Page 77 of Grave Revelations (Prophecies of Angels and Demons #3)

Chapter 76

Azazel

Azazel bit back his grin, unable to hold the joy radiating from him. Whether or not Rebecca realized it, she had made her choice. She had chosen him.

Of course, it was you, soulmate. Not like I had a choice.

He frowned as she wrapped her arms around his neck, and he tucked her against his chest.

Kidding. I’m joking. You’re so lovable. Who wouldn’t choose you?

He raised an air shield, launching them through the gaping hole in the side of Rebecca’s house as warmth radiated from each place where she pressed against him.

“There.” She pointed to the back of the estate. The old cemetery.

They landed on a branch just outside the small iron gate, circling several rows of headstones, and Rebecca climbed down beside Azazel.

The scene was reminiscent of Rebecca’s dream. A mass of demons hovered outside the gargoyle-lined fence, and inside, along the edge of the much smaller wrought-iron fence surrounding her family cemetery, a group of witches stood, staring into nothing. They swayed on their feet, different somehow from the other night-beings. It was as if they were empty shells.

Elizabeth stood at the center of their group; all her attention focused on Samael as he moved to stand inside a massive six-pointed star drawn in the earth .

He has the lance , Rebecca thought.

Azazel nodded, inhaling sharply as he took in Dina’s limp form, crushed in the Fallen’s fist. She opened her eyes and coughed, golden liquid spilling over her lips.

“I’ll distract them. You grab the lance,” she said.

What will you distract them with?

White teeth flashed in the dark as she grinned. You’ll see.

I don’t like that.

A bubble of laughter spilled from her lips. Lightning. I’ll call down lightning so you can grab the lance.

It was a good plan, and his chest swelled with pride at his mate’s brilliant mind.

She smiled again, raising her hands overhead—his signal.

Azazel became dust, floating on the wind.

Lightning scorched the earth beside Samael, and his head shot up. “They’re here,” he said to Elizabeth.

The words sent a shiver down Azazel’s spine. Could this be a trap? He didn’t have time to consider it as another bolt of lightning slammed into the dirt, sending Samael dancing back.

Samael tossed his head, and several nasdaqu-ush raced away, searching for Rebecca.

They’re looking for you. Stay hidden.

I will. Be careful.

He sent her the mental image of his lips pressed against hers.

Lightning struck true, sizzling along Samael’s arm, and Azazel used that moment to reappear, twisting through the air as he dove for the lance.

Samael spun, lifting the lance and plunging it into the side of Dina’s neck. Golden blood slid over his fingers, soaking the earth.

Azazel landed hard as he yelled for Dina and charged forward, but Samael swung the lance at him; he darted backward, narrowly avoiding it.

“Stay back,” Samael warned, squeezing Dina tighter in his enormous hand. Her blood traced the lines he’d made in the earth, forming a star, and the ground rumbled. “Now, Sanura. ”

The name registered in Azazel’s mind as Elizabeth raised her hands overhead and barked commands to the silent army. Their glazed expressions never changed as they moved into smaller circles, clasping hands with one another. Each group’s hands glowed as energy zinged through them, and the earth rocked, trees toppling, fissures opening all around them.

Light. Elizabeth is Sanura. She’s much more dangerous than I thought. Be careful.

Azazel launched into the air, aiming for Rebecca, hidden among the tree branches, and scooped her up as he brought them higher. He thought of Sanura’s creatures’ end, attempting to rid the world of them, but they weren’t typical night-beings—their souls could not be destroyed with his dark gifts.

Dozens of small fissures chased one another over the earth until they connected, and chunks of dirt and debris fell into a deep chasm. It was an abyss so deep it appeared to have no end. But it did end, and another shudder rolled through him as he stared in horror.

What is it? Rebecca whispered in his mind.

He has opened a rift between Primoria and Earth.

The rush of power surging through him, climbing, racing for the surface, was intoxicating, and he knew what it meant. They were coming.

Azazel wrapped his arms more tightly around Rebecca’s waist, taking them higher, and a euphoric bolt of ineffable power tore through him as they exploded from the earth: a legion of infernal creatures. Some were wispy, incorporeal; others were hulking beasts, stamping their hooves on snow.

They charged out, flooding the land, choking the air, as wave upon wave crested the surface of the mortal plane.

Some dove for the witches, settling inside them, and Rebecca screamed: “Stop them!”

Azazel yanked their tethers, ripping them out of the witch’s bodies. He released his hold, refocusing on others, and they darted away into the night .

“Stop!” he commanded. The next round halted, whipping tails and gnashing teeth as they fought to escape his hold. He sent the same order down again and again, protecting the women who stood in stasis as the world crumbled around them.

“Brother, let them have their fun,” the Fallen said as he peered up at Azazel.

Hold on, he said into Rebecca’s mind as he expanded his form. He tucked Rebecca into the crook of his arm and continued growing until his feet settled on the ground.

“What now, Samael?” Azazel asked, meeting his stare.

The King of Hell gave him a bored look. “If I tell you, you’ll only try to ruin my fun.”

“I’ll try no matter what.”

Samael frowned. “You will, won’t you,” he sighed. “And I’m afraid that will become rather tiresome.”

He flung out both hands, sending a blast of wind toward them. Azazel cupped Rebecca in his hand, shielding her from the blast as he slid back several feet.

Put me down , she demanded. I’ll be safer if you aren’t holding me.

First, give me a boost.

She pressed her hands against his thumb, feeding him her flame.

More.

She pulled at their bond, funneling magic to him until Azazel was encased in a soft blue glow.

Now, set me down.

He stooped, letting her climb out of his hand. Watch out for Sanura .

She blew him a kiss, disappearing beneath the canopy of trees.

He turned, taking two massive steps toward Samael, and cupped his hands, forming a huge flaming ball. But rather than launch it at Samael, he charged him, spreading both hands wide.

Samael backed up, throwing up an air shield between them.

Azazel pressed against the shield, knocking Samael backward. He stumbled over the old iron gate surrounding the cemetery and fell to his knees, sending the lance tumbling from his grasp and disappearing into the foliage .

He dropped the lance, Light.

Where is it?

Outside the cemetery, by the fence.

“Sanura, my love, find the lance!” Samael called.

Blond hair streaked past them, disappearing behind the fence.

Samael charged forward as he pulled trees from the earth, hurling them at Azazel.

Azazel formed a shield of air on one arm and a ball of flame on the other, hurling it at Samael.

They circled one another, creeping ever closer to the yawning chasm between worlds.

Do you have it? Azazel asked.

Not yet.

Azazel flapped massive wings at his back as branches bent and creatures scattered. Lifting into the air, he called again on the fire ringing him and hung suspended for a moment before he tucked his wings in tight and dove, crashing into Samael.

The Fallen stumbled, seething as he touched a scorch mark on his shoulder.

Azazel wasted no time lifting again, soaring up into the sky.

Samael unfurled wings of flame and vaulted upward. In two mighty beats, he was high in the sky, his wings setting the night ablaze. Letting the fire run down his arms into poison-tipped claws, he dove for Azazel, sharp tips extended.