DemiDemonDarla

Chapter 27: The Reckoning

>>>>> The moon hung high over Celestia City, casting a cold, silver glow on the battleground. Fires still smoldered in the streets, and the air reeked of smoke and magic. Darla stood at the heart of the city's ruins, waiting for the inevitable. She could feel the darkness closing in—the heavy presence of the one she knew was coming. Belphonia.

The wind shifted, and a figure emerged from the shadows: Belphonia, the rebel leader, wrapped in armor dark as night and brimming with malevolent energy. Her eyes glowed crimson, her presence exuding an aura of ancient rage. But what unnerved Darla the most wasn't Belphonia's power—it was her smile, a cruel, knowing grin that hinted at deeper motives.

Belphonia's voice was smooth and mocking. "You've come a long way, little half-blood. But have you decided yet? Will you embrace what you truly are?"

Darla's hands ignited with a flickering blend of fairy light and demonic fire. The energy surged through her veins, wild and untamed, as if both realms were trying to claim her at once. "I know who I am," Darla said firmly. "And I won't let you tear this world apart."

Belphonia laughed—a sound devoid of humor. "You think you can stop me? You're still a child trying to control powers you don't even understand." With a flick of her hand, she summoned waves of shadowy energy that rippled toward Darla.

Darla raised her arms, creating a barrier of light to block the attack. The clash of their opposing energies shook the ground beneath them. Belphonia was strong, but Darla knew she was stronger—not because of her powers alone, but because of everything she was fighting for.

At the border between the demon and human realms, the rest of Darla's team prepared for battle. Felonir—once disguised as Lionel—stood before them, leading an army of demons with a wicked grin on his face. His sharp gaze lingered on Zion, Kazimir, Amaia, and Lirien, his dark power radiating with an unsettling familiarity.

"So, this is what loyalty looks like," Felonir sneered. "Darla's little pets, fighting for her like faithful dogs."

Kazimir rolled his eyes, brushing ash from his coat. "You're still mad about losing the Lionel act, aren't you? Get over it."

Zion didn't flinch, keeping his gaze locked on Felonir. "You used me. You used all of us." His hand tightened around the hilt of his weapon. "And you hurt Darla's family."

Felonir's grin widened. "It was just business, Zion. But if it makes you feel better—" He waved a hand, and his army surged forward. "Let's end this, shall we?"

Kazimir smirked. "Finally. I've been waiting to punch that smug face of yours."

Amaia and Lirien flanked Zion, their movements in perfect sync. The four of them charged, meeting Felonir's army head-on. Blasts of fire and magic lit the night sky, and the ground trembled as spells collided.

Back in the heart of the city, Darla's fight with Belphonia raged like a storm. Their powers clashed again and again—fire against wind, light against shadow. The sheer force of their battle sent shockwaves through the streets, shattering windows and cracking the pavement.

Belphonia was relentless, her attacks sharp and precise, but Darla fought with purpose. Every swing of her hand, every burst of magic was driven by her will to protect—not just herself, but the people she loved.

"You could have had everything!" Belphonia hissed as she hurled a blast of dark energy toward Darla. "You could have ruled both realms!"

Darla dodged and countered with a burst of fairy magic, forcing Belphonia back. "I don't want your throne," Darla said through gritted teeth. "I just want you gone."