She was so calm, like a midsummer ocean, her composure unwavering despite the chaos outside. The screams and growls echoed, almost mocking her serenity. The Devil Mother sighed deeply, shaking her head, as if trying to dismiss the impending storm.
“Don’t worry. We’re safe here. They won’t dare cross the line.” Mother’s voice was calm, but there was a hint of sorrow in her eyes, a sadness she could not hide.
“What’s happening, Mother?” Cassandra asked, her voice tight with anxiety as she, too, heard the terrifying sounds from outside.
“Let’s see for ourselves.” The Devil Mother stood up, heading for the door. But then she paused, turning back with a serious look. “Ashlee, my child, promise me something.” Her voice was low but firm, carrying weight.
“Huh? What?” Ashlee asked, confused, her gaze flicking to everyone, sensing the tension.
“Promise me you won’t lose yourself when you see it. Control is everything if we’re to survive this.” The Devil Mother’s eyes locked onto Ashlee’s, the urgency in her gaze undeniable.
Ashlee hesitated, not fully understanding the gravity of the warning. “I… okay?” she answered, still unsure.
Mother nodded grimly and stepped outside toward the main gates, everyone trailing behind her. The shrieks and growls grew louder as they neared the entrance, the tension rising with each step.
“What the hell is that?” Kyle asked, his voice a mix of disbelief and horror as he saw the creature—a human, but not. Its eyes were black, hollow, and dark liquid oozed from its ears, the stench of decay heavy in the air. It screamed and growled in desperation.
Its limbs twisted unnaturally, turning 360 degrees with an eerie crack. Impossible. No human could do that. And yet, there it stood, stuck in place as if held back by some unseen force.
Then, with a sudden shift, it stopped howling, its gaze locking onto Ashlee. A grin stretched across its face, cruel and mocking.
“I see you, Ashlee.” The creature’s voice was a low growl, vibrating with malevolence. It smirked, an unsettling sound rumbling from its throat. The creature’s movements were slower now, almost deliberate. Its limbs twisted back into place with a sickening snap.
Kyle turned his head, his eyes narrowing in concern. Ashlee was standing just a step behind him, her eyes beginning to glow, the yellow tint in them burning with intensity.
“Ashlee.” His voice was a tight whisper, full of urgency. He could see the transformation starting. He knew it was happening, but if she lost control, she’d be consumed by it.
“Ashlee, calm down.” He gripped her arm, his tone demanding. But Ashlee’s eyes were fixed on the creature, unwavering, her body rigid with a dangerous focus.
“Come on! Come on! Come on!” The creature’s chant became more frantic, almost like a prayer. It beckoned Ashlee, calling her forward.
“No, Ashlee! You can’t.” The Devil Mother rushed forward, positioning herself between Ashlee and the creature, her presence an impenetrable wall.
The creature snarled, rage flashing in its black eyes. “You bitch!” It screeched, its mouth splitting wide in a terrifying display.
A shadowy cloud began to leak from its mouth, swirling in the air. It was a dark mass, growing larger and more defined by the second, forming into something monstrous.
“A demon from hell.” The Devil Mother breathed, her words thick with both fear and defiance. She knew the creature’s kind well, but it was clear that even she wasn’t certain her spells and wards would hold.
“What the hell? A demon? Here?” Kyle was stunned, completely unprepared for this.
“Let me go!” Ashlee’s voice was laced with a low, dangerous growl as she tried to break free from the Devil Mother’s grip.
“No, Ashlee! Stop! You’ll die!” The Devil Mother shouted, her tone laced with desperation, trying to protect them all.
“Don’t let her go!” She turned to Kyle, her eyes pleading. Kyle nodded, gripping Ashlee tighter, pulling her back with force.
“Stop, Ashlee!” He gripped her wrist, holding her against him, his chest pressing against her back, trying to shield her from the demon’s malice.
Ashlee twisted in his arms, struggling, her growl low and threatening. “Let me go.” Her voice was fierce now, her wolf’s influence rising.
“No, please… calm down.” Kyle whispered, his voice pained but firm, tightening his hold on her. He could feel her claws digging into his stomach, her anger and desperation pouring through her. But he wouldn’t let go.
