Nora's POV
Father, I desperately need your strength right now. The enchanted blade leaves my grip as I press my back against the staircase, retreating from the advancing horde.
The weapon strikes a demon's shoulder before clattering to the hardwood. The creature examines its wound with detached fascination rather than agony, then notices the shattered gemstone scattered across the floor. Dark essence seeps from the possessed body like toxic vapor, and the human host collapses in a heap.
