Shadow Warrior

Chapter 16

Abby’s mind flashed to Galadin; she hadn’t seen him since Kesh went through the window. Clearing him from her mind, she had to focus. She was starting to make mistakes as she could feel the area around her darkening.

Something was happening and, by the way her body was responding, it wasn’t good. She felt as the shadows were creeping in on her. Seeing the movements outside the back of her eyes, she knew they were demons. A whole lot more of them.

One sliced her in the back of the arm as she was whipping around her other arm to protect herself from Valak’s next attack. Feeling blood slowly drip down her arm, she knew; these demons were of the shadows. They were what humans saw when they talked about apparitions. Unable to take full form and do any real damage, but able to cause her small amounts of harm.

A light shone in the night, but unable to give it any attention, she moved forward to complete her next strike. Unable to come up with any real ideas of how to stop all of this. Each idea that passed through her mind, ended with Leo getting severely hurt.

The shadows receded where the light shone. Valak’s irritation was evident when he quickly glanced at the light’s origin. Standing holding a ball of light was Galadin. He was with many others now. Werewolves, vampires, and other warlocks. The light also shone on the massive number of demons headed their way.

This fight was about to get much more grotesque. Galadin and the others ran into the direction of the oncoming demons. Meeting them head on. Their fighting could be heard in the night. These demons were all in possession of vessels.

It hurt Abby to know people were dying. They had no choice in the matter, but she also knew most of them had agreed to accept the demon. Even unknowingly.

Screams could be heard throughout the area. The moon’s beautiful presence is disrupted by death. Surely the reaper was swiftly taking his rewards with each last breath. Demons are sent back to the depths of hell at each end.

Abby was slowly losing energy. Being on the offensive most of the time was wearing on her chances of getting Leo back alive. Valak was out for her life. She had many cuts and bruises riddled throughout her body. Every drop of blood she lost was vital to her body.

Leo’s words came back to her again. Trying to figure out why he thought they would help. Frustration boiled in her mind. She should be able to figure this out. Her focus wavering, allowed Valak the moment he needed.

Taking advantage of her preoccupation, he struck her. Hitting her hard in the chest, sending her flying further away from the castle and closer to the fight ensuing behind them. Landing with a thud, she lost her breath. Valak was soon above her crouched over her body as she attempted to regain her breathing.

Valak placed his hand over her throat with a swift motion and squeezed.

“Just a few more moments and your precious warrior will be dead, as will you and I will be free to rule this world once again.”

She felt his hand squeeze as her body screamed for hair with desperation. Black spots slowly descending upon her vision. Kicking, scratching, and punching, she made every attempt to force her release. He was too strong.

As the shadows of unconsciousness were whispering to her, she felt the warmth she had felt earlier while kissing Leo. At first, she thought it had to do with her being unable to breath and slowly leaving the living world, but it wasn’t.

Starting in her heart, it spread outwards. Feeling it consuming her body and moving outside her body. Fighting to stay awake, she reached out in her mind to touch it. The presence felt welcoming and peaceful. Thinking it was death here to take her, she fought it from spreading.

Now fighting on two fronts, she was quickly losing both. She didn’t have the strength.

“Abby, can you hear me!” Leo’s voice screamed in her mind.

“Leo?” She called back. Feeling her mental grip on the presence.

“Stop fighting it and fight him!” His words held certainty in them.

Closing her eyes, she gave a silent prayer. Hopefully, this wasn’t one of Valak’s mind games. Releasing the energy entirely, a power surge of energy blew itself from her body. Opening her eyes to see the eyes of Valak disappear and Leo’s eyes staring back at her in bewilderment.

Leo removed his hand and threw himself back. Getting away from her to keep her safe. Valak was tearing at his mind to get back out, but the power they felt was keeping him at bay.

The commotion from the two of them had stopped everyone. Demons, werewolves, vampires, and warlocks all stood looking at Abby and Leo. Abby was still lying on the ground, but she was now sitting up looking about her. Leo shakily got to his legs and stood. His eyes only stayed on Abby.

