SALEM
SONG: START A WAR BY KLERGY, VALERIE BROUSSARD
Isqueal as I rush to throw my arms around my sister. She matches my energy, the relief radiating off us is palpable.
“You’re here!” I sigh. “Fill me in on what I missed.”
We head over to the breakfast table and pile our plates with waffles pouring on copious amounts of syrup. While the boys shuffle in behind us being rowdy, which we ignore.
“So, what do you think is going to happen?” Skye asks fork loaded with cut up fluffy waffles before shoveling them into her mouth. It’s good to see her appetite back.
“I don’t know, but I think they have an army.”
Her mouth pinches together. “Well, at least Hades was able to exercise all those rogue souls up at Kildale. He said everything is back to normal there now that he’s locked them back up.”
“So, what’s the deal with them? They’re indebted to Chaos or something?”
“Yeah, I guess they’re his loyal followers. Cultish and unhinged. Wanting to be free to roam around the earth. They’re locked back up in whatever torture chamber they belong in.”
A shudder runs down my spine, remembering what we’d seen on our way to retrieve the box. I skim over the gruesome parts when I divulge our trip to my sister. Partly because I’m not ready to relive it, but also because I want to spare her the details.
“Oh good. Everyone is awake.” Hades says entering the room with an entourage following in his wake. “I’ve been up most of the night planning with my General and coming up with a plan. It’s looking like they’re intent on attacking us within the next week. We’ve called in reinforcements, and I’ve decided that all of you are going to train in preparation.”
“Train?” Walker asks, sausage paused halfway to his mouth.
“After your breakfast you’ll head down to the training yard to learn with the other trainees.” We look around at each other, processing this new information. “Unless you want to be cut down by a trained army?” He raises his eyebrows, the most emotion I’ve seen him display since I’ve been here.
“No, we’ll train.” I say, putting my fork down and sitting back in my chair.
He nods and joins us at the table, digging into his food like we weren’t just discussing the imminent threat of war.
* * *
Metal swords clang togetheras we’re instructed how to wield our weapons. We’re lined up in rows of demons and humans who have no prior battle experience. Our instructor, Baz, has spent the morning recounting his many battle accomplishments while handing out our weapons. We’ve been given two daggers, a shield, and a long sword to get used to the weight of carrying them around.
“We don’t practice with wooden ones first?” Emmet asks as he stands awkwardly with his sword in his hands.
“The enemy will be using real weapons. Best to practice with what you’ll be up against. Unless you think you’ll be facing a vampire army? Wood would be effective then.” Baz answers with a tilt of his head.
“You’ll have to excuse, Baz. He’s older than dirt.” A small golden demon next to us says with a grin.
We run through a series of stances. Offensive and defensive. My shoulders shake from the repetition. My legs are sore from the number of squats I’ve done today. But I know it’s needed. I have to be ready for when they attack. I won’t be left defenseless.
“After this, we’ll get you fitted for your armor.” Baz says coming over to adjust my stance. “Feet wider, please. Too close together and I can topple you like a stack of cards.” I widen my legs and he nods his approval before moving down the line.
“So, what do you think?” I say, turning in the slender metal that encases my body. I’m surprised with how easily I’m able to move, although the pressure from the chainmail weighs on me.
“You look likeXena: Warrior Princess, but hotter.” Walker says adjusting his belt around his armor. My mouth drops open at the sight.
“Holy fuck. We are taking this outfit to go.” I say, splaying my hands on his chest. He grabs me by my hips and tilts me down and kisses me soundly. He whirls me around, spinning me out like we’re dancing and then twirls me back in. I laugh as he buries his head in my neck.
“Do you think we’ll ever get back to Kildale?” I ask as he rocks me back and forth. Thoughts of Javelynn and our friends back at school fill my mind.
“I don’t know, but I hope so.” He answers.
“I hope so too.” I say.
CHAPTER55
