Demon to God (Light Novel: Chapter 3)

Chapter 3

The silence between us is dragging. It’s been over an hour and we’ve barely said two words to each other. I’m finding the quiet rather refreshing and have been passing the time lost in my thoughts. Sophia seems distracted as well, judging by the way she only narrowly avoided that last tree. I sigh and force myself to pay more attention to my surroundings. The demons have the open sky and we’re stuck down here. I have no doubt that they’ve already pulled ahead and are working on tightening the noose around any angels hoping to slip past. I could probably escape in plain sight unless Lucien already sent out a kill order but… I look over at Sophia. I did say I’d stay with her and honestly I’m the only chance she’s got at making it out of here. Once again, I force myself to focus on our surroundings. I scan the canopy for any sign of our pursuers. The tell tale glint of steel draws my gaze to some branches up ahead. My eyes lock with a pair of red orbs staring back at me through the leaves and my face pales. 

Malik leaps from cover and dives straight for Sophia with his blade at the ready. I don’t stop to think before shoving her out of the way and meeting Malik head on. Our swords connect with a jarring amount of force. The demon is faster and stronger in his Bloodlust enhanced state and my arms shake from the strain of keeping his sword at bay. 

“What do you think you’re doing Erin?” Malik hisses through gritted teeth. 

I take solace in the fact that he’s not speaking any differently than usual. That means he doesn’t know I’m a traitor and I plan to keep it that way. 

“Malik,” I say with a nod of my head. “You almost killed my prize.” He relaxes slightly at my words and I force myself not to sigh with relief as he pulls his blade back. His red gaze falls to Sophia who’s hovering a few feet away with her sword drawn. “Sweetheart put that away, I won’t let him have you.” I say, hoping that the girl’s smart enough to listen. 

She sheaths her sword but the fearful look she shoots my way isn’t an act. Malik raises his eyebrows, “Wow, your pet’s house trained already?”

The way his lips curl in delight around the word pet makes me sick to my stomach. “You’d be surprised what a gentle hand can do,” I give him a wink and try my best not to throw up. It’ll all be worth it if we can avoid a fight. 

“Oh, I’m sure I would be,” he says, giving me a knowing grin. “But you’re going the wrong way.”

My stomach drops but I manage to keep my expression calm. “Oh, I still have a few loose ends to tie up before I’m done for the day. I should keep moving.” Malik grabs my forearm, holding me in place. His eyes are hungry and they’re focused on Sophia. “Get your own,” I snap and pull my arm free. 

Malik lets out a low growl, displaying his sharp incisors. “Remember who you’re talking to, girl.”

I don’t back down. I know that look, I’ve seen it many times before. He wants Sophia and he assumes his rank is entitlement enough. “You’ll ruin her,” I snarl back, displaying some sharp teeth of my own. “She’s mine and I will fight you Malik.” I hope that the threat alone will make him back down. We both know it’s a toss up between us. His Bloodlust gives him the advantage of strength and speed but I have magic. 

Malik’s red eyes flash with a familiar hatred. “I think I’m going to enjoy taking her from you.” 

“Fuck.” Is the only thing I can think to say before I rush him. The move catches Malic off guard and he’s a little late deflecting the strike aimed at his face. He manages to avoid most of the blow but my blade cuts a deep line in his cheek. To my surprise, Kruuldan greedily absorbs the blood, cleaning itself in an instant. Malik licks at the corner of his mouth, then he lets out a yell and takes a swing at my head. He’s faster than I am but his angry movements are obvious and predictable. I’m able to avoid or deflect each blow but every time our blades connect my arms shake from the strain. He’s pushing me back and my hands are going numb. 

Sophia hits him from the side, surprising me, but Malik manages to get his arm up in time to block his neck. Sophia’s blade lodges itself deep in the leather covering Malik’s shoulder and draws blood. Malik shrugs her off and slashes the point of his tail across the unprotected skin of her thigh. The cut is long and jagged and she cries out in pain. 

“Sophia go!” I shout, dropping the act. “I’ll hold him off and catch up with you later.” I don’t have the luxury of waiting for her response as Malik sends another barrage of strikes my way. Electricity sparks all over my body. It’s risky, I’m already exhausted and magic drains my energy like an open faucet but I don’t have any other choice. The lightning bolts transfer to his blade but stop as if they can’t find purchase when they reach his hands. 

Malik laughs and wiggles his fingers at me. “I started wearing these rubber gloves after you fried Matt.” I haven’t heard that name in years and the look on my face must be telling because Malik only laughs harder. Ignoring his taunt, I drop the lightning and direct my magic into concealing my presence. My body fades from view in an instant and his laughter quickly turns into a scowl. “What Erin, can’t face me without your dirty tricks?” 

