Magic Trials (Half-Blood Academy #1)- Meg Xuemei X Page 0,15

war god and the devil.

It was funny how Lucifer and Ares had divided the globe. They didn’t split it in the middle. They’d carved up every state and every city in half, leaving some regions as neutral zones.

It was almost like they had cut a dirty deal—or were playing a game and had divided the board up evenly to start.

And they kept fighting to gain more territories and control Earth’s main resources.

In New York state where we lived, north belonged to the gods, and south was the devil’s. In New York City, Queens and the Bronx were the demons’ territory while Brooklyn and Staten Island were the demigods’ domain. Manhattan was a neutral zone, where fights broke out every day.

I sighed. I should worry more about myself than the demigods and demons.

Marie, the female Dominion soldier who had stripped me of every weapon, sat on my right and a tattooed soldier on my left with me sandwiched between them as if they thought I’d still try to escape while the car was running.

Another soldier perched on the seat behind me.

Must Axel put five soldiers with me while leaving only two with Circe and Jasper? What if the other van got attacked by demons while we raced down the highway?

“Where is Axel?” I asked. “Shouldn’t he escort the vans and keep us safe?”

Even though I knew there were no good guys, I’d rather be in the hands of the Dominion of the Gods than in the claws of the demons. My early encounter with that demon had left a chill in my bones.

To be possessed by a demon was even worse than being eaten alive.

“Babysitting isn’t in a demigod’s job description,” Cameron said from the passenger seat. His pose remained alert, as if he expected to go into battle at any moment. “Better drill that into your head now, in case you ever become a Dominion soldier.”

“I also recommended you not poke your nose into the demigod’s business, fledgling,” Marie snorted, “if you know what’s good for you. You’ve riled up the Demigod of War enough today. If he rode with you in this van, he might have to strangle you before we reach the Academy. Demigod Axel is more bloodthirsty than his older brethren. It’s a wonder he hasn’t squashed you yet, given your attitude. A human life is nothing to a demigod. Axel has killed for lesser offenses.”

She gave me another once-over. “I don’t think it’s your face he’s interested in.” I could see her point since my face was covered by soot and dirt. “Beauty is a dime a dozen at the Academy, since anyone with an ounce of god’s blood is easy on the eyes. There’re plenty of gorgeous women fighting to get the attention of the demigods, and you don’t exactly make the cut since I don’t think you’re one of us. You’re something else. I guess that’s why Demigod Axel was obsessed with bringing you to the Academy to see if you can survive the merciless ritual.” She sent me one last pitiful glance. “I don’t think you’ll pass.”

I was heading to my death because of that asshole’s sick game.

I didn’t retort despite her derision. I needed more intel on the demigods, the Academy, and most importantly, the Ritual of the Blood Runes.

I arched an eyebrow at her, hoping to goad her into talking more. “Oh yeah, you think?”

“With her brazen spirit, she might just pass,” Cameron chimed in. “She’s the first creature I’ve ever seen who isn’t afraid of Demigod Axel. Did you see how she resisted his power, as no mortal could ever do?” He turned halfway to peek at me over his broad shoulder. “If you pass the trial, you can join my team. I can probably use someone like you, but you must drop that bad attitude of yours.”

This time I snorted. “I don’t have a bad attitude, and I’m not a follower. I take shit from no one.”

“Bah!” Marie said. “They’ll break you, and I’ll be there to watch instead of catch you.”

“Thank you,” I said in mocking gratitude. “You’re such a good friend.”

Suddenly, Cameron poked his head out the window, then flung his hand backward. Lightning shot out at a truck that had nearly rammed into the rear of the van.

The truck flapped up into the air and then plummeted to the ground. The entire highway shook like we were in an earthquake.

Our driver floored the gas pedal at the same time as Cameron’s attack, so our van was