Eight got up, sneakers squeaking on the marble floor as he strode to the exit, shaking his head and muttering to himself about how the whole party was a waste of time.
But lightning bolts still arced from Two’s outstretched hands.
If Zizi had to fight an old woman, he would.
One stood then, rising to their full height. “I suppose now is a good time to inform you that he knows his origin. If he is able draw on hisfullpowers, not even we can restrain him.”
Six started hiccupping in surprise, while Five swayed as if she was about to faint.
“You told him?” Seven said to the First King, looking impressed.
Three wagged a finger at Nine. “I win the bet. Told you he’d find out one day.”
“You werebettingon me?” Zizi wasn’t sure if he should be offended.
“Let him go, Sister,” One told the Second King. “He might be our only hope for things to return to a state of balance.”
“If he leaves, we may not be able to save him,” Two said, a quiver in her voice. “That mortal body has a ticking clock.”
Zizi’s confusion grew. He’d always thought that the Second King hated him for some unknown reason. Had he misunderstood her intentions?
“The Divine works in mysterious ways,” One said softly, resting gentle hands on Two’s hunched shoulders. “You cannot save someone who does not want to be saved.”
“Go, then,” Two said. Her lightning vanished. “Meet your fate, whatever it might be.”
Zizi extinguished his own flames. “Thank you,” he said, though he wasn’t quite sure why. Then, with a wink, he added, “And don’t worry, I’ll save myself.”
38
Ash
The cold breeze ruffled Ash’s hair, sending a shiver over his body as he crouched in the overgrown grass. Tension coiled in his muscles. More victims of the Revenants—both Hybrid and original—had been discovered during his last few missions. One would think he’d be used to it by now, but being around so much death was beginning to affect him.
The old school compound looked innocent enough. Weeds sprouted from the cracks on the running track and the paint on the small cluster of buildings was well-worn. The population in this area outside the city had dwindled in recent years; with the lack of amenities, families had moved out too, and the school shut down a while ago.
It was high noon. The Revenants would be hiding in their nests, and even if thiswasone of the Hybrid hideouts, they wouldn’t be at their full strength. Ash’s intel implied the place had been abandoned, and the mission was to clear the area for the forensics unit waiting a couple miles away.
The combat team Ash had brought was small and nimble: two Exorcists—Surin and himself—and one cadet, Jonathan, who’d been eager to get more field experience. They had swept the smaller buildings and found little of interest. The last stop was the gymnasium and assembly hall.
Silently, Ash rose to his feet and signaled with his hands. The team emerged from their holding positions, dispersing according to his instructions. He and Jonathan flanked the sides of the dilapidated building, while Surin entered from the front with weapons drawn.
Minutes later, Ash heard her voice in his comms earpiece. “All clear in the assembly hall, but my sensor’s detecting traces of leftover spiritual energy. Both yinqi and yangqi.”
“Copy that.”
Ash entered from the back of the building, checking the corridors before heading to the assembly hall where Surin and Jonathan were gathered.
The place smelled of stale sweat and blood, the walls scuffed and the wood on the floor scratched up. There were some suspicious markings that indicated a fight—or fights—had taken place.
“What do you think?” Surin asked. She looked troubled too.
“I’m not sure,” Ash replied, sliding his pistols back into their holsters. “The energy in the air feels familiar, but I can’t place it. We should take another look around.”
“I didn’t spot anything, but I’ll do another sweep of the locker rooms in case I missed something,” Jonathan offered immediately. He ran off before either Captain could respond.
Ash couldn’t help but smile at the cadet’s enthusiasm. The next generation of Exorcists were a talented, dependable lot. “What is it?” he called out, noticing that Surin was staring at the rafters.
“I’m not sure. Probably just the light.” She sneezed multiple times in quick succession. “Ugh, dust allergy—thanks.” She walked to the edge of the stage and took the tissue he offered, blowing her nose into it. “By the way, I followed up on that lead about the mole. We can strike Lieutenant Hong off the list; it’s not him.”
