Between the Bleeding Willows (The Demon Hunters Series Book 1) by D.A. Roach Page A

fast, but I was pissed, which made my legs pump harder and faster. I followed close behind him and into thicker woods.
    A shapely female stepped from behind a tree. “Jace.” It was Rya. I would know that voice anywhere.
    Jace ran toward her and vanished as soon as he passed her. Was this another gate? That would have been useful to know sooner! Rya looked back at me with her all-black eyes. She was gorgeous, as most demons could appear—black leather pants, corseted top, long black hair, blood red lips. Mesmerizing. Mortals were helpless against their good looks. Weak-willed Demon Hunters also fell victim to their beauty.
    Her face contorted into a demonic mask—elongated face, mouth full of razor sharp teeth—black eyes and long, black, forked tongue. “Killian, what an unexpected surprise, finding you and your gaggle of Demon Hunters in the outskirts of Myre.”
    I lunged at her, but she dodged easily, laughing even harder. There was a reason we fought in squads, but I needed to know the rest of my people were safe. I didn’t regret sending my team back to the tunnels.
    Fixing her gaze on me, she paused her cackle to say, “I know you feel what is coming, but you can’t stop it. Soon, I will have my day and enjoy every moment of ruling those pathetic humans in their Realm. And I look forward to torturing your precious Clan before I devour their souls. I think I’ll save you for last so you can watch me take your Clan, one by one—and I can enjoy watching it break you.”
    She turned away and vanished. I ran to where she had just stood, but the crossover portal had closed. Even if I could get Angeline to open it, I wouldn’t know where they went. I kicked the ground, gritting my teeth in fury and frustration. Yes, I knew what was coming, and I didn’t want to lose any more of my Clan. I jogged back toward the tunnel doors and hopped down. They had already loaded Siggy’s body on the cart with Ren’s.
    Anchor handed me my shirt.
    “Thanks. Jet, shut and lock the doors.”
    He climbed upon the nearest cart, and slamming the door shut, he pulled the crossbar into position.
    “All right, everyone. Fast feet. Let’s get home,” I ordered.
    With the daylight lamp in hand, I took the lead. We went as fast as we could without running, and the trip back took half the time it took to ascend. We had the slope and fear fueling us forward.
    Passing the area where our Clan had met the Krevarians was hard. There was a lot of blood, especially on the walls. All that remained from the creatures were their skeletal remains. Something must have dined upon their flesh, and I hoped we would not be its next meal.
    We walked further on—thankfully without incident—and finally, “I see home,” announced Sean.
    We had made it. Jackson approached the large door that separated us from the sanctity of the colony and pounded the preset pattern on the door, signaling our return. Angeline and Lena opened the door and greeted us warmly. Lena was on crutches and thick pressure bandages covered her whole foot and calf; I could imagine the argument she must have had with Angeline about being there to meet us. Her color was still off, but she was alive. I walked up to her and wrapped her in a tight hug.
    “We lost Siggy too. Demons…” I began, finding myself not quite able to speak.
    Lena nodded.
    “There are other injuries…” My voice kept wanting to catch as images from the mission replayed in my head.
    Lena looked at the group entering from the tunnel. “Send them our way, along with Sean to help. Angeline, you too?”
    Angeline walked to Lena’s side. “Of course. Oh, and Killian, very wise of you finding a way to get Lena back to me.”
    I nodded. “Thanks. I’ll stop by the med unit shortly.” I turned to face the rest of my people who’d come with me through the tunnels. “I want to thank you all for your hard work and bravery. All of your work, all of our sacrifice has ensured the safety of the Clan and our