Deiora's smile widened as he raised a massive hand, gesturing for his soldiers to fall back.
"Withdraw. I don't want to accidentally kill you."
The demon soldiers withdrew instantly, their disciplined ranks melting away as they gave Deiora a wide berth. Their weapons stayed raised, but their attention was fixed entirely on their commander—some in awe, others in palpable relief.
Celine tried to rise, her body trembling from her wounds.
"Let me assist—"
Deiora cut her off without looking back.
"You're hurt, and I'd rather not have to worry about you while I fight."
Celine's fists clenched at her sides. She shot a glare at Lilith, then at Isolde, but she didn't argue further. She stepped back, her blade lowering as she watched her superior take the lead.
