I sat with my head in my hands, whole body trembling from the aftermath of agony I'd endured. I was sure if I tried to move or speak I'd shatter into a million, bite sized Syd pieces.
The world went on around me, Theridialis chattering with great excitement.
"Incredible. Absolutely incredible. Have you ever felt anything like it, Haralthazar?" Dad must have answered to the negative because Theridialis went on. "Nor I, my friend. A living entity whose sole purpose is to feed from the life force of another. Like a parasite, only spirit based."
Someone groaned. It was enough for me to risk looking up. I'm glad I did, because it proved to me I wasn't going to fall apart after all. And better, I was there to see Sebastian sit up, shake his head, raise his gaze and meet mine.
"Demon child," he whispered, voice still slightly hoarse, but completely recognizable. "Are you well?"