The demon smirked, its voice dripping with malice. “Fight me! Come on! I know you want to!”
“I don’t care about anyone else. I can’t lose you. Please, stop,” Kyle whispered fiercely, his grip tightening, blood soaking his shirt. He gritted his teeth against the pain, knowing this was the only way to save her.
And then, as if some invisible force broke through the haze of fury, Ashlee stopped. She froze in Kyle’s arms, her hands pulling back. The glow in her eyes began to subside, her body relaxing as she slowly returned to herself.
“Take her inside.” The Devil Mother’s voice rang out, commanding and steady. Zelda moved to show Kyle the way.
Kyle didn’t hesitate. He led Ashlee back inside, her expression blank and distant. She didn’t speak, didn’t react, as if her mind was elsewhere.
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“You should stay in this room. The bathroom’s close by. If you need anything else, call me.” Zelda’s words were curt as she stepped out of the room, leaving them alone.
“Let’s get your hands washed.” Kyle’s voice was gentle, trying to comfort her despite the turmoil within him. The pain from his wounds was intense, but he focused only on Ashlee.
He guided her to the bathroom, his hands trembling as he washed her hands with lukewarm water. She was silent, distant, and his worry grew with every moment of her stillness.
Once they returned to the bed, Kyle took out a med-kit, his hands moving to treat his wounds, but his focus was on Ashlee, who remained in a trance-like state. No matter how much he tried, his hands trembled as he worked, unable to stop his own blood from flowing.
Suddenly, Ashlee’s warm hands took the ointment from his, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. She started applying the medicine to his wounds with trembling hands, her guilt written all over her face.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice was barely a whisper, her sorrow deep and overwhelming.
“Hey, hey.” Kyle’s voice was soft, tender. He cupped her face in his hands, forcing her to look at him. “It’s not your fault. I’m fine. See? It doesn’t even hurt that much.” He smiled gently, brushing away her tears with his thumb, his eyes full of affection.
“If only I could have controlled myself… But I hurt you.” She whispered, her voice broken, as though the weight of her regret was crushing her.
“It wasn’t you, Ashlee.” Kyle’s words were quiet but firm, and somehow, they felt like the truth.
“Huh?” Ashlee stared at him, wide-eyed, confused by his understanding.
Before she could process it, Kyle’s lips brushed hers, soft but insistent. Her heart fluttered, and all the pain and fear melted away. This was the warmth she needed. This was the love she had been yearning for.
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The Devil Mother stood fearless before the demon, her voice unshaken. “Go away. Leave her alone.”
The demon laughed, dark and cold. “Unfortunately, I can’t do that.” He bent low, his teeth bared in a sneer.
“You are not getting her. Not now. Not ever. They will come for her, and then it will be your last day.” The Devil Mother’s voice was a venomous hiss, her words cutting through the tension like a blade.
The demon chuckled, a low, mocking sound. “You think those petty spells will stop us? You should know your place. You are beneath us.” His voice was lazy, but the malice behind it was clear.
“You will keep trying? Devil Mother, is that your name? Then act like one. Stop protecting the one born to destroy us all.” The demon’s voice grew louder, more mocking, his anger rising.
“I know my limits. But you better leave, because nothing will be handed to you here. That child will live.” The Devil Mother’s voice rang out, unbroken and full of defiance as she turned her back on the demon, her strength unwavering.
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“You insane witches. That’s why The King hates you all.” He growled, crumbling to the ground, his body trembling in frustration. He desperately searched for a way to pass the deadly parsley flowers. If only they weren’t in the way. It would’ve been so easy to slip through unnoticed.
He waited in the stillness, even after all of them had left. The human corpse he had brought with him, lifeless and rotten, lay discarded on the ground, reeking of death. As the sun began to rise, he moved swiftly, not daring to miss his chance.
“I won’t stop until I tear that bitch apart.” He snarled under his breath, swearing at the Academy as he retreated into the shadows, slinking back into the deep forest.
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Kyle couldn’t sleep, his thoughts restless and on edge throughout the entire night. His eyes never strayed from Ashlee. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the demons The Devil Mother had warned about might come after them, no matter how much he hoped they wouldn’t.
