Chapter 149: Lost in the Dark
My hand trembled on Elise’s cheek, and I turned away, too weak to witness her final moments. The endless swells of darkness I had kept suppressed shattered my will, violently scouring through me. Sorrow clenched at my heart, twisting and jerking until I gasped, tears streaming down my cheeks. I had known Elise but for a few short months. I didn’t know her birthday, her favorite flower, or the members of her family. She was simply someone I had helped.
Why?
Why did it hurt so much?
I clasped a hand to my chest, sobbing. If only I had been there. If only I had been faster. If only I hadn’t stopped to help everyone in the city. If only I...I...
"This world hurts, doesn’t it."
The voice of the demon echoed in my mind, weaving through my thoughts. My hand curled into a fist, pressed tight against my breast.
"Your misery is... delicious. So much darkness. So much power!"
Its touch delved into my soul, slipping through the holes torn open by grief and pain.
"You can see it, can’t you? The hurt and suffering. The death."
My eyes fluttered, drawn open by the tantalizing voice. The city burned from the cobblestones to the ripped pennants on the towers. The illusory flames blazed brightest around the souls of the students, practically dripping from their terrified cries and tears. No, not fire. Mana. But something about is was different, reminded me of the chaotic fury in a demon’s soul, or the dragon. Infernal Mana?
"Truly a feast for the Lords," the voice continued. "I wonder how many gates could I open with this much power? Perhaps I’ll even visit this world myself."