Holding onto Finn, I felt at peace. Muffled voices carried behind him, yet I didn’t care. All I desired was to have him next to me. However, I could not help but feel like something was off as the usual scent that filled my senses was gone.


    Sadly, my mind was too muddled to think clearly, and my voice refused to leave me. Nothing more than pants escaped me as all I could do was grip him. He didn’t hold me back, though. Instead, he gazed back at the others before someone handed something to him.


    Covering me with what appeared to be a white cloth, he offered me the bottle that had been handed to him. His voice was muffled, and his wings were missing upon closer inspection.


    This isn’t…


    Pushing him away, I quickly fell onto my bum. I needed to get away, but my body refused to listen to me again. Although my thoughts were a mess, I was finally seeing clearly. The illusion faded, leaving behind the red-haired man Finn hated.


    He wasn’t alone; that blue-haired elven girl was there too. Kneeling to me, he said something, but it was too muffled to understand.


    I wanted to tell him to stay back, but he grabbed me by the back of my head. Offering me the bottle, I quickly swiped it away. Shattering into the ground caused the elf girl to yell incoherent words as Soren shook his head, grabbing a second bottle from her before pouring it into his mouth and clashing his lips against mine.


    I never knew a kiss from someone else would give me mixed feelings. I hated that it was someone other than Finn, yet my body craved it, leaving me to struggle to fight against it.


    Thankfully, the awful liquid that filled my senses made me snap into reality. Soren quickly withdrew from me when I sunk my teeth into his lip.


    You’re lucky I didn’t take your tongue!


    Words that I wanted to say, but none left me when he licked his lip before pulling away from me. Suddenly, my world blurred, making it darker as it faded before I could even collect my thoughts. The first thing I felt was my body aching when it came back to me.


    When I opened my eyes, I didn’t recognize where I was. From what I could tell, it was a wooden cabin, and no miasma filled my lungs as the air was pristine.


    Is that the scent of pines?!


    I was no longer in Fathal, and that much was certain.


    Crap! I need to return before Finn thinks I left because I wanted to! I have to—


    Struggling to get up, I felt dizzy as a weird sensation still lingered in my lady bits. The itch from before wasn’t gone, but it was present to a lesser extent than before. The door to my room flew open, revealing Soren as his eyes opened wide upon seeing me up.


    “Ah, I didn’t think you’d wake up so soon. You really are contentious.” The red-haired boy smiled.


    In his hands was a cup filled with water and bread.


    What… is… How did I… Argh, all my memories are a mess!


    He didn’t appear hostile, yet my thoughts were still muffled. His voice was gentle to my ears, too.


    “Soon…?” I mumbled, gazing towards the side.


    I was in the hands of Finn’s greatest enemy, yet I failed to remember how this happened.


    “When we found you in that crater—” He didn’t even finish when my memories snapped back together.


    Crater? Ah… This is all because of that fucking succubus!


    A throb pulsed through me, bringing forth all the memories from my encounter with Astred, which included when this man kissed me with that nasty liquid in his mouth. A sharp growl left me as I let another man touch me in my confusion.


    “Shut up and stay away from me!” I snarled, raising my hand to summon my blade.


    However, not even a spark left me. Instead, I felt woozy again, triggering me to wince and grab onto my head.


    A soft sigh left his lips, shaking his head. “You used an enormous amount of mana already. You’ll probably pass out again if you try to do any more magic. Thankfully, your body’s limiting you already, but if you push yourself, it won’t be good for you.” He announced, standing by the door with his arms crossed.


    That was when I noticed I was in clothes other than the ones Phoebe had made for me.


    “Did you—” he didn’t let me finish as his eyebrows raised.


    “It wasn’t me. That was Alena, my elf companion. I’d never touch a woman who is under the influence of a hex.” He informed, taking a step inside.


    I couldn’t help but growl at him. “Are you implying Finn would?!”


    “I don’t know the demon king in the intimate ways you must know him, but don’t kid yourself; that man has no heart to feel with.”


    “Don’t talk to about him like you know him!” I huffed, shivering as I felt my body heat up slowly again.


    This man was no friend of ours, yet I was still unharmed. The last time we had met, I had weapons directed at me, but none were visible this time. Even so, I kept my guard up, knowing that Finn would never be the same if I went.


    “Anyways, we have more pressing matters to speak of.” Soren shrugged, taking a step towards me as I took one back.


    It wasn’t long until I found myself against the wall.


