Chapter 19
Sonny crawls across the shattered concrete, breath thin and uneven. Draco’s ether fades out of his body like a tide pulling back. The air in the warehouse is still bright with afterglow, but Sonny’s strength drains fast.
He forces himself up anyway and staggers toward what remains of Seven. Seven is no longer a person. She is a ruined shape on the floor, broken beyond recognition.
Sonny kneels beside her and presses both hands to the ground. Ether pulses outward. The concrete trembles. Dirt and stone peel open like a mouth, and the remains sink into the earth until nothing is left. The ground smooths over again, quiet and ordinary, like the warehouse never holds a murder.
Sonny turns toward Ellie.
Ellie sits on the floor with Sonny’s cloak wrapped around her shoulders to cover her broken body. She is shaking so hard her teeth click. Her eyes are wide, fixed on him, on the blood, on the destruction.
When he takes a step closer, she flinches. "Are you Sonny," she whimpers, "or that demon?"
Sonny stops and lowers his hands so she can see them. "I am Sonny.” Ellie swallows, still staring at his face like she expects it to change again.
She reaches up with a hand and grabs his face, like she is inspecting him.
Sonny kneels in front of her. "Lay down. Let me fix you."
Ellie’s voice cracks. "We need to leave."
"We will, but you can’t move in your state," Sonny says. "First I heal you."
She gingerly lays horizontal as pain shoots throughout her body. He places his hands gently along her ribs, careful not to press too hard.
Ether flows from his palms in thin threads, sinking into bruised flesh. Ellie gasps as the pain shifts, sharp at first, then dull, then easing.
Loose bandages slide down Sonny’s shoulder. The Ether Cast that makes him look normal flickers at the edges of his hands, and for a moment Ellie sees skin underneath that is disfigured and scarred. Sonny tightens his focus and the illusion holds, but the strain shows in his eyes.
"Stop," Ellie says, grabbing his wrist. "You’re running out."
Sonny shakes his head. "Not yet."
A tear slips down his cheek without warning. It lands on Ellie’s torso. Ellie freezes. "Are you… crying?"
Sonny’s voice breaks on the next words. "We need you ready for tomorrow’s match."
Ellie stares at him, stunned by the care hidden inside the sentence. Sonny keeps healing in short bursts. His goal is to get her back to 100%, disregarding his own consequences.
He stops when his breathing turns shallow and the bandages on his arms loosen further. He sits back on his heels, shoulders trembling.
"I’m sorry," Sonny says, full of regret. "I’m sorry I let this happen. I’m sorry you got hurt. I’m sorry you saw what is inside me. I never should have involved you.” He keeps apologizing, like the words are all he has left. "How could I let this happen to the person I love," he whispers, "to the person I’m supposed to protect"
Ellie’s breath catches and gaze widens. "What did you just say?"
Sonny looks at her, eyes red, face exhausted. "I love you." He does not fully understand what those three words truly mean, but he utters them anyway.
Ellie stares at him for half a heartbeat, then closes the distance and kisses him. Sonny goes still, shocked. Then he kisses her back, careful and trembling. Ellie pulls away just enough to speak. "I love you too."
The warehouse feels quieter than before. Not safe. Never safe. But quieter.
Ellie wipes her face and forces herself upright, nearly back to full health. "We need to go."
Sonny gives a short nod and tries to stand. His legs wobble. Ellie steps under his arm and lifts him, taking his weight onto her shoulder. "Don’t argue."
Sonny manages a faint breath that might be a laugh. "Okay."
They leave the warehouse as fast as they can together. A while later, police arrive, drawn by the light that flashes across the sky. They find an empty building with a gaping hole in the ceiling, but nothing else. No bodies. No suspects. No traces of magic. Only a damaged building and the smell of burned air.
Sonny and Ellie slip back toward the dorms, using side streets and dark alleys. Curfew is long past, and no visitors are allowed in opposite dorms.
Ellie guides him to his window and helps him climb in. Inside, Sonny collapses onto the bed. His bandages loose and his entire arms are riddled with scars and disfiguration due to the lack of reserves to use his Ether Cast.
Ellie stands there for a second, torn between leaving and staying.
"You should sleep," Sonny says, voice weak. "Your match."
Ellie shakes her head. "I’m staying."
Sonny points weakly at the second bed Bull uses. "There’s another bed."
"Shut up," Ellie says, cheeks warm even now. "My body heat will help you heal. That’s my excuse, even if it's a bad one."
Ellie slides into the small bed beside him, still wearing the cloak. She keeps one hand on his arm as if touching him is proof he is real.
Within minutes, exhaustion takes them both. The night finally goes quiet.
Morning comes too fast. Ellie wakes up in Sonny’s dorm room, still wearing Sonny’s cloak. For a second she forgets where she is. Then her ribs ache when she inhales, and last night crashes back into her mind.
Sonny is still in the bed, unmoving except for the faint rise and fall of his chest. He looks like he barely survives the night.
