“Do you really think that this stupid game is going to get rid of me, Alden Seraphiel?”

“There you are,” Serf Seraphiel said, smiling confidently. “No, I don’t expect it to get rid of you, Demon—it’s to silence you.”

I felt my throat contract again, an involuntary chuckle escaping—deep and unsettling. “Such a brave face, but you are merely a fool. I am not to be toyed with.”

It still felt like I had some control over my body, but Kako's influence lingered. Panic started to seep in.

“What’s happening?” I whispered in my own voice.

“Noemi,” Serf Seraphiel advanced, holding his arm out cautiously, “he's scared. He knows he doesn’t have control right now and is trying everything to make you think he does. This is a last attempt at him taking over, because he knows this training will work in your favor.”

Anxiety racked my body, causing me to tremble. I glanced at Cyrus, who stared back with worry, his eyes large and pupils shaking in anticipation. He was terrified of me, and it caused my heart to shatter.

“I think it's best if you both stay back,” I murmured, my voice quivering. “Someone could get hurt.” Yet, they stood firm, refusing to move.

Why has Serf Seraphiel pushed me this far, knowing Kako’s influence led to my father’s death? If Kako gains control, I can't stop whatever he might do.

My mind drifted back to the events leading up to this moment– My anger over having to sit still, anger over the fact that I couldn’t use my power like Cy’s father, anger because I was being put under pressure: these were all minor issues.

Why am I even this angry? Get a grip.

“Nemmi,” Cy spoke up, his voice cracking. “We’re not going anywhere.” His steadiness brought me back, my panic subsiding for a brief moment, but my body was still shaking. I could feel the sweat on my brows.

Suddenly, Kako cut through my thoughts. “Shut up, boy,” he sneered through me. “What can you possibly do to help? All you do is heal. I could squash your puny body like a bug.”

Cyrus held his hands up, retreating. His fear was evident, but so was his determination. “I’m not going anywhere,” he repeated.

My own turmoil, that had eased, suddenly surged back, more intense than before. I felt the pounding of my heart against my chest. Memories of what I did to my father resurfaced– reminding me that there are consequences when Kako takes over.

“Why are you making me do this?” I yelled at Serf Seraphiel, my voice cracking.

His expression softened. “Because you must understand that he can’t take over unless you let him. The only way for him to take control is when you let your anger, fear, or sadness take control,” he explained, stepping closer. “You must show restraint over your emotions to prevent him from having authority over them.”

I felt helpless. Serf Seraphiel didn’t understand the gravity of the situation.

“I can’t,” I cried, tears streaming down. “I’m trying so hard, but I can’t just stop feeling things! I’m so angry and scared, and I don’t understand why I—”

He cut me off, “I trust you,” he said firmly. “Cyrus trusts you. The only reason anybody will ever have authority over you is if you let them. You must fight back.” I looked at Cy, who nodded in agreement, reinforcing that he trusted me to remain strong. “You just need continued practice.”

But what if practice doesn’t fix this? I managed my father’s abuse, endured being branded—but this… I could hurt someone I love like this.

Images of Cyrus and Serf Seraphiel flashed in my mind, their bodies laying like my father’s– bloody... bruised… dead.

“Fight it,” Serf Seraphiel urged gently. “Not only with your will, but with your mind. His anger amplifies yours. You must drown him out. Remember what we practiced.”

I had to put a stop to this before something happened that I couldn’t come back from. Amidst my turmoil, I sat down, inhaled deeply, and closed my eyes. Before I could begin, his voice seeped out again, “What do you know, old man? I’m a full-blooded Celestial Demon. You know nothing.”

“I know enough,” Serf Seraphiel replied. “Do it, Noemi. Drown him out with nothing. Don’t give him any thoughts or emotions to play with.”

My heart was drumming in my ears, my hands shaking against my knees, and my body racking with anxiety.

Nothing. Think of nothingness. Absolutely, positively nothing.

My breathing became labored, my chest tight. I felt the dizziness creep in, veering into unconsciousness.

“Show him what you want, Noemi!” Cyrus encouraged, hope infusing his voice.

“You’ve got this,” Serf Seraphiel added.

A surge of determination replaced the fear at hearing Cy and Serf Seraphiels positivity. If they weren’t afraid, why should I be?

I envisioned an impenetrable barrier around my positive emotions, blocking out the negative. With each breath in, I imagined inhaling happiness; with each breath out, I exhaled frustration and fear.

In the ensuing silence, Serf Seraphiel and Cyrus watched with bated breath. After what seemed like an eternity, I opened my eyes, feeling a peace I hadn’t known before. The fear lingered, but it no longer dominated me.

“You’re doing it,” Serf Seraphiel breathed happily.

Cyrus shouted excitedly, “Hell yeah! Reel that coward in, Nemmi!”

His father shot him a disapproving look. “Now isn’t the time to antagonize the thing, son,” he advised.

I stood, elated by my resolve. That was easier than I thought! It’s finally over.

“Thank you so mu—”

A low cackle echoed in my mind. “Did you really think it was that easy? You’re more of a simple-minded child than I imagined. We are bonded, Noemi. I inhabit you. You cannot expel me.”

“Noemi?” Cyrus called, concern evident in his tone.

“He’s still here,” I cried. “He is still freaking here!”

“It’s better for you to just run away from them. After all, how could they love you when they know the threat you pose to their safety?”

No. They love me; they wouldn’t have risked their safety to help me if they didn’t.

“But wouldn’t it be easier on them if we left? We could survive in No Man’s Land. I can guide you, and they’ll be safe.”

“Don’t listen to whatever he is telling you right now,” Serf Seraphiel interjects. “He cannot force you to his will unless you let him– remember that. You are in control.”

“I am not!” I shrieked. “He’s right! I have to leave. I can’t come back to the Veil with you– you both will be in danger. I have to obey him—I—”

Suddenly, I felt a force push me back violently. Cyrus had run up and embraced me.

“Nemmi,” he whispered, squeezing tightly. “You’re coming back home with us. It might not be the freest place in the world, but we’ve made it our home—it won’t be home without you.”

“But, I—”

“I don’t care,” he said. “Shut up. You’re coming home.” Releasing me, he brought his hands to my face and swiftly flicked my forehead.

“Oww!” I exclaimed, rubbing the spot.

He crossed his arms, looking down at me intently. “You aren’t allowed to leave us there. If I have to deal with the stupid King’s guards, you’re doing it with me. I’m not putting up with it on my own.”

Despite the fear, I felt grounded. Even in this state, Cyrus and Serf Seraphiel wanted me. They were here for me. The air around us began to calm, and I felt the warmth of the sun soothing the back of my neck.

“Now, tell that stupid thing to shut his yapper every time he tries to say some weird stuff.”

“Cy is right, Noemi,” Serf Seraphiel agreed, pulling me into a hug as well. “Yes, you’ll still hear him. We don’t know how to get rid of him completely yet– I have to be honest about that. But practice silencing him.

“Your souls are bonded now. He knows your safety is vital for his survival, so he won’t easily reveal himself around people who will harm you.”

His last remarks seemed directed at Kako, a reminder of his place.

My eyes widened at the realization. My safety was crucial to the demon’s survival. He lived in my body and couldn’t leave now. Serf Seraphiel was brilliant!

He’s right. If I die, you die, Demon.

Emboldened by newfound courage, I made a pact with the devil, bargaining with our lives.

Here’s the deal. You keep the ones I love safe, and I’ll keep you safe. If they die, we die too.

After a moment of silence, I heard his small voice whisper in the back of my head, “Deal.”