Page 28 of A Spark Of Revenge

“So they are going to attack? But it’s their own castle,” I point out hesitantly.

“It’s no longer their castle. It’s mine. And they can try to attack, but they won't get it back,” Nox says, cocky as ever and making me roll my eyes. Yeah, there's the Nox I know and hate.

“Nox, they have a fucking army, plus Wraiths helping them!” Creed clips out, apparently not agreeing with Nox’s words. “We have days to get untrained Rangers to Hunter level and pray Father can send help before it is too late. And even if we manage to win over the allegiance of every single Ranger and Hunter, we will be outmatched four to one. Don't be so delusional as to believe we can hold them off ourselves.”

“The Umbra Hunters are divided?” Valen asks in shock, shaking his head as he steps around Creed and moves closer to me. I take a step to the side and shake my head at him, making Valen pause a few feet from me, his lips thinning in disapproval. But fuck that, he's the one that just blew my fucking mind here. I deserve a little time to process everything.

“Yeah, you were right when you went to Father about the Rifts. They were man-made and were being used to lure Beastia and Therion through them. But the Hunters were looking for a bigger target,” Nox says with a sneer. Valen swallows and nods.

“They wanted a Demon,” Valen mutters, nose wrinkling as his eyes slowly go unfocused. “But they got one. They had me, so why didn't they stop? You’re saying it got worse after I was taken?” Valen asks, and Creed nods.

“We believe they are looking for someone or something with more magic. I’m assuming it has to do with the desire for more magic, but Nox over here decided to cut Axford's head off before Raz could question him,” Creed says with a glower in Lennox’s direction.

“More magic than me?” Valen says with a surprised laugh. “Who? Father is the only one with more magic, and he wouldn't be stupid enough to get caught,” Valen admits, cheeks pinking as he looks at his feet. “Well. Maybe Jesthren, but he wouldn't leave hell even if it meant he would get the crown.”

“Who is Jesthren?” I ask, wanting to know who has as much magic as Valen and the King of Hell.

“Our brother,” Valen says, his eyes still unfocused as he stares at the floor. He has his body positioned between me and Creed, and I can't stop the small burst of warmth that rushes through me. Even with me mad and refusing to allow him to come near, he’s trying to keep me safe. He’s still keeping himself between me and the others in this room even as he tries to piece together everything that has happened since he was kidnapped.

“There’s another one of you?” I ask in exasperation. Jesus, help me now. The world cannot handle another Demon brother. Valen nods, and Nox cracks a smile when he sees my disgust.

“Don’t worry, Little Demon. Jesthren would probably help you kick me in the balls if you asked. My oldest brother is not my biggest fan,” he sneers, eyes darkening and hands balling into fists at his side.

“Huh, maybe there is one of you I might actually like then,” I mutter, earning four angry growls.

“Meyer and I need some sleep,” Valen cuts in, sighing as he takes another step toward me. “Return her friend to her, and we can reconvene tomorrow after we have calmed down.”

“I’m not staying in this castle,” I protest, making Creed pout a little and Nox roll his eyes.

“Of course you're going to make this difficult,” he snarls, and I glare at him.

“Fuck you!”

Nox narrows his eyes on me and takes a step closer. Thankfully, the bed is between us, giving me a false sense of security. “Stop begging for it. It makes you sound desperate,” he sneers, lips pulled back as he gives me a disgusted look.

“Lennox!” Creed and Valen both shout as my fingers twitch for my empty knife holder. Damn! I need to find a few blades so I can stab the bitch!

“Lemon Drop, why don't you take my room and—”

“No!” Valen and I shout at the same time.

“By yourself… I meant by yourself,” Creed says with a sad sigh. “I’m the only one of us with a bathtub in their room,” he whispers. When I perk up at the mention of a bath, I swear I see Creed's lips twitch with the smallest of smiles.

“All by myself? No creepers lingering in the shadows?” I ask, glaring at Nox and then Razar.

“Of course,” Creed reassures me.

“No,” Valen grinds out again, but Creed only shoulders him out of the way and holds a hand out to me.

“Like freaking hell, Credence. How will we know if she runs off if no one is watching her?” Nox snaps. Creed and I ignore him, which only enrages Nox more and he starts blustering about me needing a chaperone.

“I promise I’ll keep them away,” Creed whispers as Razar moves closer to Nox, his angry gaze on me. Valen snarls something I can’t understand to Creed before standing next to him and looking at me with his hand outstretched, too. I stand there, blinking at the four of them, probably looking like an idiot as I try to figure out what to do next.

I really want a bath, and I’m super tired, so the urge to take Creed up on his offer is strong. But I also don't trust him further than I can throw him, and would rather have Valen around if I had to pick between the four brothers. My eyes move from Creed and Valen, then to the pissed-off and angry duo behind them who are both glaring at me with their arms crossed over their broad chest.

Hmm, I kinda want to stab them still. The frustration and anger they stir in me bring up feelings I really shouldn't have, all things considered. But, if I had to choose between taking a bath and stabbing someone, the bath would win. A small meow catches my attention, and I look down as Milo rubs up against my legs, his loud purring soothing my frazzled nerves.

I smile down at him and do the only smart thing I have done in the last couple of days. Bending down, I grab my cat and then stride past Valen and Creed, leaving the room before any of the guys can say anything else. It takes me a moment to get my bearings since I have never been to Razar's room before, but quickly figure out where I am in the Ranger barracks and move down the hall to where Creed's room is.

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