Chapter 73: Locked in Fear

Please, dragon ancestors, give me strength. Ash elbowed the demon in the chin, but he didn't move off her.

"Ash!" Xilon's voice echoed from the other room, but he sounded strained as though he was still fighting his brother.

A childhood memory flooded her. She had run so far from her parents' house to Grams.

It was the third night after their death and she hadn't been able to sleep.

Grams tucked her onto her lap. "I will give you a secret word. But you must promise never to use it unless there is no other choice. It's a magic word and very powerful." She traced her finger down Ash's nose, tickling her. "This word will protect you in the most dire circumstances, but you must never unleash it until you are ready. Until you've no choice."

"But what about the demons?" Little Ash asked.