The Dark of the Core

Paladin

Softly and very gently, the bandage was unwrapped around the demon’s waist. When it finally was removed, the skin underneath was as smooth as ever without a hint or scratch. 

“Amazing...” The female demon muttered as she touched her skin in awe. “Thank you...” She looked up at the black-haired girl in front of her with a grey werewolf standing beside her. The girl smiled and shook her head while gathering up the leftover herbs and bandage. 

“I guess it’s true what they say about poison counteracting poison.” She said, standing up. “By the way you never told me your name. I’m called Skye, what about you?” Skye asked walking outside to the main part of the cave where a fire was lit. 

The demon followed after her and hesitated slightly before answering. “Jocene...”

Skye gave a small smile as she threw the bandage and herbs into the fire making the colour of the flame brighter. She stared at the fire for a while before stretching her arms. “I feel like a swim, would you like to join me?” She asked, turning to Jocene who briefly shook her head. 

Skye did not say anything as she walked out of the cave leaving the demon and werewolf alone. She made her way to the edge of the pond and wasted no time in slipping her cloak and violet camisole off her shoulders. The water felt chilling to her skin as she stepped in, black corset, shorts and boots disappearing like they always do. Skye waded deeper towards the waterfall and stopped just a few feet in front of it. She stopped and gazed down at her reflection. The black eye she had gotten from Cayleb was still there though not as visible but still as painful. Skye sighed and threw her head back in the water.

“I want to stay here. She saved my life after all. As a demon, I am indebted to her.” Jocene said while throwing a stick into the fire. 

Diego immediately turned to her and gave a low menacing growl. She cringed slightly, having expected this to be his reaction. Ever since from before, Agares had always been somewhat unwelcoming. That was why she was shocked to see him treat the other girl so gently. To be honest, Jocene felt a little jealous. The werewolf took a few steps towards her and she quickly held her hand up to stop him. 

“I can protect her as well as you can in that form.” She argued pointing to the wolf. “Not to mention that I’m a female and females bond quicker than you would ever think.” Jocene said with a small smirk as she stood up and moved towards the exit of the cave.

Suddenly a small sad laugh sounded from behind her. “Don’t be a fool. Even I cannot protect her as much as I want to.” 

Jocene turned back with a puzzled expression on her face. “What do you mean?” She asked the grey-haired demon standing with his back to her. How long has she dreamt of caressing that large back…? He was presumed to be dead and she had moved on…or tried to at least. However, just seeing him again brought all her feelings back stronger than ever. 

After a few moments of silence, he turned around to face her. “Why don’t you go outside and join her? You’ll see what I mean. It would also be wise if you do not question her about it.” Diego warned before changing back into wolf form. He then moved forward towards the fire and laid in front of it.

Hesitantly, Jocene stepped out into the luscious forest and shielded her eyes from the sun. She walked towards the pond and saw Skye floating on her back in the water. As she got closer towards the girl, the clear water and light from the sun allowed Jocene to see the girl’s naked body. A soft gasp escaped her before she could comprehend it. Faded bruises of different colours were visible all over the girl’s body. Jocene could not pull her eyes away no matter how much she wanted to.

Skye felt a prick on her body and straightened up her body before turning around slightly. Her eyes widened when she saw Jocene at the edge of the water staring at her. Feeling self-conscious, she quickly turned away shyly. Suddenly the sound of men shouting and rustling leaves alerted her attention. Skye immediately emerged from the water and adorned her dress and cloak over her black outfit. 

“They must have been sent to kill me.” Jocene said nonchalantly trying not to show her surprise at the sudden appearance of the girl’s black outfit. 

Skye’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Quick, go into the cave with Diego. There is another exit right at the back of the cave leading to a field. Make sure you are well hidden.” She warned before pushing Jocene towards the cave.

Jocene could only nod her head as she stumbled into the cave caught off guard. Diego lifted his head to look up at her curiously from beside the fire. She quickly motioned for him to follow her. 

“We have to hide! The people who have been trying to kill me are right outside.” She explained to which Diego growled and rushed towards the exit but Jocene stepped in front of him to stop him. “She told me to go into hiding with you. I am sure she knows what she is doing. I trust her.” She finished firmly. 

A few tense moments passed before Diego growled menacingly and took a few steps back in resignation. Jocene gave a sigh of relief while moving with the werewolf beside her into a darker part of the cave. She was glad that he still listened to reason despite the controlling wolf gene.

After seeing Jocene disappear into the cave, Skye positioned herself on the edge of the pond with her legs dangling in the water. She did not want to pose as a threat to the strangers, whoever they were. The footsteps sounded closer and Skye knew the strangers had emerged from the forest.

“You there, we need your help!”

