Satisfied, I pull the dagger from his heart, reach right through his skin, rip it free, then devour it. The monster within me is ruthless. Driven by revenge. I’ll destroy the others just the same. Once this world is cleansed of their wickedness, and Mercy is mine—safely tucked away in my bed— then, and only then, will I claim her for myself.
Power surges through me. I’m ready for a battle. But first I have a selfish desire to wish Mercy goodnight. Two more days feels like an eternity when I’m this close to holding her in my arms forever.
I dab at the corners of my mouth, then conjure a clean, neatly trimmed, freshly clothed ensemble. Shadow, leather, and a hint of warm spice replace the rich, tangy scent of blood and soul. I snap my fingers and a rolled emberleaf appears between my lips. Lighting it with my thoughts, I take a deep inhale. That’s better. Now I’ll smell like smoky shadows and emberleaf.
The body can stay here—serving as a warning that I’m coming for him. If Jacob’s smart enough to figure it out. It’s only a matter of time. Vengeance burns cold in my eyes. I blink it away and take a deep breath. I need to pull myself together before I see Mercy.
What’s the point of pretending?
I’ll fall apart the second I see her tangled in the silk nightgown that clings to every curve like sin—it’s useless to fight for control. She’s about to become my one weakness. Gods save the realms if they take her from me before I can make her my wife. Once Ipass on my immortality to her, we’ll last forever. She’ll always be mine.
I step over the dead carcass lying carelessly in the middle of the alley and begin my stealthy descent to Mercy’s window—where I know I’ll find it unlocked. Thoughts race through my head as I walk the path to her. I’m not exactly sure what I plan to say or do when I arrive. I only know I need to see her—to feel her in my arms. Her house slips into view as I turn the corner, and my mind goes blank. Numb. My eyes are burning full of magic. They’re probably terrifying. The last thing I want is to scare her. I close them and concentrate, concealing the features I don’t want her to see. I pull on a magical mask, struggling to hold my human form in place. When I feel the magic finally pull back, lying in wait for more action, I open my eyes and slip into the shadows of the orchard, using the darkness and the trees to conceal me.
Undetected, I slink through the orchard, into the garden, across the property until I’m crouched in front of Mercy’s window. She’s already in bed, beneath her blanket. My fingertips press against the glass, and with a flick of my wrist, I slide it open. I slip through the opening—more shadow than man—as I glide beneath the sheets. Before I wrap an arm around her to pull her close, I move the sword from my side, letting it fall to the mattress. Out of the way. Forgotten for now.
Mercy’s body is warm and soft against mine. She fits into my arms perfectly, as if crafted with me in mind. She stirs between wakefulness and sleep.
“It’s okay, darling. It’s only me.” I whisper in her ear, then press my cheek to hers.
“Azrael,” she mutters, “Is that you?”
“Yes,” I say gently, running my knuckles over her arm.
“Why are you here? Is it time to go already?” she asks, confused.
“No. It’s not time yet. I’m just selfish,” I confess.
“Why’s that?” she asks, snuggling herself into my embrace.
“Because I needed to see you… so I could kiss you goodnight.” I rasp as my lips brush against her neck.
Her breath catches, goosebumps erupting across her skin. “That’s sweet of you.”
“Are you cold?” My hand drags over her arms, offering a bit of warmth.
“Not really,” she answers softly.
We lay close together in silence for several minutes. I trace my fingers over her shoulders, down her arms, and back up the curve of her hip. The silky nightgown is soft beneath my fingers, and the only thing separating her from my greedy hands.
I shouldn’t be here. Not like this. It’s going to be hard to leave. If not to banish demons, then at least to fulfill a promise. I swore to myself I’d restore her dignity by taking out every one of her previous lovers. When I’m through, I’ll worship her body for the rest of my existence and teach her what it’s like to be satisfied.
My control is wavering. I need to stop. But I can’t. “Roll over, Mercy… so I can kiss those pretty lips of yours.” My mouth betrays me.
She rolls inward to face me, squinting in the dark, cupping my face like she’s afraid I’m a dream.
“I’m real, my darling. Not a dream. I promise.” My words are soft and raspy, lingering in the small space between us.
Mercy drops her hand to my chest. “If by chance you are a dream… you’ll be my favorite one.”
“Tell me, Mercy. Have you ever dreamed of me?” I ask, desperate for her to say yes.
A smile forms on her lips. “Azrael, I always dream of you. And when I wake, I always hope it’s your dreams that linger.”
Her confession slices through me, soft and aching. I hate myself for every nightmare she’s endured. It’s my fault. Things should’ve been different. All this time she was dangling right in front of me, but I was too easily manipulated by doubt to see it.
Her fingers feel so small, swallowed by my hand as I pull them to my lips, kissing them softly. “I’m sorry.”
I let my mouth linger, brushing across each one with deliberate reverence. Her pulse quickens beneath my touch.
