Yelling, hissing water, and clashing metal echoed in Ronen’s silence.
He had his chin lifted, back straight, and attention on the fights. He exuded confidence. Anyone looking at him knew right away who was in charge.
But his anxiety slithered like a snake poised to strike.
“We’ll see,” he admitted softly. “Now get to your squad. I need MJ to help train the Bowels in combat.”
I nodded and finally met up with my squad and MJ.
She quickly coached me on how to critique my squad, then left. The moment she did, I had the immediate urge to call her back.
It was such a weak thought. An easy way out.
I wanted to beat that urge out of me.
What kind of leader relied on someone else to step in?
Not one worth following.
Which my squad subtly proved with their games.
Oh, they listened to my orders, paused when I told them to, switched up teams, shut up when I gave them advice.
But they never took my advice.
Honestly, I wasn’t even sure I could blame them.
I’d been in Hell training for two months.
Why would they listen to me on how to fight?
I glanced over at the Devils Squadron, and hope fluttered in my stomach.
Aspen was participating.
He wasn’t fighting, but it looked like he was helping the Devils’ leader critique and train them. He had more life in his face and gestures than I’d seen the entire time he’d been in Hell.
Eventually, Ronen had all the squads pause their fights and grouped us into two sections. One trained with weapons, the other with powers.
We were led through long-range and short-range combat drills. Some were familiar, while others were new.
Of course, when I switched to the power drills, I only observed, taking in everything I could while honing my lusceler in attacks.
In the afternoon, I was back to trying to lead my squad.
The entire time, I tried to think of what could possibly help me earn their respect.
During this time, the patrols returned and switched out with every squadron except ours and Aspen’s.
No way.
Oliver and Ichi popped over to my side while our squad took a quick break.
“Are you wondering why we’re not switching?” Oliver asked with a wince.
His reaction said it all. I didn’t even need him to say more.
Still, I pursed my lips as my Infernus sang with growing irritation.