A masculine voice called out to her from behind. Curious, Skye turned her head around and saw a group of six men in silver armour with swords strapped to their belt. They were all carrying small bundles on their shoulders. One of the men was gravely wounded while two of his fellow soldiers supported him. The man who had addressed her seemed different to the others. He had an air of authority about him and his posture was more straight compared to the rest. His hair was golden in colour which suited perfectly with the green eyes staring at her.

However before Skye could open her mouth to speak, one of the soldiers standing at the front took out their sword and pointed it at her. 

“Your Highness, do not step too close! She is a demon!” The soldier exclaimed causing all the others to take a step backwards. 

Skye found herself frowning. How could they just assume I am a demon? Even though that is my origin but I am still part human! They are basing their opinions on my looks alone! The last thought made her even angrier and she prepared to stand up and reprimand the soldier when she was interrupted.

“We will not base our opinions on physicality alone! As a member of the Light and as Paladins, we will not give in to prejudice! Do you understand?”

The man with golden hair spoke firmly and all the soldiers bowed their heads in shame. “Yes, Prince Teor.” They mumbled softly. 

Satisfied with their response, he turned back to the black-haired girl who had now stood up. He noticed that she had high black boots on though he had not seen any shoes nearby. This puzzled him slightly but he decided to ignore it and blame it on his lack of observing. Her eyes were crimson in colour and he could not help but think that she was indeed not fully human. However, he was not about to proclaim her a demon because she looked like one. For all he knew, she could be a human whose looks were just different. Teor gave a small bow towards the girl in apology.

Skye merely stared at the guy in front of her as he straightened himself. She had heard the soldiers refer to him as a prince and knew his name to be Teor. She was evidently surprised at his words when he spoke before for Skye was thinking the same thing. Lost in her thoughts, she did not realize that Teor was walking towards her until he was right in front of her. This shocked her greatly causing her to stumble backwards. Her heart was beating rapidly as her hands flailed trying to prevent the inevitable fall into the pond. She closed her eyes waiting to hit the water when she suddenly felt herself being pulled onto firm ground and into a solid chest. The fear she felt from the loss of balance coupled with the familiar fear of physical contact caused Skye to immediately push herself away from the body. Teor was staring at her in surprise as she quickly turned her eyes away while gripping one arm with her hand tightly.

“What is it you need my help with?” She asked quietly not looking into his eyes. 

It was then that Teor remembered his purpose in calling out to the girl. “One of my soldiers is poisoned. We have been in this forest for a week now trying to track down a demon. Unfortunately, she escaped us and we are running low on herbs and food. We do not have much time to run back through the forest to the nearest town and get medical help for it seems he cannot last much longer.” He said to which the other soldiers bowed their heads in sadness. Skye kept her face straight as she walked towards the wounded soldier. They are really after Jocene...I cannot let them know she is here but I cannot just leave a wounded man...

As she moved closer, the paladins around her tensed up considerably and she stopped. Skye felt Teor walk up behind her causing her to stiffen slightly. From the corner of her eyes, she saw him wave a hand at the soldiers making them take a step back reluctantly. Keeping her eyes forward, she observed the unconscious soldier in front of her. The skin around his right foot was almost purple in colour and Skye cringed slightly at the sight of it, painful memories appearing in her mind.

“Stryceles Recluxo.” Skye stated plainly turning around but avoiding Teor’s eyes. He frowned in confusion at her words inducing a soft sigh from the girl. “The poison in his system is Stryceles Recluxo. The flower that produces that poison is a rare but dangerous beauty and is very common in these woods.” 

The soldiers started to mutter amongst themselves while throwing nervous glances at each other. “Is there a cure?” Teor asked trying to maintain a steady voice. A part of him wanted to know how this girl knew of the poison and the plant that produces it however, his concern for his fellow soldier overwhelmed that curiosity.

Skye finally turned her attention to Teor. After a few quiet moments, she nodded her head. “I will try my best.” 

The soldiers immediately broke out in protest and started speaking all at once.

“We cannot trust her, Sire!”

“She might be in league with the demon!”

Skye bit her lip from speaking. She felt anger rise within her which surprised her greatly. She was never one for violence. It was obvious that these soldiers held no respect for demons and the like. 

Teor did not speak but merely glared at each of his soldiers. “I will much rather trust a demon than let a soldier of mine die!” He exclaimed to which Skye’s eyes widened. The soldiers all kept their eyes down in guilt and respect for their leader. Teor was still frowning when he turned back to the girl.

“Is there somewhere we can stay for the night?” He inquired in an exasperated tone. 

Skye hesitated. This could be dangerous for Jocene… However, after seeing the worn and tired looks on all the soldiers’ faces, she nodded her head. “If your Highness does not mind, you may stay in the cave I live in.” 

