Chapter 49

Patrol

When Raphael entered his room after the trip to Starlit Glade, he immediately noticed something resting on his bed—a small leather pouch tied with a red ribbon. The soft light from the corridor lamp flickered behind him as he stepped closer, curiosity stirring in his chest. Curious, he picked it up.

– And what might this be?

His fingers moved gently, untying the ribbon with a sense of anticipation he didn’t fully understand. He opened the pouch. Inside, a small, glowing crystal pulsed softly next to a neatly folded note. He unfolded the note and read its brief message: For protection on your first patrol. The handwriting was unfamiliar—rugged and uneven, almost primitive.

– Hmmm… interesting. I wonder who might have left it for me.

He lingered over the words, his brow furrowed, as an odd warmth bloomed in his chest. As he pondered the identity of the mysterious gift-giver, a soft knock echoed from the door. The sudden sound made him flinch slightly. He set the pouch and note aside, then opened the door to find Lyra standing there. His usual stoic expression was replaced by a faint trace of concern.

– You’re leaving for patrol soon, right?

– Yes.

Lyra handed him a silver chain with a small pendant shaped like a crescent moon. It gleamed faintly in the hallway light.

– It’s enchanted. It’ll help you sense demonic presence better.

He averted his gaze, as if embarrassed by his own gesture.

– And… be safe.

Before Raphael could respond, Lyra turned and walked away, his footsteps fading quickly down the corridor.

– What the hell? Why do people who barely know me suddenly care so much? And who’s that mysterious donor?

He shook his head, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sudden kindness and concern from people he’d only just met. His chest tightened with a mixture of gratitude and confusion. He put the pendant around his neck, slipped the glowing crystal into his pocket, and prepared to leave for patrol.

– Maybe on my way, I’ll just say hello to Liam. It’s been a while since we last spoke.

He walked through the dimly lit halls of the academy toward Liam’s room. Shadows twisted gently around his steps. When he was about to knock on the door, hoping Liam was still awake and in the mood for a chat, footsteps echoed behind him—measured, steady, almost predatory.

He turned to see Kar standing there. The boy’s dark cloak billowed slightly behind him, and his eyes were fixed on Raphael—intense and unreadable.

– Going to visit Liam?

Before Raphael could respond, Kar stepped closer, blocking his path to the door. The air around them thickened with something unspoken.

– What the fuck are you doing?

Kar didn’t answer at once. Instead, he reached out and grabbed Raphael’s arm—firmly, but without force. The contact sent an unexpected jolt through Raphael’s body, like a spark leaping from skin to skin.

– Stay away from Liam tonight – Kar said quietly but firmly. There was something almost desperate in his voice that caught Raphael off guard.

– What is your problem?!? Liam is the closest thing to a friend I have!

– Exactly – Kar snapped, his eyes darkening. – He’s your friend. You trust him. You share your secrets with him. You laugh with him.

He paused, jaw tightening.

– Do you have any idea how dangerous that can be for him?

His voice suddenly rose. The tension between them became palpable.

– What are you talking about???? Have you lost your mind? Or did the visit at Malus’s place scare the crap out of you so much that something broke in your head??

Kar stared at him, clearly taken aback. He laughed softly, without humour.

– You know what? Never mind.

He released Raphael’s arm abruptly. The absence of contact left behind a trace of something—heat, maybe, or the echo of conflict.

– Go ahead. Go to Liam. Tell him your deepest, darkest secrets. Share your body heat with him at night when you’re scared.

– Are you jealous? I don’t get it. Seriously. What is this all about?

– Jealous?

He spat the word out like poison on his tongue, and his jaw clenched.

– I’m trying to protect him. I’m trying to protect you from your own naivety.

His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, vibrating with something sharp and restrained.

– Do you really want to know why you shouldn’t go near Liam tonight?

– Yes. Enlighten me.

Kar stepped even closer, his face just inches from Raphael’s. Raphael could feel his cold breath against his lips, the nearness charged with a strange, electric energy.

