Page 6 of My Soul Is His

“No, you’re able to heal from any damage. You don’t have to worry about bathing, eating or hydration. Small gifts, I guess. Take care of each other out there. No one should have to fight alone.” Marla grimaces before turning to grasp my hand.

“What the hell is that giant shadow?” The woman, her hands twisting in anguish, points a trembling finger toward the barren field.

I wish the Lords would do their fucking job here.

“Whatever mental illness you suffered from topside will now be here to fight you in person. Don’t listen to all the voices you hear, and don’t become attached to anything tangible because they’ll rip it away," I say.

“I see the strength in each of you,” Marla tells them. “I know it’s scary, trust me, I do. But you can do this. I believe in all of you.” Her voice is strained but encouraging as she glances over her slumped shoulder.

“Let’s go home my dove,” I tell her, and she leans against me, exhausted.

We walk at a slow pace. I help both of them as they trip over the buckled grass and watch for any sign of demons coming to taunt them, but it’s almost serene instead.

The old bitch I have sits in my peripheral vision. His burning skin is a deceptive mask for the frailty within, and I yearn for a more challenging opponent.

As we reach the tunnel, I move the branches to let the women in first. Marla talks to Chloe, and I case the rest of the stony encampment. No one has been here, and I’m surprised we’ve kept this home for as long as we have.

Three

Marla

While Sebastian checks for any threats, I lead the new girl to our supplies. We’re down on what we have, but it’s better than nothing.

“Luckily we don’t feel hungry here, and I haven’t had to drink anything since arriving. We have clothing we’ve ripped into rags in case the bleeding doesn’t stop as fast as you need to. I’d suggest bringing some of them with you.”

“Thank you. I don’t know how I’ll repay you.” Her bright blue eyes never meet mine and she spends most of the time staring at the ground.

I reach forward and grasp her shoulder. “It’s okay, it’s what we do.”

A loud screech interrupts me, followed by a long wail, and Sebastian runs past us to the entrance. A man with black hair and ripped clothes stands with blood running from his face and scratches covering his muscular body.

“Sid?” I question as I run towards him. Sebastian tries to hold me back, but I shake from his grasp.

“Marla, I didn’t think I’d find you again. Can I rest here for the night before heading out again? I haven’t been able to heal in fucking weeks.”

I nod before bringing him further into the tunnel. Chloe joins us with some of the rags I showed her.

Sebastian moves some barricades over and pulls out more moss to cover the ground, turning it into a make-shift bed.

“Where have you been all this time?” I ask him as we wrap the fabric around his biceps and legs.

“Running. The girl I met when we first came here together made a group, but they didn’t like my humour or something and asked me to leave. I’ve tried to find you, but fuck if I know how time works around here.” He stares at the ground, kicking a few stones.

He’s right. No one can keep track of the amount of years we’ve been here.

“I’m sorry,” Sebastian says from behind me. “You’re welcome to join us. We’ve been a pair for the duration. New people come, and we always receive them and get everyone used to the realm before they branch off.”

“It’s true. I never thought I’d become like a pestering mother hen, but here I am.” I smile at Sid and Chloe.

The warmth of Sebastian’s hug around my waist fades, the comforting pressure leaving a hollowness that chills me to the bone.

“How many demons did you end up with?” Sid asks and tightens a bandage.

I settle on the ground with them leaning against the rock. “Three. One has progressed over the years and it’s fucking terrifying. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. It bends me to its will at every chance. If I wasn’t focused on other people and didn’t have Sebastian, I’d be a shell of a person.”

Chloe’s azure eyes fill with tears, and she runs a hand over her black and blue mohawk.

“New girl?” Sid stares at her.

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