Fear travels down my back, small tremors overtaking me. No matter how much confidence I have in the guys, this doesn't seem like a development they were expecting.

"Be mindful of our limitations, Ze!" Cer calls out.

I frown. This is not the first time I hear them mention limitations. I wonder if this is related to them being in a foreign world. But if that is so, then what does that mean for us? Do we stand a chance?

"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing," Ze states, his voice even and calm.

Okay, maybe he knows what he's doing. He's supposed to be an expert in this, right?

He steps back, coordinating with me to move alongside him. His eyes are on the demon, his attention unshakable.

I gulp down as I reach for his hand, grasping tightly onto it. I'm not sure if this is for his sake or mine, but I find that I'm truly terrified the more I stare into the morphing face of evil. My hands are hot and clammy. His are cold and dry. Yet they provide the modicum of comfort I desperately need.

The demon now looks completely human—except his eyes. They are two black swirling orbs of shadows. His mouth is set in a grim line, and as he sets his sights on us, he lets out a loud howl that materializes into black clouds of pure energy—all aimed at us.

The white of the metal of Ze's sword gleams against the darkness of the demon's shadows. I blink as I take in the smooth appearance of the surface of the sword. I could swear I saw some indentations on it earlier.

With inhuman swiftness, Ze wields his sword around as he cuts through the shadows. He's only using one hand, the other still firmly grasping mine.

Every blow the demon throws our way, Ze deflects it with his sword, waltzing around and keeping the exchange purely defensive.

"Why aren't you striking back?" I ask in a whisper, almost afraid to ruin his concentration.

"If there's the smallest chance that the souls are still alive, I can't destroy him yet." His reply surprises me.

"But how can you know for sure?" I frown.

"I'll know."

Slipping his hand out of mine, he reaches into his inner pocket to withdraw the same pouch he used to create the magic circle before. He puts it in my hands.

"If he comes at you, blow this in his face."

"What do you⁠—"

I don't get to finish my question as Ze grabs my wrist, twirling me around as we get farther from the demon. When he's satisfied with the distance, he pushes me to Cer's side before going back to face him alone.

My heart beats loudly in my chest as I join the others. Thea grabs my arm, squeezing it tightly.