Sebastian led the way down to the lobby, holding my hand and walking slowly to make sure I could keep up. My other hand was gripping my swords tightly. I wanted to be ready for anything, even if the threat had yet to reach us.

The others seemed to have done well in making sure the other guests stayed in their rooms. The halls were all empty, and I was able to smile through my pain at the thought of less people becoming victims to this.

When we reached the elevator, it too was clear of people. I leaned against Sebastian as we stood inside and waited, my head still pounding. He held me closer, but neither of us said a word.

The machine dinged, alerting us we were on our requested floor. As the doors opened, I lifted my head, holding in a groan as the movement sent another sharp pain through my skull. Sebastian's hand holding mine tightened, and he led us out of the elevator and into the lobby.

Sarah and Thomas were there to meet us, and I relaxed as I saw we were the only people in the lobby. They took one look at me and frowned, their anxiety over the situation clear. I did my best to ignore it, knowing there was nothing any of us could do. I had to tough it out. I had to end this today.

"Lisa is outside, trying to clear the entry and the parking lot," Sarah reported. "Evan went to see if he could find the attackers and tell us how long we had left."

I nodded, only to immediately regret it and drop my swords to hold my head in my hands. Sebastian pulled my to him and had me rest my head against him, while the others went into a panic.

"Chrys, you should really-"

"If I sit down, Thomas, I'm not sure I'll be able to get back up."

"Surely there is some pain medication in this building somewhere. Maybe behind the reception desk, or in an office, or-"

"I'm not sure it would help with this kind of pain, Sarah." I gritted my teeth as another wave hit me. "Besides, even if it did, it wouldn't take effect until we were well into battle." I sighed, the pain dulling slightly. "It's useless."

None of them said anything, which I took as a sign that they either believed me or respected my place as their higher up enough to not fight me on my decision. Either way was fine with me. I didn't want to argue with them.

The sliding doors at the entrance opened suddenly, and we all looked to see Lisa returning. She was smiling, clearly proud of her accomplishments.

"I've managed to make sure everyone stays far away from here, and we've convinced everyone to stay in their rooms. We shouldn't see any guest casualties."

When I made no move to answer her, she lost her smile. "Chrystal, I'm glad you were able to get us here."

"Really?" I asked, confused.

Lisa nodded. "If you hadn't, who knows how long it would've taken these people to finally arrive where we were? Now, we're getting this over with quickly, meaning you won't have to suffer anymore."

I pulled away from Sebastian and straightened myself. She was right. Had I not brought us here, things could have been much worse than a headache and slight dizziness.

Just then, Evan returned. He looked serious and approached us quickly.

"I think they saw me. They'll be here any minute. Get ready."

My heart started racing. I took a deep, skaking breath, then began to reach down for my swords. Sarah beat me to it, and handed them to me. Reluctantly, I released Sebastian and took my swords in my hands.

"Thanks."

She smiled at me, but her anxiety was still evident. "Be careful and call for us if you need help."

I gave a slight nod, and she and Thomas ran to hide in the hallways.

I watched as Lisa and Evan moved to stand in front of the entrance. They seemed so sure of themselves. They looked ready, especially Lisa. It must have been all the police training.

After a long moment, I felt Sebastian's hand on my head. I turned and faced him, and he gave me a small smile.

"You can do this, My Love. We are all right beside you."

I gave him a nod, one that I didn't care hurt my head. I could do this. I had my friends beside me. I wasn't going to let these people hurt them.

His smile grew, and he moved his hand from the top of my head to caress my cheek. I leaned into his touch, which made me feel even more confident.

But suddenly, our moment was broken.

"Prepare yourselves!" Lisa shouted, then the next thing any of us saw or heard was the glass doors and windows shattering.

Sebastian jumped in front of me before I could move, shielding me from the glass flying across the room. We waited for a moment, then looked up again when the glass had stilled.

Before us was the man from my vision, a tall demon with silver hair and glowing red eyes. I lifted my swords, preparing myself, then caught sight of the demons and humans standing behind him. I'd seen many of them in my vision, but this seemed like many more.

I shook it off and looked back to the man in front. This was him. My last trial. All I had to do was defeat him and his horde, and then I'd finally be free.

As I stared, the man smirked, and his eyes grew brighter. I felt the familiar spell, but just as I had in my vision, I glared back, fighting it. The pain in my head increased, but I tried not to let the man before me know that I was at a disadvantage.

"You've grown quite powerful, I see," he said, continuing to smirk.

"I have," I told him, trying to sound like I wasn't struggling to hold him off. "I've been practicing. I had to be ready for my final trial, after all."

He laughed suddenly. "Ah, so you foresaw our arrival. That would explain the lack of humans wandering about. Not that I mind, of course. You've saved us a lot of work by coming to us."

"It was just a convenience, I assure you. I was simply trying to save my kind from yours."

"That would be where you are wrong, Your Majesty. You've been one of us ever since your powers awoke."

I stood straighter and lifted my swords higher. "No, I'm not. It may be in my future to become a demon, but I'll never be a monster like any of you."

He lost his smirk. "I am no monster, Your Highness. I am simply a test. Now, let us see if you'll pass."