– Because tonight, Liam might actually listen to your secrets and use them against you—or someone else. He might actually hold you at night and steal your warmth and comfort.

His voice had taken on an almost… jealous tone. Not quite masked.

– Sorry. First—I won’t spend the night with him, because I’m on my way to patrol, which you already know. And second—Liam is the best, most reliable, most trustworthy person I know right now.

Kar’s eyes flashed with a storm of emotion—jealousy, frustration, something else he quickly buried under the surface.

– Then go on your patrol – he said through gritted teeth. – But remember this—Liam might be trustworthy, but he’s also human. He has his own agenda. His own desires.

He paused. His gaze didn’t waver.

– Half human. And half angel. He’s a Nephilim, and you should know that, if you know him so well, as you claim.

– A Nephilim – Kar confirmed, his voice filled with disdain. – Part angel, part human. More human than angel, if you ask me. And yes, I know Liam is a Nephilim. I know everything about him.

He stepped even closer. Their faces were almost touching. The space between them vibrated with unsaid things.

– Say what you want. I’m going to say hello to him before leaving for patrol.

Kar watched him walk away, his eyes burning into Raphael’s back. He muttered under his breath:

– Fine. Go say hello.

Then louder, just enough for Raphael to hear:

– And remember why they call them fallen angels.

Raphael ignored Kar’s warning and knocked gently on Liam’s door. The wood felt cool under his knuckles, the quiet hallway amplifying the sound.

– Liam? May I come in?

The door creaked open, revealing Liam’s gentle smile, soft and familiar in the low dormitory light.
– Of course – he said, stepping aside to let Raphael in. – What brings you by so late? You heading out on patrol already?

He closed the door behind them, the soft click echoing slightly in the quiet dorm room. The warmth inside was comforting, laced with the faint scent of old books and something distinctly Liam.

– Nothing escapes you. All you – Raphael gave a wide grin. – Yes, I’m just heading there, but I just wanted to come and say hi. I feel like I’m neglecting you lately.

Liam’s smile turned warm and genuine, his eyes softening.
– You? Neglect me? Please.

He chuckled softly, running a hand through his messy hair, the motion unguarded and endearing.
– You’re always so busy with your studies and… other things.

He paused deliberately, his eyes flicking down briefly before meeting Raphael’s again with that familiar, gentle expression that always seemed to see straight through him.

– You’re so understanding – Raphael said, his voice softening. – You are a really good friend, Liam. And I’m serious right now.

Liam reached out and gently grabbed his arm before he could turn to leave. His touch was warm and comforting, though there was a slight tension in his fingers, as if he wasn’t quite ready to let go.

– Stay for a minute – he said softly. – Just sit with me for a bit before you go out into danger again.

– You know I would love to stay. And not only for a minute. But it’s my first patrol, so I can’t be late.

He leaned in, hugging Liam tightly before pulling away and heading for the door. The closeness lingered like a phantom heat between them.

Liam hugged him back just as tightly, burying his face in Raphael’s neck for a moment. He inhaled his scent deeply before reluctantly letting him go, his arms loosening slowly.

– Be careful – he murmured, his voice low and uncharacteristically serious.

– See you soon.

As Raphael walked away, Liam touched his lips where the kiss had been blown and sighed deeply. His fingers lingered there, as if holding something fragile and invisible.

Raphael headed straight to the meeting point, the echo of Liam’s warmth still clinging faintly to him.

His team was already gathered when he arrived. The captain spotted him and gave a sharp nod.

– About time – he muttered, though without real irritation. – We were about to send a search party.

He smirked slightly.

– Newbie.

The team chuckled softly, the sound light but not unkind.

– I’m sorry – Raphael said. – I thought I’m ahead of time. Headmaster Alexander said midnight sharp.

The captain checked his watch and nodded.

– Yeah, yeah. You’re right on time actually.

