Page 55 of Saints & Sinners

Hunter finally turned to me, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But when our eyes met, the depth of emotion there—the anger, the pain, the guilt—was enough to take my breath away.

“It’s what they do,” he said in quiet rage. “They twist the knife wherever it’ll hurt the most. That’s how they keep people like us in line.”

“But that doesn’t make it right, and it doesn’t mean we just have to take it.”

“And what do you think happens when we fight back, Grace? Huh? You saw what just happened in there. If I push too hard, ifwepush too hard—” He broke off, running a hand through his hair, his frustration palpable. “They don’t care,” he finally said,voice rough. “They only want control, and they’ll destroy anyone and anything who steps out of line.”

There was something in his tone, something darker that was just out of reach, but it was there, waiting... anticipating. For the first time, I noticed how his hands trembled slightly as if he was trying to hold himself together but barely succeeding.

I didn’t know what to do, and the only thing that I thought could distract him was turning his attention on me. “I want you to train me,” I blurted out.

Hunter raised an eyebrow as he looked down at me, his posture easing. “Train you?”

“Yes, train me. Teach me how to be a Celestial Warrior – just anything.”

He chuckled at that, the sound low and gruff. “I’m going to pass on that.”

“Look, you’re the best Warrior, and whether I like it or not, I’d benefit from you teaching me.”

Hunter stared at me for a few silencing seconds before turning and walking away from me. “Ask Azrael for private lessons,” he said without looking back as if he knew I was following behind him like an idiot. “Or Silas. I’m sure he’d be happy to teach you something—if you don’t mind his spider crawling up your arm or him walking around naked.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to match his long strides across the field. “Azrael would rather see me fail than give me private lessons, and Silas spends half his time shirtless, chasing Jerry around. I know we’re not on the best of terms but... you’re skilled, Hunter. I need that.”

He stopped and turned to face me. His eyes narrowed. “And you don’t think I’d also rather see you fail?”

I swallowed nervously, aware that our complicated relationship was hardly sunshine and rainbows. “I figured it’s worth a risk.”

Hunter shook his head, his jaw set. “Find someone else.” Hewas turning away again when desperation kicked in, and before I could stop myself, I was blurting out the very words that could make or break this moment.

“I’ll help you look for your brother.”

That made him pause. His back was still to me, but I saw the tension rise on his shoulders. Slowly, he turned around, his eyes hard. “What?”

“I’ll help you find Aaron.” The nerves twisted in my stomach as we stared at each other.

“And how exactly are you going to help? You know as little as I do.”

“I’m strategic,” I shot back, refusing to back down. “I can talk to people, unlike you, and above all, a Riftkeeper is no different than a human; maybe I can relate to them... in a way.”

He laughed at that—a short, dry laugh that did nothing to help the situation. “So, you think charm and words are going to help me find my brother?”

“It’s better than you doing it alone.”

Hunter was quiet, and that flicker of desperation in me grew.

I took a step closer. “I’m not saying I can fix anything, but I can help you.”

His gaze locked on mine, and for a moment, his expression shifted vulnerably. But then it was gone, replaced by that cold, infuriating mask he always wore.

He didn’t say anything else. He gave me one last unreadable look before turning and walking away. I watched his back disappear into the distance, and frustration simmered in my veins. I hated him for always making me feel this way—for pushing me away when I knew deep down we could actually help each other.

I looked around the training grounds, the other Ascendants sparring and practicing with ease, while I stood there again onthe outside, watching.

I couldn’t decide what was more frustrating—how badly I wanted his help or how much I cared that he didn’t even consider mine.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling as Losing My Religion by R.E.M. quietly played from my computer. My thoughts consumed me as Grace’s offer kept circling back, refusing to let me sleep. She said she wanted to help me find my brother, and the sincerity in her eyes made me believe her. But she was stepping into a territory that I’d guarded for years. Even Brandon and Silas knew not to get involved, but Grace... those boundaries didn’t matter to her.

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