As the silence settled, the distant sound of more guards could be heard rushing to the scene. All indistinguishable, like a pack of racing wolves.
But as their footsteps grew louder, Martine quickly picked up a distinctive difference in this group.
A set of footsteps that were slower than the others, pronounced and purposeful.
Martine adjusted her weapons to point in the direction her ears picked up the footsteps.
The tension grew thick as she tightened her grip around her guns, craving the certainty of steel.
The guards already on the scene along with Malik, stiffened as they looked in the direction of the approaching group.
It seemed they not only recognized the approaching figure but revered them.
Martine narrowed her eyes, as her mind began to race.
She knew Pierre likely heard the commotion and was either moving into a position to assist or hanging back to intervene later.
He was a card to be played if necessary, but best kept hidden.
As the noise of the footsteps grew closer and the shadows of the group rounded a corner, Martine caught a glimpse of a shadow far larger than the others.
Martine's eyes slightly widened as she caught a breath trapped in her throat.
When the group of demons finally revealed themselves, Martine was greeted with the sight of a demon far larger than the others, towering over even the other elder guards.
His features were striking, with long curly horns and sharp teeth. His eyes, purple in color, were narrowed and fierce. As he looked upon Martine, she could feel her adrenaline pumping as her chest tightened.
A grimace crossed her face.
<"Another pale conqueror in my home,"> he spoke, his voice deep and booming as his gaze shifted between Abbas and Martine, <"Holding my kin hostage and causing a disturbance in the streets.">
The hulking demon then stepped forward, past his guards, focusing his gaze on Abbas who held his head low under his scrutinizing gaze. <"Tell me Abbas, why did you bring this woman here, while you hold Noor in your arms?"> The demon's tone was curious, yet also cautious and stern.
<"She comes seeking the boy, Alexander."> he answered, stepping forward, while adjusting Noor on his arms, <"As for Noor, he has been paralyzed, by her toxins.">
The demon frowned while giving a thoughtful nod before gesturing toward a hut in the distance. <"Take him to the shaman, have her tend to him.">
Martine shook her head as she pointed a pistol at Abbas while taking a step forward.
<"Hold it,"> she barked as she kept a gun steadily trained at the larger demon, <"seeing as you're giving out orders I'm guessing you're the chief, right?"> Martine said, her tone cold but respectful.
The demon looked down at Martine, his expression unreadable as his six eyes slightly widened. <"Hold your arrogance, pale conqueror, I will address you in due time.">
<"Oh that time is now."> Martine replied, <"So start talking, where is Alexander?">
Every elder guard— Malik among them— grew instantly tense, hands tightening around their weapons as they all stared at Martine. But though they looked ready to attack, they waited quietly.
The demon chief let out a long measured sigh, as if he saw Martine as nothing more than a nuisance. <"Your boldness is admirable, foolish, but admirable."> he said with a slow nod, before turning his attention towards Malik. <"Escort the pale conqueror to Alexander's chambers.">
Malik stiffened briefly, before quickly nodding without question or hesitation.
The large demon crossed his arms, his frame radiating a calm aura of authority. <"I'll allow you to see him, but you will not take him, not yet.">
Martine slightly lowered her pistols as she raised an eyebrow.
She was unnerved by how calm the demon chief was.
Her instincts were screaming for caution, as Something didn't add up. Why would a hothead like Malik, not even hesitate to fulfill this demon's orders?
The power this demon possesses must've been overwhelming.
But despite that, she still had a job to do.
With unfaltering courage and sharp wit, Martine readied her pistols again. "I'm leaving with the boy, whether you like it or not." She said in her native language, eyes zeroed in on the demon chief.
The demon chief's lips curled into a faint smile as his violet eyes glistened with a spark of amusement. "You will try." He replied, in her language, his pronunciation was eerily flawless.
Martine's eyes grew wide, a shiver running down her spine as the demon chief gestured towards Abbas with a hand. <"Come, let's get Noor to the shaman.">
Abbas hesitated, briefly glancing back at Martine who had a doubtful expression. For the first time in a long time, she felt a tinge of fear.
Abbas moved to join the demon chief's side, while the chief himself took one last glance at Martine, an observant expression crossing his features.
He then turned to Malik, giving him a brief nod before moving towards the hut. His steps were slow and purposeful, and most of the guards walked with him, save for two that stayed with Malik.
As the demon chief and Abbas took their leave, Malik approached Martine with evident tension on his shoulders. <"Follow me."> He said, a trace of venom on his tongue.
Martine briefly held her ground, her pistols close to her chest as she stared into Malik's fiery red eyes.
She was shaken, but certainly not broken.
<"Oh look at that, a loyal lap dog."> She mocked, before holstering her pistols, hiding them in the shadows of her cloak.
Malik let out a long annoyed growl, a sound that came deep from his chest, <"You are insufferable,"> he grumbled, before turning away to take the lead. <"Let's move."> he ordered, his tail flicking like a whip.
The other two guards shifted behind Martine, their gazes stoic as they held their spears close and heads high.
Martine glanced back at them, analyzing her options before reluctantly following behind Malik. She had to be cautious, as even one mistake could set this fragile situation spiraling into chaos.
As the group moved deeper into the village, Martine's sharp gaze caught glimpses of demons eyeing her nervously. Some shielded their children while others showed their teeth with low growls.
The demons resented her very presence.
<"Guess I didn't make any friends, unfortunate, for them."> Martine joked as she showed off a confident grin.
Malik ignored her taunts, his gaze focused on the massive tree in the village center. The large wooden castle in its base, was surrounded by a wooden fence and dozens of elder guards.
Further up the trunk of the tree, were more platforms and structures, all shaded by the tree's sprawling canopy.
Martine was quite surprised by the strange sight, as it was the first time she had seen something like this. <"Impressive, especially for something so susceptible to fire.">
Malik didn't respond, yet his tail did flicker.
Upon reaching the wooden fence surrounding the tree's perimeter, Malik stepped towards it with an annoyed snarl. <"Open the gates."> he ordered towards the guards at the gate, <"I have the chief's guest.">
The guards at the gates glanced at each other hesitantly, before slowly opening the gates, their movements cautious.