Page 115 of Gray

“The souls,” I said. “And you’re killing thousands of innocent people to collect them!”

I struck at him again, aiming for his chest.

He knocked it aside with his fiery sword before it made contact. His nostrils flared as he shoved against me. “Do you believe I enjoy killing them? I never rejoice in taking a life. Their lives would’ve been spared had you and your brothers stayed out of my way. Gusion’s key would’ve allowed me into the celestial realm without slaughtering mortals. But you’ve left me with no choice. Their deaths is the price I’m willing to pay.”

“For what?” My strength diminished.No, not now.“Just for petty revenge?”

“Revenge?” He disarmed me, hurling my sword out of my reach. “No. What I want is much greater.”

The door opened behind me, and I flung around to see a male with golden skin and silver hair that fell to his waist. His eyes were such a pale shade of gray they looked white.

“Vepar,” my dad said.

The fallen angel who controlled storms.

“Get out of there, Gray!”Alastair said, his panic rising. I felt it.

Vepar cocked his head at me. “The prodigal son returns. Another failed assassination attempt? You’re just as worthless as I’ve heard.”

“Watch your tone,” my dad told him. “Gray is on the wrong side of this war right now, but I hope to persuade him to join the right one.” He looked at me. “I wish for you to take a place by my side.”

“And if you’re unable to convince him? What then?” Vepar drifted toward me, his gait casual like he didn’t have a care in the world. “Are you prepared to kill him, Belphie?”

Belphie?

“I…” My dad tore his gaze from me. “I refuse to answer such a ridiculous question.”

Commotion sounded from the corridor outside the library, as though something massive slammed into the wall. When a familiar roar shook the castle, I knew Wrath had taken full control of Galen. Gods help anyone in his way.

“Goddammit.” My dad charged over and grabbed me by the arm. “If we don’t leave now, that beast will tear us apart. Just as deadly as his father.”

Vepar snapped his head toward the window, and the lock disengaged before it slid open. He smiled at my dad. “After you.”

“Take away the rain while you’re at it,” he growled.

“Of course.” Vepar waved his hand, and the rain stopped.

“No!” I thrashed against my dad in my attempt to get free. But with Sloth making me sluggish, struggling didn’t do much good.

He hugged me to his chest and jumped through the window, his wings releasing and catching on the air. Shouts sounded from behind me as my brothers pursued us.

“Gray!”Alastair cried out.

“We won’t let him take you,”Daman said.

“Over my dead body,”Raiden added.

I had failed yet again. The bond between me and my dad was too strong. A part of me even understood him. He had loved Lucifer like I loved my brothers. And while his actions were deplorable, I couldn’t find it in my heart to kill him.

I now knew I’d never be able to.

“I’m sorry,”I told my brothers.

“Don’t you dare give up,”Alastair said.“We’ll stop Belphegor another way. Keep fighting!”

I used the last of my strength to elbow my dad in the ribs. It didn’t even faze him. He just gripped me tighter, putting me in a strong hold I couldn’t escape from.

The dark sea stretched below us as we flew away from the fortress, no light to guide our way. The storm had stopped, but clouds still covered the moon.