    “You’ve got a nasty succubus curse. The potion you drank before you lost consciousness should help keep it at bay. Sadly, the only cure is to have loads of, well, you know.” He added, pointing towards my abdomen, which still felt like it burned with each movement.


    My body was slowly reminding itself of what it was craving before I fought for my life. I noticed the bandages on my hand from when I sunk my teeth into them, and my head also had a patch.


    Everything really happened. That… bitch screwed me in ways I never thought I’d feel again. Typical…


    I had somehow survived all that, yet I wasn’t home free. There were still hurdles in my way, especially when I saw Finn again.


    Will you believe me?


    “Bring me back to Fathal; I don’t belong here,” I announced, glaring at Soren.


    His eyes narrowed, “You want to return to that forsaken place?”


    “That isn’t any of your concern.” I retorted, shifting my sight to the sides.


    The only way out of here was through the door he was blocking.


    Crap…


    “Here, I thought you’d be glad to be back with your fellow kin.” He shook his head before closing his eyes.


    I stayed silent, gazing towards the side.


    I don’t want to be with my kind. I want to be with… them… with my new family.


    “She must’ve lost her mind if she wants to return to those abominations.” Alena suddenly declared behind him.


    When did she… No… focus!


    “The only abomination I see here is you,” I huffed, narrowing my eyes at her.


    “What?” she scuffed, “Have you lost your mind?”


    This blue-haired elf wasn’t a monster but an enemy of the people I cared most about.


    “I’m no damsel in distress, elf. Now drop me off where you found me. I’ll be fine by myself. Why don’t you run along back to my sister?” I huffed, crossing my arms.


    Her eyes widened, leaving a soft smirk on her lips. “Ah, tough words until your curse activates again, then you’ll be—”


    I didn’t let her finish. “Shut up! I don’t need just anyone’s dick.” I fumed.


    That thought was unforgivable, as the words had left me before I realized it. I winced as another pulse rushed through my body, remembering who I wanted most.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Just yours… Finn… I promise.


    The thought of him made my skin warm, yet it turned ice cold, remembering how Soren had touched my lips. How much my body enjoyed it even though I didn’t want a single ounce of it.


    This curse is troublesome. I’ll break if it happens again.


    I needed to find Finn quickly before my mind was lost to me again.


    “Arg, Soren, we should kill her and be done with it.” The elf huffed.


    In her eyes, I was a demon sympathizer; thus, there was no reason to keep me around.


    “No, Alena. Can you just leave me alone with her?” Soren sighed, rolling his eyes at her.


    “But we already have our saint. Leaving this traitor alive is a mistake! She’s charmed by them in a nonmagical way. I don’t even know what’s worse!” She gibed, grabbing onto her arms while pouting at him


    You… don’t understand a single thing.


    “Traitor? That would be assuming I was on your side to start with. You all tried to kill me when I first got here! I was nothing to you!” I snapped, gripping the shirt I had.


    I never wanted to pick a side! All I want is to be with those I care about!


    In my mind, everyone had to be alive by the end of it for it to be successful, but that meant no one would stand with me to make it happen.


    Not even you, Finn, will help in this endeavor. You all think I’m crazy for trying… But…


    “Those monsters live on us! You’re a traitor to your existence!” she snapped, stepping forward.


    Water droplets were softly twirling around her as her magic started responding to her emotions.


    “They aren’t monsters!” I fought back. “So don’t you dare call them that because you’re ignorant to their plea, and that’s fine! We don’t need you! The demons of Fathal have more humanity in them than you ever will!”


    The demons knew what it was to be stripped of your reason and act like an animal. They didn’t deserve to be treated as beasts when humans were no better.


    “And why would you say that?” Soren asked, triggering my gaze to find their way back to him.


    His eyes were colder than before, and the gentle aura that he had before was also disappearing.


    “They gave me a home when I had none! They treated me with respect and care even when I didn’t.” I answered.


    At the start, I was so awful to them, yet they kept their arms open for me, even when their nature didn’t make it easy for them. Nyla… Rizak… even Gael, you were all there for me when I…


    “You’re delusional,” Alena muttered, fists clenched.


    My words won’t reach them. This is a waste of time. I just want to go home.


    “Then let me rot with those whom you deem the worst. Your saint will kill them all, as you say. Nothing to lose on your part.” I shrugged, shifting my eyes towards the side.