Teor chuckled softly causing Skye to look at him in confusion. “Do not start with the formalities, please. Just call me Teor.” He said with a smile before pausing and glancing briefly at the soldiers nearby. “Will the cave be large enough for all of us?” He asked curiously to which the girl giggled softly. Teor turned back to look at her with raised eyebrows. He could not deny her laughter was attractive. The girl seemed to realize what she had done as she quickly turned away.

“Follow me.” Skye said softly trying to ignore her previous action while she walked towards the cave. Besides the light coming from outside, the interior of the cave was pitch black except for a small dim fire in the middle. Jocene and Diego were nowhere in sight allowing Skye to breathe a small sigh of relief. She stood to the side of the big cave as the men entered. After setting their wounded friend down, the other soldiers all found a spot on the ground near the fire to get comfortable while unloading sleeping mats. Making sure that all the men were indeed distracted, Skye quickly slipped into the darkness.

Teor threw a stick into the fire as he looked around at the soldiers. Some were chatting while others were unwrapping their bundles to take out whatever was necessary for the oncoming night. It was then he realized that the black-haired girl was not in sight. He frowned slightly and felt a nagging feeling in his mind but pushed it aside. Instead, he focused his attention back to the fire. At the sound of movement, Teor looked up and saw the girl return with a small basket filled with herbs in her hand. She moved and took a seat next to him in front of the fire. He watched as she eyed the fire for a moment before her hand reached towards it. Immediately Teor closed his hand over her outstretched hand.

“What are you doing?” He asked with a frown. The girl jerked her hand away from his grip roughly and avoided his eyes. “Do you not know that fires are dangerous?” He continued surprised at how harsh his voice sounded. Teor quickly opened his mouth to speak when the girl shook her head. 

She then looked up at him with an amused expression. “I need this to burn before I can apply it to the wound.” She explained and held up a branch with one green leaf on it that he did not see before. Teor turned his eyes away in embarrassment.

Skye smiled softly as she moved her hand towards the fire again. Teor’s eyes watched her discretely. She pretended not to notice and focused instead on the burning leaf. After a few moments, Skye took the black leaf out, its edges glowing fiery red. She then stood and walked over to the unconscious soldier with Teor right behind her. He motioned for one of the other soldiers to help remove the boots of his fellow comrade. 

“I need someone to press down firmly just below his knee.” Skye said softly and watched as Teor volunteered. She was surprised that someone of noble blood would be willing to do so much for a mere soldier. Shaking her head slightly to clear her thoughts, Skye kneeled down in front of the soldier and moved the herb towards the bruised foot.

“Would that be necessary?” Teor asked and flinched as the soldier jolted under his touch when the leaf pressed into his wound. 

The girl nodded her expression serious. “The poison is afraid of fire and so it will try to escape.” She said before pausing and moving the now crisp leaf away. “It will move up first as that is the safest way to go but once it finds its way blocked, it will move the other way.” She finished just as yellow liquid started to ooze out of the foot. All the soldiers turned away from the sight of the substance and even one of them ran outside to get fresh air.

“I-Is that all?” One of the soldiers asked as they timidly turned back and glanced briefly at the girl with black hair. She nodded and stood up while throwing the used herb into the fire. 

“It will take at least two to three days for all the poison to leave his body. She said and turned back to see Teor whose brows were knitted in concentration as he continued pressing firmly down on the soldier’s leg.

Skye found herself smiling slightly at the scene. She walked up to him and tapped him gently on the shoulder with her finger causing him to look at her. “You don’t need to do that anymore. The poison will not be moving since there is no more heat.” 

Teor nodded his head in understanding and retracted his hands from the soldier. He then moved and took a place next to the fire. The soldiers around him were getting prepared to sleep but he did not feel tired.

Skye watched him and hesitated wondering what she should do. Her first thought was to leave him be and go to bed herself but she was curious about the man. She could not deny that she wanted to know more about him. 

Teor sensing her hesitation turned to her with a smile. “If you are not too tired, would you sit with me?” He asked and Skye immediately sat down next to him without hesitation surprising herself. Teor’s smile widened as he turned back to the fire and threw a stick into it. He then took a look around the cave. “Do you live here?” He asked curiously glancing briefly at the girl when she nodded. He was surprised to say the least and it must have shown on his face because the girl looked puzzled. 

“Do you not know that demons and other creatures of the dark roam these forests? The south part of Annenion, starting with this forest is not safe for anyone. Where the light forces are located to the north is the safest haven.” Teor explained turning to look at the girl who averted her eyes. She shook her head as a reply. “I do not know about the outside events for I do not care.” 

Teor gave a chuckle causing her to frown at him and he shook his head. “You may be neutral now but soon you will have to pick a side.” He told her and silence befell them.

