The air around them crackled with an ominous energy, and Eamon's heart raced as one of the figures stepped forward, pulling back their hood to reveal a familiar, twisted face—Darius, a rogue demon from their previous encounters.
"Did you really think you could defeat me so easily?" Darius hissed, his voice dripping with malice. "You may have bested one of my minions, but I've come to collect what's mine."
"What do you want, Darius?" Pierrot demanded, stepping protectively in front of Eamon.
"Your little friend here," he said, pointing a clawed finger at Eamon. "He possesses power that I need."
Eamon felt a rush of panic. "What do you mean? I'm not giving you anything!"
Darius chuckled, a sound that sent chills down Eamon's spine. "Oh, but you don't have a choice. I'll take that talisman of yours and crush your will to resist."