    Demons have an eternity, but I don’t. I need to go back to Finn. I need to tell you that I…


    Looking outside the room where Alena stood, I could tell it was night. It couldn''t be the same day Astred’s minion abducted me, so it had to be another day.


    Damn it! I don’t want to spend another moment away from you!


    “Kill her and be done with it!” Alena stated, looking more hostile with every second that passed.


    There was no way I could let them harm me without knowing what it could do to Finn. I readied myself for a fight, yet…


    “No, leave Alena.” Soren sighed, waving his companion away.


    “Do you understand who you’re defending?” she scowled at him.


    Even though that question wasn’t for me, I…


    “Yes, I do. I’m not blind to what demons do for fun, but humans are the same.” I sighed, clasping my hands into my chest. “Your ancestors created them; now they are your unfair burden.”


    This dress they put on me didn’t fit me at all, and the stupid pink color made me feel off.


    Annoying… I want to…


    “You don’t see them as monsters at all?” Soren countered.


    I shook my head, pulling on the dress. “No, most kill just to survive. They aren’t different from us as much as you’d like.” I announced, glancing back towards them.


    Alena was gone, and the door behind Soren was closed. I didn’t realize when she left, yet I didn’t feel any safer.


    “Do you mean the mad king as well?” he questioned, voice running cold.


    I knew what he wanted me to say, and I wouldn’t play to his tune. Fin was a monster; the tingle from my arm ensured I could never deny it.


    “He’s my everything,” I answered.


    Even though it probably would’ve been easier to lie. I didn’t want to speak badly about Finn, even if it was to save myself.


    You don’t deserve that, not after all you’ve experienced. This world made you what you are, and I won’t run away from your scars. No... I’ll…


    “You dare call that monster your everything? He even ripped off your arm.” Soren growled, narrowing his eyes.


    So, he saw my proudest moment and your greatest shame.


    Every time Finn gazed at my arm, I could see hesitation overcome the most powerful demon in all of Fathal.


    Even if this marks a moment where you lost yourself, this man has no right to judge you!


    “This was my choice, and your bloodline made all of them what they are. Where is your redemption?!” I scowled, grabbing onto my right shoulder. “What have you done to help them?!”


    Soren winced as he shifted his gaze towards the side. “You misunderstand. My mother was a victim of her father. She had no choice in the matter!”


    My eyes widened upon realizing that Lillia was his mother. I thought he was just a descendant, not the child of whoever she was set to marry.


    Just how… No focus… this man doesn’t matter.


    “Oh, was she now? From what I saw, she still chose to side with him even though she was alone with Finn!” I countered, remembering all the times she felt conflicted.


    If what Soren said had any truth to it, then that woman was nothing more than a victim, but even so…


    “Going along was the only way she knew she wouldn’t be beaten down!” he added.


    It caused my heart to sting.


    Selfish…


    “Bullshit! She could’ve told Finn everything! He would’ve protected her! Instead, she served them all on a platter for your grandfather, the only monster in this story!” I snarled.


    There were so many outs, all without hurting a single person, yet she took none. She and I were more alike than I would’ve liked, but I never had a single person reach out to me like Finn had to her.


    Even then, I chose to stand up and get away from my monster rather than hurt someone else. Sadly, it didn’t work like I thought it would.


    “You wouldn’t understand.” Soren sighed.


    His words fired me up more than I should’ve allowed.


    “You’re the typical man who thinks they know everything! I understand your mother more than you ever will! I know what it’s like to live with a monster every day of your life!” I growled, shadows beginning to sprout out of me.


    My sudden words widened his eyes, triggering him to stare at me warily as the darkness crept closer to him.


    “You think you know everything because of Evelyn? What a fucking joke! You know nothing about what I’ve survived!” I snapped, clenching my hands into fists.


    All the lies Eve must’ve sprouted about me. For a truth bearer, you surely don’t know a lie when it’s right in front of you!


    “I killed my stepfather, who was about to rape me after I refused to whore myself out to my sister! So don’t you dare tell me I don’t know what it is to be abused! Bruises and soreness are all I’ve known until I came here!” I declared, wincing because of the pain radiating from my hands.


    Ah… I want to go back.


    “That woman ruined all those people to please her monster of a father! So, what if she was a victim of his? This all happened because she was a coward!” I growled, unable to hold my disdain for her.


    I didn’t know how to hate someone without knowing them, but she caused pain to everyone I cared about, which was unforgivable. Yet, at the same time, I knew some people didn’t have it in them to fight.


