Chapter 135. Always a Loophole

I stood in the heart of the demonic world, surrounded by the eerie beauty of the cathedral. It felt like time itself had paused within its gothic walls. My nerves prickled beneath my skin, but I couldn't deny the strange allure of the place- or the demon who lurked in the realm.

Then, I heard his voice behind me, clenching my jaw, I fought the surge of hatred that coursed through me and turned to face him, Astaroth, the demon who had caused so much pain. The memory of leaving Chase behind on that hilltop to heal alone twisted my gut with guilt.

"What do you want?" I demanded, my voice tinged with bitterness. I felt my gut twist with anxiety when he didn't respond immediately, instead striding up to the altar with an unsettling grace. He hoisted himself onto it, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin crawl.

Astaroth's appearance shifted in front of my eyes, from a casual hoodie and jeans to an expensive suit that oozed sophisticat