“Scatter!” Alexi screamed, pushing herself off the ground as the Daemon leaped into the air and crushed the tree it had thrown at her in a shower of splinters. Opening its jaws, the beast let out a laughter-like roar and beat its chest with torn knuckles.

  “Are they trying to kill us!?” Lacey cried, reaching behind her back to produce a wicked-looking sickle connected to a long, iron chain. She shook violently as she looked up at the Daemon attacking them, taking a step backward.

  “Well, this is an exam,” Replied Nathan, taking a low stance as he spun a pair of curved daggers, before settling on a reserve grip. “Wouldn’t be much of a test if they didn’t give us a challenge.”

  What is this? Alexi thought as she reached for her revolver, a tremor running through her. She started panicking as she stared at the Daemon, trying to bury everything bubbling up inside her. This isn’t fear. I am not scared of a Daemon. Drawing her gun, she aimed it at the monster’s head, and finding herself unable to steady her aim, swore internally. She was suddenly ten again, on the first hunt Joshua had ever taken her on. All the terror, the uncertainty, the trauma rushed back to consume her all at once. It’s going to kill us.

  The Daemon turned its piercing gaze onto Alexi, thick, steaming saliva oozing from its rotting fangs. Snapping back to the present, Alexi gritted her teeth and released three shots in quick succession, the round burying deep into the beast’s flesh. Its head snapping backward, she leaped forward and drew her blade to slash at its ankles, only to be met with a crushing blow from the back of its hand, the attack proving ineffective. With the wind knocked out of her, Alexi rolled across the forest floor, gasping painfully as she threw her arms out wildly to try and stop herself.

  This thing is on an entirely different level from any Daemon I've killed before.

  “Alexi!” Lacey cried, rushing towards her and kneeling to help Alexi into a sitting position.

  “Need…to catch….my breath.” Wheezed Alexi, eyes glued to the Daemon as it stepped towards them. She had lost her grip on her weapons, and she didn't put much stock in Lacey being able to defend them against the beast. They were defenceless.

  “Hey, you're gonna hurt my feelings if you ignore me like that!” Nathan called, leaping up towards the monster, slashing at its neck with his daggers. Snarling in irritation, it attempted to swat Nathan away as it had with Alexi. However, the Half-Elf was already on the move again, darting between its legs, slashing them as he narrowly avoided being crushed underfoot.

  “Lacey. Get my sword.” Alexi breathed, pushing herself up to her feet. “I'm killing that thing.”

  “What!?” Lacey cried, incredulous. “That Daemon just sent you flying, you shouldn't-”

  Alexi was too busy trying to calm her nerves to register Lacey’s words, every fibre of her body screaming for her to run. To survive. For the first time in years, she felt like she was facing death, but refused to back down.

  “You didn't listen to a word I just said, did you?” Lacey groaned as Alexi began moving forward.

  “No.”

  Reaching for her fallen weapon, Alexi readied it and inhaled deeply, the promise she had made to herself as a child echoing in her mind. I will kill as many Daemons as possible. Until one eventually kills me. If this was where she died, then so be it. Let her die. She moved to charge at it once more, movement at the corner of her eye stopping her short. Alexi had forgotten all about Vincent until the moment he moved towards the Daemon. It was still preoccupied with its attempts to catch Nathan and growing more frustrated with each failure.

  Vincent was fast—faster than Alexi had seen anyone move before. He leapt into the air and slashed the back of the Daemon's neck in one fluid motion. By the time he had landed, his sword had already been returned to its sheath, and a look of boredom was plastered across his face. As the beast crashed onto the forest floor, Alexi quickly realized that he had severed its spine. He’d killed it, just like that.

  Dead weight

  As Vincent's words echoed inside her head, shame and anger coursed through Alexi's veins. Useless. She had been utterly useless.

  “So, can we all agree that travelling together is a good idea now?” Nathan asked, pocketing his daggers.

  #

  “So you’re telling me you sew armour between layers of fabric?”

  Chatting enthusiastically behind her, Alexi couldn’t help but note how quickly Nathan and Lacey had become friendly. The moment she’d spun her sales pitch towards Nathan, he was caught in her web. Good, Alexi thought, staring daggers into the broad-shouldered back of Vincent, who was walking slightly ahead of them all. At least someone will listen to her.

  “If you have something to say, say it,” Vincent said, not bothering to look back at her as he spoke, which made her bristle.

  “Yeah, actually. You killed that Daemon like it was nothing. If you could have done so from the start, why didn't you?”

  He remained silent, telling her everything she needed to know. He had given them a chance to prove him wrong, and they failed. Alexi clenched her fists hard enough to pierce the skin of her palms, calling the last ten years into question.

