The Impact (Book II)

Demon's Soul

William

When I saw the knife cut deep into her delicate throat, the world stopped. Despite knowing the consequences of her actions, her eyes went wide in shock. Legion collapsed and didn't get up again, but I barely noticed.

I cradled her, my heart clenched so tightly it hurt. She made such horrible gurgling sounds as she choked on her own blood.

When Luke stole what little life there was left in her, I couldn't help it.

I screamed.

Carefully, Luke handed her back to me and I stared into her lifeless eyes, begging her to come back to me. Her expression was peaceful, but it did little to soothe my heartbreak.

I thought Emily's death had broken me. But Mel's?

Mel's death killed me. 

I hadn't been strong enough to save her. I was petrified and Legion stole her from me!  I was too weak the way I was now. I needed more power, more-

My lone wing rustled behind me. If I had cut it off before, I could have stopped him. My own fear betrayed me!

The lingering fire exploded. The others exclaimed, startled, and Pater warned, "William, calm yourself!"

I ground my teeth until my jaw hurt as I stared at her body.

A soft whine came from nearby and everyone's heads snapped toward the sound. The rage fizzled out inside me. Belua stood a few feet away, missing half of his ear and wounded to hell. Zach, Luke, and Cole stiffened at the sight of the hellhound. Belua's red eyes flitted over them and a quiet growl left him, but he didn't move. I held my hand out when Luke reached for his scythe.

"Wait. Belua's her hellhound. He was at the warehouse when we were attacked. I thought he was killed, but it looks like he escaped." I said.

"What's he doing here now, though?" Zach asked warily.

I whistled, not expecting the hellhound to actually listen to me. He liked me well enough but he only ever listened to Mel. To my surprise, he limped over, his eyes on Mel. I adjusted her body so he could see her. I didn't know how much he understood, but Mel always insisted hellhounds were very intelligent, some of them almost bordering on sentient.

His whimpers grew and he sank to the ground, resting his head on her chest. He licked her chin and nudged her. When she didn't move, he did it again. He looked at me and I patted his head. I choked out, "I'm sorry, boy. She's gone."

His body shuddered and to my shock, tears eked out. Belua lifted his head and howled, a mournful sound that made me cry again. I gave him one more pat and watched as he lumbered off. I swallowed, wishing I could take him, but I had no idea how to care for a hellhound.

I hoped he would be able to survive alone.

Pater wrapped his arms around my shoulder, his voice was thick with emotion as he apologized over and over again. Cole had to look away and went over to examine Legion's body. Zach was looking around anxiously, tears pricking his own eyes even as he kept guard.

"Dad, we should go," he said.

I ignored him, the grief returning. I almost wanted to give up right then and there. She had been with me for so long I could hardly remember a time without her. How was I supposed to carry on without her by my side?! I clung to her tighter. Zach growled.

"Zach, give him a few minutes," Luke murmured.

Zach scoffed. "We're in the middle of a war. There's no time for weakness...Get up!"