(Damian's Pov)

Celosia was finally healed up fully, all fixed up, but I still couldn't help but worry. The Demon, Alastor, had a way of getting to Celosia and I hated that I couldn't do anything about it. We needed help, but bringing anyone else into this mess would put them in harm's way and I couldn't bare thinking of anyone from my family being hurt; Not even Drake, though he was an annoyance.

What can we do? What are we going to do? Is there any way to escape this demon's torment long enough to send it back to Hell? And if so, at what cost? Celosia had already been tortured by that thing twice now, and she had almost died of blood loss the first time. What if one of these times, I actually lose her for good? I won't lose her. Not now not ever. It wasn't an option. I will do whatever I must to protect her.

She escaped the League of Assassins, sailed across the ocean and found her way to me just because of the possibility of me getting hurt. It reminded me of when we were just about to turn nine and she was kidnapped for leverage. Grandfather said to be calm and patient, and I remember that being one of the few times I went against him. I recalled the memory vividly.

I paced my room, waiting for Celosia to enter and take care of my injuries from training. She had been with me in the morning, then she went to take a walk in the gardens right outside the League's base and I hadn't heard from her since. I was worried sick, refusing to eat dinner. I approached Grandfather and his staff uncovered the security tapes showing her being taken by bounty hunters. I saw one of the bounty hunters drop a paper as he stared straight into the camera, then turn and leave with his comrade.

I raced down the halls, not bothering to stop for any person in my path. Grandfather calmly strolled to where I was at in the gardens. I made it there minutes before him and searched the ground for that paper. I finally found the little slip just as Grandfather walked up.

"They're using her as bait. They want a ransom for her safety and return." I bluntly stated, keeping no emotion from escaping me, even though I was bursting with them. I was angered at the hunters and for letting this happen to my Beloved, worried for Celosia's safety, scared to lose the only person I've ever cared about, determined to get her back, but they were all hidden behind my neutral façade.

"Well, we won't be doing that." Grandfather stated in a bored tone.

"WHAT!?" I exclaimed.

"Watch your tone!" He snapped. I bowed my head in respect.

"My apologies, Grandfather. Why are we not retrieving her?" I asked cautiously.

"She will be easily replaced. She not to be fussed over. We will find you another suitable partner." Grandfather explained.

"I do not want another. I want her."

"And why is that? She is only a girl, not your blood."

"She pledged loyalty to me and my blood, to you. I made an oath to her to protect her like my blood and to keep her safe in return. I will not go back on my oath." I fierily spoke, with a determined look on my face.

"You are not to retrieve her. You have grown too attached. She was brought here to protect you and serve as your wife, not to be a distraction." Grandfather stated.

"Grandfather, I am not in any way apologetic about what I am about to do. She is mine. She is MY Beloved. They came here and are threatening us, threatening our own. I am leaving. I will accept any punishment you see fit when I return." I concluded, turning and walking off into the trees. Grandfather did not move or flinch until I had left his sight. He calmly returned to his chambers after informing Talia of the situation.

I trekked through the entire forest and finally found the hunters' camp just as the sun was setting. I waited for nightfall and devised the plan. I saw my Beloved tied to a chair, gagged with a cloth and a blind fold covering her eyes. The campfire was just far enough away to keep her just warm enough to keep her alive. The two hunters sat on the ground around their campfire and talked about horrid things that they planned on doing to my Beloved. Only I was the one to ever touch her, and wouldn't dare hurt her. Anyone who tried will be killed on sight. I snuck through the trees and pulled out the pocket knife from my back pocket. I had stealthily made my way behind Celosia.

"Beloved, It's me." I whispered so she wouldn't cause attention and blow my cover. She nodded subtly, and I began to cut her ropes as quickly and quietly as possible. Thankfully neither of the hunters heard me and I escaped with Celosia in my arms. After I had put a mile wide distance between the hunters and us, I set Celosia down and let her walk on her own. I relocated her shoulder as well, letting her take my belt in her teeth to block out the noise she released from the pain. I walked her back to the League and went in.

I recalled my punishment for disobeying. I had to spend three days in the dungeon without food or water. It was torment, but Celosia came down each day and held my hands through the bars. She even brought me some bread, risking her own safety for me. Celosia was the one person who was loyal to me through thick and thin. She was my Beloved, my betrothed, my one and only love.

Everything about her made me happy and now, I recall on the day I first disobeyed Grandfather as the best and most lifechanging for me. If had obeyed Grandfather, I would have someone else with me, forced with me. The funny thing is, I don't feel forced with Celosia. I love her, every single part, and no demon, man, super, or creature will ever change that.