  Why have I never encountered a Daemon like that before now? If I had, if something like that found me on a job…I’d be dead.

  “I thought you wanted to die?”

  The sight of flowing, crimson hair from the corner of her eye snapped Alexi’s gaze in the direction she thought she’d seen it, only to be met with nothing but trees. She felt her heart skip a beat, her fingertips growing numb. Focus. Just focus. Swallowing the lump in her throat, Alexi pushed her down as far as she could and kept marching towards the end of the exam. The sky had turned a fiery orange when the group of four pushed through the other side of the forest, joining a group of other successful applicants at the base of the Mountain range. It was a group of far fewer numbers than they had initially started with. Alexi only counted twenty in total, including themselves.

  “I welcome you all, successful applicants. You have all made it through the forest within the time limit, and as a result, have passed the exam.” Standing on a near identical stage to the one from that morning, their announcer proudly smiled at them. “My name is Jerard Crestfall, Headmaster of Lostvail. Buckle in, Ladies and Gentlemen. You’ve just entered three years of hell.”

  Jerard stepped away from the podium and motioned at the empty stage space around him. “I think you’ll all be fine, though, don’t get me wrong. From what I’ve been told, you all gave quite the show.” As the Headmaster spoke, a dozen figures joined him on stage, their instructors, Alexi realized as she caught sight of Joshua. “My talented staff here were keeping a close eye on you the entire exam, ensuring you all followed the rules and didn’t die.”

  Her throat felt like sandpaper at the thought of Joshua witnessing her display against the Daemon in the forest. Her body shook with confusion and anger, and her gaze bore intently into her mentor. She needed answers.

  “Now, those of you who were injured in the forest, please report to the medic tents to the side of the stage. You and your partner will then be escorted to your dorms, where your luggage will be delivered. Those who do not require medical attention will be escorted directly. Your schedules will be delivered to you within the hour. Classes start tomorrow, and with that, you are all dismissed.”

  Alexi watched as Joshua filed off stage with the rest of the instructors, moving to chase after him when a gentle hand placed itself on her shoulder.

  “Alexi, maybe you should get checked out? You were hit pretty hard by that daemon, weren't you?” Lacey’s tone was gentle and filled with genuine concern, but the look on her face made Alexi wonder if she even had a choice. “It’s better to be safe than sorry, don’t you think?”

  Nathan nodded in agreement as he stepped towards them. “Vincent and I will head to our dorm now, but I’d listen to your partner. My Dad always says the secret of a healthy relationship is just to listen.”

  “Wise words indeed.” Lacey giggled before pushing Alexi in the direction of the medical tent. “Oh, and Nathan? I’ll get you to be a model for me yet.”

  “Not in a million years.” Nathan flashed them a toothy grin, causing Alexi to roll her eyes.

  #

  In the end, Alexi had no significant injuries to worry about, only minor bruises and a few strained muscles that would most likely heal quickly. With the check-up over, Alexi and Lacey were escorted out of the tent and towards a sight that lightened her sour mood, even if only a little.

  “Wyverns…” Alexi whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief as she took them in. The Wyverns before them were both coated in brilliant feathers, one with deep navy feathers that blended into the darkening night sky, while the other was bright orange, like the center of a fire. The way they carried themselves was bird-like, using their long, down-coated tails to keep themselves balanced, while keeping their wings tucked against the sides of their bodies.

  If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

  “The best mount a hunter could ask for. A horse is fine and all, but they can’t cover the sheer distance in the amount of time a Wyvern can.” Lacey moved closer to the orange Wyvern, gently petting under its chin. “Besides, there’s no animal out there more loyal.”

  Alexi stepped closer to the draconic mounts, the final dragon species not to have gone extinct on the continent. Wyverns had long ago been tamed and bred as mounts by Daemon hunters, common knowledge for any budding hunter. Yet he always changed the subject whenever she asked Joshua why he didn't have one for them to use. Always.

  “Have you ever ridden one?” Alexi asked, glancing over at the other young woman. She had already mounted their Wyvern and looked down at Alexi with a curious smile.

  “My Dad taught me how when I was a little girl.” Lacey giggled before reaching out a hand towards Alexi. “Here, hop on.”

  The trip to their dorm was an experience unlike anything Alexi had ever felt before. They soared through the air, thousands of stars peppering the night sky above her, and Lostvail’s spires looming below. Up in the sky, Alexi felt something she’d long since forgotten the sensation of. She felt freer than she had for as long as she could remember, a feeling that only lasted as long as their ride did. Her heart sank as they landed in the abandoned courtyard.

