Page 18 of Wrath's Call

“If you mean killing, then no,” I replied back sharply. “I avoid harm whenever possible.”

“Even the dangerous ones?”

“All beasts can be dangerous,” I replied curtly. “But few look to harm humans if they don’t have to. It generally defeats the purpose of why they’re on this plain of existence,” Felix raised a skeptical brow before I continued. “All heavenly creatures and hell beasts can become familiars to a demon or an angel when they’re young. Familiars help focus absorbed emotions and allow their partners to tap easier into the power wells of Heaven and Hell directly. Familiars are meant to empower their partners, and to kill humans for sport just reduces the emotional feeding pool for their angel or demon.”

I could have sworn Felix’s eyes flashed copper for a moment. But when I looked again, they were back to green.

“But certainly humans can be caught in the crossfire sometimes. Most divine beasts are far too lethal to humans to be allowed to live if they’re in proximity. Some would say it's better to end the threat permanently.”

I wouldn’t say I liked where this line of questioning was heading, but I continued anyway. “Many wardens want to remove the threats so to speak. But divine beasts are just like any other animal - they want to do what is natural to them. I don’t think it’s right to kill something just because it may threaten a human in the wrong place.”

“So you’re saying you’d choose a divine beast over a human if it came down to it?”

“I’m saying I’ve thankfully never been put in that position.”

Felix grinned at the apparent deflection.

“Tell me, ever work with any that are particularly heinous? Like a hell bear by chance?”

“Lots of hell bears come through the region. We’ve crossed paths. It's best to give them a wide berth and let them continue on their way.”

“Any recently?” I frowned. Was he aware of the three I had sent packing up north? Technically I shouldn’t have been involved as it had been on pack lands, and from the guild’s perspective these three were far too close to the academy and humans for their comfort. Elimination would have been the expected response.

“They’re always around.”

“Well, let me be more specific: a chopper is said to have left this region with three hell bears on board. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

I shrugged. “Like I said, lots of hell bears come through here regularly. It’s a part of their migratory path.”

“Any today by chance?”

“Not that I know of.” I deadpanned. I felt strongly compelled to tell the truth, but I fought it.

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yup,” I drew out the word with an emphasis on the P. Just as Felix looked poised to ask another question, a bell rang outside the door, signifying it was time for my interview to end. I stood quickly, nearly toppling over the chair in my haste. Drew stepped forward, righting it before it could hit the ground.

“Until next time, Ryn!” Felix called.

My feet couldn’t carry me out fast enough.

Just as I thought I’d finally make my getaway back to the dorms, a warm hand encircled my wrist. I turned sharply, lifting a fist to strike out at my attacker.

Only it wasn’t an attacker. Well, not this time, at least.

“Marik,” I whispered, his significant presence enfolding me below a canopy of his power.

“Good evening.” He replied, his thumb drawing lazy circles against the back of my wrist.

I jerked my hand away. I hadn’t expected him to let go so easily, as my hand nearly flew back into my face.

“Don’t give yourself a black eye now. I heard those can be difficult to cover with most makeup.”

“Har har,” I responded with dry sarcasm, bending down to release the clasp on my heels so I could step out of them. If he wanted to fight, the last thing I needed was to be tripping all over myself.

But from the smoldering look in his eyes, attacking me was not what he was after.

I shivered. The scar on his lip twitched.

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