He turned to the group.

– Alright everyone, we move out.

The team began walking toward the edge of the forest, where the patrol would begin. The crunch of gravel beneath their boots was steady, rhythmic. The captain fell into step beside Raphael.

– Sir, with your permission – Raphael asked – are we going to patrol the barrier area? Close to the Fog?

– Smart – the captain muttered approvingly. – Yes, that’s exactly where we’re heading. You know your stuff.

He sized Raphael up briefly, the faintest flicker of appraisal in his eyes.

– Most newbies ask stupid questions like “Are there monsters?” Instead of paying attention during strategy meetings.

He grinned faintly.

– Ok. So, when we see a demon or other evil creature, only then we’re calling The School Demon Hunting Team?

The captain nodded.

– Exactly. Our job is to monitor and contain any supernatural threats that breach the barrier or get too close to the Intention Fog. If we encounter something too dangerous for us to handle alone—or if we spot multiple threats—then yes, we call in reinforcements from The School Demon Hunting Team.

– I’ve heard that it happens more often lately? Is it true?

The captain’s expression darkened slightly.

– Yes – he admitted quietly. – There’s been an increase in supernatural activity lately. More demon sightings, darker creatures… The Headmaster’s been tight-lipped about it though. He only told the higher-ranked patrols.

He shot Raphael a sharp look.

– I see. Let’s hope it will be easy night. Although from the other hand it was supposed to be some field test for me. But maybe calmer is better.

The captain let out a short laugh.

– Easy night would be boring as hell – he said with a grin. – But I get your point. Better safe than sorry on your first patrol.

He clapped Raphael firmly on the shoulder.

– Just stick close tonight, okay?

Ahead of them, the forest grew denser. The shadows thickened, and the chill of the Fog began to lick at the edges of the path.

– Yes, Sir!

As Raphael ventured deeper into the forest, the atmosphere became heavier, almost suffocating in its stillness. The damp air clung to his skin, and each step seemed muffled by the thick layer of moss and fallen leaves beneath his boots. The moonlight struggled to pierce the thick canopy above, its pale glow filtered into fragmented slivers that barely reached the ground. His team spread out slightly, moving like shadows, each member keeping within shouting distance of the others. The silence pulsed with tension—until one of his teammates called out softly.

Raphael turned his head sharply, his senses fully alert, muscles coiled in readiness.

– Captain… I think I saw something move over there – the teammate whispered urgently, pointing toward a particularly dark grove.

The captain immediately signaled for everyone to freeze. His body dropped low, movements precise and rehearsed. He pulled out his flashlight and began approaching the area with slow, deliberate steps, motioning for Raphael and the others to stay back.

– Everyone ready? – he whispered.

– What is it? – Raphael whispered back, barely audible.

The teammate who had spoken shivered, their voice taut with unease.

– I don’t know… It was big. Too big to be a normal animal.

Suddenly, the captain’s flashlight beam sliced through the shadows—and caught a pair of glowing yellow eyes peering out from the darkness. They didn’t blink.

– Is it something amalteans or foreign?

The captain squinted into the void, trying to distinguish any details from the barely shifting shapes beyond the light.

– Too big to be an amaltean. Usually they are smaller creature. And demons who are able to live here are more human shape – he muttered. – And those eyes… They’re not neutral. More like predator eyes.

He turned to face the group, his voice low but razor-sharp.

– Alright, listen up. This might be a foreign demon who somehow got through the Fog.

– Another demon? Ok. What’s the drill?

– Standard procedure – the captain whispered. – I’ll approach first to identify. If it’s hostile, you all know what to do. Newbie, stay behind us and observe. Do NOT engage unless directly ordered.

The team nodded silently, the sound of weapons being readied lost in the oppressive hush of the forest. The captain advanced, each footfall measured, his posture tense.

Raphael held his ground, heart pounding steadily, breath held as his eyes tracked the captain’s movement.

