Page 75 of Blood and War
Demitria didn’t flinch. She knew his siblings would be more than aware of the difference between her and their brother, and had accepted it last night. They both had accepted their fate when they had finally given in to the pull that continuously drew them together time and time again.
“You do not have any say in this.” Kellan spoke, eyes never leaving his siblings. The challenge clear.
“She’shuman!” Eire spat. “What has she done to you.” Eire’s lip quivered for a moment, and then it was gone. Any emotion drained from her face. The arrow was replaced in her quiver before Demitria could even blink, and the female was stalking away. Down the stone covered road and headed toward the gate where her dappled gray mare waited.
Demitria knew he was staring at her but she couldn’t bear to meet his eyes. She could feel his gaze burning into her, eating away at her very being, but she wouldn’t look. Jace had never liked the Horseman. He had made that perfectly clear to her when they’d fought. He’d tolerated them, but deep down she knew his true feelings. Now everything was different.Theywere different. There was no coming back from last night, and she knew that. She was okay with it, in fact. But Jace would never let that go. Not after everything they’d been through together.
“I don’t regret anything.” The whisper left her lips, hand softly grazing across his forearm in reassurance.
“Neither do I.” She knew his gesture would not be received lightly by those around them, but he didn’t seem to care as he brushed his thumb across her lips. She watched the war on his face as he forced himself to back away before the exchange turned intimate. Eire had been his only sibling to cause a scene, thank the gods.
“Is everyone ready?” The eldest Horseman left his post beside Arakiel and slowly walked toward them. The look in his eyes said everything. Disappointment. Both of them knew whatthey’d done was against every rule the council had ever set, but neither of them cared about the repercussions. But while there was disappointment, she also saw understanding.
Arakiel made his way toward them. “We must complete the last of our preparations before we are to continue.” The soft waves of the early morning sun glittered like starlight along those perfect dark wings that he held so proudly. Not a single feather out of place. It was hard to imagine that they’d soon be tainted and covered in blood. “Your Smith has been working through the night on some things.” He motioned for the remaining Horsemen to follow him as he disappeared behind the large house. Kellan shot her a longing glance before he finally followed behind.
Demitria knew she had to talk to him. They were about to start the grueling journey up the mountain together, but she couldn’t leave things the way they were between them. Her breath came out in a huff as she finally turned toward them. Sad, green eyes were watching her, gaze never faltering as she closed the distance between them.
“I’m glad you both are here.” She started, slowly finding her voice. “I don’t think I could do it without you by my side.” Not once did she pull her stare from him. She needed him to know that despite everything, she stillneededhim by her side.
“I’m going to give you guys a minute.” Cory broke, patting Jace along the back. “I know you have things you both need to talk about.” Without a second thought, the copper haired man made his way toward the remaining angels down the driveway.
She was thankful for him, always. Cory could read the room effortlessly, and knew exactly when someone needed space.
“I’m scared.” The words had been hard, and Demitria couldn’t look at Jace as she said it. Having worked so tirelessly to always keep her emotions in check, admitting when she was afraid wasn’t something that came naturally or easy. “I’mterrified to fight, Jace.” He didn’t say anything to her, but wrapped her in his arms instead.
“I’m sorry.” He whispered softly, squeezing his arms around her even tighter. “I have no right to judge you on the things you do, or the people you choose to have in your life.” She knew the tears were flowing down her face. Could feel them soaking through Jace’s shirt as she clung to him. “I know nothing I say will change your mind, but please stay back. Lock yourself away somewhere and let us fight.”
“You know I can’t do that.” Finally, she released her hold. “I need to fight alongside them. I need to fight with you and Cory. This is my fight, more than it is yours.” Because in truth, the fight had nothing to do with them. They all seemed to wanther. The council, Lucifer—they’d only gone after Solis to get toher. Jace nodded his head, understanding everything she had said. She could see it in his eyes, that heaviness. The fear, in having her fight. But above all else, she knew he understood her reasons for pushing forward.
“The time is now.” Arakiel raised his arm, waving the others over toward the group that had assembled around him after returning. With a curt nod, the two made their way to him.
“I suppose everyone is ready?” Gabriel asked, walking toward them. Demitria watched as Kellan tucked what looked to be daggers into his armor. He couldn’t help but smile as he caught her gaze.
“Your Smith has been working on these for you.” She took the cloth bound item from him and unraveled it quickly, revealing two shining new daggers similar in size and shape to her previous blades. “It looks like someone had attempted their own little haven here, and he found an abandoned forge in the back shed.”
Demitria had been so caught up inhimlast night, that she hadn’t even cared to find out what her own people were up to. And Evan had worked tirelessly through the night to arm them?
She wouldn’t let herself feel guilty for last night. Everyone had chosen to spend what could be their final evening doing whatever they liked, and that was fine. She’d wanted—needed to spend it with Kellan. Exploring him, like her body had been begging her to for days on end.
“I’ll have to thank him when we return.” The daggers effortlessly tucked into her attire. One in the top of her left boot, the second in her right bracer, and the third strapped onto her back between her shoulder blades. Demitria’s eyes made their way around the others before her. Watching as some fiddled with weapons or armor, others, like Eire, stood waiting at the gate. She hadn’t moved from her position, but her mount was gone.
The wind blew softly as they left the confines of the estate. Demitria tucked a few strands of hair that had flown out of her braid behind her ears as she turned, giving one last look back before moving on. She had so many thoughts. So many emotions swirling through her mind as they began the ascent. What if this really was a trap? Could they survive? They had such low numbers to begin with, would they be able to make it out alive?
In answer, a sharp whinny echoed throughout the land before them. A promise. A call from the creature that had been her rock time and time again. An oath that they would see each other again. That she would return, and they would reunite once more. She smiled, nodding at the bond shared between them.
“We will return.” His soft voice pulled her from her thoughts, sending a new wave of calm over her body. She regretted fighting against the pull for so long as that nagging feeling bubbled to the surface once more, wishing they’d just hadmore time.
So she made a promise to herself. To fight and to win, against whatever odds were against them. To reunite with Atlas. To return to this estate, and returnhomewith Kellan.
Forty-Two
DEMITRIA
The path ahead grew smaller and smaller as they climbed until they were walking single file. The wind had all but disappeared, and the air grew hot as they pushed on. Demitria watched as Kellan scanned their surroundings, listening for anything out of place. She watched his features harden, unnerved at whatever he did—or didn’t—hear.
Kellan had insisted that Demitria climb in front of him. Should anything go wrong, he would be there if she so much as faltered. She was glad for it. Her nerves had always made her clumsy, and the rugged path onward was growing steeper by the minute. Sharp rocks jutted out on either side as they advanced. Sharp enough that she knew they would maim should she fall. The ground beneath her was loose. Stones the size of her palm littered their path. Nothing about it was solid, and they broke free with each step, waiting to take one of them down. It would only be her people, that much she knew. If anyone should misstep, it would be one of them. Jace. Cory. Her. She at least had the protection of the Horsemen. The other two would be utterly helpless, unless someone else stepped up. Despite this trek, she doubted any of them would have. Eire especially. Demitria was glad she led the charge, far away fromher own people. She wouldn’t have to watch the female stand there, grinning as one of them fell to their deaths, and Demitria wouldn’t have to try and kill her, despite being on the same side.
Because she would do it, she realized. She would kill Eire if the female pushed her hand. Wouldn’t even think twice before drawing her blade.
