Xian Xi

Demon blood?

I repeat the words in my head.

Her sly smile is back, her expression smug.

I don't feel different in any way. She has to be bluffing - she just has to.

I can't become the very thing I hate - a demon.

What's to say that I won't become a vile and mindless creature, a slave to the Demon Rulers?

Arya is the only known exception.

"You're not going to die".

I turn to glare at her.

"That is the least of my problems. I would have rather died".

"You're not a full demon." Then as an afterthought, she adds, "Not yet".

"What do you mean by that?"

"My blood saved your life-"

"Which I didn't ask for-" I cut in.

"Would you just shut up and listen! Fang bound me with her blood, and now, I've bound you with mine. I am now your master".

I blink several times, my mouth suddenly feeling dry and sandy.

Master?

"It can't be".

"It is. And from now on, we travel together".

Staggering, I lean back on the wall for support.

"What do you gain from having me as your servant?"

She grins.

"It would be so much fun to boss you around."

I wince.

"Let's give it a try, shall we?"

I step backward, putting distance between myself and her.

"Slap yourself".

Nothing happens. I look up at her in shock.

Her smug expression falters briefly.

"Slap yourself". She repeats but with less authority than the first time.

I don't move.

Her eyes start blazing violently.

"This isn't how it's supposed to happen!" She whispers forcefully through gritted teeth.

I just watch her guardedly, afraid she might lose her calm and strike at me.

"You said yourself that you're Fang's servant - Fang's blood is in you. That would mean that I'm not bound to you..."

"You're bound to Fang". She completes for me.

"Are you sure there isn't more to the bond than just blood?"

"If there is, I wouldn't know". She mutters.

Her disappointment at not being able to control me is obvious.

She turns to leave, but spins swiftly and sweeps me off my feet.

I land on the ground. My shoulder bone snaps as it slams against the ground.

She rushes at me, this time aiming for my chest.

I roll to the side, jumping to my feet in a swift yet painful manoeuvre.

She jumps high into the air, swerving just in time to land a kick on the side of my jaw.

Recovering from the shock of the attack just in time, I grab her foot and wheel her along an arc before tossing her away.

Rising from the rubble with a grunt, she rushes in for another attack.

"Stop". I call out, my palm held up.

Not really expecting her to stop, I brace myself for another attack. My thigh still hurts significantly - I'm not in the best shape to fight a demon.

Much to my surprise, she actually stops. Freezes.

Her expression shifts from that of anger to confusion.

I stare down at my hands, wondering if I had performed some sort of magic.

She bares her teeth in a snarl, daring me to undo whatever I just did.

"Why are you trying to kill me? I thought we are past killing each other".

She scoffs.

"Past it? You left me to die out there!"

Fair.

But, it's the emotion in her voice that draws my attention. She sounds almost... human - not detached and insanely diabolical.

Maybe, just maybe, the real her is still alive somewhere.

"I was only thinking about myself at the time. And... I'm sorry". I mutter, my face flushing crimson.

She just stares at me, her expression blank.

"I thought you were too full of yourself to realize your failings. But, I was wrong again". Is all she says, her tone neutral once more.

"Try moving now". I say, stepping backward.

She starts with her hands, waving them bonelessly in the air.

Then, she moves her legs.

"What does this mean?" She asks, narrowing her eyes at me.

I shake my head, clueless

"Are you now my master?"

She doesn't seem as offended at the notion as I thought she would be.

She sketches a mocking bow, her hands held together as if in supplication.

"Master".

Even without a thread of sincerity on her part, I find myself nodding.

The whole situation is confusing. I thought I'm supposed to be bound to Fang - how did the whole situation flip?

"Where are we?" I ask, sliding down to the ground to rest my hip.

"Somewhere. Anywhere. The land is endless and I clearly don't have a map".

"Did you... Did you by any chance come across anyone-"

"Your friends? No. And if it helps, I would have just finished the job the demons started".

I shoot her a warning glance. She doesn't even flinch.

"Could you fly around and look for any survivors?"

She grimaces.

"That's the last thing I would do. If they have managed to survive after the attack, they will eventually die due to lack of... essentially everything".

"I'm not asking you to be a hero".

"Then what are you asking for? Another favour?"

"If that's what you want to call it". I concede.

"I don't owe you any favours. I saved your life, and somehow, I'm the one who ended up as your slave".

I sigh. The argument is beginning to wear me out.

"We don't know for sure. And, please stop saying the word 'slave'."

"Why? Brings back old memories?" She taunts.

Not exactly memories, reality. Dromes are slaves to the elements - there is no better way to name the relationship.

She tilts her head curiously when I don't respond.

"Secrets?" She probes.

I look away.

"Since I am bound to you forever, you might as well start telling me. Who knows, it might hold the clue to the bond flip". She says, smirking in the cocky way I've come to despise so much.

"What do you mean 'forever'".

"Yin and yan? Day and night? Want me to say more?"

Fuck!

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