  “Your escort will arrive momentarily to show you to your dorms. Welcome to Lostvail Academy. You’ve earned your place here. Walk proud knowing that.” With those parting words, the Wyvern handler flew off with the two Wyverns, leaving the two young women alone to wait.

  Alexi turned to look up at the ominous statue in the courtyard's centre, shrouded in darkness as clouds travelled to blot out the stars. She could just make out the details, a large nondescript mass with numerous pairs of red and yellow eyes; representations of the Daemon horde. Below it was a single figure clad in heavy-plated armour, representing the original line of hunters who rose to defend humanity against them. Alexi supposed the statue was meant to represent hope and inspire the next generation of hunters never to forget what they were fighting for. In her eyes, it felt more like a reminder that humanity was woefully outnumbered in a never-ending war.

  I did earn my place, no matter what that arrogant prick thinks. I did…right?

  Glancing back in Lacey’s direction, Alexi could tell from the expression on the other girl’s face that she wasn’t the only one questioning their position here, and suddenly regretted how harsh she’d been towards her earlier in the day.

  “Alexi Ira, Lacey Flos, I want to officially welcome you to Lostvail.”

  The sound of Joshua’s voice, sudden and sharp, cut through the silence of the night and made Alexi’s skin crawl. A fresh wave of confusion and pain pulsed through her veins like fire as she turned to glare at him as he materialized from the darkness.

  “Of course they’d send you to be our guide.” “Alexi drawled, not bothering to hide the venom in her words. She noticed the confusion in Joshua’s eyes, though he tried to hide it. She didn’t even feel guilty. Good, now you know how it feels.

  “Uhm…I’ll just wait over here,” Lacey muttered, glancing uncomfortably between them.

  “Stay within eyeshot,” Joshua said before Lacey could even move. She only nodded stiffly in response before moving just past the statue.

  Joshua let out a long, hard sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger. “And here I thought we’d be celebrating this moment after all these years.”

  “Celebrating?” Alexi growled through gritted teeth. “You knew that Daemon was in the forest, you had to. You and the other instructors were scouting the forest yesterday.” She was shaking, the back of her eyes stinging as the weight of everything that had happened during the day became too much to bear. She was exhausted, humiliated, and questioning every decision she had ever made since the day her life had gone to shit. She couldn’t hold back anymore.

  “Every Daemon I’ve killed until now has been a joke compared to that…thing. None of them would have shrugged off three fucking bullets to the brain at least.” She began to pace, trying to take deep breaths to suppress the panic attack she could feel creeping in. “What have I been doing up until this point, Joshua? What was the point of my taking these jobs over the years if they weren’t going to prepare me for this? Why am I not prepared for this!?”

  Joshua didn’t answer her immediately. Instead, he sat down on the edge of the statue and pulled a pack of cigarettes from his jacket. His expression was hidden under the brim of his hat as he flicked his lighter on while the smell of tobacco rapidly filled the air, a sure sign she had royally pissed him off.

  “You have just as much skill as the boy who killed the Daemon. Despite everything I've taught you, I watched you charge in wildly without a plan. You fight like someone begging to die-”

  “SHUT UP!” The words violently tore themselves from Alexi’s throat, her body moving before she could even register what she was doing. The next thing she knew, she was pinned down on the ground with her arm painfully pressed against her back after her failed attempt to punch Joshua in the face. After a few seconds, he let her go.

  “If you want to live long enough to actually make use of your chance here, then I suggest you do something about that rage inside you. You have raw natural talent and years of training, so actually put it to use.”

  For a long moment, Alexi lay on the ground. She was exhausted in every sense of the word, and every muscle in her body screamed in protest at even the thought of moving. Despite it all, she silently pulled herself up off the ground. Without a word, she flipped her hood up and shoved her hands into her pockets. She was done talking.

  Joshua noticed Lacey peering over at them with a mix of concern and curiosity on her face. He sighed and turned back towards Alexi, who had shut down. “Just please think about what I’ve said.” With that, he motioned for Lacey to join them, and within moments, they were on one of the winding paths that led out of the courtyard, snaking their way through the grounds.

  The dorms were simple, if not efficient, in design. Their vertical design did not take up much space, with balconies jutting out of the sides of the cream-colored stone. The front doors were made of silver-gilded glass; inside were polished chequered floors and cage elevators. This was their new home.

  “This is where I leave you, ladies,” Joshua said as they gathered before the entrance. “Just tell the receptionist your names, and they will give you your room keys. Once again, I officially welcome you to Lostvail Academy. Your personal effects and timetables have already been delivered to your dorm, and I suggest that you get some rest. You’re expected to be in peak physical and mental condition for your classes tomorrow.”

