Page 72 of Grave Revelations (Prophecies of Angels and Demons #3)

Chapter 71

Azazel

A serpent's slithering tongue murmured against Azazel's ear as Samael whispered: “Hello, brother.”

Azazel looked up, meeting the King of Hell's icy stare. He moved, stepping in front of Rebecca as Samael appeared beside him.

“I expected you to come when I called for you.”

Stay behind me, he thought to Rebecca. “I have no interest in joining your crusade.”

Samael glided on a phantom wind, stretching crimson-flamed wings wide in Rebecca’s foyer. “So this is where you’ve spent your time while I worked to ensure we would be free.” His gaze flicked to Dina. “I might have known you would be here. Give up your pretense, sister, and join me once and for all.”

Dina moved behind Azazel, crowding closer to Rebecca.

Azazel glanced back, watching the nasdaqu-ush crawl into a corner. He would deal with her later. When he turned, facing the biggest threat by far, he was momentarily taken aback when he saw profound sadness in the Fallen’s eyes.

“You all painted me as the villain when I fought to take back what was lost from us, when I left Alaxia rather than accept my fate. You know better than any how much we lost when Father took half our souls.” His gaze darted from Azazel to Rebecca. “Fight with me, brother, and together we will reclaim what was stolen from us.”

Azazel widened his stance. “I accepted my fate, but I will never fight with you.”

Samael’s head shook. “Then you leave me no choice.”

Samael disappeared, solidifying beside Dina, and plunged a taloned hand through her chest.

Azazel moved, darting forward, but the Fallen was faster, pulling her out the door and into the night. Azazel froze in the doorway, unwilling to leave Rebecca even as Dina’s cry sounded in the distance.

“We have to stop him,” Rebecca cried, running after them.

Azazel dissolved, reappearing in her path, and wrapped his arms around her. No, Light. We need the gargoyles to trap him. He’s too strong.

Rebecca struggled in his arms. “But the gargoyles surrounding the estate—”

Too far apart. Meant to repel. Not to trap.

Rebecca sagged against his hold. “Jophiel.”

It had gone horribly wrong, and now they had lost the element of surprise. But no matter what happened to Dina, he would not trade Rebecca’s life.

If the creature who had tried to kill Rebecca hadn’t come, none of this would have happened. Releasing Rebecca, he turned, marching into the house to the corner where Sophia huddled, shivering.

“Az, leave her be.” Rebecca came to stand beside him and held out a hand.

Sophia’s round yellow eyes darted to him, and she crouched back, pressing herself against the wall.

Rebecca glared at him. Back up. You’ve terrified her.

She tried to kill you in that cave.

She was compelled.

No. She wasn’t.

I don’t care. She won’t hurt me. Give her space.

Azazel crossed his arms over his chest but took one step back.

Sophia lifted a trembling arm, and Rebecca pulled her up, wrapping her in a tight hug. A low growl bubbled up from Azazel’s chest, and Sophia released her .

“Come on, Sophia. Come to the kitchen,” Rebecca said. “I’ll get you water and something to eat.”

“There’s no time,” Sophia whispered. “Elizabeth is fast. I’m not sure how I got free of her and beat her here. She wants to use you now that you've unlocked your angel side, She's coming for you.”

Azazel swung the door closed, twisting the lock. Send her to get her own food. We will watch the door.

She’s hurt, Rebecca replied.

She’s lucky she draws breath.

Rebecca rolled her eyes, pulling Sophia with her as they left the foyer.

If she touches you, she dies.

Watch the door, hero.

Azazel tightened his arms over his chest, listening as Rebecca spoke softly, as if to a scared animal, while they moved through the kitchen, pouring water and searching for food.

Noises outside the door had him turning to face the window.

Rebecca.

What?

We have company.