Shandra had never felt so distressed in her entire life.Even when she went to school and was disrespected by her classmates, or attacked for simply existing, she didn't get so nervous. Deep down, she knew they were just silly teasing and would end with time.The girl was in a small cave to the east, far from the original direction they were supposed to go, but safe enough for them to wait for Julian's return. Sam was leaning against the stony wall, paying attention to the sounds and smells around."Sam," she murmurs for the tenth time in that interval of time.The demon looks at her sternly."Sam, we can't leave the two of you alone there," she argues in a thread of voice.He looks to the horizon again, as if scanning the skies for more enemies and pursuers."By now, the First Scout should have summoned the kingdom's main defense forces. He wouldn't be a fool to try to stop the attack alone.""But-""And I've already said that we're not joining the battle. Gee, Shandra, how pushy you
Small flames begin to appear on and around Sam's back as he takes a step forward. His anger is gone. Instead, his expression is one of confidence, even authority.Shandra is still standing, though dizzy and nauseous, waiting for the response from the demon in front of her. Julian remains motionless, not saying a single word as he listens to the two discuss."I killed."Shandra gasps violently. Sam repeats:"I killed. And I would kill a million more times if I had to."Trembling, the young woman remains in the same place, listening to the words that hit her like poisoned arrows."I have been watching your parents long before I could communicate with you, Shandra. And I'm willing to bet big money that on the day you summoned me, the strong energy of anger, revenge, and resentment was the result of yet another abuse from them. Your father was a drunkard, your mother a conniving good-for-nothing, who would happily watch their destruction. And you know it."His black wings spread behind hi
As much as Shandra mentally repeated to herself that the fatigue was temporary, and that at the end of the trip, she would feel better and refreshed, her body did not think so.Besides the fact that they were taking minimal breaks along the way because of the days-long delay that visiting Dew caused in their plans, Shandra learned the hard way that she didn't do well with roots, bushes, and undergrowth in general.When she stumbled for the fourth time that afternoon, the young woman couldn't help but growl in frustration.Looking amused, Julian winked at her:"I think you're spending too much time with us, human.""How much longer until we get there? We've been walking for almost two days now.""We will get there in an hour or so," Sam reassured. "I know you are tired, but when we get there, I will see to it that you are as comfortable as possible."Gasping, the young woman stops for a few seconds to catch her breath, then rejoins the two demons."This Marcus...," mutters Shandra. "Ho
The werewolf looks at the red-haired demon next to Shandra."And you're another ally too? A demon, right? Also exiled?"Julian crosses his arms."Not yet."Marcus laughs."Well, let's see how much time he has left, yet."Then, finally, Marcus faces the young woman, who remains motionless and contemplative as she stares at the creature's strong face and body.Marcus' smile wanes as he smells her. Apparently, then, that would be really recurring."That... I'm sure that's a first," are his words to her.The girl shrugs."My name is Shandra. Hello.""Hello, Shandra. I'm Marcus... But you already knew that." He tilts his head in a sign of curiosity, but doesn't look aggressive. "You... Are you human?""Yes. But I recently discovered a magical heritage.""Sorceress, then. But that doesn't explain the smell of-"The man's eyes widen as he understands the situation, staring at Sam. His expression is not one of happiness."I can't believe you did that."Sam doesn't seem to be shaken in the sli
Shandra and Julian are standing outside Marcus' cabin. Apparently there were things only the two of them could talk about: intimate secrets they had shared for almost half a century.As Sam said he had last seen him seven years ago, and as the werewolf seemed to be entering his thirties, Shandra knew instantly that Marcus was immortal... or at least lived much longer than a normal human being.That friendship seemed to be quite old, too. Could it be that they had met shortly after the exile of the Prince of Hell?"What's up, you nervous?" asks Julian, leaning against what should be a fence, but besides being extremely damaged, it was too low and anyone (or anything) could get over it."No," she lies, scratching her head as nonchalantly as she can. "Should I?""Actually, yes. You heard what he said. Do you think you can?""I had a choice all this time?!", Shandra rolls her eyes and starts kicking a loose pebble on the ground."There's always a choice, Shandra.""Funny, because it alway
Shandra is woken up gently."Hey. Come on," says an equally soft and sweet voice.At first, the girl does not open her eyes. Then she scratches them, sleepily, and slowly begins to rise from the soft mattress she was on.The fireplace was still crackling, and if she were willing to argue, she would say that she had changed her mind and would continue sleeping.The voice insisted once more, however, even more gently:"Come on. I promise you can sleep as long as you want when we get back."It was Sam who was speaking to her, of course. As she opened her eyes, the girl felt uncomfortable with the light that illuminated the room."Wash your face in that tub." Says Marcus, who is dressed in some sort of leather armor. "Shandra slowly stands up, feeling her head heavy and her eyes still half blurred. She walks over to the tub of cool water and dips her face in, feeling the icy liquid awaken her senses. Raising her head, she finds Sam's gaze fixed on her, full of concern."Are you ready?" h
The dawn is cold, much colder than Shandra thought it would be. The three of them had already been heading west for ten minutes, without stopping to talk or warm up. That is, if demons and werewolves even needed to warm themselves.When they reached a specific point in the woods, Marcus signaled for them to stop. He faced the girl directly."From here on, we are in uncharted territory. The ancient temple is somewhere around here, but this forest is unmapped.""Is this where I do my magic act?" she asked in a wry tone, putting her hand on her waist."At least you keep your sense of humor," he grumbles. "Yes, this is when you become our compass."Shandra closes her eyes, takes a deep breath, andOpens them again, looking at Sam."And how exactly am I supposed to do that? I'm still new to this whole sorceress with fairy powers thing."The fire-eyed demon replies:"Focus on your magic, and focus on the presence you sense around you.""How?""Every living thing has its essence, its aura, a
With renewed courage, the group moves toward the temple, step by step, their eyes fixed on the goal ahead. As they approach the entrance to the ancient building, a sense of grandeur and mystery envelops each of them.As they cross the threshold of the temple, a dense gloom greets them, obscuring their path as they enter its bowels. The stone walls exude an ancient feel and the inscriptions on the walls seem to tell ancient stories that have been lost in time.The atmosphere inside the temple is charged with a mysterious energy, and the air seems electrified. Shandra feels shivers run down her spine, but courage burns in her chest. She knows she must continue, even if the darkness and the unknown try to challenge her.The group moves cautiously through the corridors, guided by Shandra's intuition. Each step is taken with determination, but also with a deep reverence for the sacred environment they are in."Shandra," calls Sam, softly, as if afraid of being overheard."What?""What are