Tank stands on the muddy back lawn of High, motioning students closer with his beefy hands. “Everyone, gather around. Class is about to begin.”
I glance at my watch. Once this class is over, I can go to the Ryder mansion for my mystery whatever-it-is with Lincoln. Anxiety burns through my chest.
The Old Timer lurks by our gym teacher’s elbow. His fingers tremble as he twiddles his half-a-moustache. Cissy and Zeke chat nearby.
The Old Timer smoothes his palms over his receding gray hair, guiding the frizzy strands into a tiny pony tail. “We have special guests today.” He gives his moustache-half an extra-long twirl. “Angel warriors. They’ll arrive any minute.”
My mind empties of all thought except pure joy. I jump up and down. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” I’ve never seen angels fight. The entire class turns in my direction, their eyes large and mouths small. Tails stop wagging.
Cissy slides up beside me and whispers in my ear. “You might want to cool it. The other kids are scared of angels. Everyone else is–”
I raise my pointer finger. “I’m not like everyone else and I don’t want to be like everyone else.”
Cissy chuckles. “I noticed. Okay, jump up and down. Knock yourself out.”
The Old Timer starts blabbing about how to act in front of angels. The other students stand google-eyed and twitchy, hanging on his every word.
I elbow Cissy, trying my best to look super calm and cool. “So, any luck with that research project?”
“You mean finding out what Prince Lincoln wants with you at the Ryder mansion today?”
“That’s the one.”
“Nope. I think Zeke’s parents know, but they won’t say a word.” She glances at her watch. “Class ends in forty minutes. You’ll find out soon enough.”
Two angels appear on a nearby patch of muddy lawn. A man and woman, they’re tall and trim with white-blond hair that hangs straight and loose down their backs. They have milky skin, pale blue eyes, and large white wings. Their silver armor is delicately carved with runes of protection. The students gasp as the pair steps up to Tank and the Old Timer. I don’t think anyone breathes, let alone talks.
The woman angel is the first to speak. “Good afternoon, everyone. I am Rhiannon and this is Levi. We’re members of the new personal guard for the Angel Verus.”
Verus got an armed guard? That’s never happened before. There must be a new level of danger in Purgatory. That and Armageddon’s strange behavior today at the Arena? Something is very, very wrong.
Levi sets his hands on his hips. “We’re here to show you how to defend yourselves against demons.”
The Old Timer clears his throat. “Excuse me, but this is the Ghoul Protection League. I’m sure you’ll teach the students how to defend ghouls.” A spasm rolls across his upper lip. “Especially from Papilio demons.” His head jerks. “They assailed my personal possessions. I’ve filed numerous complaint forms with the Oligarchy but they won’t even acknowledge the attack.” He slams his fist into his open palm. “You should show the students how to fight them.” His irises flare scarlet.
I silently whistle. Those Papilio demons really messed with his undead head.
Rhiannon meets the Old Timer’s stare, her irises flaring with blue light. “No. This is defense training, not instructions on revenge.” Righteous power rolls off her in waves.
The Old Timer bows so low, he almost falls over. “Of course, teach whatever you like.”
Levi rubs his hands together. “We’ll begin with Manus demons.” He raises his palm level before his mouth and breathes onto his skin. His hand magically fills with clear water. He breathes once more. The water bursts into white flame.
“Let’s look at a Manus.” Levi tips his hand over. The burning water pours into the shape of a massive Manus demon, only this one’s clear as glass and encased in white flame.
A few of the students yelp, more inhale sharply. Angels are so freaking cool. I punch the air with my fist.
Rhiannon walks around the demon. “As you can see, Manus are at least six feet tall and almost as wide.” She points to different parts of the demon as she speaks. “Distinguishing marks are powerful arms, yellow tusks, black fur, and short legs. They’re extremely strong and often used for heavy work, such as smashing into buildings or through crowds. Their most vulnerable point is here.” She points right below the rib cage. “A blow to the gut will stun them, giving you time to escape.”
Tank folds his thick arms over his chest. “How should the students fight them?”
“They shouldn’t,” says Rhiannon. “That falls under the category of ‘sacrificing your life for your masters.’ Today, we’re learning defense. Whatever the demon, your best defensive move is to run.” She scans the small group of students. “Any questions?”
Silence.
Levi tilts his head to one side. “Would you like to see more?”
I shoot my hand into the air. “Yes, absolutely.”
A few kids nod.
“Excellent,” says Rhiannon. “Next, we’ll take a look at Armageddon.”