Destiny: Chosen For Battle

The demon dropped June's lifeless body in the corner, smirking at me as if relishing my despair.

"Do not touch her!" Kelvin and Lex shouted in unison.

The demon ignored them, moving closer to me. My heart raced, and I closed my eyes, bracing for the worst.

"Stop," a rough yet angelic voice whispered. My eyes shot open, scanning for the source, but I couldn't see anyone.

"Do not touch them," the voice commanded again, firm and steady.

The demon laughed arrogantly, though his expression betrayed annoyance. "And who are you?" he snarled, jerking around to find the speaker. "Show yourself!"

Suddenly, from behind a tree, an old man stepped into view. His long white beard swayed slightly as his crimson eyes burned like those of a predator ready to strike.

"Let them go," the old man said, his tone unyielding.

The demon laughed louder, almost mockingly. "Let them go? And what are you going to do about it, old man?"

The old man's eyes turned pitch black, and in an instant, he transformed into something indescribable. Before any of us could comprehend his form, he lunged at the demon. In a blur of motion, the demon disintegrated into dust.

I stared in shock, my breath hitching as I realized the magnitude of the man's power. It was something I had never seen or heard of.

The old man reverted to his human form, standing tall and composed. Almost simultaneously, the paralyzing grip on our bodies disappeared, and we could move again.

"Thank you," I whispered breathlessly, stepping closer to the man.

"You saved our lives," Kelvin said, rubbing his neck as if ensuring he was truly free.

"I am sorry I couldn't save your friends," the old man said, glancing at June's and Nixton's bodies with a deep frown.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, my gaze locked on June—my best friend—and Nixton, the guy who could always make us laugh.

"They're gone," Camila sniffled, clutching my hand. I gave her a weak, comforting smile, though my own heart felt shattered.

"Thank you for saving us," Lex muttered. "Without you, we'd all be dead."

The old man nodded. "It was the right thing to do," he said, his crimson eyes softening for a moment.

"What's your name, sir?" I asked.

"Call me Yung," he replied. Then, stroking his chin, he added, "Why are you children wandering in such a dangerous place? You should be with your families."

"We were sent on a mission," Gold said quietly.

"A mission?" Yung echoed, his tone doubtful. "By whom?"

"Our master," I answered, puffing out my chest.

Yung chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You are not trained enough for this. And what mission is so dire that your master would send children to their deaths?"

"To kill the Devil," I said firmly.

His amused expression faltered, replaced by a serious look. "Hmm," he murmured, deep in thought, before covering it with a small smile.

Gold's stomach grumbled loudly, breaking the tension. Yung chuckled. "You must be starving," he said. "Come, my wife is preparing dinner. You can eat and rest at my home."

Though my mind swirled with grief and confusion, the thought of food was comforting. We followed Yung through the woods, the thirty-minute walk feeling like hours. My thoughts kept circling back to June and Nixton. Their deaths felt surreal, and my heart ached with a grief I couldn't shake.

When we arrived, Yung's home took my breath away. The small exterior was deceptive—it was surrounded by a vibrant garden bursting with life.

"I'd love to live in a place like this," I mumbled to myself.

The inside of the house was even more astonishing. Though it seemed tiny from the outside, it was expansive and beautifully decorated within.

"Father, you're back!" a small boy ran up to Yung, hugging him tightly. "Mom is making your favorite!"

I smiled at the sight, reminded of my own father. How I missed him.

Yung patted the boy's head and turned to us. "Matthew will show you to your rooms. Rest while my wife finishes cooking."

Matthew led us to our rooms. Mine was small but cozy, with a simple yet elegant design.

"Thank you, Matthew," I said, managing a faint smile.

He nodded but paused before leaving. "You look tired. Please rest. I'll call you when dinner is ready," he said with a warm smile.

I nodded and closed the door. Exhaustion weighed heavily on me as I admired the room. Stripping off my clothes, I stepped into the bathroom for a shower.

The cold water hit my skin like needles, sending shivers down my spine. My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the cold tiles. Tears poured freely as I let the pain I'd been suppressing consume me. My chest felt like it was on fire, my grief bubbling over in waves I couldn't control.

After what felt like an eternity, I turned off the water and stood, trembling but determined. Something about our mission wasn't right. Why had we been sent to kill the Devil when we weren't prepared? My thoughts lingered on the young master. The way he looked at me with such peculiar interest…was he hiding something?

I shook the thought away, brushing it off as paranoia. For now, all I wanted was to survive and destroy the Devil, no matter the cost.

Dressed in a nightgown, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My fingers traced the fabric as my eyes locked onto my own.

"We are fighters," I whispered. "And we'll kill those demons…just like they killed my friends."

A voice interrupted my thoughts.

"And they will pay, Destiny," someone said from behind me.