Ellie swallows hard. “I have a match,” she whispers to herself.
She slides out of bed carefully, keeps her steps quiet, throws on some of Sonny’s spare clothes, and heads for the window. She climbs out the way she comes in, drops to the ground, and starts moving back toward her dorm.
As she arrives at her dorm, Ellie checks the familiar mark on her foot. It’s still there. Sonny is still alive. That should make her feel better, but it doesn’t.
She thinks about what Sonny told her, weeks ago. Draco’s ether is too much. Full output would kill him. She doesn’t know how far he pushed last night. She forces herself to focus on her match.
On her way to the arena, she runs into Asher. He’s dressed like he belongs on a poster, hair neat, confidence loud. He lifts a hand like they’re old friends.
“Ellie,” he says. “Big day. Good luck.”
“Thanks,” Ellie replies.
Asher studies her face for half a second. “You look like you’re about to throw up. Nervous?”
Ellie forces a small laugh. “Yeah. Nerves.” It’s a lie. Her nerves are not about her opponent. They are about Sonny’s health. Whether he can even stand.
Asher walks beside her like he owns the hallway. “I can’t wait to fight Sonny tomorrow,” he says. “Who do you think wins?”
Ellie’s mouth goes dry. “I don’t know,” she says. It’s the first time she says it out loud. The first time she truly means it because of Sonny’s condition.
Asher grins like he enjoys that answer. Then he leans closer, lowering his voice. “Did you hear about the beam of light last night? It’s all over the news this morning. Everyone’s talking about it.”
Ellie keeps her expression steady. “I haven’t. What beam?”
Asher shrugs. “No one knows what it was. Authorities say it wasn’t magic related, because someone would have sensed something that big. There are rumors though.” He holds up two fingers. “One, it’s a secret non magic weapon test by the Bronze Corps. Two, it’s an unknown person with some serious power. Some guilds are already trying to figure out who did it so they can recruit them.”
Ellie’s stomach twists. “You think it’s related to the tournament?” she asks, like she’s curious instead of terrified.
“It happened relatively close by.” Asher shakes his head. “But officials have already denied that. They’re pretending it’s not their problem.”
Ellie nods once. “I hope they figure it out.” She forces her voice to be lighter. “I need to go prepare.”
Asher lifts his hands. “Fair. Go win. Don’t embarrass me by losing before I get to tease you about it.” Ellie walks away without answering.
Ellie fights her match. It’s close. She holds her ground. She adapts. She pushes. But she loses.
When it’s over, she stands in the contestant waiting room breathing hard, sweat cooling on her skin, and tries not to let disappointment swallow her whole. She was outmatched today.
She leaves the arena and decides she needs supplies for Sonny. Something for bruising. Something for swelling. Something for pain, even if he pretends pain does not exist.
As she exits the stadium, someone taps her shoulder. Ellie turns. Bull’s father stands there in a suit, composed and polite, like this is a business meeting and not a hallway full of exhausted fighters.
“Ellie Grimm,” he says. “Do you have a moment?” Ellie is shocked that Bull’s father, a business big shot and the man her family owes major debt to, would seek her out.
She nods like she doesn’t have a choice. “Oh, Mr. Bryant. Sure.”
They walk to a nearby café and sit at a small table by the window. Bull’s father waits until they have drinks before he speaks.
“First,” he says, “congratulations. Even with the loss, you’ve done very well these past couple months. Runner up at the AM tournament and a strong showing at intercollegiate. That matters.”
“Thank you,” Ellie says.
Then she gets to the point. “May I ask why you want to talk to me?”
Bull’s father nods like he expects that. “You know Guild Grimm has debt with my company.”
Ellie’s jaw sets. “Yes.”
“I’ve tried to discuss options with your father and your brother,” he continues. “They won’t hear me out. They see me as a bad partner or a threat. Like I am evil.”
Ellie stays quiet.
Bull’s father folds his hands. “I also know you and my son used to have problems. It seems like that’s improving.”
Ellie’s expression stays neutral. “It is.”
He exhales. “Bull has a problem of his own. He has great talent, but his attitude. It repels recruiters. I want him to apprentice with a guild after this school year, but it’s been difficult.”
Ellie watches him carefully now.
Bull’s father leans forward slightly. “I’ve been getting shut out by your father and brother so I will tell you my offer. Guild Grimm takes Bull as an apprentice over break. Also, my company gets to pilot equipment on your guild’s missions for three years. We collect data. We improve our gear. Your guild’s debt gets cut in half, and it becomes interest free.”
Ellie’s eyes pop out of her head. “That’s a big offer.”
“It is,” he agrees. “Research and development is very expensive. Field testing is slow. We have to pay guilds to test our new items and many guilds don’t want the risk pilot equipment could bring. If we partner with Guild Grimm, we can move faster. And your guild benefits immediately.”
Ellie breathes out, thinking. “I’ll bring it to my family after the tournament. Ultimately it’s their decision.”