Ashlee stretched, the warmth of the sun hitting her skin, causing it to shimmer with a soft glow. She slowly opened her eyes and found Kyle staring at her with a look of tenderness, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he gazed at her in admiration.
“Morning, beautiful.” His voice was soft, almost reverent, as he leaned forward to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“Stop staring at me. I don’t look good in the morning.” Ashlee chuckled, playfully pressing her hand over his eyes to shield herself from his gaze.
Kyle’s chuckle was low and filled with a teasing edge. “You look damn good, so good that I want to take you down right now, but we’re in the middle of nowhere.” His voice was a quiet growl, making her heart flutter in her chest.
“How could you even say that? What if someone hears?” Ashlee’s voice was a mix of disbelief and embarrassment as she quickly covered her mouth with her hands, eyes darting around nervously.
“Are you trying to get away from my kisses?” Kyle’s tone shifted, a hint of mock hurt lacing his words as he arched an eyebrow, his playful demeanor suddenly turning into a challenge.
Ashlee giggled, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she shot him a look full of daring. Without warning, Kyle moved closer, grabbing her waist with a smirk playing on his lips. He pulled her in with sudden force, his lips brushing against her ear in a hushed whisper.
“You can never get away from me.” His voice was dark, dangerous, filled with possessiveness as he nibbled gently at her earlobe.
The sharp sound of a knock on the door broke their bubble of intimacy. Ashlee quickly pulled away, suddenly awkward and flustered. Kyle shook his head, his smile widening at her innocent reaction.
“It’s alright. Don’t panic.” His words were meant to calm her, his hand gently resting on her shoulder before he stood and made his way to the door.
“Zelda?” Kyle’s brow furrowed in surprise. What was she doing here so early?
Zelda peeked inside, her eyes landing on Ashlee, still lying beneath the covers. She sighed audibly, as if imagining the awkwardness of the situation. ‘So it’s started, huh?’ she thought to herself, a mixture of amusement and annoyance crossing her face.
“Uh, Mother told me to wake you up. Breakfast is ready. Come down quickly.” Zelda pouted, spinning on her heel with a huff, clearly refusing to engage further.
“She hates me.” Ashlee muttered under her breath, frustration leaking into her voice. Kyle couldn’t help but laugh, watching the two of them interact. They really looked like siblings in that moment.
“No, she doesn’t. Stop assuming. She’s probably just pissed off about something else.” Kyle grabbed Ashlee by the shoulders, turning her toward the bathroom. “Wash up and get ready. We need to go for breakfast.”
“Alright.” Ashlee sighed, moving toward the bathroom, though her mind was clearly still on the conversation.
Kyle stood by the window, gazing out into the thick forest. He squinted into the shadows, trying to spot any trace of the creatures that had caused so much havoc the previous night. Nothing seemed amiss. Maybe whatever had been lurking had finally given up and left.
“I hope she likes this. We don’t eat like this often, but our chefs know how to make it.” The Devil Mother’s voice was matter-of-fact as she explained the menu to Cassandra.
“She’ll love it, trust me.” Cassandra smiled, reassuring her with a knowing look. Ashlee and Kyle emerged from the room shortly after.
“Wait, are we seriously going to eat worms and stuff?” Ashlee whispered to Kyle, her voice filled with skepticism.
Kyle turned to her, utterly confused by her question. “Why would we do that?” he asked, his eyebrows furrowing in pure bewilderment.
“Don’t witches always eat nasty living things? And humans… Are we really going to eat humans?” Ashlee’s eyes widened in horror, memories of every witch show she had ever watched flooding her mind.
“Ashlee, stop. Let’s just see what they have before making assumptions, alright?” Kyle’s tone was patient, but there was a hint of exasperation as he gently pulled her along. Ashlee nodded, and to her surprise, the food was exactly to her liking.
“Are you feeling better?” The Devil Mother’s voice broke the silence as Ashlee sat down at the table. She just nodded, not fully understanding the question. She hadn’t been hurt in the first place.
“But what happened last night? Where did the demon come from?” Kyle’s curiosity got the best of him as he turned to the Devil Mother, eager to understand more so he could protect Ashlee.