Captain Dylan walked with his usual pace, a rhythm that told anyone watching that the man didn't stumble. Beside him, Aaron kept stride with his mind elsewhere.
He glanced at Dylan, his voice low.
"Captain… what if Kyle is a demon?"
Dylan slowed his steps just slightly, enough to show he had heard. "That's a heavy question, Aaron. What makes you think that?"
Aaron exhaled sharply through his nose.
"Think about it, we've already confirmed demons are evolving. They can comprehend humans now. What's to say they can't… blend in? Pretend to be human until the right time?"
Aaron pressed on. "Or worse… What if he's an overwrite? One of them born into a human shell, not even aware of what he is?" His jaw tightened. "That would explain why the demons are so drawn to him."
Dylan stopped. He turned, his gaze locked with Aaron's.
"If Kyle is a demon..." Dylan said evenly, "...then he is beyond the others because Kyle feels just like us humans."
Aaron frowned. "Feelings don't change what he could be."
"They do..." Dylan countered, voice sharp. "That boy didn't join POA to get stronger, didn't sign a contract out of greed, vengeance or selfish hunger. He joined because he wanted to make the world safer... for someone he holds dear." His tone softened only slightly. "Demons don't move like that, demons don't protect. They consume. And if Kyle truly is a demon, then maybe he's the first one who's more human than the rest of us."
Aaron stared at him. He wanted to argue hell, part of him needed to but before the words could form, a voice called from down the hall.
"Captain Dylan!"
A uniformed agent sprinted toward them, sweat streaking his brow, panic sharp in his eyes.
"Radcliffe City... it's under attack!"
Aaron stiffened. "What?"
The agent swallowed hard, glancing between them. "A demon. It's… it's destroying everything. It appeared in one of the busiest districts and it's already torn through civilians, casualties are piling up."
Aaron's fists clenched. "Since when do demons make public appearances?"
Dylan's jaw tightened, the truth settling grim in his chest. "As you said earlier… they're evolving."
The young agent nodded quickly, desperation flickering in his eyes. "Orders, Captain?"
Dylan didn't hesitate. "Signal the West Division to hold the perimeter until reinforcements arrive. Mobilize medics and evacuation teams immediately. Tell them to prioritize civilians over combat. Aaron and I will be en route at once."
"Yes, sir!" The man turned and bolted down the corridor.
Aaron exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair.
Dylan adjusted his coat, his expression iron. "We need to move now."
Aaron gave a stiff nod.
As they headed for the exit, Aaron muttered under his breath, half to himself and half to Dylan:
"If demons are stepping into the spotlight now… then this war's going to be different."
Dylan didn't answer, his mind and body were already in Radcliffe.