Beyond His Evil

NINE.

I brushed off the thought, focusing instead on the room's tense energy.

The woman turned toward us, her voice steady yet commanding. "Please, everyone, take a seat."

Devon waved a hand casually through the air, and seats materialized behind each person, eliciting gasps of astonishment.

I sat quickly, noticing how several of the human girls were swooning at him, their faces flushed and dreamy. I scoffed at their idiocy. The hunters knew better than to waste their admiration on a demon.

The woman cleared her throat, reclaiming the room’s attention. "My name is Miriam," she began, her voice calm yet firm. "I am the leader of one of Safe Land’s rescue teams. We are thrilled to have you join us in this sanctuary." She paused briefly, her gaze sweeping across the room.

"Safe Land was built many years ago, shielded by six impenetrable walls. No one leaves except for the General and a select few, and only when other regions need assistance during attacks. Outside these walls lie countless weapons designed to protect us, making Safe Land a haven that has never faced invasion or defeat. Here, we live freely—without fear or oppression."

The room broke into spontaneous applause, the sound echoing off the high walls. When it finally subsided, Miriam pressed on.

"Inclusivity is the foundation of Safe Land," she said, her voice rising with conviction. "No being, no kind, is considered weak or inferior here. Vampires have stolen from us all, and we must unite to claim back what is rightfully ours—our freedom. Freedom to walk the earth unafraid. Freedom to live as the gods intended. Freedom to rebuild what was destroyed. This is not their world; it is ours. United, we will finish the war they started."

Her passion stirred murmurs of agreement, though I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of doubt.

Her words were bold, but were they realistic?

Did she truly believe that unity alone could rebuild what had been broken?

Miriam continued, "Here, everyone from the ages of eight to seventy trains and learns about our enemies. The elderly and infants reside in the main village, along with others who prefer a quieter life. But even they must report here for training daily."

As she spoke, a book suddenly appeared on my lap. Startled, I flinched. Around me, the rustle of pages filled the air as people opened their books. I opened mine too.

"In these books," Miriam explained, "you’ll find maps of Safe Land, descriptions of each building’s purpose, and your schedules, which are based on your grades. Grades determine your classes and training sessions. Humans will all start at Grade One. Hunters," her gaze swept over us, "your grades will be decided based on your abilities. Are there any questions?"

Hands shot up across the room, including mine. Miriam stepped aside, allowing Devon to take her place.

His presence immediately shifted the atmosphere again, the room’s energy crackling with both tension and curiosity. I took my hand down.

He pointed to a girl near the front.

"Why are they keeping you here?" she asked, her voice sharp, her gaze fixed on him with open hostility.

I turned to see who had spoken and recognized the earth elemental from my village.

My heart leaped at the sight of her.

I was glad she had survived. A seed of hope began to grow within me, maybe my mother survived as well. Seeing her glare at Devon with such ferocity, I couldn’t help but smile.