Chapter 65: Before It's Too Late

The Demon’s Love

Chapter 65: Before It's Too Late

Amari’s

I don’t know how exactly I was stabbed. I was certain I kept my eyes on every crook and cranny so how did I miss a single attack to me? Or I was too preoccupied to assume someone from these people who pledged to protect me wouldn’t hurt me?

I shakily clutched where I was stabbed while coughing up blood. I had doubts that this mission would end successfully, but despite that I didn’t think ahead that someone from Zaren’s knights would stab me. Aggressively, the sword was pulled out from my abdomen and I again coughed up blood.

I was surprised and bewildered. Did I lack somewhere? What did I do wrong to deserve this?

Staggering, I swung my sword towards that knight with a grunt. The knight dispersed along the soul who corrupted him. Ah, Darkness really gets the nerves of me. Zaren came to me.

“Yula! H-how do you feel?”

I shook my head. This is a small stab, this isn’t that much. I pushed him away from me, answering shakily. I guess the stab did feel painful.

“D-don’t worry. Th-this isn’t that much. Come on, don’t react that way…”

He sighed restlessly. He appeared to not want to just let me be, in fact, I could see that he was willing to end this battle for me. I disagreed to his idea.

“You’re hurt. Let me lessen your pain..” without much words, he lifted his hand then handed me a handful of his mana. It felt reassuring and comfortable. I closed my eyes, feeling my pain decreasing. After a while, I nodded my head at him. I acknowledged the fact that I feel better.

He tapped my shoulder, “I’ll be here with you.”

“Mhm, let’s continue.”

I then shouted to give strength to my hands and self. Everything was a mess. There were exchanging of powers, the clanking of swords. It was formidable and absolutely terrifying, but none of them seemed to scare us. We have better things to finish off than be dwell on petty emotion like scared.

I hope Rymond is doing well since I couldn’t see him. Darkness’s hasn’t appeared yet so it makes me think something had happened at the back. Should I go take a look? But our plan isn’t like that, I am afraid it’d ruin it.

I frowned, then ran towards Uncle, who was alone after his knights either got injured or killed by Dark Magic. He looked at me. A gaze that seemed to say I finally came to rescue him, but who knows? I didn’t come here to kindly help him.

I walked past by him, then attacked the swirling Dark Magic. I jumped up, turned around then struck it with my Fire Power, which burnt in the flames of my power. The souls that had been condemned to be eaten by Dark Magic screamed in agony. While I am faltering especially when I had been stabbed.

“A-Amari…”

I heard my Uncle called me. He sounded hurt, based on the blood he had on his armor. I cleared my throat and then faced him.

“Let’s talk later”, I deeply exhaled, while panting. “W-we still have things to do.”

He weakly responded, “I-I… want to ask…”

“Later, let’s do that later.” I panted as my sweats formed on my forehead and dropped on my neck down to my collarbone.

He frowned, “I want to a-ask… it n-now.”

“Now?”

I pursed my lips, sighing heavily. Why does he want to ask me something in the middle of danger? Can’t he ask me later after defeating Darkness?

Well, it wouldn’t harm to listen to him this once. Since he had never harmed me or anyone, this is the best I could give him. That is if he don’t ask for more.

“A-alright. What is it?”

I lowered my sword, then I saw him attacked the Dark Magic behind me. The Dark Magic vanished in the air and I furrowed my brows. He didn’t have that kind of attitude back when I was still under his supervision. So what made him change? It’s surprising.

He was hesitant and I patiently waited after I made a barrier. This wouldn’t last long but as long as I’ve listened to his question and answered him, this is fine.

“You… Are you Yula?”

I froze upon widening my eyes.

“W-what are you…”

“I am asking you.” He turned serious.

“I… I don’t know—”

“I heard Z-Zaren called you that.”

I scoffed, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He smirked, “I am quite familiar with that name, you see.”

I shook my head, “You got the wrong person,” At the same time, the barrier disappeared. I lowly resumed, “I am Amari…”

With that, I walked away.

*

I coughed, panting. I was again inside the space of Darkness. When and how did I get here? Was it while I was fighting or it was when I had talked to my Uncle? I couldn’t remember when, it felt hazy and blurry.

I stumbled on the floor and before I knew it, I was losing my consciousness. I attempted fighting it but my power isn’t adequate to do so and I could only give in. I hardly swallowed my saliva.

This is harder than I anticipated.

“Whatever you do, you’re bound to be my body.”

That was what Darkness claimed but I wouldn’t… I wouldn’t give in. That was what I thought but it’s magic was stronger than I thought. I floated in the air, trying to balance myself but it was futile as I couldn’t stop it any longer.

Defeated, I closed my eyes, waiting for my demise. Ah, I promised I’d be the one holding victory right now. Or more to say that we’ll be the ones to grab that one thing. However, that plan was shattered. I don’t know what had happened – I felt like I saw Zaren before Darkness swallowed me.

Nevertheless, to be held up helpless in this state made me assume unthinkable consequences.

Wait, I remember something.

My Uncle.

“You’re right”, I heard a chuckle, “You should have known that I will take out your grievances, all your ugly feelings. As long as there’s hatred and grief in this world, I shall take that into account.”

I hazily opened my eyes, I could faintly feel my blood dropping from my arm. Was I stabbed there? I wish I had known, but I feel numb.

I shakily raised my hand, in hopes that I touch the reality I was looking. We were in barrier – where only I and Darkness settled in while the rest were outside. They were trying to get me out of the barrier – unlike Uncle who started long enough.

I thought his question earlier was odd enough but I guess I wasn’t that clever to think he won’t raise his sword amidst this risk.

I finally get it. He was here to keep an eye on me. But why? I feel like I did something wrong but I couldn’t figure out what was that wrong I did. Was I not enough?

I mumbled, “It’s better that I-I’ knew this before it was t-too late…”