Page 33 of A Spark Of Revenge

“That's not good,” Jordan mutters, and Theo nods his head like a bobblehead doll.

“Yeah, anyways, Mom has been trying to figure out how to fix everything. I knew she and Dad had been having some epic fights. But I didn't know until the other night that Dad was helping Senior Axford and was willingly using the humans to trap Demons,” Theo whispers, and my eyes widen when Theo mentions Senior Drakos.

Oh, shit! Theo’s dad is dead! I mean, he was a complete asshat, but I haven't even thought about what Theo might be going through. Jordan's sharp inhale and tense shoulders tell me he’s just remembered the same, and I watch as some of the anger in his eyes melts into concern as he stares at our friend.

“But I didn't realize how bad it actually was. The Seniorem started using humans the same year the breeding rings were set up,” Theo admits, and Jordan curses under his breath. “Mom says she's been trying to figure out a way to stop the sacrifices, to restore the original crest and purpose of the Umbra Hunters. Her dad was the head of the North American Seniorem before his death and still had several of the old history books. She knew the Hunters were being led astray from our original purpose.”

“Does she still have the books?” I ask in wonderment, not really wanting to stop Theo since this is the most information I have gotten in a single conversation about the Hunters and our history, but I need to know if these books are still around. Theo frowns and shrugs.

“Uh, I’m not sure. But I can ask,” he offers, and I nod.

“So, how did the whole Demons taking over the castle come about?” Jordan asks hesitantly, his need to know the truth overtaking his anger toward Theo at the moment.

“Right!” Theo says, snapping his fingers and pointing at Jordan as he nods. “So Mom was sent down to assist the Hunters during the attack at the base of the mountain, and when she got there, she saw Lennox and Razar in their Demon forms. The three Hunters she was with immediately attacked and were killed by Razar. Then Razar went to attack her, but Creed stopped him, saving her life.”

“Why’d he do that?” Jordan asks suspiciously.

“She never attacked. Mom knew the Demons created Umbra Hunters to protect our world from the creatures that live on the Demonic side of the Veil. That's what is attacking us, not the Demons themselves, but their monsters. She’s called them Beastia and Therion. So she chose not to attack the Demons when she saw them, which prompted Creed to save her.”

“We’re fucking what?!” Jordan shouts, while I blink at Theo in surprise. Demons created Hunters?

“I think I’m going to need a drink for the rest of this conversation,” I admit, setting Milo on Creed’s bed, then move to the corner of his room where a dresser and armoire stand. I open and shut a few drawers before opening the wooden doors on the armoire and look inside.

“There's water on the shelf over here,” Theo offers, and I wrinkle my nose.

“Water’s not going to cut it,” I grumble, just as my stomach lets out an embarrassingly loud rumble, cramping up from the lack of food.

“Here,” Jordan offers, walking over with a familiar protein bar in hand. I eye him suspiciously, taking the bar from him while looking him up and down. He’s wearing a pair of black pants and a simple blue Regalis shirt, which makes me wonder where the hell he is storing these things.

“Where do you hide these? I swear you're always eating one or offering them to me.” Jordan grins and shrugs, patting his pants pockets.

“I’m a growing boy, I’m always hungry. Plus you never take care of yourself properly, so I keep a few extras with me for emergencies. It's paid off to have a few extras, so I had some snacks while down in the holding cells.” I grin my thanks at him as I pull the wrapper off the bar and shove half of the chocolatey goodness into my mouth, moaning in delight.

“Thanks,” I grumble with a full mouth, making Jordan wrinkle his nose in disgust.

“Okay, back to the story,” he says, looking back at Theo, who nods and then shakes his head.

“I mean, sure. I'll tell you everything I know. We’ll even let you talk to the human Mom saved so you feel more confident in the decision, but I don't have all the information. Mom said it's on a need-to-know basis. I do know that the castle is being prepared for an attack, though.”

“Attack from what?” Jordan asks, and this time, I answer for Theo.

“The Seniorem. They are coming to take back the Castle. I heard Nox telling Valen about it. Oh, and the attack from the Beastia this morning was weird. They are nocturnal creatures and shouldn't have attacked during the day,” I add, polishing off my protein bar and licking my fingers clean, not willing to miss a single crumb. Jordan frowns, and Theo’s brows raise in surprise as he nods.

“Yeah, that makes sense. We never see the Beastia during the day. It’s super rare,” he mutters and looks between us, confused as hell.

“Right. I think we all need to exchange all the information we know, then go from there,” I offer, and Jordan nods, looking over at Theo, who looks like he’s about to jump up and down in excitement from his agreement. “Cool. I need food, drinks, and a blanket. We have exactly thirty minutes to do this before I pass the hell out,” I admit, making Jordan chuckle but nod in agreement.

“Yeah, me too,” he whispers, and I take a moment to study him, the dark rings under his eyes making him look far older than eighteen.

“I’ll go get some food,” Theo offers, and I give him a small smile and nod.

“I know where Umbra Monroe keeps the liquor,” Jordan says offhandedly, making Theo grin and nod.

“Just don't get caught, or you’ll be running extra laps all fucking week!” he crows with a laugh before racing from the room, leaving the door slightly ajar. I’m worried one of the Demons that like to haunt me is about to come in, but the hallway outside is blessedly quiet.

“Keep that door shut until I get back. I still don't trust these fuckers,” Jordan grumbles as he leaves, slamming the door shut behind him.

SIXTEEN

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