Demoness 2 - Chapter 94 - Endings, and Beginnings (Patreon)

Elania’s feet touched the ground, her heart still racing from the intense confrontation. The purple Demi-Divine landed across from her, the tension between the two groups palpable.

The guards from both sides stood apart, their weapons still at the ready, but the immediate threat of violence had dissipated.

The Divine’s voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd, her tone laced with authority and a hint of disdain. “I am Arlois the Purple Wing, one of the four towers and the protector of the Celestial Engine of Contia.”

Her gaze locked onto Elania, her eyes narrowing. “Why have you brought soldiers and peasants into this divine sanctum, Spark?”

Elania bristled, her power thrumming beneath her skin.

Before she could respond, Arlois waved her hand, as if brushing aside her own question. “No matter. Your reasons are irrelevant. You have violated the laws of this city, and as such, you shall be forced to swear allegiance to me. Your followers and divine energy will be devoted to my cause.”

Elania’s jaw clenched, her fingers tightening around Eziel’s hilt.

The audacity of this Demi-Divine to demand her subservience after nearly slaughtering her people and attacking her was astounding. She opened her mouth to retort, but before she could utter a word, Yolani stepped forward.

The artificer’s green eyes shone with determination as she faced Arlois, her voice steady and clear. “If I may, Arlois the Purple Wing, there is more to this situation than meets the eye. The events that transpired in Neftasu were not of our choosing, but rather a result of dire circumstances beyond our control.”

Elania watched as Yolani began to recount their harrowing tale. As her partner’s words filled the chamber, Elania allowed herself a moment to breathe.

When Yolani finally finished, there was silence, other than the indistinct murmur of the wounded and sick.

Arlois frowned, her gaze shifting between the demon and Yolani. “Do you usually allow your priestesses to speak in your stead?” the Demi-Divine asked, her tone laced with condescension.

A smirk tugged at the corner of Elania’s lips as she slipped a possessive arm around Yolani’s waist, pulling her close. “Yolani can speak for us just fine,” she declared, her voice unwavering.

Yolani’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink, but she leaned into Elania’s embrace, reciprocating the gesture.

The Demi-Divine stared at them; her expression unreadable. After a long moment, she spoke again, her words clipped and harsh. “Take your people and leave. You aren’t welcome here. You should be thankful for that much.”

Elania’s brow furrowed, frustration simmering beneath her skin. “I don’t have a way to take them anywhere else at the moment,” she explained. “We need refuge, food, and water.”

Arlois ran a hand through her hair, her exasperation evident in the tense set of her shoulders. Before she could respond, Eziel floated up, his blade shimmering in the light.

[I am surprised that Contia has fallen so low that a small band of refugees would be refused. Has the City of Spires truly become so destitute?]

The holy sword’s words hung in the air, a damning indictment of the city’s apparent lack of compassion… or, well, resources.

Elania watched as Arlois’s eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing as if searching for a rebuttal.

The Demi-Divine’s pride was clearly pricked by the implication. Elania seized the moment, spreading her wings wide.

“I am Elania, a girl from Earth, who became a lesser-demon, and then a demi-divine,” she declared, her voice ringing clear and strong in the vast chamber. “These are my people from the fallen city-state of Neftasu, and we come here in peace, asking for succor in good faith.”

The Demi-Divine’s gaze swept over the assembled crowd, taking in the weary faces and ragged clothing of the Neftasu refugees. A flicker of something—perhaps empathy or understanding—crossed her features, and she nodded slowly.

“Very well,” Arlois conceded, her tone measured and formal. “While visiting the city, you and your people will be subject to its laws and rulers. But for now, welcome to the Flying City of Contia.”

Elania’s shoulders relaxed slightly at the Demi-Divine’s words, relief washing over her.

She glanced at Yolani, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. The artificer returned the smile, her green eyes shining.

As Elania looked out over the gathered people, a nagging feeling settled in the pit of her stomach.

Somehow, she couldn’t shake the sense that their journey was far from over, that the challenges they faced in this new city would be just as daunting as those they had left behind.

[End Book 2]