The Deal with the Demon Prince

*Chapter Seventeen*

*Chapter Seventeen*

“Are you all right?”

Cade nodded, biting on the bizarre triangular shaped fruit. The girl’s sweet scent drifted over to him as she sat down next to him. She was beautiful, even for an angel. Her hair was a fiery red shade that was piled on top of her head with a few curly strands framing her delicate face. Her eyes were the shade of molten gold, and she held herself with an air of nobility.

“Thanks for saving me earlier,” she said with a smile.

“No problem,” he mumbled back.

She grinned, grabbing his hand.

“W-What are you doing?”

She shot him with a playful smile and closed her eyes. Cade immediately felt warmth spreading from his hand to his chest. His body relaxed, and he was left with a tranquil feeling that he hadn’t felt for a whole week.

“You’re a healer?”

“Not as good as the specialized ones since I’ve never trained myself, but I have a natural affinity with healing,” she said. “You seemed like you needed the relaxation.”

“Thanks,” he said. “I’m sorry if I seem distracted. There’s just a lot going on.”

“Yeah,” the girl agreed, swinging her feet back and fro. “We need to find a place to stay for the night. I can put up a shield.”

He nodded. “I saw an empty cave somewhere along the way. We can use it.”

Two large wings shot out from her back, almost smacking Cade in the face.

“Geez, Elena. Watch out.”

She laughed and grabbed Cade’s arm. Her body leaned forward, and she leapt from the tree. The wind ruffled his hair as they soared through the sky. Miles of green stretched in every direction beneath him, and the sun’s ray reflected off the lake. The scenery was lovely. If Cade had a choice, he would love to fly and simply enjoy the feeling of the wind.

“It’s nice, isn’t it?” Elena yelled. She had a large grin on her face, obviously enjoying herself.

“It sure is.”

A soft breeze of gentle wind blew across the meadow, and the warm rays of the mid-autumn sun fell upon the rows of flowers residing in the forest. The delicate petals fluttered under the delicate caress of the gust, swaying rhythmically. A snow-white rabbit with brown flecks hopped around at ease. High up in the cobalt and cloudless sky, a giant bird with large and powerful wings soared. Its bead-like eyes were trained on a particular spot beneath it. Abruptly, the bird tucked in its wings, plummeting down from the sky. At the last minute, its wings shot out on either side, slowing down its fall. Its talons reached out, aimed at the clueless rabbit.

Somewhere to the side, an arrow flew towards the unsuspecting bird. Its sharp cry reverberated around the forest before it crashed to the ground. Blood spread out from the center of the wound, tainting its beautiful white feather crimson.

There was a soft thump as someone hopped down from the tree. The girl swiftly walked to the wounded predator, her long blond hair flowing out behind her with each step she took towards the wounded animal.

“I’m so sorry,” she said before raising her bow once again and releasing another arrow at the large bird, ending its miserable life. “This is enough, right?”

“Yeah,” a boy with light brown hair answered, hurrying over to where the blonde girl stood. “Thanks, Gabriella.”

“We have to hurry up, Daniel. It’s almost twilight. God knows what animals there are at night. Plus, the fact that demons are stronger at night doesn’t really help,” she added.