Page 109 of Ringmaster

We stand, embracing one another for a few minutes until he pulls away.

“I have to go,” he says, checking the time. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Don’t go. Not yet,” I beg.

He cradles my face, nuzzling against mine. “I must retrieve the shield from the vault where it’s been stored since it arrived here.”

“Hurry back.”

Azrael kisses me one last time and then disappears.

Chapter 50

Azrael

We stand in the castle courtyard, our menacing group ready to ascend to the big top and face my brother. Each of the other kingdoms has sent two of their best warriors to assist us on this mission. I tighten my grip around the Shield of Anubis. It will protect me, and, in turn, my mate, from any harm.

“Are you ready? Beelzebub asks.

I nod. “We’re ready.”

We stare at one another, both knowing what’s at stake. Then Beelzebub opens the portal, and we launch—each of us hurled into the mortal realm. I carry Selestina in my arms, shield on my arm, wings protectively around us.

We land just outside the big top entrance in a cloud of dust. I look to Selestina standing ready at my side, and my chest swells.She’s come so far for me. But I don’t have time to think about how proud of her I am.

Remember to stay close, and do not fall for my brother’s tricks.My last warning before I lead us into the tent to face whatever Wrath has waiting on the other side.

The arena is dark; silence fills the air. I wave my hands, and the lights overhead flicker to life. In the center of the ring are Mercy’s mother, Sylis, Zora, and a few of the others.

Next to me, Selestina’s muscles twitch. She’s fighting the urge to run to her. My hand finds hers, giving her the strength she needs.

There’s no sign of my brother, which makes me suspicious. I draw Soul Slayer from its sheath and stealthily slip through the shadows to get closer.

Selestina follows at my heels, taking my instructions to stay close a little too literally. I want to stop her, but even a message through our bond—and the tiny bit of magic it uses—could alert him we’ve arrived if he’s not aware. I reach out with my shadows, feeling for him, searching for a sign or some kind of presence. There’s nothing.

Closer and closer we creep until I can make out their faces, bound by rope. Enchantments glow around it. Smart. He’s warded it and set a trap. So long as nothing triggers the wards, he won’t know we’re here.

“Mother,” Selestina whispers. “Are you okay?”

“Mercy,” her mother calls. “Is that really you? Go while you still can.”

Selestina tilts her head, confused. How is it she’s forgotten her mortal name so easily?

It doesn’t matter. Shadows rip from me, springing forward to wrap over her mouth. We can’t risk him hearing us.

The ground begins to shake and rumble beneath our feet, and I realize it’s too late. He knows we’re here.

Selestina takes one sideways glance at me, unsheathes a dagger, and leaps forward, slicing the rope away. It’s no match for my power as the runes flare. She runs to hug her mother just as the Divine appear from nowhere, closing a circle around the prisoners and capturing Selestina within it.

Fuck.This is why I needed her to stay close. Wrath appears on the other side of the tent.

“Well… well… well. It looks like we have some things you want. Azrael,” Wrath sneers.

“Let them go,” I demand, spinning my sword through the air and brandishing the shield, allowing the lights to bounce off it.

A few of the Divine shudder at the sight of such dark instruments. I can’t help the smug smile that forms on my lips. They are right to fear me. These are merely foot soldiers. They would be no match for me— save for one: Michael.

I narrow my eyes at him.