Curse Of The Aswangs (The Vasquez Brothers #1)[COMPLETED]

31: ASH

"Well, Goyo," Trevor muttered, crouching down to adjust the dummy's crooked head, "guess this is where we part ways."

Zade snorted softly, crossing his arms. Emily was already tied up with a magic cuff at the back of my car. "He's not gonna miss us. Not like he ever said a word. But—" he paused, glancing at the dummy, his voice softening, "he did his part."

"A good tool, in the end. But tools break. We move on." said Goyo.

Trevor chuckled and patted Goyo's sagging shoulder. "Yeah, guess you're right. Thanks, Goyo. You took a few hits meant for us." He stood, brushing dirt from his knees.

"Hey, I'm always one call away." Goyo laughed. "I'll be in Lemery. Always be careful, kids."

"This world's got no shortage of monsters, but we'll manage." Zade said. "Time to find the next one."

"Goodbye, old friend." Goyo saluted to Trevor and to us. He vanished again into the bushes.

****

The church was located in the town plaza, surrounded by an open area often used for community gatherings. The plaza provides a picturesque setting with trees and gardens, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the church grounds.

"Dylan chatted me," Zade said. "We'll wait the Faeries here."

"Okay, we'll be up in the balcony. I'll tend to Trevor's wounds." I glowered at him.

The Nueva Bonifacio church exhibited a blend of Baroque and Romanesque Revival architectural styles, typical of many colonial-era churches in the Philippines. The façade was relatively simple but elegant, made of a mix of brick and stone, and showcases decorative columns and archways.

Inside, the church was spacious with high ceilings. The nave was lined with rows of wooden pews, and the interior featured classic religious iconography, including statues and images of saints. The altar was the central focal point, adorned with religious symbols and often decorated with flowers.

"Why can you still enter sacred grounds?" I stepping inside the church.

I read in the Grimoire that churches were considered holy grounds, and it was commonly believed that demonic forces would avoid such places because they were dedicated to God. However, there were several interpretations as to why demons might still be able to enter or influence people within a church. Lack of Faith, unrepented sinners and spiritual weaknesses.

"A person can choose to sin, act out of malice, or invite evil influences into their lives through sinful actions or thoughts, even inside a church." Trevor said, looking at the interior. "Demons, in this view, can exploit these weaknesses, entering not because of the physical space but through the vulnerability of individuals. There are a lot of sinners in Nueva Bonifacio, that's why I could enter."

"And when can I know that you can't enter?"

"The church building is not a magical shield, but a place where believers gather for strength, healing, and the presence of God." Trevor explained as we made our way to the flight of winding stairs. "Demons can exploit human weakness or challenge spiritual strength, but they are ultimately powerless against true faith and the authority of God." He flicked his eyes at me as if I was someone with a good faith.

"You need to stop. You're not thinking straight." Trevor added.

My eyes blazed as we headed up to the balcony. "Why you must read my emotions? You're the one who dragged us into this mess."

"You don't know what you're dealing with." Trevor's jaw clenched the flicker of control in his voice betraying the storm underneath.

"You put us both in danger—because of you, we're being hunted."

Trevor's eyes narrowed, the flash of guilt barely visible before it hardened into resolve. "I didn't ask for this. Enrique has been after me for years. I was trying to protect you—"

"Protect me?" I laughed, but it was hollow, bitter. "You should've told me the truth. Instead, you dragged me into your war, and now you want us to play the hero? You're a demon."

"I didn't think you'd—"

"You didn't think I'd what?"I asked. "Fight back? I've survived worse."

Trevor took a step forward, eyes locked on mine, the challenge clear. "You're charging into this blind, ignoring everything I've told you, and for what? To prove you don't need me?"

I clenched my fists, struggling to keep my voice steady. "To be honest, I don't need you."

"Then why does it bother you so much when I try to help?" Trevor asked.

"Because you're a demon." I said. "You act like you're the only one who can handle this. Like I'm just some reckless idiot who can't survive without you looking over my shoulder."

"I'm concerned, witcher." Trevor's voice dropped. We sat on a rock by the balcony. My breath caught, the tension between us crackling like fire, like my powers. I should say something—anything—to push Trevor away, to break the moment before it went too far. But I couldn't.

I was caught between the anger and the undeniable attraction that had been simmering.
I gingerly peeled back Trevor's shirt, revealing the angry gash on his shoulder. Blood still oozed, staining the edge of his sleeve. "Do you normally bleed with black blood?" I asked.

"Demons have black blood." said Trevor.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow through the stained glass windows of the ancient church of Nueva Bonifacio, Ash carefully cleaned Trevor's wound.

The cool air was filled with the faint scent of incense, a reminder of the sanctuary they occupied at one of the balconies. Trevor winced slightly, his normally fierce demeanor softened by the vulnerability of his injury.

"Hold still," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, my focus unwavering as I dabbed the cotton against Trevor's skin. Each touch sent a jolt of electricity between us, an unspoken connection that pulsed in the space surrounding us.

Trevor's dark eyes locked onto me, a mixture of pain and something deeper reflecting within them. "You're too gentle for someone who cleans up after demons," he teased, a smirk playing on his lips, though it didn't reach his eyes.

The tousled tufts of his jet-black hair danced in the gentle breeze, adding an air of youthful playfulness to his appearance.

I chuckled softly, a blush creeping onto my cheeks. "Maybe I'm just trying to show you that not all humans are afraid of you, you're one of a funny demon, Trevor. You irritate me."

"Are you, though?"

"What?" I replied, glancing up, their faces inches apart.
"Are you afraid of me?" He whispered.

In that moment, time seemed to slow. The world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them—one a boy with a tender heart, the other a demon bearing the weight of a hidden world. The space between us felt electric, charged with a tension that had been building since our paths had crossed.

"No." I answered.

His face was a charming blend of handsome and cute, radiating an infectious energy.

"Ash! Trevor!" Zade's shout was sharp, cutting through the forest like a blade. "They're here, the Faeries... they've arrived!"

I skidded to a halt and broke away from Trevor. I spun around to see Zade, leaning against my car, his face a mask of frustration. His dark hair, tangled from the chase, framed his piercing gaze that locked onto me.

Trevor and I exchanged a glance. The air around us felt colder, and heavier, a faint shimmer beginning to gather in the spaces between the trees.