By Monday, I could feel the change in myself. The energy from the Abyss was still there, a constant presence, lurking just beneath the surface. It was both comforting and terrifying at the same time. I knew that I was stronger than I had been, but with that strength came a heavy burden. If I couldn't control the power, I risked becoming a danger to everyone around me.
School was as uneventful as it could be, considering I now had a demon queen as my girlfriend. Seraphina remained aloof, keeping her distance as if nothing had changed between us. But I could feel the weight of her watchful gaze on me at all times, silently assessing my progress.
It wasn't until after school that things took a turn. I was walking home when I felt that familiar chill in the air. The shadows around me lengthened, and the temperature dropped. I stopped in my tracks, my heart pounding as I realized what was happening.
Another attack.
This time, I didn't hesitate. I could sense them before they even appeared—the same dark cloaked figures from before, lurking just beyond the edges of reality. I clenched my fists, the mark on my chest pulsing as I reached out for the Abyssal power inside me.
The figures emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent. But this time, I was ready.
"You again," I said, my voice steadier than I expected.
"We are not finished with you, vassal of the Abyss," one of them hissed. "Your power belongs to us."
I narrowed my eyes, summoning the dark energy once more. This time, I didn't need Seraphina's guidance. The power flowed through me effortlessly, coiling around my arms like living shadows.
"You want my power?" I said, stepping forward. "Come and take it."
With a flick of my wrist, I sent a wave of dark energy crashing toward them. They scattered, but I was faster. The shadows bent to my will, lashing out at the attackers with precision. One of them managed to block my attack, but the others weren't so lucky. They were flung backward, dissolving into the darkness as they hit the ground.
The leader hissed in frustration, their cloak billowing as they charged at me. But I was ready. I raised my hand, forming a barrier of swirling shadows just as they struck. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, but the barrier held strong.
Before they could recover, I lashed out with another blast of energy, sending them flying into the nearby wall. They crumpled to the ground, their cloak dissolving into the shadows.
Panting, I lowered my arms, the energy fading as the last of the attackers vanished. My heart was racing, but I felt an odd sense of satisfaction. I had done it. I had won.
"You've grown stronger."
I turned to see Seraphina standing behind me, her expression unreadable.
"I can control it now," I said, my voice still shaky from the adrenaline.
Seraphina nodded, but there was something in her eyes that made me uneasy. "Yes, but there is still much to learn. The Abyss is a vast and dangerous force. You are only beginning to tap into its power."
I swallowed hard, the weight of her words sinking in. She was right. I had barely scratched the surface of what I could do, but with every victory came the risk of losing control.
Seraphina stepped closer, her gaze intense. "Remember, Kaito. The power you wield is not just yours. It is a part of me, and a part of the Abyss itself. You must never forget that."
I nodded, feeling the weight of her warning. The path ahead was dark and filled with uncertainty, but there was no turning back now.
As I walked home, I couldn't shake the feeling that something even darker was waiting for me on the horizon. Whatever it was, I knew one thing for certain—I would have to face it, whether I was ready or not.