Page 15 of A Spark Of Revenge

But he did chase me, said he was using me, and that I had only one purpose for him. Then, there was all that paperwork I found in his office detailing the deaths of the Regalis brothers. I frown as I realize that the attack that had killed Creed's brother would have been the one where Lennox, Razar, and Creed must have killed the Hunters and stolen their identities. That is, unless that story had also been a lie for Creed to gain sympathy in order to get close to me.

I bite the side of my cheek at that painful thought and shake my head. Now, in the light of a new day, I still have my doubts. I know the Seniorem was corrupt and that what Lennox did was probably for the best. But I don't understand how Razar is one of ‘them,’ the monsters with soulless eyes. The killing machines only seek death and bloodshed. I may have questioned the intent of the reflective-eyed Demons who never hurt me, but those things?! The beast that Razar is? Can they all shift into men, as Razar can? I shiver in disgust, my hatred burning bright as I look down at the castle below.

Valen's hands move from around me, turning me in his arms before coming to rest on my hips, his body pressing comfortably against my back as we stare down at the Hunters.

“They can't see us. I have a shield up,” Valen murmurs, and I nod, pleased that he thought about that. Odds are no one would notice us up here, but on the off-chance that they do, it's probably safer to have a shield.

While gazing down, I dive deeper into my musings, my anger kindling anew. Lennox may have used me, Creed may have lied and broken my heart, and Razar may terrify the absolute fuck out of me. But I will show them why that wasn't a good idea. I will remind them that just because they can take over and ruin a person's life doesn't mean it's okay. The Regalis brothers, or whoever the hell they really are, have used me; now it's my turn to use them.

“The Regalis Brothers are going to wish they had never met me,” I mutter under my breath.

“Pardon?” Valen queries with a hint of worry in his rich voice.

“Just thinking about what I want to do to the assholes.” I turn in his arms and smile up at him. “Can you teach me how to use magic?” I ask, wanting to know.

“Probably. But it's not something you can learn overnight, and I doubt you have much. I almost drained you last night while waking up,” Valen admits. I frown but nod, accepting that. “Tell me about the Demons who attacked. I need to know what we are up against before we go in there to find your friend—specifically, the ones who were at the church. I’m afraid my memories are a little foggy from the low magic. Was there truly a Beastia outside? I’m worried my mind was conjuring things it wanted to see.” I grimace and nod, keeping my eyes on the Hunters that move like well-oiled parts of a machine. How the hell has so much changed overnight?

“Yeah. That’s Razar. He’s the one that wants me dead more often than not,” I mutter, then laugh a little as I remember our last interaction. “Well, probably all the time now since I stabbed him.”

Valen tenses a little, his hands squeezing my sides as he listens.

“You stabbed him? And he didn't kill you? How?” he asks like it’s an impossibility.

“Well, he was human when I stabbed him. He didn't shift into a Demon until after,” I explain.

“Beastia,” he corrects, and I frown.

“Isn't that just another word for a Demon?” I ask in confusion.

“No. They are different, as are the Therion,” he states, pulling me a little closer as he looks down at the Castle. “There is so much I need to tell you, so much you need to learn about our world. I'm at a loss as to where to start,” he admits.

“The beginning is usually the best place,” I tease, a burst of excitement coursing through me at his words. It's so refreshing to be with someone who wants to actually tell me what's going on. Who wants to educate, rather than demean. Valen chuckles as he releases me, nodding at the small path carved into the mountain's icy edge.

“Fabulous idea. But I have questions of my own. So, as we make our way to the castle, let's trade information,” he decides, nodding for me to go ahead of him. I grin, spinning away from the stunning view below with a firm nod.

“Sounds good. But I get to go first.”

SEVEN

Meyer

“Okay, so Dream Walkers,” I start as we carefully make our way down the slippery slope of the mountain, ignoring the pains and aches in my muscles as I walk. Thankfully, it's a nice morning, and the sun is actually out for the first time in almost a week. “What can we do? Because I don't seem to have any extra magic besides the ability to call you into my dreams.”

“Full blooded Dream Walkers are some of the strongest magic users in our world. Like Hunters, different families and bloodlines hold different strengths and abilities. For example, my strength is in mental grifting and collection of lifeforce. Which is how I took energy from the tree at the church,” he answers, his footsteps so light behind mine, I almost don't hear them.

I frown as I roll his answer over in my mind, a few things stand out that don't make sense. But when I turn to ask him, Valen shakes his head and smiles.

“My turn,” he reminds me, and I pout, turning back towards the trail while carefully sidestepping a particularly sharp-looking boulder.

“Lay it on me,” I demand as we keep walking.

“I’m confused about how Demons came into possession of the North American castle,” Valen starts, and I smirk.

“That's not a question,” I point out, and Valen laughs.

“Explain to me how the Seniorem was dethroned, Mi Sol.” Valen practically purrs, almost making me trip over my own feet when I get distracted by his voice.

“Dethroned?” I laugh, shaking my head while throwing my arms out to steady myself. “Yeah, that’s probably a good word for it. Those bastards liked to act like kings lording over us all,” I mutter under my breath but nod, and prepare to answer his question.

---