I start to protest. I don’t want to stumble across her in another lifetime—I waited long enough to find her the first time. But the world vanishes, and the Fate is gone, replaced by an empty void. Nothingness surrounds me. This must be Destiny.
“I’m not surprised you figured it out,” the voice booms. “You’re correct. I’m Destiny—and I’m infinite.”
A shudder runs through me.
“You’re right to fear me, Lord of the Underworld.” It snickers.
I swallow hard.
“Here is your final question: will you wear the name you once ran from, and the crown that burned you? Can you become what you were forged to be, knowing it will cost you everything you were?”
There’s no silence between us, or overbearing pause. Only one word, spoken without hesitation. “Yes.”
Destiny smiles. “Then our effort was never wasted. Not on you.”
I tilt my head, trying to gasp the meaning. Was I always meant for my destiny—even when I didn’t believe myself strong enough or worthy? Distant memories flicker, blurred yet illuminating something locked deep within me.
Overhead, stars spark to life in the void. They form the shape of a crown, and as the last star falls into place, it ignites—burning bright until it crumbles into ash, the remnants drifting down on a phantom breeze.
“Kneel before me, Lord of Darkness, King of the underworld,” Destiny commands.
I drop to one knee, wings spanning out on either side of me as I bow my head. The ashes swirl, merging with shadows until they reform into a crown. A swirling tentacle holds the crown in front of me before placing it on my head. A tendril of shadow lifts it, placing it upon my head
“There is yet one last battle to be won before you may ascend the throne and consummate your rule. Return to the human realm and destroy the one who has caused all this agony and suffering. Those who hide behind the disguise of something they are not.”
I dip my chin in understanding. I must destroy the cunning Ringmaster and imposter Lucifer. There will be no redemption for their souls. They are far too powerful, more than they should ever have been allowed to become. As I rise, ancient armor snaps into place with a whisper of shadow and steel, a familiar ghost brushing my skin before vanishing into an unseen protection.
Destiny exhales, a murmur rippling across the void: “Let the seals break—and the world remember what it cost to bind you.”
The universe shifts, and I feel in my bones. The prophecy has unlocked; my destiny. But this is more than rescuing Mercy—it is the beginning of something far greater.
“And what about my mate? When do I get her back?” I demand as new knowledge pour into my head.
“She is yours. She has been returned to the mortal realm. Travel swiftly, Azrael. Infinite danger awaits you both.”
Darkness surrounds me once more, leaving me suspended in the liminal space between realms. One beat of my wings and I’m already soaring upward, faster than I’ve ever flown. The earth shatters as I breach the veil, shadows surging at my back, sword gleaming, my arrival heralded by ruin.
Chapter 43
Mercy
The menacing gates slam closed behind us—with a whir and three clicks, they lock us inside.
“Marblas,” I whisper. “Is that supposed to happen?”
“It’s never happened before,” he concedes. “It’s probably best to stay alert.”
And always best to speak here, where our conversation can’t be eavesdropped on.He chuffs, projecting the message.
I nod my head in understanding. It makes sense why we might not want to attract the wrong kind of attention.
We move slowly, following the curving path until we come to a fork in it. One direction leads on to the castle, where guards wait to apprehend intruders and defend their king. The other appearsunmaintained and abandoned. Marbles veers left, stepping over decaying bone, swirling shadows, and barren dirt.
The least traveled road is sometimes the safest. Besides, our destination is not inside the castle. Not yet. Not this time.His voice brushes softly against my mind, careful not to say too much.
Where are we going if not to the castle?
You’ll see soon enough when we arrive.
