Chapter 601: Reunion
Fable emerged from the woods bearing a small, glistening bundle of ice-blue feathers held gently in his jaws. My staff clattered to the ground as I rushed forward, scooping the fragile form into my arms.
"Borealis!"
The demon’s feathers were cracked and splintered, like a spiderweb etched across a shattered mirror. His left wing was mangled and twisted, having borne the brunt of the mana cannon’s attack, and he shivered as I brushed a gaping hole in his other wing. The wound’s edges were raw and jagged, laced with mana that matched the ranger twitching on the ground at our feet.
"I’m sorry," I whispered, hugging the demon tightly. "I’m so sorry. If only... if only I had been stronger..."
Borealis rubbed his head against my chest and slowly let the tension seep from his battered body. I smoothed his delicate feathers with my hand, stroking him until his eyes fluttered shut and his breathing slowed. Even then, I didn’t loosen my grip but continued to pet him. He may be a seventh-level demon, but he felt so fragile at this moment that I cradled him like a porcelain doll.
"Thank you, Fable," I whispered, my eyes lingering on the resting demon. "I’m so glad you found him."
My wolf tossed his head and snorted, his tail flicking in amusement. My arms tightened around the demon, and I turned away, hiding the warmth in my cheeks. I didn’t have a reason to care for this demon, and yet... he had protected me. And now I had to return the favor.
I crept to the ranger’s side, nudging him with my boot. No reaction.
With a relieved sigh, I knelt and gently eased Borealis onto the bloody expanse of his chest. Scattered fragments of the ranger’s soul, glimmering like dying embers, responded to the demon’s presence, drawn to him like swirling strands of silk. Borealis shuddered in his sleep as they flowed into his soul, unconsciously beginning the slow process of assimilation.
Fable tilted his head, a curious glint in his eyes. I pulled the demon close, hugging him tightly.
"It’s the least I can do," I said, my voice a little thick. "Maybe it’ll help him heal faster." I drew a deep breath. "Come on, let’s get to the shard."