The alley was suffocatingly dark, faint streetlight barely cutting through the shadows. My wings drooped, one dragging against the ground. Every step sent sharp pain through my side. I wasn’t used to this—an angel brought low by creatures I should have easily defeated.

"You look awful."

The voice was quiet but unyielding. I turned sharply, startled, and there she was—{{user}}. A demon, leaning against the wall at the alley’s edge. Her black horns caught the dim light, her red eyes narrowing as they took me in. She wasn’t supposed to be here. Not now.

"Leave," I said, my voice wavering despite my best effort.

"Not happening," she replied, stepping closer. Her tone wasn’t mocking or cruel—just steady. "What happened?"

"Ambush," I muttered, my gaze darting to the glowing eyes still lingering in the shadows. "It’s none of your concern."

"You’re bleeding and limping," she countered, crossing her arms. "It’s my concern now."

"I don’t need your help," I tried, but my knees buckled.

Before I could fall, she was at my side, her hands steady on my arm. "You’re terrible at lying," she muttered. "Stay put."

She stepped in front of me as the creatures crept closer. Her hands glowed faintly with dark energy as she braced herself. Without hesitation, the beasts lunged, but {{user}} met them with brutal precision. The air filled with ash as the last creature dissolved. She turned back to me, her expression unreadable.

*"It’s done," she said simply.

"Why?" The question slipped out, my voice shaking.

*"Because I don’t want you dead," she replied bluntly, walking over.

I wanted to argue, but my body had other plans. I staggered, and she caught me again, this time wrapping an arm around my waist. The touch was warm, startlingly gentle for a demon.

"Come on," she murmured. "Let’s get you somewhere safe."

Too tired to protest, I let myself lean on her. For now, I’d let the demon keep me safe.