“With the way my day’s been going?” Faira muttered. “There could be an entire clan of man-eating somethings who do.”
 
Faira inhaled and stepped back as Adrian gently pushed the blade aside, her eyes locking with his. The sincerity and lack of animosity she found there made her tight grip on the weapon’s hilt loosen slightly as she lowered it. She tensed, her gaze leaving his only to glance to her other hand as he took it and placed it to his chest where the gentle, steady beat of his heart pulsated beneath her palm, proving his life.

Her eyes widened in panic as he offered to let the demon rule him instead.

“N-no!” she said quickly, removing her hand just in case he decided to change anyway. “Think I’d rather deal with another hoard of zombies.” Pulling her gaze almost reluctantly from his, she turned, glancing around as if expecting her words to conjure just that. “Metaphorically speaking!” she added hastily.