Shobai turned to Tiana with a faint smile. Are you ok?

Am I ok? Tiana’s heart boiled in anger! What’s wrong with him? She was the one who summoned him against his will. She was the one who abandoned him. She was the one that Ephriam was going to kill! Her, a demon! A failure! And yet… 

I can take care of myself!  She said, so why would you–

I know. I just–

Are you in love with me? Tiana said.

Shobai jolted up, almost choking! What?

I mean, I understand why. Just look at me, I’m a goddess! Tiana’s eyes sparkled. It’s only natural that you, a mere human, would fall for my charm. But girlfriend? What a joke!

The two stared at each other for a moment. Tiana’s scowl hid a bright pink blush, she had never been called someone’s girlfriend. And Shobai’s scowl hid an even deeper scowl, he had never met anyone this delusional.

Listen closely. Shobai began with a seriousness that surprised even Tiana. I, Shobai Ito, am not in love with you.

Right…

What was that?!

I said, great. Tiana turned abruptly. You’re ugly, anyway.

I just saved your life!

So what! How am I supposed to defeat the King of the North and become the next Demon Lord if you’re dead? 

Maybe you’ll charm him to death, too?

Shut up, Shobai! Tiana said, holding back tears. You… can’t die. Not yet.

Looking up at her, Shobai couldn’t help but laugh. He had been an outcast his entire life. And Asyralon was no different. The Demon Lord rejected him because he had no powers or skills or weapons or allies. And yet, he was still here. He had something this world desperately needed. Something only an outcast could give.

Alright. Shobai said. He took a deep breath in and stood up. Let’s go save the world. 

Tiana blinked in confusion. She'd seen the knife sink into his flesh with her own eyes. He should be dead!  But, how are you…

Shobai slowly lifted his shirt, revealing Ephriam’s knife jammed tightly into the cover of his book. Faith! He responded with a soft chuckle.

Faith? She vaguely remembered seeing that attribute as a stat for the book. Was it some secret power she had overlooked? But still, there’s no way it could resurrect, this had to have been dumb luck!

Well Princess, are you coming or not?

First, swear your undying loyalty to me as your master! Tiana said.

No. Shobai said. If I’m going to help you, we do it my way.

But I summoned you!

It’s your choice. Shobai pulled out his book. You can follow me and my Lord or go it alone. She watched as he kneeled down to the ground and proceeded to pray for guidance. 

You’ve got to be kidding me! Tiana was certain of it, now. Crazy. This man was undeniably crazy. A priest who followed some unnamed Lord and believes in a book. Even if it did stop the knife–

Tiana. Shobai said. Do you trust me?

Tiana stiffened at his words.

No, she said, I only trust myself.

I see. Shobai placed his jacket over her. Good, because I don’t trust you either.

It’s here. Shobai pointed to a horse drawn cart on the road in front of them. Several men with whips ushered a crowd of monsters into the back–lizardmen, insectoids, and now among them, Shobai. Turning back, he extended his hand to Tiana who instinctively pulled back. 

Ok. Shobai slowly withdrew his hand and entered the crowded cart. Bye, Tiana.

Tiana felt her stomach twist as the cart pulled off down the cobblestone road. Was it too late? With a trembling sigh, she dashed after him.

Wait! 

Only much, much later, did the chilling truth dawn on her. This wasn’t just any cart, it was a slave caravan. And they weren’t headed to the King of the North. They were headed to...