He owed her everything.
“Malphas?”
He cursed as he recognized Itzal’s voice. Of course, his brother would be here. “Itzal.”
“It is you! Where have you been? I thought you were dead. We all did.”
“Not dead. Any chance I can talk you out of this attack?”
“What?”
Caleb grimaced at the carnage. The humans had been ill prepared for the demon horde. “Pull back. Why are you going after children? What’s the point?”
“They are the pets that our enemies favor. Azura wants them wiped from the planet.”
Of course, she did. She was petty and vicious that way.
“Itzal… pull back your forces.”
“What? Why?”
“Pull them back. Otherwise, we’ll be enemies.”
Itzal laughed. Until he realized Caleb was serious. “You’re on their side?”
“Looks like.” He unsheathed his sword. “I don’t want to hurt you, brother. Please don’t make me do something I’d rather not.”
“Don’t make me kill you, Malphas.”
“Then we’re at war.” He started toward Itzal who quickly flew away.
That changed nothing. Other than the fact that Caleb was about to fly into a mess.
The moment he joined the fray, the Sephirii attacked him.
Of course, they did. Once a demon, always a demon.
Unwilling to harm them, he took their blows as he tried to go after his brethren.
“Stop!”
He froze along with those around him as he heard Myone shout.
“Caleb is fighting forus. Do not harm him.”
Those words resonated in his ears as he realized exactly what he’d just done.
And that Myone had stood up for him. Vouched for him. Incredible. Honestly, he couldn’t believe it. Only Lil had ever done that for him.
Then, Caleb’s gaze went to the red-headed young warrior next to her.
Jared. He could feel the pull of Xev’s power inside the boy’s heart. Lean, yet ripped, he was a lethal warrior already. Once he grew more into his powers…
He’d be invincible.
Without thinking, Caleb saluted his nephew with his sword.
Jared frowned, then returned to fighting the demons. The kid would have no idea who he was. And that was fine. At least he was able to see him.
