20. Catandria

20

CATANDRIA

J avan and I stand in the shadows, our eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding at the general's mansion. Dark elves rush in and out, their faces twisted in fear and anger. The news of the massacre spreads like wildfire, igniting whispers and hushed conversations in every corner of this town. I feel a thrill of satisfaction watching their terror.

"Looks like they’re having a rough night," Javan remarks, his voice laced with dark amusement. His eyes gleam with a predatory light.

I smirk, my gaze never leaving the scene. "They deserve worse," I reply, my voice cold and unwavering. The sight of their panic fuels the fire within me.

"Always so bloodthirsty, my dear," he quips, the sound deep and resonant, sending a shiver of delight through me. "I like it." His approval is like a dark caress, igniting a thrill that courses through my veins.

We walk through the narrow streets, blending into the crowd. The humans keep their heads down, but I catch the flicker of hope in their eyes. They may not openly celebrate, but their relief is palpable.

"Do you think they know it was us?" I ask, glancing up at Javan.

"Does it matter?" He shrugs, his expression indifferent. "They'll find out soon enough."

We turn a corner, and I spot a familiar figure standing by a pile of garbage. It's the woman who once handed me water when I was first brought to the barracks. Her eyes widen in recognition, and she quickly looks away, trying to hide.

"Wait here," I tell him, my voice softening. Javan raises an eyebrow but nods, letting me approach her alone.

She flinches as I step closer. "It's okay," I say gently. "I'm not going to hurt you."

Her eyes meet mine, filled with fear and curiosity. "You... you’ve changed."

I nod, a sad smile playing on my lips. "Yes. But I remember you. You helped me once."

"I didn't think you'd survive," she whispers, glancing around nervously.

"Neither did I," I admit. "But here I am."

She looks at Javan, standing a few paces away, his eyes never leaving me. "Is he...?"

"Yes," I say simply. "He's the reason I'm still here."

She swallows hard, nodding. "Thank you for what you did. The general... he was a monster."

"I know," I reply, my voice hardening. "And now he’s gone."

I reach into my cloak, pulling a small, folded parchment from the inside of my sleeve. She looks at it warily, her eyes flicking back to mine. I offer it to her, my hand steady.

"What's this?" she asks, her voice trembling slightly.

"An incantation," I reply, pressing it into her palm. "If you ever find the courage to change your life, to seek freedom or revenge, use this. Drip your blood onto it and infuse it with all your sorrow and desperation."

Her eyes widen, and she clutches the parchment tightly. "But... what will happen?"

"You'll find out once you do it," I say simply. "But once you do this, you will find salvation or destruction. It depends on you."

She looks at the parchment, then back at me. She nods firmly. "Thank you," she whispers, her voice barely audible.

I nod and turn away, heading back to where Javan waits. His eyes are on me, a smirk playing on his lips as I approach.

"Done being the savior of the town?" he teases, his tone light but with an edge of amusement.

"Just tying up loose ends," I reply, not breaking stride.

As I walk away, I hear the woman call out to me. I don’t turn around, don’t acknowledge her. I've given her a chance, just as Javan gave me mine. What she does with it is up to her.

"Ready to go?" Javan asks, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"Always," I reply, my voice firm. "Let’s get out of here."

We walk together through the darkened streets, our footsteps echoing softly in the night. The air is cool, and the distant sounds of the town slowly fading into the background. I feel Javan’s presence beside me, a comforting weight in this chaotic world.

"You're really something, you know that?" he says, glancing at me.

I raise an eyebrow. "Oh? And what exactly am I?"

"A force to be reckoned with," he replies, his voice filled with admiration. "You’ve come a long way from that fragile girl in the barracks."

I smile, feeling a surge of pride. "Thanks to you."

He stops and turns to face me, his expression serious. "No, thanks to you. You had the strength all along. I just helped you find it."

His words touch something deep within me, and I reach out, taking his hand. "Let’s keep going," I say softly. "We’ve got a lot more to do."

He squeezes my hand, his eyes dark and intense. "Lead the way, my lady."

And with that, we disappear into the night, ready to face whatever comes next. My mind lingers on the woman, the one I spoke to. The one who showed me a great kindness when she didn't have to.

I gave her the key to summon a demon. Whether she does it or not, I don't know. But it fills me with joy that another human woman will be able to find power in a world that has always denied her of it.

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