Chapter Eleven
When Evie entered the classroom for Demonology with Max and Caleb beside her, she received a surprise. Instead of leaving, Max took a seat beside her. Excited, she blurted out, “Are you taking this class, also?”
Max chuckled at her, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Caleb teaches the class. I’ve missed him and want to spend as much time with him as I can. The last three years have been hard, more so for him. He was forced to stay here when I left. Besides, no way in hell am I doing the homework.” He snickered, wagging his eyebrows in exaggeration. “I have an in with the professor.”
Evie’s heart ached at the sweet sentiment, but in a good way. She hoped one day to find a love as special. Too bad humans didn’t have destined mates.
Caleb sent Max an almost identical smirk as he strode to the front of the room and placed his stuff on the desk. He waited for all the students to arrive before shutting the door. He didn’t bother to introduce himself since Evie was the only new student in class. Everyone else started together at the beginning of the semester, leaving only her to flounder while she caught up.
Her hands shook with excitement as she took out her notepad and pencil from her bag. Even though Demonology was held in a building located on the Surmata side of campus, she hadn’t realized Surmata students would make up the higher percentage of the student body. She was the minority in class. Out of the fifty students in the room, only a handful were human, and Evie didn’t recognize any of them.
The class was also predominantly male with six Surmata females in attendance. Evie tried not to stare. She’d never seen a female before and found them fierce and breathtaking, a lethal combination attested to by the drooling human males who stared at them. Female Surmata had flawless skin, but their eyes didn’t have the depth of color their male counterparts displayed. With a deeper pigment than a human’s, they still lacked the vibrancy of a Surmata male.
The students quieted, and Caleb began his lecture. “Today, we are going to review the different types of demons and what techniques a warrior utilizes to kill them. The demon hierarchy is made up of four levels, or types, of demons. Can anyone tell me what those are?”
Hands went up in the air, and Caleb called upon a younger Surmata male seated in front of the room. “Go ahead, Hampton.”
Hampton answered clearly and precisely at first, “Alempi, Vasilla, Korkeampi, and uh…” The male hesitated, peeking over his shoulder at Max. Turning back around, his voice pitched a little higher, projecting his sudden nervousness. “And the Puoli Demoni.”
“Correct, Hampton. Thank you.” Caleb portrayed an authoritative attitude as he moved in front of his desk, leaning against it with his bottom perched on the edge. He placed both of his hands on either side of him, relaxing as he started his lecture. “The Alempi are the lowest demon level. They’re commonly referred to as minions. They are mischief-makers, able to manipulate matter around them. They feed on emotion, or more precisely, the fear that manifests from scaring individuals. They are usually weak and cannot maintain a physical body on this side of the veil for longer than a few hours. Usually, only a short period of time passes before they must return since the energy needed to sustain them on this side is too great.”
“The Alempi are not able to physically harm their victims unless they can manufacture enough energy to move major objects, which in most cases is an impossibility. They would need an energy bleed from a higher-level demon in order to accomplish such a feat.
“Next, we have the Vasilla. They are mid-level demons in strength. They are also the most common form of demon the Surmata fight against. The greatest threat a Vasilla poses is the ability to evolve into a higher demon if they are able to generate enough energy. A higher-level demon on the earthen plane would spell disaster for the world around us. If a Vasilla demon is detected on the earthen plane, a hunting team is immediately dispatched.
Evie interjected, failing to raise her hand in her impatience, “Why a hunting team? Why not inform the human authorities? Surely they could assist?”
Caleb sadly shook his head. “A mid-level demon takes on a human appearance. They are able to mask their demonic essence from the Surmata to a point. A Vasilla’s greatest strength is their ability to influence. Even the Surmata are susceptible to it. They lure their victims into a false sense of security, altering the victim’s mental state, and then they move in for the kill. They are illusionists, able to identify your worst fear and use it against you. Humans wouldn’t stand a chance against one.”
Caleb paused, waiting to see if she had any further questions. She remained silent. If a human couldn’t fight a Vasilla, then her father lied to her and the others about the demon raids he sent soldiers on. “Let’s move on to the Korkeampi. They are the highest level of demons and the toughest to kill. It’s rare for a single Surmata warrior to have the ability to kill a Korkeampi. It takes a Kaveri. For those who aren’t as familiar with our terminology, a Kaveri is a bonded unit made up of two or more warriors.
