City of Fire

Chapter Twenty-Three

"Adrian"

"Keep yourself in check," Adrian growled but the half demon looked at him, a cold and sadistic smile on his face.

"Careful, Adrian, you wouldn't want your precious Dominus to know what you really are, do you?" The voice taunted and Adrian's fingers curled into a fist.

"As you should as well, Zane, if you wish to recover what is lost." He growled and Zane's eyes glimmered coldly.

"Yes, I remember that quite well." His eyes shifted to the laughing figure that stood beside Tidus. Adrian narrowed his eyes, hating the look he saw in those silver depths.

"Remember, you need us more than we need you," his words were barbed and Zane looked back at him.

Silence...

Then he chuckled...

It was devoid of mirth, holding only a sadistic ring to it while he leaned forward. His black hair shifted across his eyes, casting them in half light and shadow. Adrian stiffened, hating how his heart seized inside his chest as fear gripped him.

"How ironic, coming from you." He whispered and his eyes darkened, turning a blood red and his lips spread wide in a grin to reveal his pointed fangs. "Remember who keeps the demons at bay." He pulled away and strode towards the end of the clearing, the wind brushing at his long, raven colored hair.

Adrian watched him go and narrowed his sky blue eyes. He was right. They needed Zane and his superiors had failed to mention why. He grinded his teeth, hating not knowing but found some comfort that as soon as they reached the church things would be resolved.

"Let's get moving," Adrian called and Ilona glanced at him, her light teal eyes shining and he felt his heart warm. Tidus helped her with her pack and he noticed how his fingers trailed her coat, how his eyes shined and something unpleasant tightened in his gut.

Then someone pulled on his sleeve...

He looked down to see Erin standing there, fiddling with something but his large emerald eyes were shining bright.

"What is it?" Adrian asked and Erin glanced over his shoulder to the distant figure.

"It's Zane, he's changing. I can feel it and my herbs will hold it off for only so long." His voice dropped lower. "He may change before we get there." The warning made Adrian fix the black figure with a penetrating, accessing glare.

If he changed...

"He won't, not in front of her." Adrian said confidently, though he wasn't quite sure himself. Erin's face showed his doubt but Adrian reached out and clasped him on the shoulder. "The Dominus must not know, understood?" After a moment Erin nodded at his words and he patted his shoulder. "Good, then let's get going."

And they set out once more...