Blood oozed from the shallow cut on my side, a crimson stain spreading slowly across my combat gear. It hurt, sure, but nothing I couldn't handle. Being a demon came with certain perks like a higher pain threshold and faster healing. But I wasn't about to let that show. No, there was an opportunity here, one that I wasn't about to waste.
I glanced at Aeliana, standing a few feet away, her eyes wide with concern. She looked like she was about to rush over any second, her expression a mix of fear and worry that made something warm twist in my chest. It was almost endearing, how much she seemed to care.
But instead of letting her come to me, I decided to play this my way. I let out a low groan, pressing a hand against the wound and staggering a little for effect. "Shit… that bastard got me good," I muttered, knowing full well that Aeliana was hanging on my every word.