Page 19 of Fallen Demon

“One that will spill over to the human realm,” Drake added.

“Right.” I nodded. “And the first to be involuntarily involved in this war will be the demon hunters.” They were viewed as the supernatural police, old allies of the angels, who once upon a time helped them with evil and darkness in the human realm. “Then it’ll take over everyone and everything.”

“So, we stop them,” Shane suggested. “We go to Elysium, stop this Rhodes guy, and put an end to this rebellion.”

“Only angels with their wings can enter Elysium,” I reminded him.

“Right,” he muttered. “Then we create a trap for him here?”

“That’s on our list of possible outcomes,” Drake said. “Friends, my intention with this meeting was to make you aware of what’s going on, so you and your loved ones don’t fall prey to the angels. We’ll obviously do something, but we need more information and time to do so.” He looked at me. “Ariella and I will create a council, with one or two of each supernatural species, and we’ll assess the situation and come up with a plan about what to do. When we have a concrete plan, we’ll invite everyone here again.”

I frowned. Never would I have thought we would get to this point. Supernaturals rallying together to attack the angels.

What was wrong with this world?

Everyone nodded and muttered their agreements.

I looked at them all. “Thank you … for believing in me.”

Farrah scoffed. “Was that even a question?”

I smiled. “Well, angels are trying to paint me as the villain. One against them all. I guess my worries are warranted.”

“I see your point of view,” Raika said, “but I agree with Farrah. We would never doubt you.”

My heart swelled and the back of my eyes burned. I blinked rapidly, not wanting to cry in front of everyone.

“Now that this topic is out of the way,” Drake said, “please, let’s continue the festivities.”

He gestured to a set of doors opening and musicians carrying string instruments entered the room. They settled in a corner and started playing. To my surprise, it was a popular, modern song and it sounded beautiful this way.

Drake squeezed my forearm, looked into my eyes, nodded at me once, and then turned to his table, where he offered a hand to Thea. With a smile, she took his hand and let him guide her to the other side of the tables, where there was more space for dancing.

Several emotions filled my chest at that moment. Gratitude for Drake and his unyielding presence. He had organized this whole shebang, and it seemed he would be on my side no matter what. Relief for my friends who never doubted me or my innocence.

And jealousy upon seeing Drake and Thea together.

And then of Shane and Raika, Hazel and Sean, Luana and Keeran, and all the other couples who headed to the improvised dance floor.

I went back to my table, grabbed my goblet of white wine, and drank half of it in one go.

To my dismay, the three single princes, Dorian, Aston, and Gray, came to our table, and took Abbie, Maggie, and Lacey to dance.

I was alone.

But only for a moment.

I glanced at the table to the side and found Tanner and Jasmin still seated, talking among themselves in hushed tones.

With my glass in hand, I walked up to them. “May I sit?”

“Of course.” Tanner pulled out the chair beside his.

“How are you two doing?” I asked as I sat, trying to be polite.

“I would be better if this party had a lot of hot men I could cling to,” Jasmin said. She glanced at her brother. “Right?”

Tanner rolled his eyes. “She fed before coming here, but it’s still the only thing she talks about.”

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