Page 78 of Daman

“You’re kidding.”

Joy bringers were a class of angel that, well, like their name suggested, brought joy to people. They weren’t fighters.

“The celestial realm needs the warriors,” Alastair said. “So many angels have fallen over the years. Lazarus didn’t say as much, but I sensed his tension. He’s worried.”

“Well, that doesn’t bode well if Mr. Emotionless Dickwad himself is nervous. Any news of Belphegor? Or Asa?”

“Lazarus said Belphegor was spotted in Budapest before vanishing. He thinks they’re searching for something.”

“Like what?”

“He wouldn’t say.”

I scoffed. “Of course not. He likes keeping us in the dark. How are things in Echo Bay? Any more demon attacks?”

“A few. Konnar’s keeping an eye out too. Neutrally, of course.”

I laughed a little. “That vampire may be neutral on paper, but he’s on our side.”

“He’s been a good acquaintance ever since we moved here. If the day comes when he’s forced to choose sides, I know exactly where his allegiances lie. How are army preparations going?”

“I don’t think I have much work to do honestly. These warriors are highly skilled.”

Warrin smirked at that.

“Good,” Alastair said. “That’s all I wanted to say, so I won’t take up any more of your time. I hope you and Warrin have a wonderful Christmas.”

“Yeah. You too.”

After disconnecting the call, I threw my legs over Warrin’s lap and leaned against his shoulder. He turned his face into my hair. The light ping of ice came from outside as sleet mixed with snow. But right there with him, it was so damn warm.

I never wanted to move from that spot. I just wanted to stay in his arms, on that couch, watching the snow fall.

Chapter Twelve

Warrin

The world fell silent in winter. Snow crunched underfoot as we trekked toward the neighboring village, moonlight guiding our way. The temperature was much warmer outside the barrier to the kingdom but still cold. I filled my lungs with the crisp air and released it in a visible breath.

“These things only come out at night?” Lev asked.

“Yes,” Daman answered. “Shades hate the sun. They’ll legit explode if exposed.” His eyes shifted to me. “Yes, just like the vampires from your books.”

I cracked a smile.

Five days had passed since Christmas. Envy had left him alone for the most part, with the exception of small bouts of moodiness that I found more adorable than anything, like once when he’d been jealous of a pillow I was cuddling with, and another time when he watched my mouth as I ate a strawberry. He’d gently knocked the fruit aside and kissed me, licking my lips and flicking his tongue against mine.

My body stirred at the memory.

Focus.We were on a hunt, and I didn’t need the scorching reminder of what happened after that kiss to distract me.

Our hunting party was small: me, Daman, Viktor, Lev, Ivan, and Efrem. The number of shades had increased outside the barrier, and after Daman explained how dangerous the situation was for the mortals, Nikolai had given us orders to dispose of them before they could hurt anyone.

It had been too long since I’d been in action. I’d missed it. Daman smiled as he walked beside me. It appeared he felt the same.

Viktor surveyed the woods around us. My nephew commanded his own section of the army and had fought by my side during the last battle against the water dragons—before the ceasefire had been called. He’d accompanied me on several missions since then. But the edges of his eyes were tight with nerves as he searched the night for any signs of demons.

It was in those instances when he reminded me of the boy I’d once taught how to swing a sword. The same boy who boldly said he wanted to be a soldier but then hesitated the first time he’d needed to take a life. He’d killed many enemies since then, but we’d never faced demons before. We’d never had any reason to.