Page 115 of Demon Defeat: Part 2

“They had a room set up to test Molev’s abilities.He’s strong and fast.He can do things we can’t.They’re curious, and he gets that.But it doesn’t mean he has to cooperate when they want to experiment on him.So he put his foot down on the first day here.He refused to go into the room with the electric chair and a drowning tank.But he did allow them to take blood samples.Since then, the house has been bugged numerous times.And when Molev called Tom out for not keeping his promise to us, the people who risked our lives to bring Molev here, Tom made the choice to try to capture Molev instead of talking.”

“I see,” she said.She looked at Molev.“Tell me what you want then.”

“I want the original promise fulfilled, and I want fair treatment while I help your people find a cure.”

She nodded.“I also heard you want women.Can you tell me about that?”

“Like Tom, I am thinking of the future.Where he would like to use my blood to find a way to kill all my people, I would like to find a way for our people to coexist.Women are calmer and not as quick to anger.However, the men in this house have proven themselves and are willing to join the number of women I requested.There are a few other soldiers who have been training with us that may also be suitable.”

Molev uncrossed his arms.“Creating a cure is the first step, Waurlyn.Creating a world where children can thrive is the second.Patrick and Tom were too shortsighted to understand what conflict between our two people would do.Without peace, there is no future.”

“I see.”She looked around the room before her gaze settled on me.“Tom repeated what you said.Not only your request for someone new to negotiate with Molev but regarding not treating him like a human.While he may not have fully grasped the message, I do, and what I see in this room isn’t desertion from your original mission but embracing the coexistence that Molev would like to create.”She looked at Molev.“I read Patrick’s report about the body piles and the aggression.And his side note stating all of the aggression was toward those who tried to harm you first.I won’t make Patrick and Tom’s mistakes.However, if you break your word or act with aggression without cause, our amicable relationship will end.Does that sound fair to you?”

“Yes,” Molev said.

“Good.The scientists have exhausted their current supply of samples for running tests.Would you be willing to allow another draw?”

Molev nodded.

“Thank you.I will arrange for the doctor to come here tomorrow.But I would like you to consider allowing some physical tests as well.Yes, we are curious about you and would love to know your limits.But more importantly, we want to ensure the blood we’re taking isn’t having any ill effects.”

“I will consider the request,” Molev said.

She smiled and set her empty glass aside.

“Thank you for helping us, Molev.The risk that you’ve taken—that you all have taken—will not be forgotten.Your loved ones will be at the evac site tomorrow.If you would like to accompany me to see them off, I promise there will not be a repeat of today.”

Molev’s gaze found mine, and I knew we were both having doubts.

“Is that smart?”I asked Waurlyn.“After the exchange today, the crowd wasn’t happy.”

“Which is why I’m hoping to return with the man you said would be their cure.Perhaps the three of us could find the words to assure them that Molev’s life is no longer in danger and that we’re doing everything within our power to find a solution to what we all fear.”

I studied her for a moment.Her expression and body language exuded sincerity, yet I couldn’t help but feel we’d been cleverly maneuvered into a corner.

“You wish to test me,” Molev said, seeing the same thing I was.“I will allow more samples.In return, you will give the promised tickets.In return, I will speak to your humans and calm them.Will it always be like this with humans?Will they always demand more than they are willing to give?”

Waurlyn gave a small laugh.“I hope not.I hope we’ll change the world for the better.”

She started for the door.“I will see you all in the morning.”

After Steve walked her out, we all melted into our seats.

“Well, that was fun,” Roni said.

“Hey, at least, we get another break from training,” Katie said before she gave Molev an apologetic look.“Not that training is bad.”

His mouth quirked a little.“It is bad.But being bitten by an infected would be worse.Eat, then rest.Tomorrow will come early.”

While the others were quick to listen, I lingered over the pasta Roland had made…until Brandon said I had to wash my own plate and left me alone with Molev.

I looked at him.

“I think this one will keep her word, but she’s going to push just as hard for more than you might be willing to give,” I said.

He grunted and looked at my plate.

“Does it hurt your mouth to eat?”he asked.

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