Page 33 of Demon's Prey

The other demons grow wary and cautious. I've never been able to fight back before. I've only been able to run away.

"I can do this," I tell myself, my newfound strength from the contract coursing through me.

My heart pounds in my chest, but it's not just fear anymore. There's something else—a thrill, an excitement I've never felt before. The power thrums through my veins, electric and intoxicating.

I clench my fists, feeling the energy crackling at my fingertips. The demons circle me, their eyes narrowed, reassessing their prey. But I'm not prey anymore.

One demon, bolder than the rest, bares its fangs and charges. Time seems to slow. I see its claws reaching for me, but my body moves with a fluid grace I never knew I possessed. I sidestep, grabbing its arm and using its momentum to slam it into a nearby tree.

The impact shakes the ground, and I stare at my hands in disbelief. Did I really just do that?

The remaining two demons snarl, their earlier confidence replaced by uncertainty. They exchange glances, as if debating whether to continue this fight.

I stand tall, my stance wide and ready. The fear is still there, a cold knot in my stomach, but it's overshadowed by something new—determination. Power. For the first time in my life, I'm not helpless.

I manage to strike one of the demons in the throat, a gurgled cry escaping its lips as it collapses. But the other two still circle me, their numbers advantage evident. One grabs me by the hair, yanking me back. I scream, my body twisting as I try to break free. Another grabs my arm, pulling me in the opposite direction. They’re dragging me away, their claws digging into my skin.

I struggle with everything I have, my mind spinning.

“I can’t let this happen,” I scream. “I won’t let them take me." I kick and claw at them, but they’re too strong

One of the demons slams me into a tree, and my vision blurs. Pain explodes in my skull, and for a moment, I feel like I’m slipping away.

"Darizus…" I cry weakly.

The thought of him aches inside me—I want to see him. I need him.

Dazirus's name echoes in my mind, igniting something deep within me. A surge of strength courses through my body, and I lash out with newfound vigor. My fist connects with the demon's face, its grip on me loosening. I stumble forward, my heart pounding in my ears.

"I have to get away!"

My legs burn as I run, each breath a ragged gasp. The demons' feral growls chase me, spurring me on. The uneven ground betrays me, and I trip, tumbling down a small hill. Pain shoots through my body, but I force myself up, refusing to give in.

Fear grips me as I hear the demons closing in. I brace myself for their attack, but instead, I slam into something solid—someone. My heart nearly stops as I look up, expecting to see another threat. But then, relief washes over me like a tidal wave.

Dazirus stands before me, his crimson eyes blazing with fury. His strong arms wrap around me, pulling me close against his chest. I cling to him, my body trembling uncontrollably.

"I've got you," he says, his voice a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.

The demons snarl, their twisted forms emerging from the shadows. But Dazirus's voice cuts through the air, low and dangerous.

"I'll take care of everything." Dazirus says.

I press my face into his chest, inhaling his scent—smoke and spice. My fingers clutch at his shirt, afraid to let go. Despite the danger surrounding us, I feel safe in his arms. Protected.

Wanted.

16

DARIZUS

Ihold Narina close, feeling her tremble against me. Her scent invades my senses—fear mixed with the alluring fragrance of her skin. The urge to keep her in my arms, to shield her from harm, is almost overpowering. But I know what must be done.

"Stay here," I command softly, meeting her wide, terrified eyes. I brush a strand of hair from her face, my fingers lingering on her cheek for the briefest moment. Her skin is warm, her pulse racing beneath my touch.

I force myself to let go, stepping away from her. Rage simmers in my veins as I turn to face the vile demons stalking towards us. Their twisted, grotesque forms would terrify any human—but not me. I am Dazirus Kal'Vareth, a noble demon of the highest order. These vermin will pay for daring to lay their filthy claws on what is mine.

"Speak your names," I say, my voice dripping with disdain, "so I know who I am sending to Oblivion."

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