His face falls. “My brother used dark, powerful artifacts against us. Forged for destruction. But I’ll never allow that to happen again.Those weapons have since been recovered and returned to the vaults in another kingdom. They’re guarded by creatures so vile and wicked no one will ever dare to retrieve them.”
“Good.” I savor the sweet treat.
We continue eating, and Azrael shares fragments of our past. He’s spent his time reading through his old journals, gleaning as much knowledge as possible before we return to face his brother, Wrath. We’re just finishing up when there’s a knock at the door. Azrael excuses himself and steps outside the bedroom.
I strain my ears, but either the walls are thick or enchanted—I can’t hear a single word of the exchange. With a sigh, I climb back into the large bed, pulling my legs close for comfort. I wait for what feels like an eternity for Azrael to return.
When he does, his face says it all. Bad news. I wait, anticipation gnawing at me, as Azrael sits gingerly on the bed and pulls me into his embrace. His shadows coil around us like a blanket. I draw a shaky breath.
“That was Beelzebub. Everything is ready. We leave in a few hours. He’s received word from Zora, but I’m afraid it’s not good news.”
My heartbeat thunders in my chest. All I can think about is my mother—alone, terrified. She doesn’t stand a chance.
“What is it? Please, tell me.” I beg, my voice barely carries.
“It’s—I’m so sorry. According to the last report we received, he’s gathered everyone under the big top and is holding them there captive until we return,” Azrael’s words land heavy.
“Then what are we waiting for? We should go right away?”
“No. Not yet. That’s what he expects. We’d be walking right into a trap. We need an advantage, and right now the only advantage we have is choosing when to arrive—on our terms.”
I bite my lip. “I don’t want to wait. I hate everything about this plan.”
“Patience, my little warrior. There’s plenty to do before we depart.” His tone carries a mysterious edge.
“What are we doing first?”
“If I had my way… you. But there’s no time for that.”
My cheeks heat. Just then, another knock. I glance at Azrael, surprised by how unsurprised he looks, as though this visitor is expected. He opens the door. An enormous man steps inside—easily eight feet tall—carrying a small package. Azrael nods,accepts the box, and the man bows before leaving without a word.
Azrael closes the door, mischief dancing in his eyes. “It’s time to get you dressed. Then I must leave for a little while. I won’t be long—just a few things I need to retrieve.”
“Like what?” I rise from the bed and cross the room to be closer to him.
He shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly. “The Shield of Anubis.”
My jaw drops. Azrael hooks a finger under my chin, gently closing my mouth. “He’s a dear old friend, darling, and he’s already graciously delivered it here.”
He sets the box on the table near the fireplace. From the corner of my eye, I spot the daggers and corset I’d worn before we fell, lying beside the box. I hope I don’t have to use them again, though they were effective. What if the box contains more weapons? Dread creeps over me at the thought. Azrael’s attention is razor sharp, focused on me, the moment he senses the shift.
“What is it that’s bothering you?” he asks, concern etched across every line of his face.
“It’s nothing,” I lie quickly, forcing my emotions to realign, brushing away the memory of Malicor’s eyes boring into mine as I watched his soul slowly depart.
Azrael snaps. Gone is the cool facade. The concern on his face vanishes. Every single one of his emotions—worry, regret, lust, guil—they all fade, replaced by white-hot rage.
“Do not lie to me, mate,” he glowers, a sharp edge to his tone. “Did you forget we are connected now? At the core of everything we are, every part of me is as much a part of you as you are of I. You are mine for an eternity, queen of shadows and death,” he drawls slowly. “Our souls are bound as one, never to part.”
I wince, sinking back into myself. Visions of Jacob and his arguments with my mother flash through my memories, and I shrink away as tears threaten to spill over. But I won’t let him make me cry. I swallow my fear, look him in the eyes, and reply, “I don’t want to use the daggers again. I thought I might lose you. Lose myself.”
His anger dissipates, turning to guilt, raging like a storm from within him. I hesitate, feeling the moment his heart cracks. But still he pulls me to him in an embrace I don’t deserve. I promised to be worthy of Azrael. I swore to be strong, and sulking over saving myself isn’t keeping up my end of the bargain.
Azrael kisses the top of my head. “Look at me, angel.”
I gaze up into his blue eyes, glimmering bright like the tides of the ocean beneath the sun. He stares deeply at me until I feel the zing of magic as it floats into place between us. His thumb rubs over my cheek, stroking it softly.
I place my hand on top of his.
