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Archer snorted a laugh.

What was with these people? Eryn looked back at the man she learned had only been with the team for a year. A human, dying, yet strong enough—or stubborn enough—to take on the entire power of a demon hunter in one night.

“What?” Vann lifted an eyebrow at his teammate.

Archer clenched his fists and nodded up at the winged demon, circling, moving into position like the rest. “Why do all their names start with a T?”

A laugh rattled in Eryn’s throat. This was her new family. The most terrifying, crucial moment of her life, and they teased each other.

Ryan shook his head and flashed a wink at his friends. “There are a lot of T’s in the demon realm’s dictionary. Interestingly, there were no J’s or W’s until the last century.”

And one of this team was literally demon royalty. Of course there was a demon language.

Tisiphone didn’t miss what they were doing. Playful banter—while they surrounded her. Charged up for the fight with bright moods and careful positioning. She looked to her minions.

At Eryn’s side, Vann wiped away a bead of blood from the corner of his mouth, and shrugged lazily at Tisiphone. “I grew up knowing I’d have to kill my wife one day, in order to save her. Not saying that’s plan A, but if that’s how it’s got to be, I’m going to make you suffer as long as possible. I wonder how long an immortal can hold up to torture, before begging for death.”

Blayk cleared his throat and laughed once, with sharp amusement. “Not long.”

Adair nodded brightly. “Especially this one. Privileged bitch was born powerful. She won’t last an hour.”

Vann flicked up an eyebrow at Tisiphone. “Your call. Let Eryn go, or you’ll have a room full of hunters—and a dozen women whose souls she freed—all hungry for vengeance.”

If good company alone could heal him faster, Vann’s injuries would be a distant memory. Blood still filling his mouth with a coppery taste, his head throbbing, he flicked a lazy look at his sword, and stared the fury down.

He ignored the clutching pain in the back of his head and limped toward her.

Sword drawn, he teased it in his grip and pursed his lips as he considered exactly how he wanted to bring her down.

As a unit, the team surrounded her. Blades up.

Tisiphone eyed the shattered windows. Survival… or vengeance.

Vengeance looked back. If she flitted one feather outside, her victims would end her in a heartbeat.

One flew ahead of the others and stood on a windowsill like a furious valkyrie. Blade drawn, she stood strong. “Let. Her. Go.”

Panic bit into Vann’s throat. Were they still loyal to Tisiphone?

His panic was short-lived. He followed her gaze. Read her expression.

The fury snarled at Tisiphone before casting a sad look at Eryn. Bruised, bleeding, but she wasn’t backing down.

Another flew in and braced herself as another wall to block Tisiphone from escaping. “I’ve been this bitch’s bitch for a century.”

More flew closer, a veritable blockade. Had each of them been so violently manipulated by Tisiphone? Made desperate enough to make a deal with her?

One smirked and lifted an eyebrow at Eryn. “Make her beg.”

Tisiphone lashed out at Vann like a cornered animal. Surprisingly fast with the broad wingspan, she kicked out as she dove across the room.

Her bare foot smashed into his bruised ribs.

Not fast enough, not strong enough, Vann was knocked back.

Fucking hell, he needed a long nap and a big fucking meal.

Strong arms hoisted from behind. His father. Vann poised himself to stand strong, each movement creaking in every bone in his body.