Return From Damnation

TIME IS RUNNING OUT

Rowan , his body shaking from the exhausting battle with demons. Even though he had wicked shadow powers, the sheer number of devils gave him a tough time. But he played it smart, avoiding unnecessary bloodshed and hiding the guards under his shadow.

Just as Rowan was catching his breath, he perked up when Jean chimed in, trying to sound all impressed, "Wow, you've really stepped up your game since we last met." Rowan shot a determined look at Jean, his eyes squinting.

"Where's the artifact, old man?" Rowan asked urgently, his voice filled with impatience. He showed off his control over the shadow ropes binding Jean, making them squeeze him tight.

Jean's smirk grew wider as he teased, "Sorry, buddy, but your efforts are gonna be futile. That artifact is hidden in a place you will never reach."

Rowan's frustration grew, and his patience was running on empty. "Well then, I guess I have no choice but to put an end to your little adventure," he declared, his voice tinged with anger. Quick as lightning, he molded his shadows into a massive dragon shape, ready to unleash his shadow eater power.

The shadow dragon rose up, its mouth wide open, poised to devour Jean and give him a taste of pure agony. Rowan couldn't help but relish the thought of Jean suffering like he belonged in fiery inferno of hell. That guy was a real pain in the ass, and just killing him outright wouldn't cut it.

But right when Rowan was about to unleash the shadow dragon on Jean, he bit his lip, drawing blood. And, oh man, Jean had some crazy control because he turned that blood into a sharp needle.

"No way are you using the shadow eater on me," Jean snarled. He knew that if the shadow dragon got through him, it would eat out his shadow, leaving his body in constant burning, like though he was in hell. "You might have won this round, Invidiak, but the war ain't over yet." He added.

Rowan's heart sank as Jean drove the needle right into his own heart, ruining Rowan's plans and Invidiak's sweet revenge.

Shaking his head, frustration and resignation swirling in his mind, Rowan realized he was at a crossroads—totally lost and clueless about his next move to recover the artifact.

As Rowan gave Jean a disappointed and disgusted look, suddenly police sirens started wailing towards the mansion. Without wasting a second, Rowan hightailed it out of there and vanished into the shadows.

…

Rowan had tirelessly combed the world, day after day, desperately searching for any clues that could lead him to the whereabouts of the artifact. With every passing day, the realization that his time in the realm of the living was drawing to a close only fueled his frustration.

The words Jean had uttered resonated in his mind, haunting him. "The artifact is somewhere you will never reach." Rowan couldn't fathom the meaning behind those cryptic words, and it gnawed at his thoughts relentlessly.

As the days turned into weeks, Rowan's fatigue began to take its toll. Sleep became elusive, and when slumber finally claimed him, nightmares plagued his mind. Visions of his own torment in the depths of hell haunted his restless sleep, intensifying his sense of urgency.

On the thirtieth day, a heavy weight settled upon Rowan's shoulders. He knew his time was running out. Wary yet determined, he visited his home, observing his wife and son from a distance, careful not to reveal his presence. It was a bittersweet moment, his heart heavy with the knowledge that it might be the last time he laid eyes on his beloved family.

With a heavy heart, Rowan boarded a street train, his destination and his new residence since his resurrection. As he stood amidst the bustling crowd, he couldn't help but notice a little girl staring at him, her gaze filled with curiosity. Startled, Rowan realized he had forgotten to conceal his pale complexion with makeup.

"Stop, Thelma. It's impolite to stare or point at strangers," the girl's mother scolded gently, restraining her daughter from engaging with this weird figure.

Caught between panic and regret, Rowan cast his gaze toward them, only to witness everyone else in the train disappear, leaving them alone in an empty carriage. It was then that he heard a voice behind him, freezing him in place.

"Your time is up, Rowan. You have failed to restore the artifact to its rightful place," the voice declared. Turning around, Rowan found himself face to face with the being he had encountered in the underworld.

"Please, I beg for more time," Rowan pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. "I'll do whatever it takes to retrieve the artifact. Just grant me a little more time."

The being regarded him, recognizing the gravity of Rowan's request. "Time, a powerful notion indeed. Yet time seems to be a mischievous ally these days," it commented, its voice laced with a sense of both judgment and contemplation.

With a flick of his finger, he teleported Rowan from the train into the fires of hell itself. The pain from the fire made Rowan shout out loud. After a few seconds, Rowan was taken back to the train.