“What’s going on?” Abby’s eyes were now staring deeply into Leo’s. Trying to read them. Was there still danger?

“Valak is being held in the back of my mind.” Leo took a step forward.

Abby sprang to her feet and readied herself for a fight. Leo wouldn’t be able to hold him back that long, could he?

“The reason the Concurrence doesn’t allow for Soul Keepers to be together is because of the power it creates. I saw it in Valak’s thoughts while he had me locked away.” Leo took another step forward, putting his hands up in surrender.

Abby eyed his movements, still unsure of what his intentions were. Still only seeing Leo’s eyes. She took a step forward. Feeling her body calm and the pain soon threatening to take over.

“Abby…” His eyes softened. “I have wanted to tell you for so long, but terrified of the answer and the danger this would mean. If this is only the last moment I have with you, I need you to know I have been in love with you since we were children. I hated myself for so long, because I knew what I felt about you would bring the Concurrence down upon us. I knew it went against everything we had been taught. How can they all expect me not to fall in love with you when you are strong and beautiful? I have been able to spend every moment with you. How can I do anything but love you?”

His words were true. She could see it was Leo in those eyes. It wasn’t some trick or scheme of Valak’s. It was real. His love for her was real. Knowing in her heart, her love for him was real and true. Leo was her everything. Her love, her life, and her future.

They will have a target on their backs now. Having to learn to hide their love from everyone. Even his own family.

His eyes wandered down to his hands. They were battered with blood droplets. Many bruises were forming on them.

“I love you too.” Her voice was quiet as she finally said the words out loud. Thinking back to each moment. Each moment when her love for him grew. Their long conversations into the night. Sleeping next to him to keep the nightmares away.

Knowing the little bit of information, she knew now; she wouldn’t give it up for the world. It saddened her to know she would never get to meet her family, but now she knew they had died for a cause. Her family knew all those years ago, protecting this was it.

Leo moved into her slowly and embraced her. They could both feel the power within themselves humming as they held each other. It had its own life force.

“What about Valak?” Abby hated asking, but she knew Leo’s body holding Valak would undoubtedly kill Leo.

“I have him restrained for the time being, but we don’t have much time. We have to find a way to get him out.” Leo kissed the top of her forehead. Sending chills down her spine.

“How long do we have?” Her words were like daggers in her heart, but at a time like this, they couldn’t take any chances. Their lives, as they knew it, were over. Until Valak was out of Leo’s body, he would be plagued with the ramifications of having a greater demon housed inside a body.

Leo’s mind went to what Valak had said. “Any moment now”. Those words were haunting him. Something was going to happen and it was going to happen soon. His mind flashed with Valak’s thoughts.

Down in the lower chambers of the castle, there was a group there, working on completing the ritual. The exact one that would free Valak from the world without a vessel. It also meant, as soon as it was done, he would die.

“We have to go.” Leo grabbed onto Abby’s hand and ran.

Abby followed close behind. Hyper aware of Leo’s grip on her hand. She could feel the warmth growing again. Running down the stairs, they came to a halt in front of 6 people. Each was dressed in red robes with black lining. They were surrounding a circular table.

Animal bones, crystals, and herbs littered the table. A golden bowl was placed in the center of the table. Tendrils of smoke rose from the hot liquid it contained. The liquid was almost black, but had a green hue to it. The smell being emitted was nauseating. It reeked of black magic. Giving the room an otherworldly chill.

Releasing his hand, Abby ran to the table. There was not time to talk. Only time for action. They had the bottle of her blood being held by one of the minions. It was positioned without the cork, above the bowl. As if he was just about to pour it in.

Two of the clocked figures moved away as she ran at full speed towards the table. Using all of her body, she throws the table over. Spilling all its contents. The sounds of breaking glass filled the room.

