“Pure coincidence,” I snapped. “I gain nothing from supporting a war between Aetherion and the Ashen Corps.”
“You don’t call them ungifted,” he noted, tilting his head. “At least not with a clear conscience.”
“They’re humans just like us. I don’t call any of you monsters, or accuse all of you because a few stepped over a line and brought demons into our world. We are all human,” I said, taking a firm step forward, meeting his intense gaze head on. “The real threat is out there, waiting for us to tear each other apart, so it makes their job easier.”
“Guards,” Michlael shouted. “Prepare a group of the strongest wielders to accompany me and the fire mage.”
“Where are we going?” I asked, confused.
“We’re hunting down the group who attacked us,” he informed. “I will hold them accountable for the damage, and you’ll getonechance to convince them to stop the attacks.”
My pulse quickened, he was giving me a chance? He was trying to see things my way, despite the odds and everything occurring here since we arrived. He chose to give me a chance, believing in my words. It felt surreal and I almost felt like hugging him for it.
“Should I bring Nicron?” the guard asked. “Or should I tell him to watch over the village in your absence?”
Michlael shifted, almost conflicted, as if not knowing. I could see that it was a hard decision; gambling to leave the village if another attack occurred, or bringing his strongest mages in order to make sure we were safe in our hunt.
“Bring Nicron,” he sighed eventually. “We can’t afford to lose this chance. Tell Amestele to lead in my stead.”
The guard bowed his head, before running off to deliver his orders.
“Pack only the bare minimum, if everything goes as planned, we’ll be back soon enough,” Michlael said to us.
“Ashley and Nate, go pick up our stuff,” Malakai ordered without turning around. They didn’t question, as they sprinted off, almost racing each other to it. I guess he knew what he was doing when he picked those two for it.
“You think… Lionel and Eve were a part of that group?” Mey whispered.
“I don’t know,” I admitted, pressing my lips together. “But how would they have communicated with a new group? We haven’t seen anyone else during our travels.”
“We won’t know until we confront them,” Malakai said, shutting the conversation down.
“I know but… Lionel would nev—”
“Perhaps you should consider that he is as capable of withholding things from you, as you were from him, kitten,” Malakai cut off.
His words hit hard and I averted my eyes from him, feeling bitter about it. Was it jealousy? That I was defending Lionel and he got mad about it? Or was it his odd way of trying to open up my mind to things I’ve tried to block out my entire life?
“Let’s head out,” I muttered, my resolve breaking for a heartbeat.
CHAPTER
34
It took some time to prepare everything, but we were soon setting off to hunt for the invaders.
There were a lot of faces I had never seen before with us, too many to greet at once. Nicron had merely smirked as he passed me while we traveled. Had Michlael told him about Malakai and my failure in the trial?
“I’m not sure if I feel safer or more concerned with all these Aetherions around us,” Nate murmured, trying to keep his voice low. “I mean, no one would dare attack us, but what if a demon just teleported out of one of them?”
“Because demons clearly teleport,” Ashley snorted, rolling her eyes. “I bet something big must happen before they resort to asking a demon for help, right? It’s not like they pick them up like a lost puppy by the sidewalk.”
“Well… when you put it like that,” Nate muttered awkwardly.
“I’ll be sure to warn you when a demon seems friendlier than you, brother,” Mey teased with a devilish smile on her lips.
“Right, so much safer,” Nate mumbled, shivering.
I glanced over at Malakai walking a few paces ahead, he seemed unfazed, shoulders loose, carefree. If he wasbothered, he didn’t let it show in the slightest. Did he ever take it personally, considering that he was at least part demon, or was he rejecting that part completely and siding with us in those moments?
