Beyond His Evil

ELEVEN.

KIRA
💕

Kate had left early this morning for training, and all I had planned to do today was hide in my room.

That plan crumbled when Evelyn showed up, barely ten minutes after delivering my breakfast—an attempt to save me from the humiliation I’d face if I braved the cafeteria. I was thankful for the gesture.

“The seer and the general want to see you,” she announced, her tone gentle yet firm.

“Do you know why?” I asked.

She shrugged. “I wasn’t given details.”

Who was I to refuse their call?

I took a deep breath, counting my steps as we walked, hoping the numbers would steady my nerves.

Evelyn glanced at me, her brows knitting together. “Are you okay?”

No.

“Yes,” I mumbled, forcing a smile that even I didn’t believe.

Evelyn didn’t push, and for that, I was grateful.

I went back to counting.
56...
57...

The hallways, deserted with everyone at training, gave me room to breathe. At least for now, I didn’t have to endure the murmurs, the whispers, or the judging stares that had haunted me since that day.

For now, it was just me, Evelyn, and the looming dread of what awaited me at my meeting with the seer and general.

68...
69...

“Do they want to send me away?” The thought clung to me like a shadow. If they did, maybe I could finally search for my mother—assuming I survived long enough to find her.

Evelyn stopped outside a large wooden door, flashing me an encouraging smile. “Good luck. I’ll see you later.”

I blinked at her. “You’re not coming in with me?”

She shook her head. “I have training, Kira. I’m already late as it is.”

Her presence would be a great help, but she had already done enough. “Okay. Thank you,” I murmured.

She gave me a final, reassuring look before walking away.

I turned back to the door, my hand trembling as I reached for the knob. There was no use knocking; they knew I was coming.

The moment the door creaked open, a harsh, unfamiliar voice tore through the room.

“That girl is worthless!” the man thundered. “I’m doing her a massive favor by sending her to the humans!”

His words struck like a blade, cutting deep despite how many times I’d heard them before.

Variations of this sentiment had followed me ever since the disaster at the introduction hall, but they still managed to sting.

My eyes burned with unshed tears.

“A hunter without powers?” he sneered. “She’s a joke! She shouldn’t even be in safe land with her curse!”

The first tear slipped down my cheek, and I hurried to wipe it away.

“How can—”

“That’s enough!”

The interruption made me freeze. I knew that voice. Devon.

My pulse quickened, unsteady, and irrational. Evelyn hadn’t mentioned he’d be here.

The man scoffed, his tone turning mocking. “Is she your new whore, demon boy?”

Devon didn't reply.