I don’t reply, unfortunately, my magic can’t muffle the sound of my wings and he’s still able to track my general location. I attack as soon as I see an opening but Malik’s reflexes are incredible. He manages to knock my blade away at the last second and turns an attack that would have gutted him into a simple cut. Our battle continues like this for several long minutes. Malik now bleeds from dozens of cuts but I haven't been able to land a killing blow. My magic is draining and I can feel myself slowing down. Malik can sense it too if his smug smile is anything to go by. 

“You’re weaker than I thought you’d be,” he says as he narrowly avoids losing his head. Still, my blade scores a nasty gash in the side of his neck. Malik doesn't even flinch, the Bloodlust pumping through his body suppresses the pain. “In a fair fight Matt would never have lost to you.” There he goes, mentioning that name again. “What happened that day Erin, you never talk about it?”

My fists clench around the hilt of my sword as memories of that day come unbidden. It’s distracting and causes me to lose focus. My magic unravels around me and Malik’s foot slams into my ribs. The blow pulls a pained gasp from my lungs and sends me flying into a tree. My entire body screams at me as I try to get my wings working again. I don’t think anything is broken but the pain and exhaustion has me disoriented. Just as I begin to fall Malik grabs hold of my neck and presses me back against the trunk. His blade is poised at my gut and his knee pushes between my legs. 

“I’m going to have some fun with your body after I kill you,” he says. Then, he runs his long tongue up my neck and dips it inside my ear. My vision swims with the red of Bloodlust and white spots as I struggle for breath. “I know Matt had to have you alive but I’m not as picky.”

Electricity sparks on my skin. A part of me knows that I shouldn’t be using more magic. I’m already exhausted and this will use up all the energy I have left but I don’t care. I’ll be taking him down with me. Malik’s body stiffens as the current runs up his leg and his claws dig into my neck. My vision is too spotty to see the look on his face but I picture it anyway and the image brings a smile to my lips. There’s a sound like crunching metal and Malik is wrenched away. His claws cut multiple shallow lines into my neck but I barely notice as I take a needed breath. My magic fizzles out and my body begins to slide down the trunk of the tree. I hadn’t finished my attack and have enough energy left to steady myself with my wings. After several deep breaths the blurriness finally fades from my vision. Malik and Sophia are struggling in the air several yards away. She’s buried her sword in his side but Malik feels no pain, the injury isn’t even slowing him down. Sophia’s unable to free her blade so she let’s go and wraps both hands around Malik’s sword arm. 

I move, my breath coming out in ragged gasps and spots still swimming in my vision. I don’t care if it kills me, I have to get to her. Despite my depression however, I’m not quite fast enough and can only watch as Malik backhands Sophia with every ounce of his Bloodlust enhanced strength. Her head snaps back with a resounding crack and her body goes limp. I push harder, ignoring the red of Bloodlust creeping into the corners of my vision. Sophia’s falling and Malik lifts his sword to strike her from the air but this time, I am fast enough. I wrap both arms protectively around Sophia’s small frame and duck under Malik’s blade. She’s breathing and I allow myself a small sigh of relief. 

I expect Malik to give chase but I don’t hear the beat of his wings on our tail. I chance a look over my shoulder, surprised to see that he hasn’t moved. Malik’s gaze is fixed on the sword still protruding from his side. The wound will be fatal if he doesn’t get to a healer soon. Knowing this, Malik grunts in frustration and sends me one last hateful look before taking off in the opposite direction. 

I take a brief moment to sheath my sword and adjust Sophia’s wings so they fold against her back and out of the way. There’s a dark bruise forming around her right eye where Malik struck her but no sign of the cut on her thigh other than a bit of dried blood. I know I should find that curious but I’m too exhausted to bother. I’m just relieved that Malik didn’t break her neck, I can worry about the rest later. With a nod to myself, I pull Sophia closer and keep going with as much speed as my tired body will allow. Her warm breath tickles my neck as we weave between the trees and I find the contact comforting. It’s been far too long since I held another in my arms. Several minutes pass this way but the silence is eventually broken by Sophia’s soft groan. 

I slow my pace and gently lower us to the ground. Her eyes flicker open for a brief moment but I only get a glimpse before they fall closed again. I’m not sure what to do. I landed because I didn’t want her to wake up in the air in case she reacts like I did. It could be dangerous. With a sigh, I gently lay her down in the grass and prop her head up against my thigh. Hopefully she’ll wake up soon because we’re rather exposed out here. 

Several long minutes pass before Sophia finally opens her eyes. She focuses on my face, blinking a few times. A lazy smile forms on her lips and she looks so damn adorable and more vulnerable than I’ve ever seen her. I can’t stop myself from reaching out. I’m not sure if it’s that I need confirmation that she’s really okay or if I’m just inexplicably drawn to this woman. Perhaps it’s a little bit of both. 

