Page 76 of Grave Revelations (Prophecies of Angels and Demons #3)

Chapter 75

Rebecca

Rebecca struggled to lift her head as the pounding behind her eyes receded. Her vision still swam, but she could see his blurry outline at the end of the hall.

Simon moved, reaching them in moments, but Azazel blocked his path.

“I’ll deal with you in a moment,” Simon said, and Rebecca almost laughed. Was Simon threatening a Prince of Hell?

A rush of foul thoughts assaulted her, and she pressed her hands to her temples. “Az, please.”

He spun to face her. “What is it, Light?”

“You’re shouting in my head.”

“What do you mean?” Simon asked, taking advantage of Azazel’s distraction to dart around him and drop to the ground beside her.

He reached for her hand, but she flinched back.

“Simon, what have you done?” Rebecca asked as she ran her gaze over his form, stopping at his yellow eyes. “You were human the last time I saw you.”

“I had to, Bec. For you. To save you.”

She laughed, leaning into her elbow to lift herself up.

Simon lunged forward, but Azazel was there, knocking him back.

“Don’t put your filthy hands on her. ”

Simon shot to his feet. “Me?! You attacked her. Forced her to…” he swallowed. “Bec, I’m here. I won’t let him touch you again.”

Rebecca scooted back, slouching against the wall. “What are you talking about?”

He darted a glance between her and Azazel. “Can we talk?”

“Simon, we’re in the middle of a war. Did you miss the huge fallen angel outside? Or the legion of night-beings?”

Simon’s gaze darkened. “He’s dragged you into his battle. Let’s get out of here. It has nothing to do with you.”

She looked at Azazel and held out her arms. “Help me up?”

Azazel slid forward, knocking Simon aside as he pulled her up.

“Did we stop him?”

No.

“Bec, don’t go with him,” Simon pleaded.

Rebecca glanced back at him, shaking her head. “I don’t know why you did this to yourself, but Simon, this is my war, and I must stop them.”

Simon’s gaze flicked to Azazel and turned murderous. He moved so fast she hadn’t registered it, and in a moment, he was trapped in Azazel’s grasp, held in place by one massive arm.

“Don’t hurt him,” Rebecca warned.

I won’t hurt your dog, Light.

Rebecca frowned. Give me a second, okay?

Azazel’s eyes flashed with malice. One second. He released his hold on Simon, who moved back, smoothing his jacket.

Rebecca rolled her eyes and held out her hand. She knew better than to ask him to give them privacy, not that privacy was something she truly wanted from her other half.

Nor would I concede it.

Simon took her hand, his fingers tightening around hers.

“Come with me,” he said. “Please? ”

“This is the end, Simon,” Rebecca began. “The fate of the world depends on us. I won’t ask you to stay and fight. I don’t want you to. But please don’t ask me to walk away from everyone counting on me. On us.”

Simon’s eyes drifted over her shoulder to the creature she knew was only a few steps behind them—her dark shadow.

“You don’t owe him anything.”

“You’re wrong.” Her vision blurred as she recalled all Azazel had sacrificed for her. “I owe him everything.” Simon’s grip on her hand tightened, and she glanced down. “Ow. Simon, that hurts.”

She tugged her hand, but he squeezed tighter.

Azazel was between them before she’d seen him move, prying Simon’s fingers loose and shoving him back so hard he hit the wall.

Simon pushed off the wall, darting forward, but Azazel squared his shoulders, blocking his path.

“You won’t touch her again.”

Simon’s gaze narrowed, but he didn’t move.

Rebecca touched Azazel’s wing, running a hand over feathers that seemed to sparkle under the moonlight. A tremor ran down his back before he turned to face her, his look feral.

“Az, we have to find the lance. It's our only hope. Leave him.” Rebecca grabbed Azazel’s hand, pulling him down the hall, away from Simon. Did you kill anyone while I was unconscious?

A few of the nasdaqu-ush.

I asked you not to harm them.

“Bec.”

Rebecca turned, meeting his eyes. “Simon. Please go.”

“Firefly.”

She stared into his mournful yellow eyes, understanding that nothing she said would convince him to leave. “Please be safe, Simon. Take care of yourself.” She shifted back to Azazel, placing her hand in his.

“Let’s get the lance.”