Page 35 of Demonic Division (The Sundering Duet #1)
35
Kaebl
I gaze out over the horizon, a pit of dread settling in the pit of my stomach as I count the hundreds of tiny black dots infecting the silver sky. How many soldiers was he able to amass? How many soul-crazed demons has he managed to create?
My stomach twists at the thought. It’s been known for eons that demons force-fed an exuberant number of souls eventually lose their mind, turning into mindless, bloodthirsty creatures that will do anything for a taste of suffering. It makes great soldiers, but the morality behind it is so fucked, even Abaddon outlawed the practice of training and creating soul-crazed demons despite the advantage it may have given him.
I guess Slaine doesn’t hold the same ideals.
My lip curls in disgust at the sight of the ill-formed, broken wings beating the air, taking the hordes of demented demons closer and closer toward the castle.
It won’t be long now.
My chest aches as I glance over my shoulder, cringing at the sight of the bone protruding from my shoulder. My wing is mostly useless, but it should take me to the sky one last time.
Dagny’s words echo in my mind as I turn my eyes back to the horizon—toward the sight of my impending demise. Despite all my logic, despite weighing all the scenarios and coming up empty every time, I can’t help but be moved by her unwavering desire to fight. To make a stand. To go out swinging.
There’re not many people in this world I’d bend for—but for her, I’d snap myself in half just to make her smile. To bring an ounce of happiness into those eyes that are always so, so sad. For her, I have to fight. Because of her, I’ll soar into battle, no matter how futile. No matter how much it hurts to fall. To fail. If I can’t save her—if I can’t save anyone—at least I can die with the knowledge I tried. That I was better because of the short time I had with her—no matter how I squandered it.
Leaving a thick trail of blood in my wake, I climb up onto the window ledge, my body swaying heavily in the breeze, fighting to keep me upright.
If there’s any hope to win, I have to try. If it’s to keep her alive, I’ll do anything. I’ll rip the very skies apart to protect the little creature.
My skin sears with pain as it buckles and shudders with the weight of my transformation. My wings flare out to the sides, catching the powerful wind as I jump from the ledge.
As I fall, I send out a call to Lir, Roark, and Cyprien, warning them of what I’m sure they already know. Calling them to my aid.
The purple, blue, and yellow demons swoop to my sides, falling into formation behind me as five matching battle cries pierce the sky.
It’s time to die.