The flashlight beam swept across the clearing—and exposed a monstrous figure with mottled green skin, massive shoulders, and jagged horns. It snarled and charged, the sound splitting the stillness like a blade.

– Alien demon confirmed! Hostile! – the captain shouted.

Raphael remained where he was, tense and focused, watching his teammates for cues, their responses, their formations.

The team sprang into motion with trained precision. Two teammates flanked the beast, weapons raised and firing in controlled bursts. Another charged forward, sword flashing in the moonlight. The captain lunged at the demon’s head, spear poised for the kill.

Raphael’s gaze followed every movement—until something else caught his eye.

– What’s that?

Just beyond the clash, another set of glowing eyes emerged in the gloom. These were different. Not alien. Not hostile. But unmistakably… present. Local. Watching.

– Strange – he murmured under his breath, brows drawing together.

The demon roared, swatting one of the flanking teammates like a ragdoll. The captain shouted, issuing orders through clenched teeth. But Raphael’s attention remained on the silent witness. The second set of eyes blinked slowly, deliberately. And then, vanished.

A soft hiss whispered behind him, barely louder than a breath.

He spun around, instinct firing—just as something lunged from the shadows. A humanoid demon gripped him around the waist and yanked him into the dark before anyone could react. The forest swallowed him.

– What the fuck? Doesn’t local demons supposed to have only good intentions?

The captain’s words echoed in his mind like a warning bell: Amaltean demons never harm humans unless provoked.
This one clearly hadn’t read the rules.

Back in the clearing, the captain’s focus fractured as another teammate was thrown through the air. He turned toward where Raphael had been—

– Did he run away?

The humanoid demon dragged Raphael deeper into the trees, unbothered by his thrashing. His muscles burned, trying to break free. The sound of the battle became a memory, swallowed by the shadows. Then suddenly, the creature halted and hurled him against a tree.

He crashed into the trunk, pain erupting through his spine as he collapsed on his back, winded. His chest heaved, the world spinning slightly. Too stunned to form a thought, he looked up.

The demon towered over him, unmoving. Its glowing eyes bore into his.

– What do you want from me?

It tilted its head, almost curious, and spoke with a soft, hissing voice—unlike anything he had heard from the monstrous attacker before.

– You… interesting human.

Its clawed hand reached for him and touched his cheek. The contact was unsettlingly gentle.

– Leave me alone and let me fight the threat. Otherwise I’ll assume you’re a threat yourself and I’ll deal with you!

The demon froze, expression unreadable. Then a flicker of amusement curled in its gaze.

– Feisty – it hissed.

In a fluid motion, it pressed a clawed hand over his mouth, silencing him. Its head turned slightly, listening.

Raphael struggled, his limbs tense as he fought against the demon’s grip, body coiled in resistance.

The creature’s ears twitched. The forest had gone quiet. It withdrew its hand.

– Your friends are dead.

Its words were flat. Its claws flexed slowly.

– Now you’re alone with me.

– So it was a trap? Then you’re my enemy!

His mind snapped into focus. In one swift decision, he teleported away—straight back to the clearing. He landed beside the chaos, gaze locking onto the demon. In the same heartbeat, he shifted—his body morphing, limbs elongating, fur erupting across his skin.

The humanoid demon’s eyes widened.

The first demon froze, startled by Raphael’s sudden return. And then, even more so, by the figure he had become: a towering werewolf with fur as blue as the night sky.

Raphael launched himself forward, leaping for the demon’s head, claws drawn, eyes sharp.

The demon tried to raise its arms in defense, but he was too fast. One claw slashed through its left eye, spraying dark blood. The creature’s roar was deafening, shaking the trees.

– You’re strong. But let’s try some mix.

Without shifting out of werewolf form, Raphael focused. A deep pulse of energy surged through him—and great blue wings burst from his back, spreading wide and keeping him aloft atop the demon’s head.

The creature stumbled, stunned by the wings. Its eye narrowed with pain and astonishment.

