I sigh and run a hand through my hair, chasing away thoughts of inadequacy.
If I’ve failed, surely the Fates would’ve intervened by now—or at least informed me I’d broken the wrong thread in the curse. But what if I haven’t failed?
What if I didn’t steal Mercy’s freedom?
What is she chose me?
The weight I’ve been dragging behind me lifts. Mercy— my soulmate, the absolute love of my life—chose me. I’ve watched her grow, spent lifetimes by her side. We need each other like the ocean needs the sand, like good needs evil. My destiny is balanced. Maybe she’s mine. A gift from the universe to always keep me grounded?
Do you want me to answer any of the questions you’ve been mentally hurling at me, or have you finally figured things out yourself?Marblas huffs sarcastically.
I scoff. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’ve figured it out. But I’m guessing that’s what you were hoping for.”
Obviously. You demons can be so dense.
“Be nice, or next time I won’t bring you a snack,” I tease.
Silly human. I cleaned up your mess—you owe me. Bring food or don’t, but if I’m hungry, the next time we’re in the ring, there’s no telling what might happen.Marblas warns in a snarky tone.
I shoot him a sideways look. “You’re right. It took a lot out of you. You’re cranky. Must be the hunger—or maybe you’re just becoming a sinister old man.”
“I think not,” he growls.
I chuckle. “Fine, crab. Go take another nap. I’ll be out hunting tonight. Lucifer’s pissed I haven’t caught the hunter, and now there’s a Leyak on the loose.”
Marblas stiffens.Be careful, Azrael. I’ve long suspected Lucifer wants you to fail. Two beasts of Hell against one soul collector? Sounds like a setup.You’ll be lucky if they aren’t together with a small army ready to battle.
“Well then,” I reply, shadows already stirring beneath my feet, “it’s a good thing I’m not just any soul collector. I’m the prince of shadow and bone—the rightful heir.” A hunter and a Leyak don’t scare me. Army or no army, I’ll vanquish them back to Hell tonight. And anyone who stands in my way will be met with destruction.” Shadows rise in a swirling vortex, of glittering black smoke, drawn to the promise in my words.
May you find success on your journey, sire.Marblas replies, his tone sharpening.But with all due respect, stay vigilant. I sense something I can’t explain.
Good. He remembers his place. I’m not just a lowly stable boy. Not the famous lion tamer. I’m a prince of darkness—descended from Lucifer’s direct bloodline. Bred to rule. Bred to maintain the balance between good and evil. The ground quivers beneath us as I rise to leave.
“Get some rest, dear friend,” I call over my shoulder to Marblas. “Destiny is calling, and we’ll need you at full strength.”
And you, my prince,Marblas answers solemnly.
I pause. I should rest. I need to take my own advice. No more forgetting to feed. I must stay strong—for Mercy, for what’s coming.
Tonight, I’ll banish the monsters back to where they belong. Tomorrow—and every day after—I’ll hunt down every man who’s ever laid a hand on my mate. One by one, I’ll slaughter them. Their souls will go to the Kingdom of Agony and Penance to rot for eternity.
Only Hades can save them now. And if he doesn’t deem them worthy? Good. Mercy’s father will be last. I want my hunt for him to be special. I want him to be terrified. To feel the breath of death before I strike. He deserves the slow burn of terror. I hope he knows I’m coming. And once Mercy is safely hidden here on the circus grounds, I’ll kill the man who dares pretend to be her father.
I slip past the Ringmaster’s office, shadows lifting me just above the ground. The manor looms in the distance. Luckily, when I cross the barrier, he’s too distracted to notice me. I shield myself in shadows deceptively. I’m in no state of mind to deal with him, and we both know it. Inside the manor, darkness greets me. The black marble floors gleam beneath my feet. Deep purple threads weave through the black and gray rugs that curl up the winding stairway. Black steel crawls alongside the stairs, twisting and curling like vines enchanted with dark magic. I climb past the first two landings. At the top, I veer toward my wing. I’m seeing home from a different perspective now—hers. What will Mercy make of the darkness that winds through these halls? Will the twinkle of magic lights and ever-burning fireplaces comfort her… or feel like a gilded cage pretending to be warmth?
Maybe I should dream walk and surprise her with a room of her own making. Zora would surely guide me—she’s nearly as attached to Mercy as I am. I wander back up to my wing. To the east and west are the other wings—sunrises or sunsets. A hard call, but that decision can wait. I’ve got other things to handle first. I settle into a wingback chair near the fireplace. The warmth seeps into my bones as I close my eyes to rest.
The second my lids shut, the world lurches sideways. Wind howls, then vanishes. The scent of smoked cotton candy burns my nose. Stone hardens beneath my boots—ancient, jagged, carved with old purpose. Mage-lights burst to life one by one, illuminating obsidian walls and fire-washed banners. I know exactly where I am.
“Hello, Father,” I drawl, turning toward the throne with narrowed eyes full of heat.
“Azrael.” His voice booms through the cavernous chamber as more lights flicker on.
The room is packed. Witnesses. Spectators. His royal assembly flanks him like shadows that learned to stand.
“What is the meaning of this?” I demand.
“We’ve been waiting for you, Azrael,” he replies, a knowing gleam in his eye.
