The Divine Demon - Book 1: A New Beginning

27. I'm Sorry

Riarshi never knew what the inside of a jail cell looked like until the day he woke up in one.

The alcohol in his body had run its course, so the pain that was once numbed now nearly crippled him as he sat himself up and took in his surroundings.

There was nothing but concrete, metal bars, and a sad excuse for a window that showed the slightest sliver of orange sunlight. It took him a few moments to piece everything together and remember what happened before he lost consciousness. It all seemed like a dark blur within his throbbing head.

He and Leon got in a nasty fight, and he had his ass handed to him. Tabito and Hara were both beaten up as well, but Riarshi couldn't remember much after that.

One faint light flickered in the ceiling, thus plunging the depths of this basement holding center into darkness. It was cold, and the cell offered nothing to keep warm.

It suddenly hit him, and hit him hard. He had given in to his powers, all because of a stupid fight. He became drunk off the powers, and lost the only battle that really meant anything to him. Nothing could save him from the despair he currently felt. 

"Long time no see, kid. I knew I'd eventually see you in here," came a slow, deep voice from across the small hallway between the cells.

Dread filled Riarshi as he noticed the pair of blood-red eyes staring at him from the depths of the neighboring cell. "You..."

The alleyway demon cackled at the despair spilling out of Riarshi, though it did not fuel his power. The charms contained by the restraints on his wrists prevented just that. "Surprised to see me again? No pleasantry?" the demon cackled. "Been here since our fight. I guess they're still deciding what to do with me after all this time."

The demon spat with resentment. "Well, I am oh so happy to see you again. I heard the Heroes speaking of why you're here. Big fight broke out. The guy you fought got hurt bad, apparently. Don't worry, they don't know your true nature like I do, but I can piece together what happened."

Riarshi said nothing. He simply pushed himself against the back wall and looked at his feet.

The demon smirked, showing off his rows of sickening sharp teeth. "You gave into it, didn't you? Ah, yes. I can read it in your sorrow. Face it, kid. You're just like me. Your powers and heritage define you. Give in to your hate and sadness. Let it fuel you."

He gestured to the bars of the cell with his chin. "They do not know the truth. They did not place magic-blocking restraints on you. Use your sorrow and break free from here. The bars may stop human magic, but you were cursed with an extra supply," he hissed.

Riarshi stood from the floor, ignoring the pain in his body.

"Yes," the demon seethed, pleased with himself. He lived for causing mayhem. If this young man could lose control, he could escape in the chaos that would soon erupt. "A day has already passed since they dragged your unconscious body in here. No one has come to your rescue, and no one will. Only you can determine what happens from here. Give in, let the darkness shroud over you."

Riarshi stumbled up to the bars and gripped them. His own emotions funnelled into his magic and strengthened his hold.

"Yes, child. Do it. Do it now. Because whether or not you like it, you're-" the demon never finished his sentence. The bindings on his wrists send a painful jolt of electricity up his arms, throwing his body into a spasm that left him groaning on the cold concrete floor.

"That'll shut him up," said the Bronze ranked Hero on duty, placing the button to the cuffs back in his pocket. He walked up to Riarshi's cell and opened the door. "This is him, sir," he said over his shoulder.