Page 174 of The Lost Ones

“Sorry dude, it’s just I’ve never seen a higher demon like you out of the palaces. You sure you guys don’t have demon parents?” He asks but doesn’t give us any opportunity to reply before he carries on his gaze switching to me. “And you, I haven’t ever seen anything that looks like you, you’re their Centre right?”

“Yep that’s me. If we’re being honest we don’t completely know why. Except the goddess has a job for me hence why you’re here.” I pause checking in with my instincts as I study him. Feeling that it’s the right thing to do I carry on. “We were sent here by Nicole because my parents have been kidnapped and she had vision sent by the goddess that they were taken here.” I explain.

“You guys certainly don’t have boring lives do you?” He says raising his eyebrow.

“Nope.” Hunter smirks.

“There are a couple of towns between here and the Blood Moon Academy and gossip runs fucking rampant in them,” he says as shadows cross his eyes.

For the first time since meeting him I start to understand that there’s more to him than the goofy guy he’s shown us so far. His more serious look transforms his features and I suddenly remember where I’ve seen him before.

“Guys, he’s one of Cole’s bonded!”I send down the Bond link and they send slightly shocked looks in my direction.

“No fucking way!”Kai exclaims.

“Anyway,” Kysen says, gaining our attention again and shaking himself free from whatever memories just haunted him. “What I was getting at is people will be talking if some strangers from the Earth realm were seen near them. Is there anything else unique about them that will help them stand out more?” He asks.

“They’re a Bonded Centre group. My mom and my three dads.” I explain.

He just stares at me for a second and I can see the wheels in his brain working double time as he tries to connect the dots.

“But that would mean that you’re the biological daughter of a Soulmate Bonded group.”

“She is.” Levi answers bluntly, even though Kysen didn’t phrase it like a question. He folds his giant arms over his wide chest and stares Kysen down. His pose is clearly a warning.

We don’t need to worry about Kysen giving away my secret though, I’ve already seen the vision and it shows that not only is he Cole’s Bonded but also he has the warrior mark which means he is one of my most loyal and closest protectors. That just proves that we can trust him.

“Wow. Ok well that explains the change in appearance when you drop your glamour and that you have a glamour in the first place most Centre’s don’t. in fact no Centre’s have a glamour.” He says thoughtfully, “It also explains the goddess vision although why she sent me I have no bloody idea.”

“There’s always a reason.” I say, “I’ve learnt to just go with it. It may not be clear right now what that reason is but it’s not long before I understand.”

“That actually does make me feel a bit better.” He says sounding slightly shocked.

“Thanks I try.” I grin.

“Them being a Bonded group should mean that people will pay more attention to them. There isn’t really any way that they could avoid the towns as everything’s spread so far apart that they’d need to get supplies and although this realm is even bigger than Earth, I can only assume that the portal spat you out here because it had something to do with your parents location. I don’t know why everything has to be so complicated with these sorts of things.” Hefinishes smirking.

“I asked her that and she said that she was a goddess after all and had to keep me on my toes, she can’t make it too easy for me.” I reply.

“You didn’t?” He gasps before burst into easy laughter.

“Only you would question a goddess.” Maverick says shaking his head and sounding highly amused.

I just shrug my shoulders.

“So that’s the plan then?” Levi says trying to get us back on track, “We pick up supplies in the next town and listen to any gossip we can whilst we’re there before we move on to the next? How many days ride between this one and the next?”

“That sounds about right. Except in town you guys need to keep your heads down as much as possible and keep your hoods on your cloaks up.” He says gesturing to the piles of clothes on everyone’s hands. “Some idiot is going to challenge at least one of you. If that happens you’re going to have to do it. I can tell you now that any of you will win if challenged and because of that I need you to hold back somewhat or there’ll be more idiots trying to prove themselves and improve their standing and we’ll never get to the academy. You must kill your opponent, you can not show any mercy or leniency at all or you will be considered weak and your life will be forfeit.” He explains sombrely.

“I thought you said no one would be able to beat us in this village?” Kai asks.

“They won’t but they have ways to subdue you that will make killing you a breeze. Demons are honourable. The fight to the death for hierarchy and status is a tradition that goes back for as long as anyone can remember the rules are followed no matter what.”

“Fascinating.” Maverick mutters.

“So into town and moving on as fast as possible, got it.” I say, “I’m going to get changed.”

I quickly walk behind one of the big trees and change my clothes as quickly as possible. From the rustling I can hear I’d say that the guys are doing the same. Surprisingly everything fits like it was made for me and as move from around the tree and towards Dave I realise that its all incredibly easy to move in, not stiff like you’d expect.