OUT OF THE CITY

Malron carried the unconscious Kieran to Mrs. Guasch's house. Upon arrival, he dropped Kieran to the floor. The young man began to regain consciousness and moaned softly. 

Without checking Kieran's condition, Malron immediately went into the room and took the box Kieran's aunt had left behind.

The demon then entered Mrs. Guasch's room, took cell phone, money and valuables that he could use for his needs. When Malron came out of the room, he saw Kieran, still dazed, at on the floor holding his head.

"Quick, get up, we have to go!" Malron ordered.

"Mrs. Guasch..." Kieran began to sob softly, in shock and remembering the previous events.

"There will be time for mourning, Kieran. Get on your feet!" Malron hurried into the kitchen.

Kieran looked at Malron and watched closely as the demon took a plastic bag and began to stuff money and valuables into it.

"What are you doing, Lord?" Kieran asked hoarsely.

"We can't beg for money. I'm taking Mrs. Guasch's jewelry and money," Malron replied.

Kieran's eyes widened. "But that's stealing! Didn't I tell you—"

"Stop!" Malron interrupted. "I'm borrowing. Besides, Mrs. Guasch doesn't need worldly possessions anymore! She's dead, Kieran! And you see it with your own eyes!"

Kieran fell silent, his eyes glaring at Malron.

"Where were you earlier?" Kieran asked.

Malron glanced at Kieran, but didn't answer. Instead he went to the window and peered through the curtains. His gut told him it wasn't over yet, it was just the beginning. Leaving Albuquerque was just a way to avoid enemies.

"Grab what you need, I'll give you five minutes," Malron said.

Kieran struggled to his feet, though he was staggering. "I said, where were you when Mrs. Guasch was killed?" Kieran repeated firmly.

I was there, idiot. I fought off many demons because you moved so slowly! Malron muttered inwardly.

"I was running," Malron replied.

There was a long exhale from Kieran's nostrils. "I don't blame you, Lord. You didn't know what kind of creatures I was up against."

"Four minutes, Kieran." Malron cleared his throat. "And I'm back to save you."

Then the young man walked to the door and opened it, looking back at Malron. "I don't need anything. Let's just go."

They both stepped out onto the terrace, and Malron's eyes happened to catch sight of Mrs. Guasch's car. Malron's destination was Pennsylvania, to uncover the secrets about Kieran. 

When so many demons, even Nesses, were involved in bringing Kieran, Malron didn't need to question Kieran's importance. Just breaking into a roof and killing a few members of the demon-calling cult didn't justify sending so many demons.

"Car," Malron pointed.

It would be difficult for them to use public transportation to get to Pennsylvania. A car would make their journey much easier.

Kieran shook his head. "No, I don't want us to steal Mrs. Guasch's car."

"Borrow it," Malron corrected. He ran quickly to the car. "Get in, Kieran."

They both got into the car and Malron realized he didn't have the keys. There was no time, so the demon touched his palm to the keyhole. The car started.

Malron looked at the gearshift, at the two pedals beneath his feet.

"Okay, let's try this," Malron muttered.

"Can you drive, Lord?" Kieran asked.

"Well, lucky you. This is my first time."

The demon shifted into R and stepped on the gas. The car reversed and slammed into the garage door.

"Lord!" Kieran yelled.

"Relax!" Malron snapped.

Malron's hand quickly shifted to D and pressed the pedal. The car began to move.

"Tell me the way out of this city, towards Pennsylvania," Malron ordered.

"I don't know," Kieran shook his head quickly.

"You've never been out of the city?"

"I've never been to Pennsylvania."

"Show me the way out of Albuquerque!" Malron demanded impatiently.

"Just head east."

The car weaved through the streets, almost through the bustling downtown area. The events at the chapel had caused quite a stir and chaos. 

Quickly, Malron looked for an alternate route to the left, afraid of getting stuck in traffic. They moved away from the scene and continued east.

Eventually they reached a quieter, wider road. Malron had reached the state highway and would soon be leaving Albuquerque behind.

Suddenly, a bright light shot toward them, causing Malron to blink. He quickly stopped the car. Seraphine was standing on the hood.

"What's happening?" Kieran asked, seemingly unable to see.

"Wait here," Malron said, grabbing a plastic bag from Kieran's lap and taking Mrs. Guasch's phone out of it. "I need to make a call."

Malron hurried out of the car, pretending to press the screen and holding the phone to his ear.

"What are you doing, Malron?" Seraphine asked.

Malron replied, "Why are you blocking my way?"

Seraphine pointed to the phone at Malron's ear. "Have you lost your mind? I need to talk to you and you want to talk on the phone?"

"The boy in the car can't see you. Do you think it's normal for me to speak by myself?"

Seraphine stared at Malron without blinking.

"What do you want, Seraphine? I have to leave here," Malron said.

"My companions have been destroyed."

"They will return to your world, won't they?"

"Yes, that's true... but is there a creature in this world that can destroy angels? That's highly unusual, Malron!" Seraphine suddenly drew her spear, the tip almost touching Malron's forehead. "Tell me, what are you up to? I won't let you, demon."

"I don't know, Seraphine."

"You are one of the 13 strongest demons in your world, how can you not know about the cunning plans of your fellow demons?"

"Well, we demons don't like to share important information."

Without hesitation, Seraphine thrust the spear at Malron's forehead, but suddenly there was a barrier that caused the angel's spear to bounce off. Both Malron and Seraphine were startled.

"What was that?" Seraphine exclaimed.

The phone slipped out of Malron's hand as he did not expect Seraphine's attack to be blocked.

"Do you have any goodness in you, Malron?" Seraphine asked incredulously.