– Blue… A rare werewolf indeed – it hissed.

It swiped upward, but Raphael’s wings kept him balanced. He lunged for the other eye—but slipped beneath the demon’s head. At the last second, his claws found purchase and pierced through the second eye.

The scream that followed was pure agony. The demon thrashed, blinded, stumbling under its own weight. Blood poured freely down its face and chest.

An idea surged through Raphael’s mind.

– I hope it will work.

He focused. Pain blossomed at his temples as two horns erupted from his skull, growing with terrifying speed. They drove upward—straight into the demon’s throat above him.

The demon’s roar turned into a gurgled choke as Raphael’s horns pierced its throat. It collapsed to the ground, twitching and convulsing as dark blood pooled around it. He stood victorious atop its corpse, horns still embedded in its neck, wings spread wide. The silence around him was absolute. From behind the trees, the other demon stared, frozen in a mix of awe and horror.

Reversing the transformations, Raphael straightened slowly, his breath steadying.

– Now it’s your turn, you treacherous piece of shit!

The remaining demon laughed wickedly, its voice low and sharp.

– Brave words for someone who’s alone now.

It shed its human disguise in a pulse of dark energy, revealing a muscular, horned figure, its eyes blazing with fury.

– You killed my brother. Now I’ll rip your throat out.

It lunged forward, faster than the first one.

Raphael vanished and reappeared in an instant behind its back, his voice exploding with supernatural force.

– STOP!

The demon skidded to a halt mid-charge, its body locking in place as the command echoed through the trees. It turned its head slowly, teeth bared, a snarl on its lips—but its limbs refused to move. Its muscles trembled, trapped in place.

– Impossible.

– YOU CAN’T MOVE BUT YOU’LL ANSWER MY QUESTIONS!

The demon strained against the invisible force gripping it.

– Fine… – it growled through gritted teeth. – Ask whatever foul questions plague your mind!

Its whole body trembled, claws flexing, trying to tear free.

Raphael stepped forward, slowly circling the demon, his gaze sharp and unwavering. He moved with measured precision, finally stopping in front of it.

– ANSWER ME TRUTHFULLY! Why did you turn against Amaltea? If you were already here, it means that you must have come without bad intentions.

The demon’s expression twisted into bitterness.

– You think we came here with good intentions? Foolish human. You forget that demons mastered the art of disguise and deception. I was trained to be able to pass the Intention Fog tests.

It paused, forced by the command to continue, though each word seemed dragged from its throat.

– We were sent by the Demon Lord to infiltrate Amaltea and report back its weaknesses.

Its eyes flared with hatred.

– But then…

Another pause followed, longer this time.

– We started liking it here. There are not many of us here, so less competition. Although deception and betrayal are deeply in our nature, it’s refreshing to let the guard down without being stabbed in the back. Some of us even like it better that way.

– Ok. But I asked you why? What are the plans of the Demon Lord?

– Are you so naïve that you think the greatest demon of us all shares his plans? Don’t make me laugh! We had our instruction. And we’re smart enough to not ask any questions. And for the barrier – it weakens every day. Soon there will be more like me.

– Ok. I see you know nothing and you’re just a tool. But because you betrayed us and caused deaths of these good people, I have to end your miserable existence.

– Do what you must. I’m not going to beg.

Raphael stepped toward one of his fallen comrades. He knelt briefly, hand closing around the hilt of the sword, and then rose. With a swift, precise motion, he swung the blade.

– Ok, it’s heavier than I thought.

The demon’s body crumpled with a final thud. A pool of dark blood spread outward from the neck. Its features softened, the monstrous traits melting away, leaving a handsome, eerily peaceful human face.

For a long moment, Raphael didn’t move. The clearing was quiet, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves above. His eyes swept across the fallen bodies.

– Ok. I think I should take them back to school. But I don’t want to cause any panic. I think I need some help.

He extended one hand, summoning Elara.