  Without another word to Alexi, he walked down the stone steps and was soon out of sight, leaving the two girls standing alone in front of their shared home for the foreseeable future. Lacey glanced nervously at Alexi, who had remained silent and still since Joshua’s departure. “Uhm.” She said softly, as if she were talking to a frightened animal. “Should we go inside?”

  “Yeah,” Alexi said softly, her voice coated in her exhaustion, but mixed with something almost like determination. “I’m beat. Let’s get some rest.”

  #

  “Michael Avlin, age 28. Last seen leaving for his Final Exam Mission.” Joshua frowned as he looked over the folder in his hand. The young man was skilled with a hand axe and had a flawless mission success rate. “This doesn’t make sense,” Joshua said, placing the file on the rich mahogany desk. Sitting behind it, looking at him intently, was Jerard.

  “That’s exactly why I called you back here, Joshua. This is the fifth student to go missing like this. No reason to drop out, too skilled to be killed by the riff-raff Daemons that are left out there. Someone is behind this. I want to know who.”

  Collapsing into the lush seat on the other side of the desk, Joshua rubbed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger. He was mentally exhausted. It had taken every fibre of self-control he had not to get involved during the exam when the Daemon had injured Alexi. He took it out on her tonight, and he couldn’t help the nagging feeling at the back of his mind, telling him that he had gone too far. He couldn’t even focus on that because now he had this to deal with.

  “I honestly don’t know what you expect me to do here, Jerard. You haven’t exactly given me much to work with. What am I supposed to find that you couldn’t?”

  Leaning back in his seat, the headmaster regarded Joshua thoroughly, chewing on the inside of his cheek as he did so. “I asked myself that very question after I sent you that letter. Then I saw you brought her with you.”

  The words made Joshua tense, and he instantly recognized the look in his old friend’s eyes. They had known each other since they were teenagers at the academy together, and Jerard was a fiercely intelligent individual with the mind of a strategist. It had earned him the title of The Strongest Hunter, but it also detached him from his humanity on some level. Right now, Jerard was studying him as a subject, not his old friend.

  “What do you mean?”

  Jerard snorted. “Don't insult my intelligence, Joshua. You quit on me the day of the funeral, then spent ten years travelling the continent, taking jobs far below your skill level. Then, when I ask you to return, you bring a girl who just so happens to be the same age that Brutus and Haven’s oldest daughter would be. You went against their wishes and raised their daughter as a Daemon hunter.”

  “I wasn’t trying to hide it,” Joshua replied defensively, leaning back in his seat. “I was preoccupied with raising a traumatized child.”

  “So you admit you raised her to kill the very thing that traumatized her?” Jerard asked in response, eyebrows raised.

  “You act like I had a choice in the matter.” A mixture of shame and indignation stabbed him at Jerard’s words. The headmaster wasn’t wrong, and even as he spoke, he knew he was justifying his actions to himself just as much as he was to Jerard.

  “You weren’t there, Jerard. You didn’t see what I saw, what she saw. She begged me to train her!” The moment the words had left Joshua’s mouth, he knew he had fallen into Jerard’s trap.

  “Exactly. The girl has drive, fueled by revenge. Someone like that is bound to be the perfect target for whoever is going after the-”

  “YOU WILL NOT USE ALEXI AS BAIT!” Joshua roared as he rose to his feet and slammed his hands down on the desk. He pointed a finger directly at Joshua’s face in warning. “I forbid it.”

  Coming back had been a mistake. Bringing Alexi had been a mistake. Caving into her plea had been a mistake. All he had ever done was put her in danger, and now his own friends wanted to use her as bait.

  “I don’t need to use her. She has drive, natural talent, and she does have her Father’s blood in her veins after all. I’m sure all of that will naturally draw the attention of the culprit.”

  Confusion temporarily replaced Josua’s anger, quickly transforming into ice-cold fear. “Wait, you don’t mean-”

  “I’ve always believed that the Brutus and Haven’s deaths weren’t random. It never felt right. No, I believe they were targeted specifically because of Brutus. If I’m correct, I feel the two culprits may be one and the same.” Jerard slowly stood up to match Joshua, staring into his eyes, his gaze hard and methodical. “Don’t you want the chance to bring whoever killed our friends to justice? Especially if they're now targeting the next generation of hunters?”

  Joshua collapsed back into the seat, overwhelmed by the information Jerard had just poured onto him. It was too much to take in all at once, the possibility that his best friends hadn’t been killed at random, but instead murdered? The idea of Alexi finding out was a terrifying prospect in and of itself. He rubbed his jaw, a numb feeling washing over him.

  What have I gotten Alexi into?