But, except for the Onyx Dominion, my suggestion worked.
Blake took the Azures, which made something in my heart happy, to work with them on weapon training and a few moves that would work with their up-close style of fighting. What not to do if shifted and close with a demon. Although Blake was in charge, I saw him nodding and taking notes as they taught him some quick evasive maneuvers as well.
Calla took the firens, who all seemed pleased for a woman to instruct them. I could see they had trouble at first incorporating Calla’s wrestling fighting technique into their style, but it worked out to be an interesting match.
The Silvers and I ended up with Auron, who looked every bit the firen prince with his crimson hair.
Malissa said lightly, “Let’s hope things go better today than the last time we crossed paths, Prince Auron.”
He gave a short nod. “Agreed, Princess. No rampaging demon horde would be a nice change.” He shot her a brief look. “And no more shouting matches.”
Her cheeks colored. “Fair.”
They must have last seen each other at the Annihilation, when their arranged engagement collapsed. Through the demons or each other? I wondered.
Then, to my surprise, Auron turned to me and grasped my shoulder. “What is your name?”
“Rubi Morningtail.”
“By the goddess of compassion, I am happy to meet you,” he said, eyes intent on mine. “Are you well, Rubi Morningtail?”
“Cursed blade!” Ire interjected. “Can we just get on with it?!”
Malissa was glaring at me as well. Jace eyed us with speculation. In the distance, I caught a glimpse of ice blue eyes trained, razor-sharp, on Auron’s hand on my shoulder. Blake.
At my shy nod, Auron gave me a quick smile before starting by showing us the highest level of his fire magic.
“This is phoenix phire,” he said, his hands releasing something icy white and terrifying. Even Ire stepped backward, unsure, as he stared at it.
“It’s our purest form of fire, and it is the only thing we’ve found that will kill demons.” His handsome face was serious. “Only our royal family has this ability.”
“So we cannot wield it,” Jace said, sidling up beside me.
Auron put out the phire in his hands and reached into one of his pockets, pulling out a small white glyph.
He flicked it with his thumb toward us, Jace easily catching it. “Try it.”
Jace circled it with his own thumb, before pocketing it and putting his hand out.
Nothing happened.
Auron shook his head. “You don’t have fire magic, Silver. Use a weapon.”
Jace pulled the broadsword from his belt and tried it, furrowing his brow in concentration. The blade ignited.
A disbelieving laugh spilled from his lips, and I smiled.
“Easy, point that thing over there,” I said as he swung toward me in excitement.
Ire rumbled something under his breath that made even Malissa laugh before Auron glared over at them.
“Fun party trick, Red,” Ire said. “Maybe something like that against the demons at that Azure wedding could have stopped the slaughter. But let me guess—we weren’t worthy of your weapons.”
Auron frowned, taking the sword from Jace’s hands as the flames went out. “Only those trusted by the royal family are allowed to use our glyphs. They are extremely rare.”
I winced. It was definitely the wrong thing to say, and Ire’s metal skin appeared, clanking as it encased him.
“Why did you bother showing us this phire, then?” Jace asked.
