Page 100 of Galen

I wouldn’t have met him at all.

Maybe it would’ve been for the best. He could’ve lived an ordinary life and fallen in love with a human who wouldn’t have put him in constant danger.

“Don’t blame yourself,” I said. “It won’t change anything. Better to put our energy into saving him.”

Alastair and Daman exited Gray’s room.

“He’s asking for you,” Alastair told me.

I nodded and stepped through the doorway. The moon lamp on the nightstand glowed purple, then changed to blue. Gray loved the lamp because even though he was thousands of years old, he was still afraid of the dark. It helped him feel safe.

“Galen.”Gray lay in bed, a bandage around his neck. He used telepathy to keep from using his voice.

I sat on the edge of the bed and smiled when his hand slipped into mine. Typical Sloth. He always had to be clinging to someone.

“Al told me what happened,”he said, a frown tugging at his lips.“We have to find Castor and Simon.”

“You won’t be doing anything but staying in this bed. The others and I will find them.”

“But I want to help. I love them too.”

More of my anger faded away. “I know you do. But you’re no good to anyone in this state. You can help by resting and getting better.” Gray’s eyelids closed before quickly opening again. They weighed heavier now. “Go to sleep.”

“Don’t wanna sleep. Too worried.”

However, his eyes closed anyway. I stayed by his side until he started snoring. I tucked the blanket in more around him, then stood and left the room, closing the door.

I looked at Clara. “I have no right to ask any more of you than I already have, but will you stay and watch over him tonight?”

“Of course.” She sadly smiled. “Unlike you, he’s not a grumpy ass.”

“Remind me to give some smart-ass response to that later.” The weight of my worry crashed down on me. I didn’t crumple beneath that weight though. I strengthened myself against it; used it to fuel my rage. That’s how I’d save Simon and Castor. Not by surrendering to my grief.

“You’ve had one hell of a day, angel boy. It’s understandable that you’re off your game.”

“I apologize for how I treated you. You’ve been a good friend to Simon, and—”

“Stop.” She waved her hand. “You had every right to be suspicious. But I’m glad you know better now.”

“Me too. You saved Gray’s life.”

Alastair told us to join him outside. Clara came too. I could tell my brothers still didn’t fully trust her—much like I’d been in the beginning—but I knew with time, they’d come to do so. It was in our nature not to trust anyone outside of each other.

“I just heard from Lazarus,” Alastair said. “Uriel is shielding him for now. It’s chaos up there. Ramiel and the other rebels killed many angels before fleeing the celestial realm.”

“Fortunate that Lazarus is alive,” I said. “Simon said he was badly injured.”

The mention of my human caused another ache to shoot through my heart.Please be okay.

“I called Konnar,” Raiden said. “It’s too much of a coincidence that Cas was attacked by demons not long after going off with some dude he met in the club. Kon said he’s looking into it and will call when he has something for us.”

“Good.” Alastair nodded. “I have an idea of where they took Simon. Castor’s probably there too.”

“Do you mind enlightening us, then?” Bellamy asked.

“It should be obvious. A child could figure it out,” Alastair responded. “Remember what Lazarus told us? Demons are gathering in the underworld. If Phoenix called the entity possessing Simon ‘Your Majesty’ that can only mean one thing.” His pale blue eyes flickered to each of our faces. “The new king has arisen. I say we go and greet him.”

“Get ready, boys,” Raiden said, a wicked smile spreading across his face. “We’re going to the underworld.”