“Don’t listen to her. Legacy, Earthborne, they’re all the same. They trick us, capture, and make us fight our kind to get rid of us and keep us locked away,” Leo roared out.

“Well, I don’t know all the stories about Legacies and Shikari’s, but I’m different. You can trust me. I want to get through the gates and save my family.”

Scav and Leo looked at one another and let out a bark of laugher.

Keisha frowned. “H-Hey, what’s so funny?”

“Why in Inferno’s name would we believe you? We know nothing about you or your intentions.”

“From the sounds of it, it doesn’t seem like you know the Black Hands intentions either.”

Scav jumped off the rock it had been perched on. “I’m tired of hearing her talk. Let’s claw out her tongue.”

“That doesn’t seem like a bad idea,” Leo said, raising his large paw in the air. “Let me do the honors.”

“You know, I haven’t been in the Illicit long; it’s big and even scary, but it’s beautiful, and it’s your home.” Keisha’s tone made Leo hesitate. “And yes, Shikari and Legacy are trying to protect themselves and Earthborne, and yes, they use Demi’s, and that isn’t fair. Well, I have something to tell you both—”

A snap from the ropes had come undone, and Keisha sprang out from her bindings. She jumped in the air and called forth her Stanza, transforming into her gold-armored form as a bright light illuminated the cave walls.

Scav and Leo backed away, marveling with awe and fear at her transformation.

From the corner of Keisha’s eyes, Cas revealed eleven-foot length gossamer white wings at his back. Its feathery-tipped blades softly fanned the air surrounding him in bright azure light. Keisha gaped in amazement. She turned back to the two Demi’s and stared at them from where she stood on the boulder.

“So, what are you going to do? Kill us, turn us against each other? That’s what you Hunters do.”

Keisha shook her head. “No. Killing is wrong.” The look of shock crossed their wide-eyed expression. “I refuse to be that Legacy. I’ll protect everyone, no matter who or what they are—so you can leave, or fight and I could knock you out. Either way, your life is your own to choose.”

The two Demi’s looked at one another one last time. Keisha thought they might not believe her and want to fight. She gripped the base of the Stanza if she needed to.

“And if you’re lying?” Leo said, squaring its eyes at her.

Verona’s words came back to her. “Words hold power here. I give you my word as a Legacy…No, as Keisha Alighieri.”

The two Demi’s took several steps toward the exit, monitoring her, but Keisha didn’t move.

“Don’t think we’re even, Alighieri,” Scav hissed.

Keisha smirked. “As long as we all want the same thing—peace and to live with our loved ones and friends—that’s fine with me.”

With the two Demi’s leaving the cave, Keisha released her transformation, putting too much strain on her power. She collapsed, but Cas caught her in his arms before she hit the ground.

His arms securely wrapped around her. She gawked at the large wings that were folded at his back.

“Thanks, Cas—so angels can be Demi’s too? That’s cool.”

Cas chuckled, placing Keisha back on her feet. “I am glad you think so, but I should thank you for saving me, and your words were awe aspiring. I do not believe I have had anyone care for a Demi as much as you have.”

Keisha grinned. “I mean, we’re all people, and we all have the same emotions. Not every Demi is bad, just their actions, and forcing them to fight isn’t something I can stomach if I’m to continue as a Legacy.”

Cas nodded. “And if you need anything, I am sure my pater will give it to you if he can. He is the Monarch after all.”

Thoughts of the Gate crossed Keisha’s mind. “There might be one thing. I’ll tell you on the way, but we should get back. I know Verona is either on her way back or looking for me.”

With that, Cas and Keisha left the cave to head back to Dolent.