“If a Kaveri is strong with multiple members, then usually only one team is needed. But if it’s a smaller Kaveri with only two members, then multiple units could possibly be called into action. All Korkeampi in the demon realm are restricted there. They cannot pass through the veil unless a seal is broken between planes. But a Vasilla who evolved when on the earthen plane would not have the same restriction.
“Korkeampi do not work together well, but they do respect ownership claims. If a demon has laid claim to a human, the human is considered off-limits to all others. To interfere with a claim is comparable to an all-out declaration of war in the demonic world.
“The last type of demon is the Puoli Demoni. This type of demon can be a curse or a blessing, depending on whose side they fight for. A Puoli Demoni is a half demon. One-half Vasilla or Korkeampi demon, and the other half, well, it could really be anything. But unlike their demonic fathers or mothers, they are not born evil. They are born with the freedom of choice. And, the decisions they make in life determine whether their soul is light or dark. They can be our greatest threat or our most valued ally. A Puoli Demoni can walk through both planes of existence, able to pass through the veil at will.”
Evie turned to stare at Max in shock. He never mentioned having an ability most would envy. Her best friend offered her a smug smile but didn’t say anything. Caleb cleared his throat, and they both returned their attention back to the front of the room.
“Let’s segue for a moment and discuss the Demoni Kosketti. A Kosketti is a marked human. A mark is an imprint left on the human aura from either a Vasilla or a Korkeampi demon. There are two different types of marked. Those with a lighter imprint have their decisions influenced by the demonic mark but never achieve the full pinnacle of evil some are capable of. Then, there are humans imprinted with a darker mark. These humans are pure evil, no light left in their soul. The darkly influenced have been responsible for some of the most atrocious crimes throughout history. Elizabeth Bathory, Adolf Hitler, Ivan the Terrible, and Nero are a few examples of darkly tainted humans. They do not have a conscience and are almost as physically strong as a Surmata warrior.”
Evie shifted uncomfortably in her seat at the turn in subject matter. Her heart ached at the thought of her mother facing a being so evil, only to die at his hands.
Caleb let the class soak up the information before inquiring, “Any questions so far?”
Curiosity drove Evie to raise her hand. Caleb nodded to her, giving her permission to ask her question. “What about a marked Surmata?”
Laughter broke out around her, quickly silenced as Caleb glared around the room. “That’s a great question, Evie. Surmata have a natural defense against a demon’s mark. Other supernatural species are susceptible but not the Surmata. Even a Korkeampi couldn’t mark us. But, they can still influence us to a point if we are in close proximity to one.”
“Can a mark be removed?” Another human girl, small and skittish looking asked the question. Her eyes darted all over the classroom not making contact with anyone as she spoke.
“Normally, our healers cannot heal a human, but a demon’s mark is not an injury. It’s a supernatural parasite. Our healers can remove most light marks. But, if the marks have shaded to dark, the taint on the soul is permanent and the removal would kill the host.” Caleb searched the room. “Any other questions?”
Another student in the back of the room raised his hand. “What are the most effective weapons against each type of demon?”
Caleb scooted back on the desk, crisscrossing his legs. The professors at her old university didn’t act like Caleb. They were a pretty stiff lot, always on their feet when lecturing. Even though she had been a virtual student, Evie’d had a clear view of the instructor when online. Evie liked Caleb’s methods better. “With lower demons, a rune or spell works best. It sends the Alempi back to the other plane without killing them, but instead, drains their energy. It takes them time to build up enough energy to cross planes. They are a nuisance for the most part.
“For a mid-level demon, it takes a Takari blade, which is a spelled dagger.” A sudden image assaulted Evie. A man’s face, mouth opened in a horrible scream as a dagger was plugged into his heart. The visual so real, Evie shuddered, closing her eyes trying to dispel it. Shaking, she fiddled with the ring on her finger, trying to calm down.
Evie realized Caleb still spoke so she turned her attention back to him. “The dagger must shred the heart. Decapitation works as well. The dagger works for killing higher-level demons also. But, the problem with killing them is that their strength is greater than a single Surmata warrior, and they have a naturally thick hide, even in human form. A higher-level demon must be weakened first with magic in order for our blades to penetrate. It’s the reason why it takes more than one warrior.” Caleb pointed to a girl in the back row. “Sarah, I saw your hand up earlier. What was your question?”
This time, it was a Surmata female who spoke. “How do you know when there is a demon? I mean, how does it all work?”
