different Landon

Chapter 8: The Demon's Mark

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Landon's breath caught in his throat as he stared at the towering figure now standing before him, its glowing eyes locking onto him with an intensity that sent a chill through his spine. It wasn't just a monster. This creature was something older—something far more dangerous. It was clear that this wasn't a random attack; this had been planned. And whoever or whatever had sent these monsters was now drawing its attention to him.

"Landon, get a grip!" Hope's voice broke through his thoughts, but it was laced with urgency. She was already engaging with another group of creatures, but her eyes kept darting back toward him, making sure he was still in control.

Landon shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Focus. He could feel the heat of the Phoenix fire rising in his chest, but the shadow of his bloodline was already pushing at the edges of his consciousness. No, he thought firmly, I can't let it win. Not now.

The massive creature before him snarled, its claws scraping against the ground. It looked like a demon—a twisted, monstrous version of one. Its body was covered in thick, dark armor-like skin, and its wings were half-extended, the membrane torn and battle-worn. Despite its formidable appearance, there was something even more terrifying about its presence. It was as if it didn't just belong in the world of monsters, but in the very fabric of Landon's nightmares.

"What the hell is that?" Rafael's voice came from behind him, his stance defensive as he surveyed the creature, now advancing toward them.

"That's not just a monster," Landon muttered, his heart pounding. "It's something worse. It's connected to what I've been feeling—this darkness. The bloodline." His voice trailed off, a wave of dread washing over him. He was now sure. The creatures, the overwhelming sense of power, the fear—it all tied back to his bloodline, to Azazel.

The creature let out a deafening roar, shaking the ground beneath their feet. The air thickened with an almost tangible force as it charged, its massive form moving with surprising speed. Before Landon could react, it was upon them.

"Move!" Hope shouted, her voice sharp as she tackled one of the other monsters in the way, knocking it back with an explosion of supernatural strength.

Landon reacted instinctively. He raised his hands, the flames roaring to life. The Phoenix fire erupted from his palms, a concentrated blast of fire aimed directly at the creature's chest. But the demon seemed to anticipate the attack, raising its clawed arm and absorbing the flames, as if the fire was nothing more than a slight irritation.

"That's not good," Landon muttered under his breath, panic beginning to build in his chest. The fire was supposed to be his weapon, his safeguard. But this creature—this thing—was completely unaffected by it. It wasn't like anything he had ever fought before.

The demon lunged, swiping at Landon with its massive claws. Landon barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side just in time, his heart racing. The force of the attack sent dust and debris flying in every direction, and Landon had to scramble to regain his footing.

Hope and Rafael were still engaged with the other monsters, but the creature was focused entirely on him. It was as if it knew what Landon was—what he carried inside him—and it wanted him. The thought made his blood run cold.

"Landon!" Hope's voice echoed across the battlefield, but her attention was split. She couldn't get to him in time.

Landon stood, his hands trembling slightly. The fire inside him was still there, pulsing with energy, but it was no longer enough. The demon was too strong, too focused on him. He felt the darkness shift beneath his skin again, clawing at his control. Not now, please, he begged internally, but the pressure was building.

He could hear the faint whispers of his father's bloodline, the demon inside him calling out, urging him to embrace it. It was a seductive pull, promising power, control, and the ability to crush anything in his path.

"No," Landon muttered, gritting his teeth. "I won't give in."

But the darkness was relentless. His body surged with energy, the heat rising again, but this time, it was different. The Phoenix fire burned hotter, fiercer—but now, it was tinged with something darker. Something more primal.

"Landon! Get it together!" Hope's voice cut through the haze in his mind.

Landon's breath came faster, his vision swimming with the intensity of the power coursing through him. But then, a strange sensation washed over him—an invisible force pushing back against the darkness. He felt a coolness, a steady presence, like a lifeline in the midst of a storm. He could feel Hope's presence near him, a tether that kept him grounded. She believes in me. I can't let her down.

With a force of will, Landon pushed back, forcing the darkness to retreat. His flames burned with their usual brilliance, but this time, he channeled them with precision, not letting them consume him. He focused. The fire exploded from his palms, engulfing the creature in an inferno of flames. But this time, the flames hit their target. The demon shrieked in pain, staggering back as the fire scorched its hide.

It wasn't enough to kill it, but it was enough to weaken it.

"Now!" Rafael shouted, rushing in with a battle cry as he and Josie launched another coordinated attack. The creature staggered, momentarily disoriented.

Landon took a deep breath, feeling the fire inside him simmer down, though the demon's presence still loomed at the edges of his awareness. The battle wasn't over yet, but at least they were pushing back the tide.

Hope, who had been holding off a smaller group of monsters, moved swiftly to Landon's side. She met his eyes, her face a mix of relief and concern. "You're doing it, Landon. You're controlling it."

Landon nodded, his hands still trembling, though now it was from exhaustion rather than fear. "I'm not sure for how much longer, though. This… thing... It's connected to something much bigger than us. We're not just fighting for survival anymore. We're fighting for the very control of my bloodline."

Hope's expression darkened. "Then we need to end this now."

Landon nodded, the weight of their mission settling on his shoulders. He had always known that his powers were more than he could control—but now, they were part of a larger battle, one that he couldn't back down from. The bloodline of Azazel was pulling him into a fight he hadn't asked for, and it wasn't just about monsters or creatures. It was about his very identity.

The battle raged on, but Landon felt a sense of resolve settle within him. He had a team, a family. And with them by his side, he could face whatever came next.