Page 54 of Saints & Sinners

I leaned closer to Hunter, enough to smell his aftershave and that blend of smoke and vanilla.

A woman—who I presumed was part of the Council—in a grey pantsuit stepped forward, harsh eyes scanning us all. “Warriors,” she began, her voice echoing across the field. “As per our investigation into the incident that occurred on the 23rd of October, we have finally caught the demon responsible for the breach.”

I froze as blood rushed to my ears.

“Thanks to Eden.” The Council turned to a smiling Eden. “He was found outside the academy, where we presume he was planning another attack. She managed to subdue him with anangelic weapon and is now awaiting trial. As for the upcoming competition, it will proceed as scheduled—”

What?

My jaw clenched in disbelief. How could they just move on? Lucas was dead, and they were acting like it was just another obstacle to brush aside.

Before I knew it, I was storming over, my blood boiling. “That’s it?” I called out, ignoring the whispers around me. “You’re just going to go forward like nothing happened? Lucas didn’t even get a proper burial! How is that fair?”

One of the Council members shot me a withering look, then turned to Joe, who stood at the side, trying to remain composed. “Keep your human in check,” he said coldly, dismissing me like I was an annoyance.

“With all due respect, Cael,” Joe said. “Grace isn’t justmy human.She is someone I have taken care of since her birth, and I believe she has every right to demand answers.”

The Council member’s gaze cut to Joe, his expression calm, but I could see the flicker of annoyance beyond it. “Answers?” Cael repeated, his voice dripping with condescension as he looked at me. “What answers do you seek? That death is a part of this? That sacrifices are necessary? Or perhaps you think the world should stop spinning every time one of you falls.”

My fists curled so tight that my nails bit into my palms. “It’s not about the world stopping; it’s about respect. Lucas James deserved better than this—better than everyone dismissing him like he didn’t matter!”

Cael’s expression darkened to the point where I thought he might actually retaliate. His sharp blue gaze bore into mine. “Careful, Miss Martin. You’re treading dangerously close to insubordination.”

I barked out a bitter laugh, unable to stop myself. Nadael’s eyes widened, and she looked over at Joe as if pleading for him tostop this.

But it wasn’t Joe who spoke up again this time. It was Hunter. He’d stepped in front of me, his body partly hiding me away from Cael’s wrathful gaze.

“Insubordination?” he said, his grey eyes staring down Cael. “You call it insubordination, but all I see is someone demanding basic decency. Lucas fought for us, and now you expect us to stand here and pretend his sacrifice meant nothing?” He stepped closer, his posture rigid, shielding me even more as his voice dropped lower, deadlier. “You want to throw around words like loyalty and obedience in order to preserve the Angelic Code? Fine. But respect goes both ways. And if you can’t give that to people, then maybe you’re the one who’s forgotten your place.”

Cael’s gaze narrowed dangerously, but Hunter didn’t back down. His broad shoulders were squared, and his jaw was set like he dared Cael to challenge him.

Silence followed before Eden cleared her throat. “I think Mr Cain is trying to say that they have all had a tiresome few weeks, and Lucas was such a good friend to them. It is normal to feel all these emotions, especially in their case.”

Hunter glanced at Eden like he knew what she was saying was utter bullshit. That was not what he meant at all.

“Yes, exactly,” Nadael chuckled nervously. “Come, Cael, let us head to my office, and we can discuss the upcoming competition in more detail.”

Cael hummed, ignoring Nadael as he glanced back at me and Hunter. He leaned forward, his cold smile firing my anger again. “Do you know what your problem is, Mr Cain? You think this is about justice, about fairness. But fairness is a luxury in this world, and justice... justice is for those who serve. It is a pity you haven’t still learnt that after what happened to your brother.”

The words sent a shot of anger to my chest. I could only stare at him, my breath coming in short, sharp bursts as Hunter’s jawtwitched in response.

I was practically trembling with rage for him, refusing for the fire in my chest to be extinguished.

“Remember, Mr Cain,” Cael said smoothly, “the second rule of the Angelic Code: ‘To question is to rebel. To rebel is to fall.’”

I stepped forward before I could stop myself, fists clenched at my sides—but Joe caught the movement instantly.

“That’s enough,’ he said, voice taut with warning. “You’ve made your point, Cael. I say we head back now.”

Cael smirked as if he’d already won. “Of course. It’s always a pleasure, though, to hear the passionate rambles of a mortal.”

I wanted to argue, then scream, but the crushing weight of Joe’s gaze stopped me. With one last glare at Cael, I watched as they all left the training grounds.

As soon as we were out of earshot, I turned to Hunter. “Are you okay?” It was a rubbish question to ask. I knew he wasn’t okay.

He didn’t look at me right away. His jaw was still tight, and his eyes were fixed at some distant point ahead of him.

“That asshole,” I muttered, unable to contain it any longer. “He had no right to bring your brother into this. None.”

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