He releases her arm, looking at it with disgust. The tension is heavy, and I stay perfectly still.
Her eyes flicker with something, maybe grief. “Zarreth…” she whispers. “I—I didn’t think you’d ever come back. I—when they dragged you away, I—”
“I don’t care,” he says. “Leave.”
She pulls back like she’s been slapped. “I came to apologize for last night,” she tries. “It was a misunderstanding, is all.”
“You humiliated her. You crossed a line and you’re lucky I let you live.”
“How could you—”
“Leave before I change my mind.”
She stares at him, stunned, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. I look back at my book as she walks out, pretending I hadn’t been watching the whole time. I almost feel sorry for her…almost.
Zarreth’s attention shifts to me. His shoulders relax when he steps closer. “You alright?” he asks, his thumb brushing my cheekbone.
I tear off a piece of the bread he bought and pop it in my mouth. “I am, now.”
He blows out a breath and sits halfway on the table.
“I can’t believe you dated her.”
“Believe it or not, I wasn’t always this smart.” His eyes flick over me, checking for any distress, when that familiar heat settles in. “Are you jealous, little mate?”
I shoot him anas-iflook. “Of Big-boobs McGee? Never.”
He laughs. “Good.”
CHAPTER 16
Zarreth
Ituck my wings and dive straight down while throwing a massive ball of fire at a faraway target. Right before hitting the ground, I pull up and shoot back into the sky.
My gaze drifts toward the distant ridge, where the rift eats at the mountain. The black stone around it is cracked and flaking to ash, with a faint greenish-white glow seeping from it. Even from here, I can smell the rot wafting from it. The Dark Realm has always been harsh, but not like that. I push the thought aside. Not now.
Little voices hoot and holler while I spin in the air, cutting tight circles above them. A fire ring flares open, and I dive straight through it, landing beside the little horde. My boots barely touch the ground before they swarm me.
“How fast can you go?”
“Will you bring me flying?”
“Can you teach me how to throw fire?”
“Ah-ah, did you break formation, young soldiers?” I call out, my voice booming over their chatter, cutting through their excitement. “Where’syour discipline?” I ask, hiding the humor in my voice. I forgot how much I loved working with the young. “You gave me your word you would try your best if I demonstrated flying for you. One thing a soldier never does is break their word.”
As my little soldiers form two lines, I let my gaze flick to Frankie. She’s standing not far away with her own energetic group, excitement radiating off their little bodies. I’m happy she decided to join me after sitting in the library for hours. They love her.
She pulls a little demon aside. “You’re doing so well, but don’t forget to breathe.” She puts her hands over his and shows him how to properly hold the knife. “Watch as I demonstrate.” Her body is fluid and precise as she slips into position and throws the knife, hitting the mark dead center. The students, including mine, squeal in excitement.
“Did you see that?”
“Holy crap.”
I can’t stop the grin that spreads across my face when she turns to the student next to her. “You got this! Remember, you’re a lightning bolt! Quick and sharp!” She’s absolutely captivating, her laughter spreading as she makes each and every one of them feel invincible.
“Perfect formation,” I say, redirecting my attention to my own students. They puff out their chests, hands clasped behind their backs. I walk back and forth, inspecting each one as they stare straight ahead. I can hear their little hearts thrumming as they stand as still as possible. “The demon standing across from you is your partner. I want you all to spread out so you don’t hit one another as we practice the takedowns we went over earlier today.”