"One week is all you have," the being finally spoke, its voice resolute. "If you fail to deliver by then, your existence will cease, then you will spend the rest of your days in those flames."

Just as quickly as it had appeared, the being vanished, leaving Rowan alone in the empty train once more. Startled by the sudden return to reality, he heard a concerned voice calling out to him, jolting him from his momentary trance.

"Sir, are you okay?" a stranger asked, their voice laced with genuine worry.

Opening his eyes, Rowan found himself on the ground, sweating buckets. Hastily, he rose to his feet. Without a word, he swiftly exited the train, leaving the crowd wandering what just transpired. At one moment, they saw someone standing there, and the next, he collapsed on the ground and started shouting in pain.

….

Rowan had decided to venture into a nightclub, seeking to clear his head amidst the pulsing beats and vibrant atmosphere. As he looked around, he noticed a striking demon girl sitting alone, her eyes fixed on her drink. Fueled by intrigue, he approached her and asked, "Don't mind if I join you?" with a warm smile. The girl returned his smile and welcomed his company.

"Sure," she said.

"What can I offer you sir?" The bartender asked Rowan.

I'll have what she's having." Rowan said, pointing at the girl's cup.

…

….

When the drink was brought, Rowan took a sip, looking at the girl. So what is a beautiful girl like you doing all on your own?"

The girl smiled. " I don't know, waiting for a handsome man, I guess." She said.

" I see, you know what, today you are in luck because you have the guy right here." Rowan said.

As Rowan was chatting with the girl, a tall human guy with muscles, walked in with his goonies tailing behind him.

He approached the girl, held her hand roughly and said. " Where is my money, Nina?"

The girl looked hurt from the way the guy had grabbed her hand. " Hey, go easy on her, okay?" Rowan said to the guy.

He turned and looked at Rowan. "And who are you?" He asked.

" I am the guy who was sitting with her before you stepped in. " Rowan replied.

"Well, I am the guy who will be sitting with her from now on, so excuse me, leave my seat." The big guy said, boning.

Rowan stood up and looked the guy straight in the eyes. " Or what?" He asked.

At this moment Nina knew that there was surely gonna be a fight. She started shaking her head, trying to stop them. The big guy looked at her, then he looked at his goonies, then back at Rowan. He sent forward a punch, but before it landed, Rowan tackled him to the ground.

" You just messed with the wrong guy." Rowan said calmly but with determination.

The guy struggled to reach for his gun but Rowan took the gun out and crushed it with his bare hands. The big guy saw this and exclaimed. " Jeez! What are you?!"

Rowan scoffed." The guy who will make sure you never used this fingers to hurt any girl, ever again." Rowan broke four of the guy's fingers at once, then he left him screaming on the ground in pain.

His goonies took out their guns and shot at Rowan but their bullets did next to nothing. They raised their friend up from the ground. The big guy looked at Rowan. " You are a monster." He said before him and his goonies rushed out of the club.

Everyone who was watching was left shocked with what they just witnessed, however, they couldn't ask Rowan questions because they were terrified.

Concerned for the girl's well-being, Rowan turned his attention back to her, ensuring she was unharmed. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, genuine care lacing his words.

" Yes, I am fine, thank you." She replied, holding her sore arm.

" You're welcome," Rowan took back his seat.

" I must say you are the first sane demon I have encountered in a while." Rowan Commented. "

"Guess you have been in the wrong company." The girl replied.

Curiosity buzzing in the air, Rowan posed a question to Nina. "Do you have a proposition for me?" he inquired, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. Nina's smile widened, she emptied her cup and stood up, then she motioned him to follow her, leading him outside the club.

Together, they boarded a public bus, their destination unbeknownst to Rowan. Eagerly he asked, "Where are you taking me?" Nina simply replied, "Wait and see."

Nina led Rowan to another part of New York City. When they got there, Rowan understood why Nina had brought him there. Almost every single person there was a demon. Nina led Rowan to a bungalow, she took out her keys and unlocked the door.

" This is where I live. There are lots of sane demons around here like me. " She said, leading Rowan inside and shutting the door behind them.

" You have a nice place." Rowan Commented, looking around.

Just then, Nina stepped forward, leaned closer and kissed Rowan. They paused for a second. Rowan leaned in and kissed her back. Their lips met, igniting a passionate exchange. In a moment of mutual desire, they allowed themselves to succumb to the temptation of intimacy.

They both continued kissing as Rowan lifted her up and carried her to the chair. However, Nina stood up and led Rowan to the room and they ended up having a good time.