“Or druids are choosing to ascend,” Lucifer said, his expression darkening. “But ascending doesn't take days, it takes months or sometimes longer. And that's if they’re strong enough to accept the transition in the first place. Which is why it’s likely we’re going to see more Lessers, weaker versions used as disposable soldiers.”
“We haven’t fought a Lesser in years,” Riley said.
“Because like you said, you probably killed them all.” Frustration made Lucifer’s voice sharp. “These pricks are something I haven’t really sensed before, but they have the marker of a Lesser. They can't truly ascend into power, only druids have the physiology that could survive the ritual. But to create a Lesser takes a few days at most, and usually the only rules are the Breed has to be magic based.”
“Why do you say usually?” Xander asked.
“Because while I sensed they were Lessers, I couldn’t taste their chis.”
“You think they’re human?”
“Sounds like they’re forcing corrupt magic onto those that can’t support the power,” Jax whispered. “What were we saying about soulless bastards?”
Lucifer turned towards him with a snarl. “Fuck you. You're all obsessed with my Breed only being about death and depravity.” Lucifer’s hands vibrated when he pulled them back, forcing him to clench them into tight fists. “You have no idea what every single one of us went through to make the decision to ascend, if we even had a choice at all.” The energy in the room shifted, and Lucifer disappeared with a burst.
Tension strung taut between them, but it was Titus who was the first to break it. “I’ll go calm him down.”
Axel watched, fighting the urge to reach out until his cousin closed the door behind him.
Riley shot a pointed look at Jax.
“Fine,” he growled with a scowl, quickly following Titus out the door.
Riley waited, turning to the remaining Guardians. “If what Lucifer is saying is correct, then we now know what the Daemons who’ve settled in the city have been doing this past year.”
“It makes sense if you think about it,” Sythe said. “The Undercity controls everything. Creating a faction to rival the Lords is a smart move.”
“Hmmm. Until we find out more about the Undead, I’ve offered Sam protection here.”
“We need to figure out the connection with his father,” Xander added. “Do we really believe Sam being attacked was a coincidence? He’s too close to us.”
“I’ll prioritise information,” Sythe said. “Find out what I can regarding the Undead, and anything I can find on the Daemon, or Daemons running it.”
Riley nodded, looking tired. “We’re already stretched thin with the increased activity, so I’m going to speak to Councilman Edwards.”
Sythe snorted. “Yeah, like that prick will help us. He hides at the abbey amongst his books and grimoires.”
“It’s worth a try, even if he refuses to provide us with support, I may be able to find out what he knows, if anything,” Riley said. “But until then we’ll stay in pairs. No hunting alone.” The last sentence was aimed at Axel.
“I wasn’t out hunting alone,” Axel said, his voice edged with irritation. “I was –”
“That’s enough,” Riley interrupted, his eyes glacial. “No more excuses.”
“No, I get to defend myself.” Axel moved forward, only to be stopped by Xander. “Get off me, brother,” he warned, the air charged.
“I’m sensing a little hostility here, Pretty Boy,” Sythe said, slowly standing. “You want to calm your fucking attitude down?”
Axel concealed the increasing anger, jaw rigid as blood pounded in his ears. For once there was no dissonance, no whispers to conceal his beast’s angry snarl, violent in the pressure against the front of his mind. If he didn’t calm down, he was going to shift, and then he was really fucked.
“You need to step out?” Xander said, his cold gaze assessing.
“Go get some air,” Riley said in a clipped tone, realising how close Axel was to the edge. “Now.”
Axel pushed against Xander’s chest, his brother growling at the contact as he quickly made his way out of the room and down the corridor. Sythe knocked against his mental shield, but Axel ignored it as he stepped outside, the night swathing him in welcoming shadows.
Chest heavy, he crouched, dropping his head to suck in deep gulps of air.
I can’t do this,he thought, scratching his nails down the inside of his arms, hard enough it left deep, red lines.I can’t do this. I can’t do this. I. Can’t. Do…
