Epilogue

I watch Camilla sitting on the floor by her bed, clutching pictures in her trembling hands. Tears stream down her face, dropping slowly onto her black dress.

Today was my funeral.

She's been crying all day, just like she has every day for the past week. Her eyes are puffy, and her makeup barely clings to her face. If it weren't for her mother insisting she look like her usual self to say goodbye, she wouldn't have bothered. Camilla has always been a good friend. If I had to describe her in one word, it would be that: good.

Maybe that's why I want to consume her.

"It's all my fault, Clarity," she mumbles, staring at my photo. It was taken when I lived with her, right on the very bed she's leaning against. "I didn't help you in time."

I take a step forward. She can't see me. She can't feel me. But I'm here, watching her. I've been watching her for days.

"It's okay," I whisper into the air. "I don't mind." Dropping to the floor, I crawl towards her. She's so pretty. Always been so bright. So joyful. I want to devour that joy. "Let it go already. It doesn't matter."

I feel my power brimming at my fingertips. I seep it into the air, watching as she breathes it in. Just a bit more than last time. Each day, I give her more, waiting for her to break.

But she's tough. It's been days, and she still fights. In fact, my power seems to strengthen her. Odd, considering I'm the demon of Acedia. Breaking human spirits and luring them into despair is supposed to be my specialty. I make them give up. I make them crave an escape.

She sniffs harder than before, flinging the picture in my direction. It passes right through my astral form.

"Whatever that demon was," she says through gritted teeth, "I'm going to hunt it down. I'm going to destroy it for taking you away."

I tilt my head. She wants to hunt down Echo? That's news to me.

I pull on our connection, letting him know. He's weaker during the day on Earth, but he can hear me just fine.

"Can a demon be hunted?" I ask him, licking my lips. "That's what Camilla wants to do to you."

His laughter echoes back. "Let her try," he whispers. "It's not as easy as she thinks."

But his answer plants a seed of worry in me. We are not invincible. We can be hunted. And if anyone can achieve what they set their mind to, it's my former friend. Once she decides, nothing can stop her.

I pour more power into the air.

"Give up," I hiss. "Give it all up."

I'd like to say it works, but the truth is, it doesn't.