Chapter 72

Julian started to worry about Katty's whereabouts. She left without saying a word. He told Azazel he would go find her but Azazel insisted he would follow. He searched all the room around and didn't find her until he got to the one , where he saw Katrienair'a ring on the floor by the door. It must have dropped from her hand when she broke in. He knocked on the door but it was shut and he could hear cries. Infuriated, he broke in. What he saw shocked him. Katrienair was at the corner the rooom, face pale white in the pool of her blood and Luna limp by his side. A man totured a lady, whipping her mercilessly. He knew immediately that he was the one who maimed Katrienair.

In rage, he roared. "How dare you?!"He grabbed the man's neck. So quickly, his demon grew out, choking the other with all he's got.

Azazel and the lady ran towards Katrienair. Her wounds weren't closing up, that got them really scared. The lady tried all the spells she knew but none worked. Azazel decided to use his powers, one he'd used thousand times in healing his father's sick sheep.

He placed his hand on Katrienair head, a green blub of light illuminated her. It was so intense the blood flow started to cease. Azazel soon started to get weak but Katrienair was still unconscious. The lady observed this and for the first time challenged herself to try her powers. This dying lady has tried to save her. Both of them ignoring the fight in the room, helped Katrienair regain her consciousness.

Julian sank his fangs into the man's throat and dug out his heart with his finger nail. Then he was satisfied. 

Katrienair slowly opened her eyes. All she could see was blood all over. At the corner of her eye she sighted an ugly creature, with long nails, deep bloodshot eye with fangs. She felt like she was still in a trance as she watched the being transform into her Joel. She gasped out of consciousness. Pleased, her helpers passed out happily by her side. Azazel took Luna and cradled her wounded leg.

Julian, embarrassed, strolled into the bathroom to clean up the blood stains on his clothes. He also fetched the young lads water to drink.

He placed his hands on Katrienair forehead.

"Katrienair, are you okay?"

She flinched. "Don't touch me!"It was a command. He should not come near to her. Her head was still processing what she just saw.

The lady, a concerned look on her face complained. "We should leave now. There is great danger ahead of us and she has lost some of her powers"

Julian shocked, questioned. "What powers?"

"Her wounds could not heal themselves. Her immortality is gone. If she get more injuries tonight. She might die."

Julian felt like he's been stabbed in his heart. This can't be happening. He picked up her frail hand and slid the ring back in it. Alistair had warned that something unexpected would happen. According to her, whatever it is that happens, her mark must be erased that moment. He quickly pulled out a knife from his pocket. He held her calf but she flinched.

"Don't come close. Don't touch me"

Enraged, Julian yelled. "Now you keep your mouth shut."

Gush, he only trying to help.

"How..."She tried to argue but he blocked her mouth with his palm.

"Listen to me huh?!" He yelled. "You lost your immortality. You might die if you don't do this. Please let me."

"Please miss, let him." The lady added. Katrienair then stopped struggling.

"It would hurt but I have to..."He gently sliced off the flesh on her calf. It was really hard for him to be strong. Watching katrienair in pain and also being the one inflicting it on her.

"Please be quick. They're near. They must have heard the noise."

Katrienair feigned strength, got in her boots and got up. She was glad that Luna was fit.

"There's a way out-- the back door. There are horsee we can ride on." We rushed out. To katrienair, it was hard, her calf ached and the feeling that she's just flesh. So overwhelming. It all seeemed like her world was falling away.

"Katrienair, ride with me. I'll protect you. " She heard Julian say when they got to the stable. She felt so irritated, anger boiled within her. She walked over to him and in an instant, a slap landed on his face. How dare he? She might have lost her powers but she is still a soldier , not a weakling.

She picked a horse for herself. Julian only felt more guilt. She's so pained and it's all his fault.

Their attackers chased them on a close breath, sending out their weapons at intervals. It took great instinct to dodge the weapons. Katrienair was pleased, seeing that the new members were fairing well. She was still very weak but she knew she had to behave strong to be strong. Unfortunately, they sighted another group of army block their way ahead. They must have killed a very important person. Katrienair felt so heartbroken. She's caused a big fight and she doesn't know if she can handle it.

"Oh my geez, we're stuck!"The lady swore.

"Well fight anyway. Pleas don't be scared."Katrienair said. No matter how scared and hopeless she might be, she needs to strengthen her people."it's a fight that's meant to be and we're ready for any. Remember, were unique, one of a kind. We'll conquer no matter what." She felt like she was saying just the words her soul needed to be strong. The army closed on and the fight began. They fought hard, charging and aiming in all directions. Katrienair fought fearlessly, so did Julian, the lady and even Azazel, though it was his first fight. They fought like it was the only chance they had to live. And in all, they conquered.

*

Katrienair looked over at the havoc she and her peers had created, dead beings everywhere. A former dry land now a land of blood. She felt like a wounded dog. Her body ached, she had cuts all over and her blood also flowed with theirs. She stayed on her knees, grateful that the fight is over.

"Master, be strong huh. We need to leave. There might be more we can't afford..." The lady called her 'master'. She had to. Katrienair just fought like she's done it all her life.

"Commander, are you okay?"

Katrienair wanted to be strong. She wanted to believe she still has her powers intact. She anted them to be safe. She wanted to be their source of strength but the world would not let that.

"Go!"She managed to say. "I'll join you later."

"If we could get back to the south tonight ght. There are some herbs in the woods that could help. "Azazel said. 

Julian raised her up in an instant, placed her on his horse and began to ride. Katrienair was too shocked to argue. Besides, she's lost alot of blood. 

Azazel prepared the herbs when they got to the woods. He stunned everyone by his healing skill. He's tended sheep all his life and he knows just the right herb to help them heal.

Katrienair's eyes were heavy and her being weak but in the midst of all the pain, she gave one warning to the one person she wished to dread.

"Don't touch me Julian. Don't!"