Bull’s father nods. “Of course.”
He pauses, then adds, “Sorry to dump this on you today. I believe it’s good for both sides.” He slips her his business card.
Ellie nods once. “I understand.” They part ways.
Back at the dorm, Sonny wakes up slowly. He looks at the clock. He missed Ellie’s match. He sits up, body screaming at him in quiet ways, and closes his eyes.
Inside, he reaches for Draco. Draco answers immediately, like he’s been waiting. Sonny bows his head, even though no one can see it.
“Thank you.”
Draco laughs. “For what? Letting you borrow power you can’t handle?”
“You saved Ellie,” Sonny says. “You killed Seven and Five. You kept us alive.”
Draco’s amusement sharpens. “You still almost died. Twenty percent, and you folded.”
Sonny’s voice goes firmer. “I’m serious. Thank you. It means everything. We’re alive. We’re closer to ending the Omegas. I’m in your debt.”
Draco goes quiet. Then, softer, he says, “No one thanks me.”
Sonny doesn’t flinch. “I’m thanking you now.”
Draco exhales like he’s annoyed to feel anything. “Fine. You’re welcome. It was… fun, being free for a few minutes.” He pauses. “Consider doing that more often.”
Sonny’s brows knit unsure how to answer. Draco laughs. “Release me occasionally. Short bursts. You owe me that much.”
Sonny thinks for a moment. “I can work on it.”
Draco hums in satisfaction. “Good.”
About thirty minutes later, there’s a knock. Ellie opens the door without waiting for permission. Her arms are full of supplies. Medicine. Cold packs. Hot packs. Bandages. Little bottles she grabs in a panic.
Sonny looks up from the bed with his same sad, blank look. “How did your match go?”
Ellie’s mouth turns to a frown. “I lost.”
Sonny’s eyes soften slightly. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault,” Ellie says quickly. “I was outmatched. Even with a good nights rest, I would have lost.”
Sonny sits up, wincing. “I should have been there. I could have helped.”
Ellie’s frustration flares. “No. I need to learn. I can’t rely on you all the time.” The words come out sharper than she intends.
She takes a breath. “You won’t always be there.”
Sonny holds her gaze for a moment, then nods once. “That’s true.”
Ellie shifts gears before she starts crying. “Bull’s father talked to me.”
Sonny’s expression stays calm. “About what?”
Ellie explains the offer. The apprenticeship. The equipment pilot. The debt cut.
When she finishes, Sonny inclines his head. “It sounds mutually beneficial.”
“It does,” Ellie says. “I’ll talk to my family when we go home after the tournament for the last couple days of break.”
She sets the supplies down and starts playing doctor. She presses cold packs into Sonny’s arms and shoulders. She checks bruises. She tries to ignore how fragile he looks without his bandages fully tight. She notices that his arms are no longer scarred. His Ether Cast is back to normal, a good sign.
Sonny watches her hands. “I don’t need this.”
“Oh yes you do,” Ellie snaps.
Sonny gives up arguing. “Okay.”
Ellie works for a minute in silence, then admits quietly, “I didn’t realize Draco’s ether was that strong.”
“It’s overwhelming,” Sonny says. “Draco is one of the strongest demons to ever step on Earth. It took all of the Omegas of his time working together to kill him. Something they normally don’t do.”
Ellie’s fingers pause. “So… how much did you use?” Sonny doesn’t answer immediately. He knows what she’s asking. She’s trying to measure how close he is to dying.
He answers anyway. “Twenty percent.”
Ellie stops what she’s doing. Her eyes drop. “So you were not joking,” she whispers. “If you use it fully, you die.”
“Yes,” Sonny says.
Ellie’s voice shakes. “Promise me you’ll never use it again.”
Sonny’s expression doesn’t change, but his answer is immediate. “I can’t make that promise.”
Ellie starts crying, quiet at first, then harder. “You really are going to die for this,” she says. “To end them?”
Sonny nods once once. “Yes. It’s my mission.”
Ellie wipes her face with the back of her hand, furious and broken at the same time. “Why? Why throw away all the good you’ve found? Why can’t you just live in peace?”
Sonny’s voice stays calm, but there’s weight under it. “They will never stop hunting me. Not after Healer. Not after how I’ve decimated their numbers.” He continues, steady and blunt. “They have destroyed my life and the lives of all their targets for trophies. The Omegas could topple countries if they wanted. One organization should have that kind of power. Since they operate in the shadows, they don’t answer to anyone.”
Ellie stares at him through tears. “I can’t defeat One without Draco,” Sonny says. “I likely need Draco to defeat Two as well.”
Ellie’s mouth trembles knowing she won’t change his mind. Then she forces a small smile through the tears. “Then we make the most of the time you have,” she says. “Every day we get.”
Sonny looks at her, and his expression softens in a way it rarely does. “That sounds like a dream,” he says.
Ellie nods, still crying. “Then let’s live that dream.”
