Sophie The place where the demon had been was empty now. The shadows were gone. The air felt lighter. But it wasn’t over because Darren was still standing and looking at me like he wanted to tear me apart. “You think you’ve won?” he said, his voice low and sharp. My chest was still rising and falling too fast, my body shaking from everything that just happened. But I forced myself to stand straight. “To be honest?” I said. “Yeah. I do.” His jaw tightened. “You’re nothing without that thing,” I added. “And now it’s gone.” Something dangerous flickered in his eyes. “You’re wrong.” He moved. Fast. I barely had time to react before he was in front of me, his hand shooting out but this time I was ready. I stepped back just enough to avoid his grip and drove my elbow straight into his side. He grunted, stumbling slightly. “You’ve gotten better,” he said, circling me slowly. “I had a good teacher,” I replied. His lips twitched. “Was it me?” “No,” I said flatly. “Pain was.” That
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