After the End (Julian and MC)

14

I focus on my energy, but rather than launching an attack at Vulgora or creating a shield, I let them come at me, waiting until they're close enough that I can see the chains around their body. Vulgora tries to grab me, but I slip under their arm and snatch their chain, struggling to break the links due to the searing pain.

Vulgora swipes at me, and their metal claws rake down my back. Although I can feel the blood soaking into my shirt, the pain is nothing compared to the agony in my hands and arms that flows into my chest. I barely manage to hold back a scream, and collapse when the chain snaps in my hands.

I slump to the floor, groaning and rolling onto my side when the pain in my arms and chest subsides but the pain in my back becomes noticeable. I open my eyes to see Asra, Salim and Aisha pulling Julian and Portia back so that they can get to me. Asra and Aisha lay their hands on my back, while Salim keeps Vulgora away. I lift my head to see Scout bounding over, howling in alarm.

When Asra and Aisha move their hands away and the pain in my back is completely gone, I struggle to sit up, holding into Asra to steady myself. Scout barks insistently and points towards Vulgora, telling me that she wants us to hurry. I nod feebly and struggle to my feet, leaning on Asra for support.

Vulgora is on their knees and clutching themselves, hissing with pain and fury as their bright eyes dart from side to side. Their gaze settles on me, and they point and accusing claw. "What have you done?" They snarl, struggling to their feet but dropping back to the ground when their body spasms and threatens to fall apart.

I manage to stand on my own, staggering over to Vulgora and taking the chains that are left around their body. They try to push me away, but quickly wrap their arms around themselves when their body begins to spill into a puddle beside them. Julian races over and places his hand on my shoulder, followed by Asra and Portia laying their hands on me as well.

With their added power, the pain is bearable, and I break the chains around Vulgora much faster. When the links crumble in my hands, we step back, watching as Vulgora melts into a messy pool just like Valdemar did. In front of us, the courtiers fade into nothing, with no sign that they'd ever been there in the first place.

Julian sees me sway from dizziness, and wraps an arm around my waist to keep me upright. I smile gratefully at him and rest my hand over his, sighing softly as I relax against him. Scout tugs on my sleeve and points insistently down the hall, a sense of urgency about her. I nod lazily and look to Julian, who kisses my forehead and smiles at me.

"Nadia must be close. We'll rest there, and let you get some strength back." Julian murmurs against my skin, gently squeezing me before taking my hand in his and beginning to walk towards where Scout was pointing.

Portia and Asra walk alongside of us, with Salim and Aisha joining us. There's something about how nervous Scout is that makes me feel unsettled, and I tug Julian along as I start to walk faster. We've taken care of two of the courtiers, and its almost knocked me flat. Maybe once we find Nadia and we've rested, I won't be so tired, and I'll be ready to face the Devil.

"MC? Are you alright? Do you need anything?" Julian asks me gently, stepping ahead of me to see my face.

"I'm fine, just tired." I answer honestly, smiling reassuringly at him.

Scout barks, and points to Nadia's bedroom door. I frown when I notice that the door is sealed with chains, and my heart sinks a little. Julian squeezes my hand comfortingly, while Asra takes my free hand, and his parents gently rest their hands on my shoulders.

All I have to do is break these chains, and then I can rest.

I take a deep breath and close my eyes as I rest my hands on the chains, bracing myself for the searing pain that comes from touching the Devil's chains. With everyone else helping to ease the burden of power, the pain is mild, and I breath a sigh of relief as the chains snap in my grip.