My Inner Demons (if it was continued...)

Chapter 8: Regrets

Recap...

"Do you really think Pierce will be okay?" I ask, as my thoughts replay the events prior to all of this. Specifically, how we left him there.

"He's one of Asch's knights, he'll be okay" He reassures me in a hushed tone.

"But you got injured" He sighed.

"This is our meeting point. He'll be here before dusk" He said as he gripped my hand. His thumb rubbing circles against my hand as he tried to reassure me. I let a sigh out as I look on into the forest. "Don't worry, if we're not back by tonight, the others will come"

I smile. So they didn't forget about me.
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"Leif he's still not here" I utter quietly, my voice laced with concern. I look up into the ever darkening sky, watching the stars twinkle.

I feel his hand on mine tighten slightly. "I'm sure he's-" he starts, only to cut himself off with a strained growl. My eyes snap towards the white haired boy as I look at him with every ounce of worry. "I'm okay" He says, voice strained as he rubs rigid circles into the top of my hand.

"You're obviously not" I say as my lips twist into a frown. "Let me see the wound"

I let go of his hand to reach out towards the torn cloth. But he pulls away. I look up at him, my brows furrowed and my gaze laced with concern and guilt. He just looks away, pulling his own sleeve down to expose the on-growing wound.

"Oh my god- Leif-" I utter. His entire arm was traced with white vein-like lines- from with shoulder down to his fingertips. I try to look into his eyes, but he refused- looking at everywhere but me. "There's more isn't there" I frown.

He flinches slightly before finally looking at me eye to eye. His once beautiful emerald green eyes looked less colorful than usual- they were filled with pain, as if this poison was eating away at his soul.

He shifts himself carefully, letting a few grunts and groans escape him as he turns his back towards me. He lifts his good arm as he tries to lift his shirt up- only to release immediately at the shooting pain.

I place a hand on his shoulder signaling that that's enough. Gently, I take hold of the hem of his shirt, pulling it up slowly. I feel myself blush slightly as I see his toned body. But I cast them aside as I find what I had originally been looking for. The wound.

It practically glowed white in the darkness we were encapsulated in. It ran from his left shoulder half way down his back in massive scar like shapes. My eyes widened at the sight. It was growing this entire time.

"What kind of poison does this?" I ask, my voice weak and scared. This entire time, he's been in pain...

"Soul Poison" He groans, heaving a few breathes as he tries to recenter himself. It's when a magic user...puts a bit of his soul into the poison- it's like... a parasite" He managed to explain, his voice getting weaker by the second.

Suddenly, I hear the sound of leaves rustling from behind me. I snap my head around, quickly trying to stand up to hide Leif. Instead, I feel a his hand pull me back down as he quickly stood before me, dagger in hand. He looked in pain from just standing. His injured arm falling limp beside his body.

"Show yourself!" He manages to yell. His whole body flinching at the sudden aggressive behavior.

"It's just me" I suddenly hear the familiar voice say. I move slightly to look around Leif, finding Pierce standing there in mint condition. Leif immediately collapsed to his knees in relief- feeling breathless as he heaved for air.