Chapter 24: Time

“Despite how ignorant you are, you have the strongest will and the best intentions of anyone I’ve ever encountered. And you’re a great fighter. But gods, you’re dumb,” the demon said through the sword.

“Thank you!” Detrick said. “I never knew you felt that way. And I’m sorry I don’t have more positive things to say to you right now. I just suddenly feel like, you know, like, I don’t really know you. But, I appreciate that you save my life regularly.”

The demon stared back at him without saying anything.

They hadn’t been able to say much to one another since Cecilia and Mildid had gone into the cottage because Detrick had become inconsolably sullen with the news Mildid had shared with him about Cecilia. Not that the demon had tried to console him.

The demon had scolded him for constantly looking to Mildid’s door in hopes of seeing Cecilia emerge.

“Stop being pathetic,” the demon had said. “You should be strong for her.”