Demon and the Mage (Jeongcheol)

Seungcheol

I don't know how long I was out for that time, but it was enough time for all hell to break loose.

The wooden floor was cool under my cheek, a stark contrast to the heat of the flames being thrown around my office.

Before I moved, I checked on the bond. Even with whatever chaos Joshua had apparently unleashed, my priority was Jeonghan. Fortunately, his pain had passed too. He was still unconscious.

Part of me hoped he'd stayed that way until I got there. Satan knew what horrors they'd put him through once he awoke.

One thing was clear though. With the frequency of the attacks, we were running out of time.

I had to get to him. Had to save him.

Drawing on every bit of immortal strength still in my veins, I shoved to my feet, shaking my head at what I saw.

Blaise was limp on the floor, no doubt having been taken down at the same moment as I was. Stood before him, sword in one hand and stake in the other was Toby. He was crouched defensively, watching Joshua like a hawk. Several healing scratches covered his face and arms, no doubt courtesy of the daggers embedded in the wood behind his head.

"Let me pass," Joshua roared at Vernon. My eldest brother had him pinned to the wall but was struggling to keep him there. A thin wall of flame had been erected between them and Toby, no doubt from Vernon to keep away whatever flames Joshua chose to throw.

"You need to snap out of this," Vernon shouted. "Stop letting your demon control you. You don't want to do this."

"Yes, I do!" Spittle flew from Joshua's mouth. His face showed how far gone he was. His need to avenge his mate overriding all rationalism.

He managed to kick Vernon off him, but before he could reach the flames, I was there. Fighting through the weakness still clogging my limbs, I swung a fist, catching him in his stomach.

It didn't even slow him down. He jabbed a hand out, knocking me on my backside with his power alone.

Blaise chose this moment to wake up. He took in the scene with a panicked gasp before scrambling to his feet. "No, no, no."

He waved his hands, summoning a shield. But when it materialised, we all froze.

Including Joshua.

Blaise had had a split second to save himself. But the glimmer of fire instead shone around Toby.

Not only that, but he took a deep breath and stepped sideways, leaving himself completely unprotected.

Toby raised his hand to the shield, his eyes wide, touching the flames and scanning his unharmed fingers in disbelief.

It threw Joshua enough for Vernon and me to get our arms around him. We dragged him back several feet while he kicked and yelled.

"Stop," I panted. "I know he hurt your mate, but my mate is in danger right fucking now. I need you to pull yourself together so we can save him."

Joshua snarled, more demon than human. He was thrashing, making it nearly impossible to hold him.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Toby berating Blaise, his eyes narrowed. "Why did you do that?"

Seeing we had Joshua momentarily contained, Blaise dropped the shield. His answer wasn't what I'd expected. "I don't want anyone else getting hurt because of me."

Just then, the door opened, and a big hand pulled on my arm. I let out a sigh of relief, stepping backwards so Seokmin could take my place.

He cupped Joshua's face, ignoring Vernon, who still pinned his arms down. "Joshua, look at me."