Beyond His Evil

TEN.

I opened my eyes and blinked at the familiar white ceiling, confusion clouding my thoughts.

Slowly, my gaze traveled around the room. Everything was white—too white. It was the same room I had woken up in a few days ago.

What was I doing back here?

“How do you feel?”

The voice startled me.

“Kira.”

I turned my head toward the sound and saw Devon standing nearby. He wasn’t too close, but close enough to make me feel uneasy. His hands were tucked into his pockets, and his eyes held an emotion that disappeared before I could decipher it.

I frowned, unease knotting in my chest.

Why was I here?
And why was I alone with him?

Then it all came rushing back—the introduction, the fight, the humiliation.

I shot up from the bed, ignoring the sharp jolt of pain that seized my body. Devon was quick to reach out, steadying me before I could fall.

“Take it easy,” he said softly.

I shoved his hands away with more strength than I thought I had, glaring at him.

“You knew, didn’t you? You knew!”

“What?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, forcing myself to stand despite the ache in my muscles. The pain was nothing compared to the anger surging through me.

“Why?” I demanded. “You wanted me humiliated!”

“Kira, I assure you, I had no idea—”

“You wanted them to see how useless I am!” My voice cracked, and tears spilled down my cheeks. I hated that I couldn’t stop them. I hated that he was seeing me like this.

Devon’s expression softened, his voice gentle. “You’re not worthless, Kira.”

But I couldn’t believe him—not when the memories of the fight replayed in my mind. Violent sobs tore through me as I broke down.

“You don’t know what it feels like,” I choked out. “To be a failure. To be a hunter who can’t protect herself, let alone anyone else. I’m an abomination!”

“You’re not—”

“Don’t lie to me!” I snapped.

My weak legs trembled under the strain of my weight. When I stumbled, Devon caught me again, his arms steady and warm.

“You shouldn’t be up,” he murmured, lifting me effortlessly and placing me back on the bed.

My anger flared as soon as I felt the mattress beneath me. “Because of you, everyone knows,” I whispered, fresh tears soaking the sheets. "If you'd let me stay with the humans, no one would have noticed me."

"What if I was as ignorant as the rest?"

I shook my head. “You weren’t.”

He fell silent. “When the seer told me you were powerless, I had my doubts.”

“And you wanted to find out in front of everyone.”

“Is it easier to blame me because you hate me, Kira?" He asked, " Is this really about the fight? Or because I'm a demon.”

"Don’t you dare say my name!" I glared at him. “Yes, I hate you, Devon. I hate you so much. I’ve never hurt anyone, but if you don’t leave now, you’ll be the first. Powers or not, I’ll find a way to hurt you.”