A flash of fear shoots through me. “Where are they?” I ask, panicked. I’m feeling stronger now, but definitely not battle-ready.
“Part of one is over there…” he says, pointing. “There are some pieces over there, there, and there, but to be honest I’m not sure exactly which parts belong to which.” His dark blue eyes twinkle mischievously. “Hope their mommas didn’t wanna give them a proper funeral.”
“You did this?” I ask. He nods.
“Sorry I didn’t stop him before he touched you. I was a few seconds late.”
“A few seconds…I don’t understand…I was gone for …days…”
He shakes his head. “Maybe in your mind you were, but trust me, I was here and saw the whole thing. It couldn’t have been more than thirty seconds, tops. After I killed the first one, the others attacked, which is why it took longer than it should’ve…”
I look around again. “That’s impossible…I wasn’t here. I was somewhere else…in a cage. I couldn’t move…”
Again, he shakes his head. “Nope, no cage. You were here the whole time. But I do believe you thought you were somewhere else, doing something. From the sounds of it, it wasn’t very pleasant, either.”
Talk about the understatement of the century.
Bewildered, I force myself to stand up. My legs are rubbery, but I’m feeling stronger by the minute. I hobble toward a wooden bench, my new friend right beside me. I still feel queasy, but once I sit down and take several deep breaths, I begin to feel better.
He sits close beside me.
“Y-you could you hear me?” I ask. Although I’m warmer now, my teeth chatter uncontrollably. He nods, brushing his onyx hair away from his face, then scooches closer and wraps his arm around me.
“I heard you screaming and moaning…calling out some names.” He looks away.
I close my eyes. The haunting visions are still there, but thankfully, are fading further away with each passing moment.
“It was horrible,” I whisper.
“I know.”
“If you hadn’t been here…if you hadn’t killed them and broken their spell—” I can’t even continue…the thought is too unbearable. According to him I was only under for a few seconds. Some Sapies get cursed for years.
“I’m livid with myself for not stopping it sooner. I saw him come up behind you, but was too far away…too late…” I hear the angry bitterness in his voice.
“Thank you. I- I’m not used to playing the damsel in distress role; I take care of myself. But thanks, you really saved my ass back there. I guess I owe you one.” I feel a small smile begin to form. Strange how just moments ago, I never thought I’d be able to smile again.
“Think nothing of it. We all need some help from time to time. Doesn’t make you weak.”
“How’d you do it? How’d you kill them? I don’t see any weapons…”
“I had to do it the old fashioned way. When in doubt, rip ‘em to shreds.” He grimaces as he glances at his hands; they’re covered with deep, red gashes.
“They touched you? But how…?”
He shrugs. “I’m immune to psychic demons. Always have been.”
I inspect my own arms; just the faintest threads of pink remain. Once I replenish, they’ll disappear entirely.
We sit in silence, staring across the now deserted park. My breathing has returned to normal, but for some reason my heart is still beating too fast. The first hints of dawn threaten to break the night sky. My countdown has begun.
I start to chuckle.
“What is it?” he asks.
I tilt my face to his. “I don’t even know your name. I know we’ve seen each other at Demon Bar and that time in the alley, but…” My voice fades away at the look in his eyes.
He stares at me silently for so long I wonder if I’ve somehow offended him. Maybe he wants to stay anonymous? Many demions do, especially ones from other tribes. I just assumed he’s—at least, according to him—a friend. Is it so unusual for friends to know each other’s names?
“Sorry, forget I said anything—” I look back up at the grey sky.
“No, please forgive my rudeness. In all the excitement it did slip my mind that we haven’t actually been properly introduced. My name is Kieron Ambrose. I—I’m from the Proelater tribe out West. Our families are allies.” His introduction feels oddly formal, forced.
“Nice to meet you, Kieron. I’m Lucky. Just plain ol’ Lucky. From here.”
“Lucky…” Drawing out the word, he cocks his head to the side and grins. “Cool name.”