    Some froze and let it happen, much like Finn did when he lost his will to fight upon witnessing his world fall apart.


    But to let a whole country fall just to save your ass from a beating. That’s unforgivable!


    “I’m scared of Daddy! Boo hoo! Bitch doomed a country full of innocent people just because she was scared! That isn’t a victim! It’s just another monster in the making!” I ranted.


    That woman could’ve stopped the cycle of destruction if she had come to you! I know… you would’ve helped her even if it meant I never met you. Oh… how I wish your smile would’ve never been tarnished.


    Soren appeared unmoved by my words as he had his bias, and I had mine. In his eyes, she was a victim of a madman, but he neglected to see how she fucked Finn and everyone else who welcomed her.


    You probably don’t know their past as I saw it. All of them would’ve protected her if she pleaded for it. Finn would’ve loved her even as broken as she was!


    Stings rose in my chest, making me shake my head.


    Unlike me… You’ll never love… me. No one will… These feelings will always be one-sided because of that damn curse!


    “I don''t pity her or the saint they used to condemn the royals of Fathal.” I winced, trying to keep the heat starting to emanate from my core at bay.


    “Not everyone is strong enough to stand up.” He sighed, shaking his head.


    “Nothing is wrong with that, but her fears took everyone down a horrid path! That’s the only sin she has that will follow you and everyone in Traedan until that curse is gone!” I huffed, shaking my head.


    “How can you talk like that? My mother was only nineteen when she was set to marry that mad king. Her father was abusing her in ways no one ever should.” He scoffed.


    His words sent shivers down my spine.


    Ah… was she… how cruel…


    “Are you the product of that abuse, Soren?” I asked, staring at him straight on, prompting him to bite his lip.


    “I am.” He confessed.


    “Ah… it doesn’t change that she’s just a monster born from another. Just like me, but I refuse to hurt anyone else! Let alone damn a nation.” I huffed, turning my sight onto the cabin wall.


    “Finn murdered my mother, wife, and son right in front of me. Doesn’t that make him a monster and no longer a victim, too?” he coldly stated.


    It was a heartfelt plea, but Finn never gave an excuse for what he was. He always ensured I knew he wasn’t the good one in all of this, but that didn’t change my stance. I would walk beside him without looking back at what he had done.


    You’ve never once said it wasn’t your fault. No, you owned up to everything you ever did and accepted that the world would change for you.


    “If that day never happened, the dragon known as Finn Dragon Heart wouldn’t be around. He never once hid his sins from me or lied to me. That gives me hope he and all the others can be saved from this nightmare!”


    If that day... were only a dreadful dream, you would’ve been the sweetest king ever to rise, but that was robbed!


    “Sylvia…” Soren mumbled, shifting his amber eyes onto me.


    “To you, Finn is a beast beyond redemption, but to me, he’ll always be my everything. He allowed me to see how his world fell apart and showed me his shame in what happened, but that doesn’t make what he did right.” I faced the broken man before me.


    He wasn’t an opponent out for my life but my ideals.


    “Even though the demon king has caused you pain, I don’t blame him for making her feel the same pain he felt. Even if it isn’t fair to you, it’s the reconning your family brought down upon themselves.” I sighed, shaking my head.


    The curse had made Finn into a ruthless man who had murdered more lives than I could count. Yet, I had only seen him retaliate rather than engage the entire time I had been there. This demon had a gentleness in him that the curse couldn’t erase.


    To these people, you’re a monster who hunts them, but if that’s true, they would have been long dead.


    “So… Please just let me go back to him. I don’t belong on this side.” I gazed at him straight on.


    “I can’t give you back to him. You’ll be a weapon in that demon’s hands.” He crossed his arms.


    “If he wanted to destroy you. He would’ve already done so.” I shot back. “Plus, all I want is to save them!”


    “By dooming us?” his eyes showed no emotion.


    No, you all have to survive, too, but I feel we’ll just go in circles.


    “You’ve got my sister to help you out. Now let me leave, or I’ll fight my way out.” I sighed, having had enough of this roundabout.


    The warmth my mind was fighting off was clawing at me. It wouldn’t be long before the curse consumed my thoughts again. Touching my lips, I…


    Will I let someone touch me again? No! I can’t! I won’t!


    “Your sister isn’t what we need,” Soren answered, snapping me out of my thoughts.


    “What?” I mumbled.


    “She isn’t the real saint. You are.” He declared, turning my entire body into a tundra.


    What did you just say?