Before Hayliel can respond, Theo adds, “And don’t you dare think about going exploring before Ezekiel arrives, firefly.”
“I won’t.”
“Promise us.”
“I promise. Zeke, I’ll message you my parents’ address, and I guess I’ll see you tomorrow. Have fun bonding. Try not to kill each other.” Her laughter cuts off when the line goes dead.
Theo and I share a look of mutual worry and understanding, neither of us liking the plan but realizing that it’s our best shot right now. I push one of the thick textbooks toward him and stand.
“I’m going to call Azrael. Why don’t you get a head start on the passage in this book? I’ll be right back.”
Knowledge house is quiet as I exit the library, and I only take a few steps before dialing Azrael’s number.
“Zeke, if you’re calling to take on more duties, I’m afraid I’ll have to say no.”
Laughing, I reply, “You know me, Azrael. I can’t stay still for too long, but that’s actually not why I called.”
“Oh really? I’m intrigued. What’s up?”
“Someone informed me that there’s a dead angel in the Fallen district, near the Sinful Café. They don’t want their name involved and asked me to help.”
“A dead angel. Are you sure?”
“I believe them, sir. Given the nature of our kind, I thought it best if you handled this discretely, if possible.”
“Yes, yes. Good idea. It wouldn’t do to start a frenzy. Where exactly will I find it?”
“On the other side of the street from the Sinful Café, you’ll find a dead end. The body should be there.”
“I’ll head there now. And, Zeke, I’m glad that you called me first. It proves I was right to get you out from behind a desk.You’ve got good instincts that will serve you well within the Guild.”
“Thank you, sir. Please keep me posted if there are any developments.”
“Of course. We’ll chat in the morning.”
The call ends, but I don’t move as the sudden realization that Hayliel could have died sinks in. She was this close to an angel blade and someone who clearly isn’t afraid to use it. Even though she didn’t sound it, I know she must have been terrified. How could she not be? Something in my gut tells me she’s holding back. Tomorrow. I’ll get the rest out of her tomorrow.
Fuck. Maybe Theo is right. It’s the last thing I want to admit because, come on. It’sTheo. But if my actions are adding to her stress when she’s already dealing with so much, maybe it’s time I re-evaluate. The last thing I want to do is hurt her. That’s the whole reason I hate the Pures being near her, isn’t it? Fearing they’ll discard her like they did me.
Shaking my head, I turn back to the library, to Theo and the passages I hope he can shed some light on.One thing at a time.
I find him with all three books opened to the areas I’d marked and his own notebook in front of him, the passages written neatly.
“Sorry, I wanted to look at everything. I hope that’s alright.”
“It’s fine.” Twenty minutes ago I’d have been pissed, but now I’m just glad he’s interested enough not to wait for me.
“I’ve actually read these two already,” he says, pointing to the two thickest volumes. “But this one is new. If it’s alright with you, I’d love to borrow it sometime.”
“I’ve already read it cover to cover twice, so you’re welcome to it. Do you have any insight into what those passages mean? Each one hints at something the demons share, but it’s not something I’ve heard of before, and the Guild is pretty good at keeping us informed on all demonic developments.”
He’s quiet for a moment, studying my face before he finally speaks. “I think it’s what they used during the attack on the school. This mental bond where they can communicate or take orders, kind of like telepathy but deeper, somehow. Like they’re all connected as demons versus forming that bond like we have to do.”
“So if they were in trouble, they could broadcast that to their entire horde for backup.”
“Exactly.”
Shit. If this is true, how come the Guild doesn’t know about it? Suddenly, pieces of the puzzle snap together. The diversion at the school. The strange increase in calls to the Guild. And as soon as everything was in place, all they had to do was speak it through the bond and the entire horde would know.
