Page 138 of Huntress

Grady searched her face, as though looking for some insight into what was going through her mind. “Just because he wasn’t lying doesn’t mean he was right. What proof do you have that it wasn’t some crazy mixed breed?”

“The proof is the fact that it exists. The genetics between cold-blooded and warm-blooded shifter demons don’t mix. Since when have you ever questioned my instincts on anything important?”

“About the same time you started taking the word of a demon over sound judgment,” he said harshly. “You haven’t been yourself since he showed up. Are you aware that this is the first time I’ve seen you go anywhere without him in months?”

“You’ve crossed a line, Grady.”

“Well, maybe the positioning of that line needs reevaluating once in a while.”

“We’re done here.”

“Running away? Are we not allowed to question the situation anymore? The famous Captain Elspeth Chantraine, notorious loner who protects her alone time with near-violent zeal, can no longer venture out without her guard dog? What happened to you, Captain? Your reputation alone used to intimidate people. Now you’re an oddity with a temper.”

“I’ve gone soft, is that what you’re saying?” She asked, her voice cracking like a whip.

“I’m saying that people have started talking about you like a cautionary tale, instead of an influential icon.”

“Good. That’s good. Mordane can find a different sucker to drag around by the nose. Some other golden child can take over the responsibilities of running first squad and deal with the worst demons while killing our fellow hunters. If questioning anomalies means certain people stop looking up to me, I never needed them in the first place.” Elsie tapped her fingers on the desk. “Thanks for the information.”

“Captain, I’m trying to look out for you because I care about you!”

She’d already walked out the door.

Elsie managed to stop herself from kicking a trash can as she went down the hall. Halfway to the healer’s ward, she changed direction. She’d intended to visit Steve after speaking with Grady, which was her reason for leaving Saint behind. The warrior was making steady progress, and she didn’t want to ruin it by bringing the demon around.

Her argument with Grady had solidified her stubborn streak. If there was a single scrap of proof to legitimize her suspicions, she’d find it.

She knocked on Roz’s door.

“I’ve changed my mind,” she said a few minutes later, lowering her eyes and hoping the false humility wasn’t too obvious. “Maybe I should let Cornick look at my seal. I’d be a lot stronger if I could use my ethereal magic, and the injury rate of my squad would plummet.”

“What’s your reason for telling me this instead of the boss?”

Elsie ducked her head. “No reason that I’m willing to talk about.”

Roz sighed and shook her head. “I’ll put a word in, but there’s no telling if Cornick will work with you after the crap you pulled. Mordane won’t be happy with you either. You realize that he had to answer for your actions?”

“I know. Did you think my squad was on consecutive missions for six weeks for fun?” Dark moon magic sparked under her skin, and she gripped the arms of her chair, trying to keep it under control.

The power was proving more difficult to contain over time, and it was getting on her nerves. A captain on her level didn’t have problems with their magic.

“Don’t get smart with me, girl. You should be grateful I’m giving you the time of day. Do you even care how much paperwork those missions made for me? Get out of my office before I start assigning chores.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Saint waited for her at the end of the hallway, and Elsie let out a sigh. It was as if a knot between her shoulders eased when she saw him. The sharp click of her heels softened, and her stride lengthened.

He pushed off the wall and started walking when she approached, beckoning her to follow. They went outside and crossed the compound to the training grounds. Elsie’s demon brought her to the center of the track, where no one else was working for the moment.

“Why are we out here?” she asked.

“You’re upset, and your control is slipping. No better time than now to practice keeping your dark moon magic in check.”

“And what’s your grand plan for reigning in my fractured magic?”

“Emotional regulation, self-control, and mental fortitude. Kind of like learning to keep an annoying demon out of your head, except this time you’re trying to keep something in,” he said.

“How do I practice something like that? Meditation?”