I cup her cheek in my open palm and gently brush her skin with my thumb. “You’re reckless,” I say with a slight smile.  Sophia leans into my touch for the briefest of moments before her eyes widen and she tries to sit up. The sudden movement makes her wince and she clutches at her head. “Whoa, take it easy,” I say and place a hand on her shoulder for support. 

She looks at me and there’s real fear in her eyes. Without warning, the woman throws her arms around me and squeezes with quite a bit of strength. “I thought we were both dead,” she says and the words are strained. 

I cautiously return her hug, not sure what else to do with my hands. “Why didn’t you run like I told you?” 

Sophia sighs and pulls back but she keeps hold of my shoulders. Her eyes land on my neck where Malik’s claws had been. I reach up and touch the cut with my fingers. The bleeding has mostly stopped but it’s still a bit sticky. “That’s my fault,” she says and frowns. “But I couldn’t just let him kill you.”

“You almost got yourself killed,” I say and lightly touch the bruise forming around her right eye. 

“I know,” she looks away and swallows hard. “He was so strong…”

Her defeated expression makes me want to comfort her. Instead I simply nod and say, “Bloodlust.” 

Sophia looks at me with wide eyes, “Did I… Is he dead?”

I can only shrug. “I honestly don’t know, he gave up the chase. Probably to go find a medic.” I glance around, “Speaking of which, he might send others after us so we should get moving again.” 

“Okay.”

I stand but Sophia doesn’t move to follow so I hold out my hand to her. She takes it gratefully and I help her to her feet. She’s a bit unsteady and leans on me for support. I remember something and say, “I’m sorry… I wasn’t able to get your sword back from him.” 

She shakes her head and lightly brushes her fingertips over the cuts on my neck. “You would have died protecting me.” Her touch stings for a moment but then a soothing coolness flows over my skin. “I’m not worried about my sword.” 

I frown and touch my neck. My eyes widen when I feel no trace of the claw marks. “You’re a healer?” I ask, shocked.

She smiles and lifts one shoulder in a half shrug but her eyes are dull with fatigue. Without taking the time to ponder my decision, I scoop Sophia into my arms. She lets out a small squeak of surprise just as my wings lift us into the air. 

“You know you don’t have to carry me,” she says and crosses her arms petulantly. 

“I know.” For some reason that simple reply stumps her and she’s quiet for several long moments. Eventually I break the silence, “Is healing difficult? You look pretty tired.” 

“Usually surface cuts like yours are no problem but I’ve had a long day. It probably would have been smarter to save my strength.” She shrugs.

“Then why did you do it? They weren’t really bothering me.”

She rests her head on my shoulder, “I didn’t want you to have a scar.”

Her words are soft and something in her tone leaves me breathless and unable to come up with a response. We fall into a companionable silence and Sophia seems quite content to just let me carry her. I wonder if it’s a bit strange that we’ve become so comfortable with each other in such a short amount of time. Then again, I suppose it’s not that surprising, she’s shown me that I can rely on her and I guess I’ve done the same. Almost two hours pass this way without incident. 

“Watch it!” calls a man’s voice from somewhere up ahead. The sound doesn’t surprise me, I’ve been listening for any signs of activity but Sophia jumps in my arms. As quietly as possible, I lower us both to the ground and we take cover behind the trunk of a tree. 

“Can I hide you with my magic or will your power block me?” I ask in a low whisper.

“You can.” Is all she says in response. 

I take a deep breath and wrap myself in the familiar spell. As my body fades, I take Sophia’s hand in mine and allow my magic to envelope her as well. There’s no issue this time and I let out a small sigh of relief. Seconds later two arguing devils burst from the underbrush. 

“I’m telling you I heard something over here,” the taller and wider of the two says. His red face contorted into a scowl. 

“I didn’t hear anything,” the other shouts back, anger coloring his tone. 

I take a moment to consider my options. If I let go of Sophia’s hand the spell will fade and she’ll be visible again. I think that’s just the distraction I need to take them both out. Decision made, I unsheathe my sword, let go of Sophia’s hand and leap in the direction of the two demons. I make some noise in the process and they both turn in my direction. I move Kruuldan in a fluid arc through the air and separate the shorter devils head from his body. The other one doesn’t notice because his eyes are fixed on Sophia who’s just now coming into view. He runs for her but doesn’t make it two steps before I bury my blade in his back with a sickening squelch. I twist the sword and watch for a moment as the blade greedily absorbs the creatures blood before pulling it free. 

The whole exchange had been over in less than five seconds. It feels nice to have something go right for a change. My magic fades and I stop to pick up the devil's longsword before turning back to Sophia. She’s staring at me with open mouthed astonishment.