After a few moments, he heard a gasp from beside him. “I-I just realized that you do not even know my name.” Skye said with a guilty expression before looking down at her feet. Teor’s eyes widened then he chuckled heartily. 

“You are right! And what would be the name of such a lovely maiden like yourself?” He asked with a smile which widened when he saw the girl blush. 

“Skye…” She replied and lifted her head to look at him. Immediately Teor felt his heartbeat quicken and unknowingly leaned towards her. Skye immediately leaned away from him pulling him back to the present. 

“That is a very beautiful name.” He commented with a weak smile and turned back to the fire. What was that just now? Why did I feel like that when her eyes met mine?

Silence passed between them and the only sounds that could be heard were the snores from the soldiers in the room. Teor gave a slight cough and quickly thought of something to relieve the tension. 

“How do you know so much about the poison and the cure?” He asked curiously not realizing the way Skye stiffened beside him. As soon as the question left his lips, Skye found herself replaying a past memory.

It was a beautiful sunny day yet her inner feelings made her feel dreadful. For as long as she could remember, she had always held the hurt and pain inside of her. However, sometimes it was too overwhelming. Skye wanted-no needed to relieve herself of the pain by any means necessary.

Her feet brought her through the large forest before her eyes fell on a small yet beautiful flower. It was almost as if the flower was beckoning her closer. Against her own accord, Skye found herself kneeling in front of the flower. Without thinking, she already knew the flower was poisonous. As the saying goes, ‘the more beautiful, the deadlier’.

The flower was closed up and purple in colour. Hesitantly, Skye stretched her hand out and barely touched it with the tip of her finger before the flower opened up. The middle of the flower was black with small white spots around and an orange seed. Seeing the colour of the seed should have been enough to turn Skye away but her hand continued inching forward. Perhaps this was what she needed to relieve herself.

Her hand had just closed around the seed when a growl behind her surprised her. Skye immediately plucked the seed and stood up with her hands behind her back. Diego soon appeared from amongst the trees looking at her. She took a shaky breath and started when the seed fell from her hands onto the ground. Her hands were numb and she could no longer feel them. Diego kept moving closer to her with a suspicious glare. Skye found herself unable to move at all no matter how much she wanted to.

Mustering as much strength as she could, she willed her hands from behind her back and was surprised to see they were purple and swollen. Diego growled at her angrily causing Skye to lose her balance and fall backwards onto the ground. Her hands, though numb fell to either side of her bracing her fall. It was then that Skye felt moisture underneath her left hand. She shakily moved it to reveal a crushed orange seed.

Suddenly Skye felt as if her whole body was on fire. She screamed in pain and fell flat on her back writhing. She had lost all feeling in her hands and arms.

“Is this it?” She asked cringing in pain when Diego’s face appeared above her. That was the last thing she remembered before she was surrounded by darkness.

“Skye, are you alright?”

Skye jumped slightly and looked up to see Teor looking at her with concern. She quickly nodded to assure him. “Are you sure? You seemed distracted…” He replied with furrowed brows. 

Skye then remembered that he had asked her a question and that she had not yet given him an answer. “I have treated a similar case before.” Skye replied. 

Teor’s expression became one of confusion then realization dawned on him and he chuckled while shaking his head. “Well, we are sure lucky to have met someone like you then.” He said with a smile. Skye did not reply as she smoothed out her dress and stood up. 

“You look tired. Perhaps you should sleep now.” Without waiting for a reply, she walked out of the cave not hearing a sigh from behind her.

The night air was chilling yet it did not bother Skye in the least. She sat cross-legged near the pond staring at the large reflection of the moon on its surface. That was not the first she had attempted to take her life but it was the most painful. Other times involved a sharp object and wounds on her body but that was the first and last time with poison. If only she had known earlier that taking her own life would not be as simple as touching a poisonous seed.

The pain had lasted for several days and sometimes Skye felt like she had died. Although she wished she really did die instead of waking up with a sore and recovering body. She found out that because of her demon origins, her body had been made to fight against unknown and potent substances, poison included.

After that incident, Diego ignored her like the plague. She felt guilty and sad every time he looked at her with hurt in his eyes. Only when she swore on her own life never to take her life again did Diego acknowledge her.

Skye sighed deeply as she stood up and walked back towards the cave. She did not ever want to see that look in Diego’s eyes again especially knowing that she was the cause of it. The fire was still burning when she re-entered the cave but now Teor was sound asleep beside it. He must be really tired…She moved quietly and sat down on the other side of the fire facing Teor. Skye knew she couldn’t put off sleeping for very long no matter how much she wanted to stay awake. 

“It’s going to be a very long night…” She mumbled before lying down on the ground and pulling her cloak around herself.