“If anything happens, you run. I will not let you fight. Not anymore.”
Opening her mouth to protest, five bodies broke through the mist, filling the sky above them. Wings so dark they were like shadows themselves. The angels were nearly upon them by the time Demitria could make the figures out clearly. She recognized the leader immediately from the only scouting mission she’d gone on years ago. Liquid golden eyes that she could never forget, and much like the last time, they seemingly sought her out. She could feel herself inching closer to Kellan. Seeking thewarmth of his body as a chill ran through her, nearly freezing her in place.
“Arakiel.” Kellan’s sword never wavered as he watched the angels’ leader with a cold stare. “I thought you were dead.”
“The Four Horsemen.” Arakiel inclined his head in a bow, his feet gently touching to the ground before them. His long, golden curls swaying with the slow breeze. Wings ruffling, restless against his back. The other four followed suit, landing down behind him. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
Before Kellan could snap back a retort, Gabriel stepped forward. “To what do we owe the pleasure.” He was the voice of reason. As the leader, he had to be.
“We heard of your mission given by the council.” Another stepped up, taking position beside what Demitria knew to be her leader. “We have eyes everywhere.” The angel's amber eyes falling to her own. Demitria could feel her body tense, and she took another step into Kellan. Closing what little space she’d gained, the angel moved toward her, keeping the remaining distance the same.
“One more step and your wings will be gone.” The growl rumbled through Kellan, and she couldn’t help but shiver at its intensity. Again, the angel took another step. “I mean it, Laylah.”
“I won’t hurt her.” She smiled sweetly, muttering something to another with strikingly similar features. “I’m… curious.” Laylah was the essence of perfection. Everything you’d think an angel would be. Her long blond hair fell in soft waves down her back. The unearthly grace had been absolutely mesmerizing to watch. She was beautiful, and Demitria couldn’t help but stare. Stunned by her mere presence.
Kellan’s eyes darkened at the mention of her, pulling her body closer until she was flush with his own.
Behind the angel, another waited. Silent. Watching with warm chestnut eyes as they conversed. Her fiery auburn hairfell to her waist, framing a beautiful, feminine face. Something about the angel drew her gaze, but at her smile, Demitria found herself pulling away.
“Stand down.” Gabriel warned, and the Horseman hesitated. “Everyone.” Eire and Kane were quick to drop their weapons. Returning their arrows and bows to their backs once more. “Kellan.”
“We’re on your side, Horseman.” Arakiel walked toward him, toward the sword pointed for his chest. “We want balance.”
“You deserted?” He held the angel's gaze. Daring him to speak. “We were told you’d died.”
“We don’t believe in extermination. That is why we are Fallen.”
Demitria didn’t know if she could trust them. She’d been hunted by angels before. What made them different? “There are other things at work here. Things that you need to be made aware of.”
“I’m listening.” He lowered his sword slightly, but didn't put it down. Not yet. The other Horsemen seemed convinced, but not Kellan.
“There are bigger things at work than you realize. There is no extermination of both sides. You all know there must be balance to go on.” He nodded. “The Dark King. Lucifer.”
Lucifer. Fear ran through her at the name. A being known only in myth by her kind. The personification of evil, ruler of the Underworld, and he was who the Dark King truly was. Some part of her must have felt it, the significance in the name. Why it had stoked such a reaction from her body upon first hearing it.
Lucifer was the Dark King, and he was here.
“We already know that he’s here.” Kellan shifted his weight, but his blade stayed still.
“Lower your weapon so we can continue. There is more you must know.”
Kellan slowly looked toward his eldest brother. Gabriel nodded, urging him to comply. With a sigh, he sheathed the sword. “Leave the humans back and come with me.” His golden armor, while beaten and scuffed, still glistened in the light that pierced the mist. “I won't go far.” Kellan whispered, another breath ghosting over Demitria’s ear. “If anything happens, I will come for you.” She wouldn't protest. She wanted to fight, but doubted her body would let her again. She’d wanted to stay by his side, but Kellan was so on edge over the Fallen that surrounded them that she listened. His fingers bit into her arm, holding her to him.
“Okay.” Turning, she held his stare for a moment longer before pulling away from his ironclad grip. Kane shot her a knowing glance before following behind his sister.
“She comes.” Arakiel turned, finger pointed to her retreating figure. Everyone stopped at the angel’s voice. “Demitria Collins.”
Slowly, she faced him. Hands clenched. His smile didn’t falter as he beckoned her over. Eire glowered down at her. As if she didn’t feel out of place enough. Demitria nodded at Jace once before she took a step forward, head high as her eyes never left the angel. She would never again show weakness.
They walked in silence to the other edge of the clearing where the angels finally came to a halt. Kellan had fallen into step beside her almost immediately. His presence brought a wave of calm.
“It is a pleasure to finally meet you.” Arakiel bowed his head, and it took a moment for her to realize that it had been directed at her. Surprise filled her, and Demitria stood in silence. Watching him with curious eyes,
“You know of me?” She asked, finally finding her voice. The angel nodded. She couldn’t discern if it was a good or bad thing that another being seemed to know exactly who she was. “How?”
“That doesn’t matter.” Something in his gaze, Demitria couldn’t place it. He knew something that she didn’t, and he wasn’t going to tell her a thing. “I know everything about you. About your parents, your life before the war…” His voice trailed off, and finally, he settled his eyes on Kellan before bringing them back to her once more. “Known about you for a very long time.”
Demitria shuddered at the intensity of that look. So many questions overcame her. How had he known about her parents? Her entire life?
