They both looked like humans again—it was necessary for their escape—but just putting this face back on felt like an insult. Kurst felt the sudden lurch as Thymos slowed their vehicle. There was a rough bump as they drove up the ramp and into the aircraft before Thymos stomped on the brakes. The demon soldier opened his door and hopped out.

“What are you doing? Are you insane?” A human male shouted. “I don’t care what kind of special Pentagon orders you’re on, you don’t abuse my aircraft like that!”

“Close the door. Take off now,” Thymos said.

“I’ve got to secure your vehicle before we move. I can’t have an unstable—”

Kurst couldn’t see, but from the noise, he could tell that Thymos had tossed the loadmaster off the plane. Kurst opened his door and stumbled out of the truck. Get us in the air, Thymos. I’ll take care of this.

His soldier ran forward. Apparently someone on the flight crew didn’t respond fast enough to the impatient demon’s liking, because there were a few gunshots. Then the engine picked up in intensity, so now they were listening. Kurst walked across the bay, dragging one foot because his knee hadn’t healed yet. He searched for the hydraulic controls with aching, blurry eyes, as he recalled the familiarization training. Their education had included information about operating all current-issue military systems, and even a flight simulator, but that wasn’t the same as being on the actual aircraft and finding the damned button when you were half blind. He finally found the controls and within seconds the ramp was closing and the plane was moving.

Resting one hand on the cool glass of the growth tank, Kurst paused to reflect. There had been some setbacks, but this was only the beginning. Their ally had promised them a new home and boundless resources. This technological marvel would be deconstructed and rebuilt a thousand times over, scattered across the world so that the humans could never root them all out. A new army would rise, and in time, the Fallen would inherit the Earth.

“You kept us from this world before, but our time has come,” Kurst whispered. “We will have our revenge.”

Greetings, General Kurst. I bring word from my master. I regret to inform you that our business has concluded. This alliance no longer benefits my master.

Kurst squinted until he could see that the other greater demon’s red face had appeared on the glass of the growth tank. “What do you mean?”

Your services are no longer required, General.

“Why?” he demanded.

Because Franks has come for you. It does no good to ally with someone who has been cast back into Hell. We will have to win this war without you. Farewell, Prince.

The face disappeared, and now Kurst was only looking at his own blood-soaked reflection.

“Come back! I command you to explain yourself!”