Your biggest enemy is your emotions—kill them before they kill you.
As I was enjoying the sweetness of the pain, I had forgotten about my surroundings, my worries, or the danger around me. I might be a quarter demon, and Satan might be the strongest demon, but that doesn't mean other demons won't attack us. And just because Caelith is a cursed angel doesn't mean no other cursed angels will come after her—or me, her contractor.
With a sharp pain in my chest, I snapped back to my senses. The pain felt like being bitten by a poisonous snake. I checked to see if Satan was still watching us with his arms crossed. He was gone. Before I could react, Caelith hissed at me, reminding me to concentrate.
I closed my eyes and scanned the area around us, hoping to sense Max's magic. Nothing. Even though the magic circle gave me a broader view, I tried again. And again. And again—until my body slowly began shaking from the pressure of the wind. Leaves swirled around us, and it felt like the wind was pressing me into the ground.
After taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes. I let go of Caelith's hands and stepped out of the magic circle. She followed me. Once we were both outside, the magic circle vanished, leaving no trace of either my blood or Caelith's.
"What now?" Caelith asked.
I eyed her from the corner of my eye."Do you know how to fly?" My voice was emotionless—just like my expression.
She shook her head, and I clicked my tongue. Finally, Caelith seemed to realize that Satan was gone. Whether he was attacked by a demon or just went for a walk, no one knew. Either way, he was an adult and should be able to take care of himself.
"Let's go."
"What about Satan?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion rather than concern.
"He'll find his way out of the forest."
She nodded, and we resumed our search for Max.
"Caelith," I called. Her attention shifted to me.
"You know how to sense magic, right? How far from you can you detect it?" My question might have come suddenly—and a bit late. I could've asked before we made the magic circle.
"248 square kilometers."
"The forest is around 500 square kilometers."
The magic circle's range was about 300 square kilometers. Our only option was to get to the other side of the forest as soon as possible—before the sun sets.
to be continued…