Queen of the Underworld | Book 3

• sixty-three •

Asmo's large claws swiped at Damien.

Damien moved to defend himself against Asmo, setting up a barrier between them. Asmo fell to the floor as soon as he collided against it. Without hesitation, he picked himself back up and pushed himself against it again and again growling and roaring as he did.

I had seen Asmo before in his demon form. I had seen how different he looked and while it scared me, he had full control but now...

The cool, collected Asmo was gone. In his place was a rabid animal, uncontrolled and desperate to catch Damien in his claws. His glowing yellow eyes were piercing, his mouth large and open, unable to close over the large, protruding teeth.

Mal pushed power against his barrier and it fell apart, cracking and splitting like glass.

Asmo sprung again and he was on Damien instantly, catapulting them through the air to the corner of the small room-like cave where we stood.

My heart kept to my throat in panic. "Damien!"

Asmo turned immediately to me and our eyes locked onto each other.

My heart broke for him, as careful as he had been around others, as much as he had tried to control and compose himself and keep the demons at bay...all Runith had to do was snap his fingers for him to lose the careful composure he had.

He moved slowly, turning his body towards me and crouching low on all fours. He didn't recognize me.

He didn't recognize me at all.

He growled, his lip curling over his large fangs. He lunged towards me, running with unnatural speed and rabid, animalistic fervor. He moved faster than I thought anyone could, fae or not.

Julian was on him at once, jumping up behind him and placing his large burly arm around his neck. The muscle beneath his skin flexed from effort of holding him. Julian pulled him back with such strength that he fell on his back with Asmo on top of him. Asmo clawed at Julian's arm around him, scratching and peeling his skin off his arm.

Vy was running to them, a large chain in her hand.

Something moved in the corner of my eye and instinctively, I threw my hands up, placing a large barrier between me and the sudden burst of power hurdled in my direction.

My premature barrier trembled and wavered and quickly fell.

Another burst of power was thrown in my direction and before I could repeat my action, Damien was standing next to me. His own hands were in front of him protectively another barrier was in front of us.

Damien's eyes were dark. His usually violet eyes were gone, instead, they were filled with intense dark power. His usually alabaster skin was turning dark, his veins spidering with tar and ichor.

I stole a glance towards Vy and Julian. They were still fighting against Asmo. Vy was using her magic to weld the large chain to the floor. Julian struggled to hold Asmo against him, but he didn't give way.

Asmo was at a complete loss, unsure of where to go, how to move-- like an animal in a cage.

I shifted my attention to Runith and Mal with pure anger.

"This ends here and now." Damien's voice was defiant. "We will not let you get to the Seals." He looked at Mal. "Neither of you."

Runith's lip curled in a disgusting smile. "Get him, Mal."

Mal blanched, taking a step back. "No," she breathed. "That wasn't the plan--"

Runith growled and before I could form another thought, he attacked.