Page 56 of An Unexpected Ascension (A War Between Worlds #1)

The Demon

Iwish I could say that watching the gruesome end to Aurelius’ and Silas’ eternity was every bit healing in the way I thought it would be. Except, it wasn’t.

My soul still weeps with devastation and now, the ones deserving of my wrath are no longer here.

But nothing will swell my pride like watching my Angel spear a God through. All those nights, naked and cold on the dungeon floor, the pain and humiliation each and every time my dignity was stolen from me, every unwanted touch – all melted away along with the God and forever burned inside my memories.

“Come on. I don’t know how much longer Lucifer can manage alone.”

Briar nudges her head toward the doors as she buttons her jeans back up.

With quiet footsteps, we traipse down the staircase to the lowest level. Despite the brothers occupying the war room, the rest of the palace is eerily empty. I know whatever lays ahead won’t be as easy.

Our feet scurry across the glimmering tile of the foyer and past the kitchen. I suppress a shudder as the very air taunts me with what I know lingers down those terrible steps. It’s hardly been a full day since my escape, and I’ve had very little time to let my mind wander to the horrors I’ve endured the last six months. For now, I’m grateful for that, but I know my suffering will come in due time.

An earsplitting howl detonates just outside the door at the end of the hall. It explodes, shaking the bones of the palace, then washes over us with the aftershock of its intensity. We cling to the stone as if it could shield us from such a noise, but when it dies, we head straight for it.

Cracking the door, I peer beyond it into the expansive lands of rolling green hills that are now flooded with the blood of both angels and demons alike. The clanking of blades ring out only to fade into guttural cries of anguish. Hundreds upon hundreds of our demons are positioned out there fighting for the rights of our souls, fighting for justice. Fighting for an eternity without oppression.

My heart seizes at such a sight.

I knew for centuries this day would come and standing in its midst shoves me right into the hands of a million different emotions I never thought one person alone could experience... especially me.

Searching the frenzy, I don’t seem to find Lucifer... or any of the Gods?—

Until I spot movement just a bit farther up the hill, hidden by the columns of the temple. There, the Gods sit in their thrones as if they were enjoying some entertainment before a feast.

I don’t miss the way the dark-haired deity crowed in gold and draped in white silk watches with glittering excitement. All the bloodshed in his name. All the souls sacrificed and lost to the Aether. All the chaos and power and greed.

My very blood begins to sing and buzz beneath my skin. Almost vying for a way out.

Before I can push the door fully open, Briar’s hand tugs at my arm. With the carnality splayed out before me, I nearly forgot she was here, and my heart suddenly sinks.

“Shit.”

I sigh at her wide, frightened eyes.

“Briar, would you do me a favor? Would you stay here?”

“Don’t ask that of me, Lynx.”

As we search each other's gaze, a barrage of images play out in those green irises of hers.

They show me days of peace.

Days of absolute contentment. Days of boundless love. Of our bodies and souls colliding, becoming one for all eternity. I find in those eyes of hers everything I never could even have dreamed of. And then, I find the end.

Sudden and final.

The end; it waits just right outside these doors.

My hands cup her face, desperation causing my touch a little rougher than I intend.

Yet, she doesn’t complain, just returns her own desperation in the way she clutches onto the fabric of my shirt.

She twists it in her fists, yanking me closer. Our hearts thud in rhythm to one another’s as our chests slam together.

“I can’t lose you.”

“Then you know what to do.”

She holds her palm out, the little violet fruit materializing.

I stare at it as if all the answers to our future sit with one small bite. Like a crystal ball, it twinkles and seduces me, luring me to just do it. And in this moment, I kind of want to.

Slowly, I take it and rub my thumb along its waxy skin.

“I’ll think on it,”

I finally tell her, pocketing it in the space between worlds.

She nods, smiling sadly, but accepting my answer and then smashes her lips to mine.

With her entire soul, she kisses me.

Her arms wrap around my neck to tug me to her as her mouth consumes mine. With each breath she breathes, she forces small, shattered pieces of life into my lungs, and I take them as the promises they are.

“You kissed me,”

I murmur against her.

“And I liked it.”

I chuckle. At a time like this, I fucking chuckle.

When I pull away, I find tears welling in her precious eyes and wipe them away as they fall.

“Well, this could be the last chance I ever get.”

“In that case, I lo—”

Her hand snaps to my mouth, snuffing my next words.

“No. Tell me after the war.”

She smirks.

I nod solemnly as I wonder if she’s right, but I grant her that hope anyway.

“Are you ready?”

I wait for her to gather herself before continuing.

“Follow the palace wall. I want to sneak behind our army, if we can avoid the fighting, that leaves more room to sneak our way over to the Gods.”

“How are we going to take four of them at once? Have you found Lucifer?” she asks.

Pinching my lips, I shake my head.

“He’ll come. We go for Achaz. The others don’t look too invested in any of this right now, but should they be threatened, I can see them fighting back.”

“I’ll distract them,”

she blurts, knowing full well that I’ll hate the idea.

“Briar. I nearly lost it when you tried that with his sons. I don’t think I can handle it again. Silas and Aurelius didn’t see us coming, but these Gods are expecting us. I’ll confront them and you sneak around behind the temple. There’s a fair amount of foliage to hide behind. You’ll just have to be careful. We’ll make it to that column there.”

I point to the white stone column closest to the battle.

“Hide behind the drapes and don’t move until I have their attention. Do you understand?”

Her mouth parts to argue, but we both know there’s no time for that, so she gives a reluctant nod.

“Good. I’ll tap the ground twice with my blade. That will be your signal to sneak up behind Achaz and call to the Mortifier. Can you handle that?”

“Yes,”

she whispers.

“See you on the other side of this war, then.”

I wink, gracing her with one last kiss.