"You see… tis true. You have been betrayed," Satan sneered.
Rage pulsed throughout my body triggering the brands to ignite fire from my fingertips.
"They may have poisoned my soul, but the powers I possess control demons…only thing I can't control is this jealous rage."
A barrier of flames ignited around me on the ground, separating me from the images of Dantalion and Lilith.
"Very impressive. I knew your hatred would make you see things a bit clearer," Satan glared at me through the barrier.
"My hatred is sparked by many things, one of which is you!" I barked, pulling myself up off the ground. It was like Vine had told me….the evils that give me my powers are tied to something much greater. With each attempt to wield fire I sacrificed a piece of my immortality. It wouldn't take long for them to have their blood sacrifice.
"You made a wager with Dantalion. In exchange for his signing the oath you promised to heal me."
"Ahhh…. Yes. The wager," Satan sneered, coming toward me. His wings scraped the cavern walls as he approached. His claws raised above the barrier, throwing my body hard across the floor.
"Consider your flesh wounds healed. Nothing was promised about removing the brands."
Of course he deceived. Making a pact with a demon is never a guarantee.
"Your mine for eighteen months…."
I cringed at the thought.
Rowan sensed a presence at the borders of the Realm of Goetia, the morning sun coming up behind the trees. King Vine and the others emerged at the base of the waterfall, cold and exhausted.
"Master Rowan! Why were you not at The Tomb? We thought you would follow to protect the girl," Sitri's breath clung in the cold morning air.
"We must summon Lord Dantalion. They have her for the eighteen month purification!" Vine added.
Everyone stood frozen, staring at Rowan.
"Thought she would be in good hands with the Angel," Rowan said sarcastically.
"Rowan!" Erin and Lucia raced over to him. "What happened to you?" they chimed in at the same time.
"Same thing that happens to us all… well…not all of us…at least they were full-fledged demons… I'm only half- demon."
Erin grabbed his clawed hands, staring at the demonic seal on his arm and feeling sympathetic.
"We should get back to the Realm," Druitte pleaded.
"I'm close to mastering my healing powers…but I am pretty hungry."