Primrose walked calmly towards the demon. An unnerving tranquil look was on her face, her side still burned in pain from the bleeding wound that she was able to partially heal. The demon faltered a bit staring at her.

  She was different now. He wasn’t sure what exactly but there was just something off about her. She wasn’t much stronger than before yet there was a sense of danger with her. The way Bryson was reacting only set off more alarm bells within the demonic being.

  No matter however, he was still stronger, in fact he felt stronger than he had ever been today. His body was recovering from injuries that would’ve normally been crippling for him. But for some reason he felt fine, or at least as good as he could be in his current state.

  Throughout the entire fight there was a question lingering in the back of the demon’s mind, he was confused and wondering how he was able to keep fighting. Surely there was a source for this newfound healing ability. Perhaps this was a newly formed skill, no matter for he will be able to figure that out later.

  Right now he was to kill this worthless flower dryad. The demon raised a hand up towards Primrose and fired a ball of surging flame towards her. A magical shield flashed in front of her briefly to shield her from the attack as she continued to walk forward.

  Clicking his tongue in frustration he fired again, only for it to hit harmlessly off the shield, again and again. Getting angrier he tried to launch a bigger attack before he realized that his feet were stuck.

  Scoffing as he thought that it was once more one of Primrose’s weak binding spells he looked to pull his feet free. Only he couldn’t, even though what wrapped around his feet were half-dead blades of grass, the magic was stronger. Far stronger than any of the other spells she used on him before.

  His mind now raced to try to figure out why. Was she just hiding it? No that would make no sense, she nearly got killed and the two children. She wasn’t a risk-taker. So where was she getting this boost in mana?

  Another thing began to start to bother him. He felt as though his regeneration was slowing, frowning he didn’t have much time to think why as a shimmering green bubble shield surrounded both him and Primrose now that she was close enough.

  The demon glanced around wildly before he turned back to face Primrose ready to launch an attack. Only he was intercepted by glowing green chains that wrapped around him completely.

  “Seriously? This same trick again?” The demon grinned, trying to look confident, “You’re going to try this cheap exorcism trick?”

  “I’m a bit stronger than Bryson don’t you think?” Primrose said calmly.

  “Not strong enough to banish me now are you?” The demon said as he tried to flex against the binds.

  “No, you are too strong, especially with the extra help.” Primrose said nodding her head as her pupils disappeared and her eyes glowed a bright green. She recognized the abnormality of the demon.

  It had taken her a while before she realized it. She felt stupid that she wasn’t able to realize it sooner, though it could hardly be blamed considering she only met Hallow once. But this regenerative ability of his was not naturally his.

  She could sense his mana, far better than even Bryson, though that was mostly due to age and experience. She was sure Bryson would become better than her very soon, it was a shame that she wouldn’t be there to see it however. But at least she could guarantee it to happen right now.

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  “So I can’t stop you, while leaving myself unscathed that is.” Primrose said as she raised her hand and closed it.

  “No! No! No! No!” The demon screamed out as he thrashed around desperately as the chains glowed hot. Bryson banged on his barrier as hard as he could while Florence tried and failed to generate any power behind her shot from the firearm.

  “Primrose! Do not-” Bryson was cut off as a bright light filled the magic container that Primrose and the demon were surrounded in.

  The demon felt his skin burn, he lost vision in the blinding light, he opened his mouth to scream but could not make any noise. He was dying, but he refused to accept it, he can survive this. He was strong enough that his regenerative abilities would allow him to recover from this. Then he will pluck this flower.

  ***

  Hallow watched the battle near its end. A smile glued to his face. He inwardly congratulated himself on a job well done. His plan had worked, the demon was forcing Primrose to sacrifice herself for one last attack to get rid of the demon.

  Normally a being like Primrose never could beat the demon, period. But with the help of both Bryson and Florence, she definitely could. Hallow’s assumption was proved correct when Florence nearly vaporized the demon into nothingness. That extra little boost was required for this to play out the way it did.

  He knew that Bryson once he found out about Primrose’s desperate attempt to fight the demon alone, he would intervene along with the other fools that he managed to get on his side that were near him. That boy had too much kindness in his blood. He got the wrong set of morals thanks to… Him. That kindness was now going to cost him, both of them.

  Bryson was going to understand loss, though in order to do so he would need to survive this. Which meant the story of the demon dies with Primrose, which meant that Hallow should stop lending a hand. Lifting up a single finger Hallow gave his index finger a small wag.

  “That should do it.” Hallow said as he closed the viewer he was watching from and turned and left. He knew what would happen next.

  ***

  The demon felt his flesh burning away, something was wrong, he was not as strong. Why? He by now figured that Hallow had given some sort of additional boost. But he felt it disappear now. Was it because the power ran out? Or perhaps Hallow took it away from him.

  The last few moments of the demon’s existence were that of the realization that he was used. Hallow had lied to him. Why else would his power disappear when he needed it the most? Hallow was trying to get rid of him.

  That damned bastard played the demon like a fool. He kept him alive long enough so that Primrose was forced to cast this secret spell she had been hiding. Damn him. Damn Hallow! I will get my revenge! Was the last thought that ran through his head before he was reduced into nothingness.

  Bryson watched as the shield around him faded along with the shield that Primrose was in. The light was gone and she stood there alone, looking so peaceful.

  “Primrose.” Bryson called out and she turned towards him.

  “Bryson I’m sorry, but I think I’m dying.” Primrose apologized as she fell to her knees.

  “What did you do?” Bryson said running over and trying to help her up, only to realize something. Her mana was vanishing, more than that, it looked like her body was dissolving.

  “I made a mistake. But at least I got rid of the demon for you. Too bad I won’t be seeing this year’s spring.” Primrose said giving a weak laugh.

  “You’re dying.” Bryson realized as he clutched onto Primrose’s arm.

  “It’s okay, it’s okay.” Primrose said reassuring him, “You know Bryson? I think you’ll do great at The Academy. Your magic is good, you’re smart and kind.”

  “Please. Don’t die.” Bryson begged.

  “Huh, you said sorry. You can do that.” Primrose laughed as half her body was now gone, “You’re a good kid. I’m sorry for leaving you. I wish I could stay longer, but please, promise me despite everything, you’ll stay strong. You’ll keep that heart of yours.”

  Bryson said nothing as his eyes told Primrose everything, she continued to speak her final words, “Don’t blame anyone. Grow. Prove to them all that your fate isn’t to be decided by others. I know it’s quite the request, but allow me to be greedy with my last request.” She said with a weak smile, as her head began to slowly disappear.

  “I had a lot of fun teaching you and there’s so much more for you to learn. I am glad to have met you.” She said as she leaned in and gave him a motherly kiss on the forehead, “Stay safe.” She said before vanishing and leaving Bryson with nothing but a clump of yellow and purple primrose flowers in the hand he held her in.