We already had our way into the Ashen Corps through Malakai and the Aetherion would open up through our relation with Michlael. If both sides could reach an understanding, that could change our fates, reshaping the entire world and future.
Michlael picked something from his fancy robe, a small pink gem. The demon burst into a rage next to us, still held by his gale, but what once had seemed calm and broken now rose in defiance again.
Fear.
It knew that this little stone would kill it for good, making it impossible to return.
A dangerous smile appeared on Michlael’s face, as he in a swift motion shoved the piece into the demon, using his magic to empower his thrust, forcing it through its skin.
The demon shrieked, a piercing sound, forcing me to slap my hands over my ears. Its body began emitting steam. Slowly, parts of it turned to ash and drifted away on the wind.
It took only a couple of seconds, before nothing of the terrifying monster was left.
“See?” Michlael mused. “Gone, forever.”
After that, Michlael escorted me back to the inn as promised. I was met by an anxious Ashley on the doorstep.
“You’re back!” she sighed, relief showing in her face. She grabbed my hand and forced me along with her, to the room I had stayed in.
“What are you doing?” I murmured, my eyelids threatening to close at any moment, my energy depleted.
“I swiped some food for dinner for you, here,” she brought up a piece of meat, wrapped with cloth that she had hidden in her pocket.
“Ashley, I’m sure we can get food whenever we want here,” I arched a brow at her.
“Really?” she seemed genuinely surprised. “Well… old habits die hard.”
I smiled at her, accepted the meat anyway and gave her a long tired hug. “Thank you… for always looking after me.”
She patted my back. “Don’t get all emotional, it’s only food. You can repay me by purchasing some materials for my bombs or something.”
“I’ll make sure to uphold that promise,” I chuckled, as we pulled back.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” she added, a faint smile. “The rest of us are chilling for a bit downstairs, Malakai was going to talk to Nicron or something.”
“Why?” I asked curiously.
“You’ll have to ask him yourself,” she shrugged. “Tomorrow, though, you look dead; get some rest!”
“Yes,mom,” I said, giving her a look as she shook her head at me, before she headed out of my room again. Isighed, practically dragging my feet to the bed. On the edge of it I saw new clothing placed out, looking exactly like the ones I had received the day before, but clean and folded.
I guess another bath wouldn’t hurt… I had to clean off my shoulder anyway.
This time I made sure to take my time, no one was in line waiting to use the bathtub. The water was warm and comforting. I finally left, not because I wanted to, but because of the fear of falling asleep and drowning in the water.
I peeked at the table downstairs when I passed, everyone was there, talking, smiling, except for Malakai. It must’ve been long talks with Nicron if he still wasn’t back?
Perhaps he was slithering his way into their ranks too, who knew.
Once back at my room again, I climbed into bed, pulling the cover over me and embraced the cozy warmth. My heart beat loudly, my pulse quickened as if I was being chased. Slowly, I opened my eyes; the room was dark, nothing here but me.
No magic.
No red threads.
I bit my lower lip, forcing my eyes shut again.
Stupid heart, stupid brain.
