19. Zephyr

19

ZEPHYR

I survey the chaos unfolding before me, my eyes narrowing as I assess the situation. The once-tranquil palace grounds are now a battlefield, with my intended wedding guests scrambling to defend themselves against the horde of monsters drawn by the commotion.

"Selena!" I call out, my voice cutting through the din. "Gather the humans and have them fall back to the inner courtyard. I'll hold the monsters at bay."

My mate whirls around, her auburn hair wild and her eyes alight with determination. "Got it!" she shouts, already sprinting to rally the others.

"Keep moving!" I roar, my voice thunderous. "The courtyard is our stronghold!" I extend my arms out, controlling the wind to create a protective barrier. It will not hold for too long against so many beasts but it will help buy time for everyone to gather together.

The humans scramble to obey and stand in form with their weapons in hand as they retreat under my protective barrier. I can see the fear in their eyes, but also a growing resolve. Selena strides among them, her presence steadying their nerves.

"Listen up!" she barks. "Zephyr and I will handle the big ones. You focus on the smaller ones, stay in formation and watch each other's backs!"

I watch as Selena addresses her tribesmen. "Men, you know what to do. Steady yourself. And give it all you got!"

A chorus of affirmations rises up, and I feel a surge of pride at Selena's natural leadership. She has come so far from the vengeful hunter I first encountered.

The monsters approach the palace courtyards. Their stench fills my nostril as I cringe in disgust. The smaller beasts stand in front of my barrier, staring at me with blood red eyes. They growl their disgust at me, a demon helping humans. I give them a smirk as my eyes shimmer to match theirs.

I shift my attention to the larger monsters who are now pressing against my wind shield. With a sharp gesture, I part the air, unleashing a devastating cyclone that sweeps the beasts away.

I turn my focus outward, my four arms flexing as I summon the wind to my command. Swirling gusts of air sweep through the palace grounds, battering the monstrous creatures that are regrouping and charging again toward us. I send razor-sharp blades of wind slicing through their ranks, felling them one by one. The larger beasts, who must be their alphas of the bunch, are relentless. One of the larger beasts picks up a large boulder and throws it towards my wind barrier. I look behind me to see the humans and demons standing in formation.

"Now!" I bellow. I lower my hands as the shield comes down. The monsters charge forward and the humans spring into action, their weapons flashing as they engage the remaining monsters. The demons use their elemental powers, water, and earth, to keep the smaller ones at bay to give the humans an advantage point of attack.

Selena fights alongside them, her movements fluid and graceful as she approaches a larger beast. I marvel at how seamlessly she has integrated herself into this new role, her hatred of demons replaced by the fierce protectiveness of her people.

I unleash a powerful gust of wind, sweeping the charging monsters away from the humans. "Stay back!" I roar, my voice thundering across the courtyard. The larger ones stomp forward, ignoring my command. I stand in position, ready for battle.

My eyes turn slightly to see Selena dart forward, her twin blades flashing as she engages one of the larger creatures. "Zephyr, cover me!" she calls out, her eyes alight with fierce determination.

I nod, focusing my energy to create a swirling vortex around her. The wind whips and howls, shielding Selena from the monster's attacks as she dances nimbly, slicing and stabbing with precision. It's remarkable to see how one she has become with my wind force. I charge to her side as me and Selena battle the larger beasts together.

The human warriors, emboldened by our display of power, rally to her side. I can see the fear in their eyes slowly transforming into a cautious hope as they witness the demon and the human working in perfect harmony.

"Keep your formations!" Selena repeats, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Zephyr and I will take care of the big ones, focus on the smaller ones!"

The humans obey without hesitation, their weapons clashing against the snarling beasts. I'm impressed by their discipline and skill, a far cry from the cowering villagers I first encountered.

Selena and I move as one, our movements fluid and synchronized. I conjure blades of wind to slice through the monsters' thick hides, while she darts in to deliver the killing blows.

"Nice moves, demon," she calls out, a hint of a grin on her lips.

"You're not so bad yourself, human," I retort, my own mouth curling into a smirk. My demon spirit growls pleasingly at our mate. She is remarkable.

We work in seamless tandem; our strengths complement each other perfectly. The humans watch in awe, their initial fear giving way to a growing sense of wonder, as Selena easily rides the wind forces I throw at her.

As the last monsters fall, a hush settles over the courtyard. The humans stare at me, their expressions full of grudging respect.

Selena steps forward, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "My people," she begins, her voice clear and unwavering. "As we share in this victory. I want to remind you all, Zephyr fought side by side with all of you. Even those who sought to destroy him, his home. He is not the demon you should be fearing. This is proof of that today."

I hold the people's gaze, my chin raised defiantly. "I am not your enemy," I declare, my words echoing across the courtyard. "Today, I forge a new alliance between our people."

The leader of Selena's tribe, Elder Thorne, regards me for a long moment, his brow furrowed in thought. He looks over to Elder Mira who exhales deeply and nods in agreement. Then, to my astonishment, he inclines his head in a gesture of respect.

"Then you have our gratitude, demon," he says. "And our trust."

A murmur of agreement ripples through the crowd, and I feel a surge of hope blooming in my chest. Perhaps, with Selena by my side, we can truly bridge the divide between humans and demons.

I clear my throat, drawing the attention of the gathered humans. "Your villagers have suffered greatly this day, and I wish to make amends." I pause, letting my words sink in. "I propose that I and my mate, Selena, lend our aid in rebuilding and strengthening your defenses against the monsters that threaten you."

Elder Thorne nods slowly. "Very well," he says, "we'll accept your offer of assistance." To my surprise, he walks up to me and extends his hand. After a moment of shock, I extend one of my hands to shake his.

Selena shoots me a proud smile, and I can't help but return it. I wrap my arm around my mate who has made this day of acceptance happen for both of us.