Silent glances pass between us. I know we’re all wondering the same thing: is it linked to Netherworld? But severed limbs aren’t really a demon’s signature move.
“Yesterday, I finally got a location,” Vanessa continues, her voice low. “But the moment I stepped into that forest, something felt… wrong. The air was thick, pressing down on me, trying to squeeze the breath from my lungs. The ground trembled under my feet, and then I heard them. Deep, guttural growls, circling me, hunting me.” She pauses, jaw tight. “Instinct took over. I struck. The first one turned to dust.”
Her eyes darken.
“But that was the only easy kill. After that, they didn’t even flinch. The monsters just kept coming...” She lets out a bitter laugh. “I underestimated the amount of energy I needed. That’s probably when you found me, I must’ve passed out from the effort.”
Wyll’s voice softens. “You took down a norous without any training or exorcism gear and then kept off a whole horde? That’s pretty damn impressive Sunny.” His words seem to spark some light back into Van’s eyes. For a moment, his hand rests on her forearm before pulling away as the playful edge fades, and he continues with the interrogation. The pain of resisting the potion twists Vanessa’s face with every question. After another hour of relentless grilling, Wyll stands abruptly.
“Alright, we’re done here.”
Kai steps forward with purpose, but Caleb’s hand shoots out, stopping him. They exchange a silent stare before Kai slumps against the wall, arms crossed, jaw clenched tight. His icy blue eyes bore into mine, and I can’t stop the slow roll of mine.
“About fucking time. I need a smoke.” Vanessa’s voice is rough, sharp, sweat dripping down her forehead as Wyll helps her out of the chair. Bringing them chest to chest, he smiles darkly.
“Now you’re talking.”
Arriving at the Institute,we’re greeted by Isolde Sinclair. Looking at her now, the resemblance hits me. Those sharp eyes, the stubborn pout of her mouth. Great, almost everyone I’m supposed to trust is tied to those hunting valkyries.Isolde doesn’t even spare a glance for her son as he passes by. Caleb steps beside me, fists clenched tight, and together we face the council.
I hate this room.
In line, we salute. Vanessa follows a beat behind, her posture smooth but not as razor-sharp as ours. Good thing Nalaka gave her a heads-up.
“Well, looks like picking up strays is becoming a habit of yours, Corporal Brackwell,” the General says, voice cold and dismissive. “Care to explain why I didn’t receive a report after your last assignment, which wrapped up eight hours ago?” Sounding like he couldn’t care less that his son just faced a horde of demons. The only sign of life was Kai’s confirmation after completing the mission.
“Upon arrival, the terrain was surrounded by norous. We successfully extracted the victim. The Bloodhowl Unit assessed her for hostile intent and found none. We believe she would be a valuable asset to the Institute, General,” Kai reports, no flicker of emotion, just the precision of a trained soldier. And it fractures my heart.
“Mmmm. And what brought you to that conclusion, Corporal?” the General presses, eyes searching for any crack.
“She’s alive. No major wounds. This is proof of durability. And as an Air Witch, she has earned the right to choose whether to stay or not, General.” Randall Brackwell isn’t stupid; he knows that tolerating insolence is showing weakness, and he’ll never allow that.
“Well done, Corporal. To add candidates to the Institute and support the mission’s success, I’m promoting you to the rank of Sergeant. Nalaka, you’ll be second-in-command of the Bloodhowl Unit,” she salutes sharply. The General’s eyes scan the room before settling on me. “The rest remain on the team, except for the new cadets.”
“With all due respect, General, we need at least seven members for full operational capacity. Given our success in the last two missions, keeping the squad intact will increase ourodds,” Caleb interrupts, voice flat and condescending, stating the obvious.
The room falls silent. The General’s mouth thins. And I catch the sly smile Isolde shoots her son, the only sign that maybe she’s proud, and maybe we have more allies than I suspected.
“Fine. Cadet Rey will join the squad, but—” The General turns to my best friend, waiting. She meets his gaze with daggers.
“Hawthorne. Vanessa Hawthorne.” She says her name as if it tasted of ash, which may be the closest comparison to the truth.
“Mmm. Never heard of... Cadet Thorne will have to prove herself in basic training before gaining any position in the Legion. After she demonstrates discipline and capability, I will reevaluate the situation. Until then, she may participate only in on-campus missions. Off-campus activities are strictly prohibited. Clear?”
We all respond in unison, “Yes, General.”
Except Van, she crosses her arms, defiant, her expression unreadable. “It’sHawthorne.”
The General ignores her; instead, he declares, voice sharp as broken glass. “Also, since your Sergeant failed to file a report on time. You cleared an entire horde but couldn’t manage a simple report—” Kai’s jaw tightens; his nostrils flaring, and I’m right there with him, matching that same furious glare. “You’ll all be on night duty during the Grianstad Eve Ball. The rest of the directives will come through your Sergeant when the time comes. You’re all dismissed.” At that, the General leans back in his chair, satisfied.
45
Avilyna
THE SMARTER CHOICE
Vanessa needsan official diagnosis to be admitted to the Institute, paperwork, procedures, and all that. Whatever people who like to follow rules say. So after the meeting with the powerful elite in this corner of the world, the boys head off to their classes, and the rest of us follow Sakura.
As we walk, it suddenly strikes me. Our little medic did me a huge favour by hiding what I truly am, listing me as a potential witch rather than exposing everything. Sometimes survival means knowing which truths to keep close, and this time I got lucky.
