Page 86 of Bellamy

Blood and body parts littered the corridor outside the study, and smoke wafted in the air.

Fire.

Our mansion was burning.

“Purah fled when Galen went nuts,” Castor said with a wince. He sat propped against a bookshelf, holding his stomach. Blood pooled between his fingers. “But not before giving me something to remember him by.”

“I’ll kill him for this.” Kyo held my brother, his orange eyes murderous. “I swear to all the gods I will.”

“I’m okay, little dragon.” Castor offered him a shaky smile. “Just… a scratch.”

Kyo pressed a kiss to Castor’s red hair before standing and facing the doorway. In his hybrid form, he had a bluish-green tint to his skin, along with scales and blue horns. His eyes glowed a more vibrant orange.

Furniture was smashed to pieces, and the rug in front of the fireplace was ripped and covered in blood and guts. Alastair’s study—his sanctuary of books and comfort—was now a battle zone. The framed picture of Joseph lay on the floor, the glass broken and blood staining the photo.

Raiden stood near the shattered windows behind the desk, staring out into the night. Waiting for anyone else who dared try to pass him.

Galen snarled as another demon rushed in. That demon didn’t last even a second before his guts painted the rug. In the past, Galen had attacked anyone close to him like a blood-crazed beast when Wrath consumed him, including us. He retained some consciousness now though. Because of Simon’s influence, Wrath had calmed enough to recognize us.

Simon sat with Mason in the far corner. The hunter had woken but looked weak. Probably from blood loss. Our powers healed wounds, but we couldn’t replenish blood supply.

Daman and Warrin faced the windows as more demons appeared, a mix of mid and upper-level demons. Vepar and Belphegor burst into the room with Purah close behind them.

We were surrounded on all sides.

“Stop this,” Gray begged his father. He stood between Galen and Raiden. Rested on them, really. He was exhausted. He had missed his evening nap, which meant he was going on three hours of no sleep. His energy reserve was depleting fast.

“I can’t,” Belphegor said. “I’m not leaving without Lucifer’s sword. Now step aside, Gradyn.”

Gray balled his hands into fists. “No.”

“You’re at your limit. Sloth won’t allow you to continue for much longer. Look at you. You can barely stand.”

“I’ll stand until I can’t anymore.” Gray tipped his chin up. “You taught me to never surrender. Remember?”

So subtle I nearly missed it, pride shone in Belphegor’s eyes. “Aye. I did.”

When Asa stepped into the study, the air shifted. The demons outside the shattered windows silenced, no longer grunting and snarling. Scorn reflected in his red eyes as they landed on Alastair. “You loved my father. Is that why you covet his sword? It will never belong to you, Pride.”

“I have no desire to wield Light Bringer,” Alastair said. “I only wish to keep it from you.”

I noticed he didn’t deny loving Lucifer. Alastair was exceptionally skilled in hiding his thoughts from us. His feelings too. He buried his sorrow and pain instead of relying on us to help him carry the weight of it.

The smoke thickened as the fire spread through the mansion. The shattered windows gave it an exit. It also gave the flames more life, fanning them higher. Soon, those flames would consume everything.

Simon coughed.

Galen snapped his head toward his mate, the hostility fleeing his eyes as concern took its place.

That’s when Asa struck.

He thrust his hand forward and shot a blast of magical energy. Galen flew backward and crashed into the desk. As he leapt back to his feet, eyes pitch-black and teeth elongating, Asa snapped his fingers. Galen froze. Asa was using his time-freeze ability. His fight with Alastair weakened him, though, because at his full strength, he could’ve frozen several of us at once.

Even powerful dickwads like Asa had limits.

“Galen!” Simon coughed as he rushed over to Galen. He caressed his face, tears welling behind his glasses as my brother remained unresponsive.

Alastair lunged for Asa, and the two of them crossed swords. I chopped down more shades, my bloodlust rising.