DEMONS | Nikolai Lantsov

Chapter 13

—-Mara's POV—-

Mara's heart pounded in her chest as she raced through the corridors, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Fear coursed through her veins, mingling with her determination to protect Nikolai, no matter the cost. She glanced back, her eyes widening in horror as she saw Nikolai's monstrous form gaining on them.

Nikolai's transformation had consumed him, erasing the man she knew and leaving behind a creature driven by darkness and savagery. His roars echoed through the palace, shaking the very foundations as he closed the distance between them.

Mara's mind raced, searching for a solution. She knew she had to get him away from the palace, away from innocent lives that would be endangered by his uncontrollable power. With a surge of determination, she led the way towards the palace gates, praying for an opportunity to save them both.

As they burst out into the moonlit night, Mara could feel the ground trembling beneath her feet. Shadows danced around the monster, tendrils of darkness threatening to ensnare her. But she refused to let fear paralyze her. She turned to face him, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Nikolai, listen to me!" she shouted, her voice filled with raw emotion. "I won't leave you, but you have to fight this! Remember who you are."

The beastly creature hesitated for a moment, as if the faint echo of Mara's words pierced through the darkness. Mara seized the opportunity and summoned every ounce of her strength, focusing on the light within her. A brilliant aura enveloped her and Genya, a shimmering shield against the encroaching darkness.

The beast drew back, unable to penetrate the shimmering light that resided around them. It's snarls and growls becoming more viscous with every failed attempt to reach them.

After a few hours, the beast had retreated to the other side of the palace. And Mara, who was beyond tired, let the shield fall.

"Go get help." Mara sighed, and without saying another word Genya took off running through the garden. Towards the main doors.

Mara pushed herself up, and took in a deep breath. She couldn't even begin to understand what had happened. She stabilized herself against a tree as she let her thoughts race. The Darkling was dead. And all of his monsters with him. Why was there one inside of the Prince? But soon after she had begun to think of options of what to do, she heard something in the distance. A groan of sorts.

She carefully walked across the courtyard, and created a ball of light to shine in front of her. Her senses on edge, and ready to strike.

Then she saw it, leaned against one of the pillars. Mara went to scream, and raised her hand to release her powers, but when the creature didn't move, Mara froze.

The shadows swirled and then as quickly as they came, disappeared. Revealing the prince, who tumbled to the ground. Looking as if he had been beaten, his clothes torn, and his face covered in sweat and blood.

Mara's heart skipped a beat as she realized Nikolai was fully himself again, his once regal form now battered and broken. With a gasp, she rushed to his side, her hands trembling as she cradled his bruised face. Concern etched deeply into her features as she assessed his injuries. He was slumped onto the ground, completely exhausted. Breathing heavily, and shaking vigorously.

Nikolai managed a weak smile, his voice strained as he spoke. "I... I tried to fight it, Mara. But it's so powerful, consuming me from within. I couldn't control it."

Tears welled up in Mara's eyes as she gently stroked his cheek. "Shh, it's alright. I won't let this darkness win."

Summoning her inner strength, Mara enveloped Nikolai in a cocoon of her healing light. The warm glow washed over him, easing his pain and replenishing his strength. She felt the darkness within him resisting, but she persisted, refusing to let it claim him completely.

When Genya had returned, it took a couple guards to be able to lift Nikolai onto their shoulders and bring him back inside. Mara and Genya followed behind them. Mara making sure to keep her light around Nikolai, insuring that he wouldn't transform again that night.

Once inside the chamber, Mara gently eased Nikolai onto the bed, tucking him in with tender care. She assured everyone that they would be fine, and to get some rest so that they could help come up with solutions in the morning.

Once the last person had gone, Mara sat on the edge of the bed beside him. Gazing upon his face, as she remained by his side, their hands intertwined. Mara's light had healed all of his physical wounds, but she could feel that he was still restless. The darkness was still there, feeding on him from the inside.

"We'll find a way to free you from this curse," Mara vowed, her voice filled with unwavering determination. "We'll face the darkness together, and we will prevail."

Nikolai squeezed her hand. "I hope you're right." He sighed. His eyes growing heavy and falling closed, as Mara began to lightly stroke his hair with her free hand.

"Get some sleep. I'll be here to watch over you." Mara said softly. Already feeling Nikolai slipping away beneath her hands. He must have been so incredibly lonely all these weeks. He looked skinnier, dark circles shaping themselves around his eyes, and his skin slightly paler. But he still looked like the man she knew before. Her dashing prince and privateer.

Mara sank down beside him. Pulling him into her chest, and kissing him on the forehead. Threading her fingers through his hair, as he wrapped his arms around her torso and fell back asleep. His soft snores filling the bedroom as they both drifted off into a dreamless sleep.