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Aziel’s lips flatten into a straight line. “Not now, Cassia.”

If not now, then when? Nobody appreciates my humor.

I clear my throat, shifting my attention to Raum. “I was told you wanted to speak with me.”

“Yes.” Raum finally drags his gaze away from Aziel. “Prince Nolic’s men are closing in on the border. I’d like you to lead First Unit.”

First Unit? My heart stutters. Did I hear him right? First Unit is made up of the strongest demons within Wrath’s army, and they’re almost always stationed at the front lines. They’re our first line of defense, and for good reason.

With them, we rarely need our second.

“First Unit?” I repeat. I need to make sure I heard Raum correctly.

He nods. “Yes.”

Aziel leans back in his chair, his every movement tense. He disapproves of Raum’s decision. I’m willing to bet he wants me to remain somewhere safe, somewhere far away from Prince Nolic and his army. That’s too fucking bad.

“I don’t have experience leading a unit,” I say.

As much as I appreciate the opportunity, it doesn’t change the simple fact that I have no experience. First Unit is vital to Wrath’s defense, and it should be led by somebody with experience. Wrath deserves that.

The corners of Raum’s lips twitch upward. “My lieutenant general will accompany you. He’s experienced and intelligent, and he’ll help you plan and offer guidance as needed.”

I hesitate. “But I’m in charge?”

“Yes.”

“What about Rexton?” The question erupts out of me, but I don’t regret it.

Aziel is the one who answers. “He’s leaving camp this evening. His skills are being wasted here, and he’ll continue to oversee our efforts from within Wrath’s capital.”

I’m not entirely surprised to hear this, but I’m not happy about it. I’ve known that Rexton doesn’t belong in camp. He’s valuable, and he should be leading alongside Aziel and the other generals. I should, too, but this experience is crucial to me.

I lick my lips and clasp my hands together, fidgeting. “I want Rexton to stay with me.”

Aziel and Raum glance at one another with wide eyes, the two wearing mirroring expressions of shock. They think I hate Rexton. I do most of the time, and I’m honestly not sure why I even want the stupid man with me. I don’t know Raum’s lieutenant general very well, and I trust Rexton.

He’s had several opportunities to hurt me, and he’s chosen not to. I trust his opinion more than that of some man I hardly know.

Raum clears his throat. “If that’s your preference, I don’t have any immediate concerns with Rexton joining you in First Unit.”

We both turn toward Aziel, waiting for his approval. He’s already staring at me, his eyes narrowed in a way that I know means trouble. He has thoughts, many of them, and he’s trying to decide which ones to go with.

After a long beat of silence, he nods. “Very well.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

REXTON

I BRUSH MY fingers over my neck, shivering as I reach the spot where Cassia bit me. She left a small mark behind, just a tiny scrape from her teeth. It healed within minutes and was too small to create a bond, but I can practically still feel it.

The memory has consumed me.

What was she thinking? Just when I finally think I’m figuring Cassia out, she turns around and does something so beyond my expectations that I have no concept of what’s up and what’s down.

Is it intentional? She’s so incredibly volatile.

I have no idea what I would’ve done had she bitten down. We’d be bonded. I’ve never thought much about bonding, not in any real way. It’s something I’d like to do in the distant future, but it’s not something I’ve ever been particularly desperate for.