“We have a network of supernaturals and Surmata forces working day in and day out to locate and isolate demonic activity. Once a call is made, a Kaveri team is dispatched to investigate and if necessary, destroy. Occurrences can happen anywhere in the world, so we have several hundred reported each night that need further inquiry. With our limited resources, all Kaveri teams are on call, all the time.”
“Does that mean there are Kaveri teams everywhere?” A human boy on the other side of Evie spoke up, forgetting to raise his hand. “Since demons can pop up anytime?”
“No, Kenneth. All Kaveri teams are stationed at or around the three Suoja Guilds. This one is in America. There’s another one in the United Kingdom, and the last is in Australia.”
“But how is that possible? If a sighting happened in China, how could a Kaveri team get in place fast enough?” Kenneth once again spoke, seeking further clarification.
“Simple.” Caleb smiled. “We teleport.”
Evie’s eyes went wide at this information. Teleportation was a real thing? Before she could voice the question, Kenneth addressed it for her. “No shit? You can?”
“Yes. The warriors who are gifted in rune making imbue stones with a special rune that can be activated to transport us anywhere in the world. I will not go into more details, because it’s classified knowledge, but I can tell you it’s a safe and expedient way to get where we need to go.”
“That’s fucking cool. Can humans use the stones?”
Caleb glanced at Evie. “Humans lack the magic necessary to activate the rune within the stone. If a Surmata were to hold it and then hold onto the human, the human would be teleported along with them.”
Caleb went on to cover demons more extensively, and Evie furiously tried to keep up, writing note after note. When the class ended, she was still jotting down the last few facts Caleb spouted. When she stood, she noticed she was the only remaining student in the room with Max and Caleb. Putting her stuff away, she moved down the steps, joining the two men at the front of the room.
“Did you enjoy your first lecture on Demonology, Evie?” Caleb inquired, his tone curious.
“Very much so. I have a lot to catch up on. I will put my study hall time to good use.”
Max leaned his chin on Evie’s shoulder. “What’s your next class, sweetheart?”
Evie grabbed her schedule out of her pants pocket and unfolded it. “Metaphysical Self-Mastery.”
Max patted her head. “Oh, you poor, poor girl.” He sighed dramatically, and Caleb laughed.
“Don’t let Max fool you, Evie. I think you will find your next class immensely challenging.” A new voice entered the conversation. The familiar cultured quality made Evie shiver. Heat curled low in her belly as he walked closer, his presence forcing Max away from her.
“Fuck, Dash. It’s an independent study. How boring is that? I found it hard to discipline myself to read the material. I ended up reading all the books the last week of class and pulling all-nighters to study for the exams.”
“That’s because you lack discipline and are a procrastinator. I’m sure Evie won’t have the same problem,” Soma Dashiel said dryly as he brushed past her.
Dressed in similar attire as yesterday, he wore a white button-down shirt with the cuffs rolled up to his elbows, showcasing his muscular arms.
“Isn’t that right, Evie?” His indigo eyes locked onto hers and liquid lightning ignited in her veins.
Unable to tear her gaze away, she mutely nodded.
“Dash, honey. There you are. I thought you were going to meet me in your office?” A sweet, soft voice, edged with steel came from the doorway. A Surmata female, who looked model perfect. Perfect skin, perfect figure, perfect features. She was everything Evie was not. Long flowing red hair cascading almost to her waist, and her sparkling green eyes glinted with annoyance when she took in the others who stood around the room.
“Cammie. I told you I had plans, so I couldn’t meet today. Didn’t you receive my memo?” Soma Dashiel didn’t even look her way, his eyes on Max and Caleb as he watched them closely. Both males had gone still, not moving or talking since Cammie appeared. Max’s face was tight, edged with anger, but his eyes filled with sorrow. Caleb was a blank slate, still as a statue, his earlier relaxed state gone in an instant.
“You would rather hang out with these losers and their human trash than spend time with me?” Cammie flicked her hair over her shoulder, disdain written all over her.
Anger slashed across Max’s face, and he opened his mouth to respond. Soma Dashiel quickly interrupted, stepping in front of Max to block his view of the woman. Giving Max a hard look that spoke volumes, he turned towards the door. “Enough, Cammie. Come on, I will change my plans so I can meet with you.”
Soma Dashiel bid them goodbye as he walked out of the room. Cammie grabbed his arm greedily, turning to look toward Evie and both males, triumph in her gaze.
Within the confines of Evie’s belly, jealousy curled as she watched them disappear.