Without a moment of hesitation, Leo moved in and attacked each figure. Unprepared, each ended their lives on a quick and quiet note. Their hoods fall back, revealing a werewolf, siren, warlock, shadow warrior, jinn, and a demon.

Seeing their threat disposed of, they finally relaxed. Leo could still feel Valak clawing at his mind, but now it was much easier to keep him held back. The dark magic being done was making him stronger.

His eyes moved to Abby’s. She was watching him carefully. Feeling her uneasiness. Taking a seat on the stairs, she came and sat next to him.

“Yes, Valak is still in there.” Leo addressed Abby’s concerns.

“Are you going to be able to keep him at bay until we can get this figured out?” Abby whispered her words. Courage failed her.

“I am okay right now.” Leo was honest. “I will be forward with you, I don’t know how long, but I am going to fight to keep him back. If I feel myself slipping, I will let you know.”

Abby could feel the truth in his words. She took his hand, trying to reassure both of them. Their fingers intertwined. The sounds of feet came from the hall above them. Heading right for the stairwell they were sitting in.

Jumping up, they both prepared to fight. Bringing their hands up in a defensive stance. Each let out a sigh of relief when they saw it was Galadin and some of the fighters he had brought with him.

“We need to get out of here. The Concurrence is on their way. You two can’t be seen.” Moving his fingers, a portal opened behind them. Without question, they moved through the portal. Finding themselves standing at Galadin’s house.

Leo looked at Abby and saw something in her eyes. It spoke silent words to him. He knew what she was feeling. Fear, adoration, thankfulness, and sadness.

Moving forward, he pulled Abby’s body to his. Their lips met. Their kisses moved together with a fierceness. Feeling her need, he lifted her. Abby’s legs were wrapped around his. Her fingers wrapped themselves in his hair. His hands were holding the back of her thighs. Pushing her body up against the wall, they deepened their kiss.

Moving his lips down her chin, then to her neck. A soft moan escaped her lips. Her hips grinded against his. Leo released a soft moan into her neck as he continued to kiss it. Their breathing had quickened. Feeling a heat between them. The air is thick with whispers of desires.

Gently pulling her from the wall, their lips met again. Slowly making their way to his room. The door was wide open, he kicked it shut with his foot. Setting her down, they broke apart. Abby’s hands moved under his shirt and helped him pull it over his head. Then he removed his pants.

Her clothes were soon flown about the room. His body was now above hers. Moving his lips down her body. Abby’s moans filled the room. Singing a song just for him. Her hips grinded the air, seeking friction. Moving his hand to her wet core, his fingers slid into her wet folds. A gasp as he pumped in and out of her. Feeling her build up, Leo removed his fingers and ran his tongue along her soaking body. As soon as his tongue came into contact with her sensitive cl*t, she called out his name.

This was music just for his ears. Rubbing his tongue on her cl*t until she was yelling. Feeling hot liquid pooling from her body. Moving down to her entrance, he licked up all of her sweet juices. Her fingers ran in his hair as her hips grinded on his tongue.

Once satisfied, he moved back up her body, positioning his aching member at her entrance. Looking into her eyes, he waited for a sign for him to continue. She began grinding her wet folds on his member and it was driving him mad. His mind was completely overtaken in ecstasy.

She went undone, coating the bed and their bodies. Moving his hips, his member thrusted into her. Pushing deep into her. Feeling every movement of her muscles as she slid her hips back and forth. She felt heavenly beneath him. Thrusting deeper into her hard and fast.

Wanting to hear every moan she would offer. His own moans danced with hers in the air. Her walls clenched around him as hot liquid coated him. It was his undoing. Feeling his own member pulse, warning him. He didn’t care. Everything he ever wanted or needed was right there.

His seed spilled into her womb. Filling her with a body high as his c*m calmed her body and her mind. Goosebumps erupted all over her skin as she released a satisfied sigh.

Rolling over, he brought her body close to his. Pulling the covers over their bodies, they fell asleep in peace.