The councilwoman nods, unsurprised by his answer. “You and Jackson were the first civilians we ever tried to train from scratch. Normally, if orphans were left behind after demonic murders, we connected the unfortunate children with social services to find placement for them. However, you and Jackson were a test of the idea that we could empower victims to protect themselves and others.” A smile curves on her lips. “And you passed that test with flying colors.”
There’s a rare note of approval in her voice. Chester’s heart swellswith it. His status as a neophyte hunter means that he’s usually ignored or forgotten entirely, so the fact that a member of the Council believes he’s an asset?—
Well. He’s going to be carrying that praise with him for years. “Thank you, ma’am. The Sanctum taught me well.”
Nasir inclines her head. “We certainly tried. What you might not know, however, is that while you and Jackson were the first survivors the Sanctum adopted, you weren’t the last. Once you proved yourselves, other Sanctums worldwide started to embrace our model, taking in orphaned children instead of sending them to civilian families who could never possibly understand what they’d been through.”
The words jolt through Chester. “I—I didn’t know that,” he stammers, an unfamiliar surge of pride washing through him.
Chester and JJ did that. They paved the way for survivors like them to take revenge on the demons who hurt them and protect other kids from the same fate.
He’s proud of them for that. He just wishes JJ were here to see it.
“I didn’t know that, either,” Bryant says slowly, her head tipping to one side. “Does it happen a lot?”
“There have been a few dozen cases worldwide,” Nasir says, waving a hand dismissively. “Thankfully, demonic massacres aren’t frequent enough for us to do it too often. But, so far, all of our neophytes have been just as successful as Chester.”
She doesn’t mention JJ. A tendril of unease creeps down Chester’s spine. “But what does that have to do with the Jackson case?”
The councilwoman’s eyes harden. “The demons have concocted a clever story,” she says, “no doubt helped along by Sawyer Solomon and Naomi Gutierrez. They’ve been spreading a rumor that the Sanctum commissioned those demons to kill your family—and Jackson’s—so we could prey on and indoctrinate the survivors.”
Chester’s stomach drops.“What?”
Bryant looks bewildered. “But that doesn’t make any sense. Why would we need more hunters? Especially civilians?” Her eyes flicker to Chester. “No offense.”
“None taken.”
“That’s the clever part,” Nasir says. “Because therehasbeen a statistically significant decline in the number of hunters worldwide over the past few centuries. It’s nothing to be concerned about, of course—we still outnumber demons nearly forty to one—but they’re using that as their ‘proof’ that we need to swell our ranks.”
Chester swallows hard. The story is barely hanging together by a thread, barely stuck together with paper clips and glue, but if the words were packaged correctly… “JJ believed that?” he asks haltingly.
“It appears so. And once he believed it, he would’ve been earnest in convincing Gutierrez, as well.” Nasir’s frown deepens. “In a way, Chester, you’re correct: theywerebrainwashed. But it was a lie they never should’ve accepted in the first place. We think they simplywantedto believe the story to justify their defections.”
Chester’s heart hurts. Bryant looks away. “So there’s no hope for them?” she asks quietly.
“Anything is possible,” Nasir says briskly, “but we’ve done all we can do. If they wish to return to us and plead their cases before the Council, it will have to be of their own volition.”
That’ll never happen. Chester’s chest aches at the thought. Roma is the most stubborn person he’s ever met, both a blessing and a curse, and if JJ truly believes that the Sanctum was responsible for his family’s murders, then he’ll die before he comes back.
Hell. If itweretrue, then Chester would be right there with him.
“In any case,” Councilwoman Nasir continues, “I wanted to inform you both in person that we’re ceasing our pursuit of Jackson—and to warn you to be on your guard against the demons.” Her eyes narrow. “You two grew up alongside Jackson and Gutierrez, and youwere trained by Sawyer and Naomi. They might see you as easy targets. It’s your job to prove them wrong.”
Chester squares his shoulders, but Bryant is the one who answers. “Understood, ma’am,” she says firmly. “We’ll keep our guards up. And we’ll protect each other, too.”
Warmth curls through Chester at the words. He and Bryant were never particularly close over the years—a purebred associating with a neophyte hunter was nearly grounds for scandal—but he always knew they’d walk through fire for each other, even if they complained about it every step of the way.
Especially now that they’re all they have left.
“Excellent. I look forward to ridding Redwater of the blight slandering our Sanctum’s good name,” Nasir says, and she waves them off. “You’re both dismissed. I’ll contact you with any further updates.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Bryant inclines her head politely before walking to the door, and Chester waits a half second out of respect before following her. He eases the door shut as soundlessly as possible behind them, and they slip down the hallway in silence.
But not for long. “So what do we think?” Chester whispers, his stomach tying itself into knots. “About JJ and Roma.”
Bryant’s jaw works. “I’m not surprised JJ believed that ridiculous story,” she says, and Chester is just about to argue when she continues, “Especially when you factor in the demon kid who looks like his dead sister and the fact that Chin is pretty dang easy on the eyes.”
Chester gapes at her. “You thinkCassius Chinis attractive?”
