come. I’m not afraid.”

He gives me a small, almost reluctant smile, but there’s a sadness in his eyes, a weight that I can’t quite name. “Just remember—power is both a gift and a burden. And in this realm, every gift comes with a price.”

As he turns to leave, I feel the bond between us, a steady presence that fills the silence, reminding me that I’m not alone. This world may be dark, filled with creatures that seek to consume me, but with Lucian by my side, I feel stronger, more resolute.

The Underworld may test us, may try to break us, but I know one thing for certain: together, we are a force to be reckoned with. And no matter what comes, I won’t back down.

As I watch him disappear into the shadows, a strange sense of peace settles over me. The bond is a price I’m willing to pay—a strength I’m willing to embrace. Because whatever challenges lie ahead, we’ll face them together.

18

LUCIAN

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