Flame Inside ✿ Damien and Matthew

Chapter 43

The day of the siege had finally dawned. They had arrived at the Demon Lord's castle, and they were as ready as they could be. Many armies bearing different banners and colors washed over the grounds before the castle, ready to rush in and lay waste to the Demon Lord and the remainder of his forces. All of them shared a common enemy and, upon his demise, would all finally know some form of peace.

Even during the roll-call of the major generals, the air became full of determination and pride. "Mirth." Sergeant called, "Avarice. Najia. Feorna. Auratum." Each name called became a mark on history. This was the war to bring freedom or destruction to the demon world. If the rebellion didn't win this fight, then this war would never end. If the rebellion won, then the world would become united in a hopefully peaceful rule.

The hour before the battle was set to take place. Thalia's thoughts instantly ran back to their final meeting in Lilith Castle. Diana had pulled the leaders and them together, instructing them on how exactly to proceed. "Saero, you will be joining Shadow and Sergeant in the front, taking care of the main army head on. I expect that you will come out of it alive." Diana instructed.

"Yes, my lady." Saero affirmed.

"Rabbit, Fae, you are in charge of ranged attacks and defense. We cannot allow any of those blasted imps getting to us from behind."

"Yes, ma'am!" Fae exclaimed with a small salute.

As Diana looked to her, Thalia stiffened, preparing for her own commands. She knew that she had to get to the Demon Lord's castle, but she wasn't sure how Diana would get her there. "You four will take the side route straight to the castle." Diana informed them.

"Wait, what?" Emma asked, "There's a side route?"

Rabbit nodded, "We've organized our army to have the strongest on the front lines and against the tree line, giving us a side route for you to make your way straight to the castle."

"If anything trickles into the side route, you'll be able to handle it." Diana paused, "However, there is something I must ask of the two of you."

"What is it?" Thalia asked.

"If you are indeed attacked, you need to defend your fiancés the entire way there. Emma, do not let him use his energy."

"No way!" Matthew protested.

Thalia glanced at Damien and he looked about to protest as well before she reminded him telepathically that he couldn't use any energy since he was human. He seemed to concede after that.

Diana appeared to be irritated by the protest to her commands, "When you get to the castle, I will be fighting one on one with the Demon Lord. If something should happen to me, then I need you to take over. They are not ready to fight him and you need to be at full strength to finish him."

"She'll be fine. She has multiple ways to defend herself." Rabbit assured Matthew.

Thalia could practically feel the nervousness pulsing off of Damien. She rolled her eyes and turned to face him, "I'll be fine. I can handle myself."

"She's been taught well." Saero added, "Let her prove herself when the time comes."

Despite the worried look in his eyes, he nodded and held her hand, trusting her and her decision to agree with Diana's command.

Diana rolled her shoulders and looked at the map draped over the war table between them. Her gaze pierced into the parchment as the aura around her body pulsates in anger, "I will fly ahead and meet the Demon Lord head on. No matter what happens, I will not allow that monster to live." The pure determination and anger in her voice practically sent a shiver down my spine. She was set on seeing this through to the end and Thalia was sure that she was willing to do it even if it meant taking the Demon Lord with her.