Page 54 of A Bond So Deadly

I remember one of the most important rules in the demon realm is that visiting the human realm is prohibited. Part of that is because the human realm is neutral land to the other allied realms, but I suspect another part is that the demons would enjoy tormenting the humans just a little too much. But what the demon generals don’t realize is that these aren’t ordinary humans.

“We’re demon generals, and we’re here to train. If we need the space, then it seems fair that our needs are prioritized,” Sebastian answers. He’s speaking to me, but his eyes don’t stray from Satine.

I contemplate what to do next. Seeing as my mates aren’t here, I’m guessing the war council is still going, so getting Blake isn’t really an option. But I know the demons will listen to me. They know if they don’t, Blake will kick their asses when she finds out. Because she will find out.

I’m still wondering what to do when I remember that first training session when Raith and Nate fought the Xalgrith illusions. An idea spawns in my head, and a grin splits across my face.

“You’re absolutely right,” I tell Sebastian.

Satine opens her mouth to protest, but I forge on. “You are here to train, and so are the students, so this is perfect, really. If you move into groups and team up, the demons can use their battle knowledge to teach practical combat maneuvers, and in turn, also learn more about our shadow powers. It’s a win-win!” I clap my hands together excitedly, feeling pretty darn proud of myself for coming up with this on my own.

“What are you doing?” Kenzie hisses, but I wave her off. This might just be the best idea I’ve ever had. Or you know…it could be the worst.

In any case, if the students don’t get stronger, Queen Krosia is likely to try and execute them during the next graduation games, and who better to teach them how to fight than the top demon generals who have spent countless years fighting against the witches.

Satine glares at me, as do most of the other students, but I know they’ll come to thank me later. Maybe…

Aside from a few grumbles, the demon generals don’t reject my idea. As I suspected, they’re more curious about the human shadow warriors than anything, and I’ve just given them the excuse they needed to get even closer.

When none of the students move, Bonfang lets out a growl that makes the trees shake, and Rinoc, Kazer, and Arizak circle the students, staring everyone down until they start forming groups. Bonfang breaks off, moving between the groups like he’s herding sheep, and I grin broadly. One group for each demon general.

Despite their curiosity, the demons hesitate to join a group, and I decide to sweeten the situation. “This is hard on everyone,” I say to the generals, because I haven’t forgotten that the reason the demons are here in the first place is because of me. “For the general who shows the most progress with their group, I’ll put in a good word for them with Queen Blake.” That does the trick.

The demons move forward, striding over to the different groups. The commanders eye the humans like they’re assessing their strengths and already imagining shaping them into formidable warriors. …Or they’re thinking about devouring them. With demons, it’s hard to tell.

For a moment, I wonder if I’ve made a terrible decision, but the hint of a smile touches Sebastian’s lips, and he sends an appreciative look my way. I realize that he probably wanted this to happen, but he couldn’t find a way to convince the demon generals without their egos coming into play.

Sebastian approaches the group Satine is in, and she huffs, crossing her arms and pretending to ignore him.

“You’re either really smart,” Kenzie says to me, “or really dumb.”

I point to one of the smaller groups that has a female demon general with tall, twisted horns, and a seductive smile. “That’s Vethrak. She’s good friends with Sebastian, and while she can be a little pushy, she’s always been good to me.”

Kenzie gives me a deadpan look. “You’re not serious?”

When I simply stare back at her she groans. “And let me guess, you’re not intending to join?”

“None of the demons would fight me,” I say, pretending to be sad that I can’t train.

Kenzie frowns. “You think they’re worried about your mates?”

I laugh. “I think they know Blake will kick their asses if they so much as lay a hand on me.” I don’t point out that my mates would, too, because I figure that goes without saying. “Besides, Thane and the others keep my training schedule busy.”

Kenzie rolls her eyes. “Yeah, I bet they keep you busy training all the time,” she quips and starts moving toward the group.

Grinning, I call out, “And be careful! Vethrak has incubus powers. Unless you want to end up as her plaything, you might want to avoid physical contact!”

Kenzie gives me a horrified expression and flips me off, and I burst out laughing.

“Well played, girl,” Elgen praises, and I beam, feeling pretty darn proud of myself.

Yep, this was a great decision. I think…

Chapter Twenty

~ Raith ~

“What the actual fuck are we lookin’ at?” I scratch the back of my head, not sure what to make of the scene in front of me. The students are formed into groups, each with one of the demon generals instructing them on combat techniques. And they all seem to be…gettin’ along.