by Zoe Cannon
Uriel didn’t realize how hope-starved his heart had become until that moment. Until he realized he had been sure the man’s soul had been pulled straight to hell. That all of them, every person who had ever chosen that option, had been pulled to hell.
“There was no third option,” said Uriel. “I did tell you God would decide your fate. He decided to give you this.”
“I guess this means I’m not the bad guy after all,” Father Petrakis mused. A different smile played at the corners of his lips—one that was less guarded, and more private.
“It’s a long road you’re on,” Uriel cautioned. He would know. He was on the same one.
“If it means being the man I wanted to be before I lost my way,” Father Petrakis said, “I’m all right with that.”
For the first time in a long time, Uriel felt the same way.
He gave Father Petrakis a final nod, and opened the church doors. He let them fall shut heavily behind him. He climbed into his truck and started the engine. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the comforting thrum sink into his bones.
He hummed a tune as he started driving. He couldn’t quite place it. Something nostalgic. 1930s, maybe. Something from before the war.
It took him until he merged onto the highway to realize it wasn’t a human song. It was one of the old songs from heaven, from before he had lost his way.
Author’s Note
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this book, please take a few minutes to leave a quick review at the retailer where you bought it. Reviews help other readers find my books, which lets me keep writing and keeps my dog in treats. Ever had a 130-pound dog try to climb into your lap because he hasn’t had his nightly treat? Save my lap, leave a review.
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Start a complete ten-book urban fantasy thriller series:
It’s been ten years since Mal died. Five years since the god Hades dragged her from the underworld and forged her, through blood and pain, into his living weapon. And in five minutes, the only other agent of Hades she trusts will die.
Someone is assassinating Hades’s agents all over New York City. If Mal can’t find the one responsible, she’ll be next—if she’s lucky. If not, she’ll watch everything she cares about go up in flames first.
Mal didn’t choose this life. But now it’s all she has. And she’ll be damned if she lets anyone—human or god—take what is hers.
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About the Author
Zoe Cannon may or may not be a supervillain out to conquer the world through writing. When not writing, she can be found perfecting her schemes for world domination, plotting against her archenemies, and staying up too late reading a book. Her secret lair is rumored to be located somewhere in southern New Hampshire. She also writes as her mild-mannered alter ego, Z.J. Cannon.
