49. The Truth

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