My Substitute CEO Bride (Nash Calicraft) novel Chapter 2013

"Yes, truly. But I can only keep his body and soul from disappearing. After that, his fate is left to chance."

"T-That works. That's enough!" Shane said anxiously.

"Wait, what are you going to do?" Simon asked, his breath heavy.

"Possession."

Both brothers were frozen upon hearing this.

"Don't think of it as cruel. It's not a simple possession," Ruin explained. "While his body is preserved, I can attempt to awaken his soul using my powers. There's a chance he might come back to life. This is the solution I'm offering, the only one I can think of.

"Our trade will continue, and I will grant you the power you desire in exchange for your souls. You can keep asking for power from me while the trade is in effect, but in return, you must comply with any demands I make.

"Your emotions will influence the extent of power you receive and the price you pay. If you agree…" Ruin conjured a parchment-like object with dark energy. "...place your handprints here."

The Woodrow brothers pressed their hands onto the parchment.

After that, Shane transformed into a young man, Simon became a hunched old man, and Salem became the present-day Zaafea. Determined to seek revenge, they used their newfound abilities and power to establish the Unyielding Truth.

...

"Do you understand now?" Zaafea said to Clint beside him. "The reason I can even exist here is entirely due to the Woodrow brothers' obsession. In other words, my existence, Salem's existence, goes against the natural order.

"If I continue to interfere with the world's intended destiny, I might not be able to protect the boy inside my body."

Clint wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. "I get it, but did you really have to just stand there and watch while I was blasted away? You jerk! You could've at least caught me!"