Page 85 of Wings of Valor
He attacks with so much anger that the force is far greater than I expected. Even when I block the incoming hit of his angel blade with my sword, my feet skid back on the ground like I’m trying to hold off a freight train.
Twisting away, I break free, but I’m not quick enough to avoid the swipe of his claw against my abdomen. There’s a moment of pain, but it’s him that yelps.
What the …?
We both pause and stare at the smoke rising from the claw that just cut me. Then I look down and see the wound. It’s minimal, thank fuck, but it cut through my rune-stitched shirt. What the hell is this thing made of?
Whatever it is has the demon in front of me absolutely enraged. He comes at me with force, shaking me from my thoughts until we’re right back where we were before. Him attacking with me on the defensive. But he’s learning.
He feints a jab, and I move to block it, but don’t get to because a searing pain shoots up my right arm. I stumble back and chance a look down. The fucker’s claw got me good. From wrist to elbow, there’s a deep gash. Blood flows freely down my palm, dripping onto the ground.
The demon grins, looking pleased with himself. He probably thinks he just gained the upper hand, and while itisa lot of blood, it won’t stop me from ending him. I’ll do it or die trying.
I transfer the sword to my uninjured arm, the move only making the asshole’s smile grow wider. After that, all pretense is gone. He’s done with our little back and forth, and he’s more than ready to end me for good.
He lunges forward, and I dart out of reach, barely escaping another clash with his claws. I need him to think I’m weak, then he’ll let his guard down.
Little does he know, I can fight just as easily with either hand. I made sure that particular disadvantage wouldn’t be one I ever suffered.
My breaths come in and out in fast bursts, partly because it’s a workout and a half to stay alive, but I play it up a little. He, on the other hand, doesn’t look at all tired.
In that moment, something shifts. The next thing I know, he’s on me with no reservations. His hits are hard, but I don’t back down. Even when my wounded arm aches. Even when the wind is knocked out of me. I push through and use everything I’ve learned over the years—every ounce of knowledge gained from Remiel’s instruction.
It’s like I’ve stepped out of my conscious body and become a bystander, watching on in utter fascination as my blade plunges deep into the demon’s chest. The look of utter horror before he turns into dust will be seared into my memory forever.
As I catch my breath, no fireworks go off in celebration. There’s no victory horn blasting around me. But I swear my soul feels lighter. I take a moment to look up at the sky, closing my eyes as I think about Serah. “Be at peace now, my friend,” I whisper up to her as if she’s listening.
Hayliel’s voice pops into my mind, along with a rush of affection.You did it, Theo! Are you alright?
How she knows I killed him is a question for later. My focus needs to be on taking down the piece of shit threatening to take over and dismantle our city.
I glance down at my arm to find the blood has slowed, and the wound has already closed a little. That’s good.A little banged up, but nothing serious. I’ll come—My telepathic thoughts are cut off when I catch sight of Raphael in the distance.
The angel he’s with falls to the ground in a heap, leaving my best friend to fight off three demons all on his own.
34
The guard fighting beside me—Yael, I think?—is good, but he’s no guild member.
I can tell he’s had some of the best training out there, but that’s all it’s been. Practice. Today might actually be the first day he’s ever been face to face with a demon, and it’s not going well. So far, he’s blocked most of the attacks, but he hasn’t gotten a single hit in himself.
All he’s done is put off his own death long enough for me to step in.
I throw an imbued dagger toward the demon, who’s distracted by trying to kill Yael. It arcs through the sky, throwing beautiful shafts of light around, before sliding into the demon’s skull where he turns to dust.
The ashes fall onto Yael’s face, some even going into his mouth. He sputters—heaving as he tries to shake the remains of the dead creature off him. I help him up, instantly regretting it when he says, “Ugh, that’s disgusting! Could you be a little more mindful next time about where the body will go?”
Is he fucking for real right now?
“How about you kill it yourself next time, then, yeah?” Ungrateful asshole. I turn to leave, desperate to get back with Hayliel, Theo, and Remiel, but five demons now stand between us and the forest. And they don’t look very happy.
Yael gulps audibly beside me, making me frown. Great. Keeping my voice low, I say, “Listen up. You’ve been trained by some of the best fighters in our city, including the Archangels themselves if the rumors are true. Would you cower like a little bitch if Remiel was still with us, or would you fight with everything you’ve got?”
“I—I—I—” he stutters, testing my patience. The demons are closer now, clearly ready for a fight.
How the hell did I end up with this sniveling coward?
“Decide!” I shout just as the demons make their first move.
