by Erin Snihur
“What if she isn’t on Earth?” I murmur, mostly to myself, not even thinking Ezekiel or Lucifer had heard.
“You think she’s still in the InBetween?” Ezekiel asks from across the room, his head bent as he reads from a very old book, “Why didn’t she escape like the others? What could be in the InBetween that she would want so badly?”
“It’s possible, but the gates were closed. There’s no way into the InBetween to be sure,” Lucifer sighs in exasperation and collapses into his desk chair, his wings clattering behind him. Ezekiel's questions go unanswered, but I store them away to ask at a later time.
“The orb. We could search the InBetween with the orb without Renna even knowing,” I state and turn away from the map to glance between Ezekiel and Lucifer.
Ezekiel snorts, “The orb was confiscated after you were detained. It's in the Archangels private palace, probably under lock and key.”
Lucifer grins, “Chamuel owes me a favor. Of course, if you were caught, he would deny his involvement.”
Ezekiel nods and stands, “I should explain the plan to Pascal to see what his visions exhibit.”
When he leaves, I turn my shrewd eyes on Lucifer. “Why are you helping us?”
Lucifer’s grin turns solemn, “Before I was banished from my father’s good graces, our brother, Joel, was born. We were the exact opposites. He was light, I was dark. He loved the humans. I despised and envied them. Then one day, Joel came to me, completely heartbroken. The woman he loved was human. It is forbidden for Archangels to interact with the mortals outside of the Almighty’s wishes. I didn’t say anything and ignored it, thinking his attachment to be nothing more than mere obsession that would dwindle with time. The others found out and he and his woman were brought before us. His woman had given birth to a son. The child was only a few days old, but you could practically see the power emanating from his small fingertips. Everything the child touched, even his own mother, burned. The woman put his hands in gloves to keep his abilities masked, but it wasn’t to be.”
Lucifer pauses and gazes back at the torn map of Earth, “I didn’t stop them as they killed the woman and her child. I didn’t stop them as they removed Joel’s wings and he died. It was after that incident that I grew rebellious. I should have stopped them. I had the power to do it, but I just sat back and watched.”
I clench my fists and speak, my words raspy as I try to clear my throat of the emotion, “So you are helping us because of your regret in not helping your brother?”
Lucifer shakes his head, “I thought I was, but seeing your attachment to Elara has made me see things through new eyes.”
I nod, understanding, taking a step toward the door. I murmur softly, knowing the King of Hell hears me as I leave, “Dina truly cares for you.”
As I close the doors to the study behind me, I hear his words faintly, “And I her.”
20
Elara
Who knew returning to Earth would give me such a headache?
Dina and I are unpacking in the penthouse of the Wicked Hotel and I’m getting antsy. The guys left to go meet someone. Something to do with finding Renna. They were very secretive about it. I didn’t like it. Even Pascal went with them.
Leaving my room, I find Dina in the kitchen brewing up some coffee.
“Where did the guys say they were going again?” I ask and watch as Dina tenses a bit before spinning around with hot, steaming mugs of coffee in her hands.
Setting one on the kitchen island for me, Dina sips at her coffee first before answering, “They didn’t. Something about a meeting. Men, right?”
I nod, not convinced and purse my lips as I gaze around the lavish penthouse. It takes up the entire top floor and has its own private pool and jacuzzi on the roof. I quirk an eyebrow at Dina and grin.
“Have you stayed here before?”
Dina nods, “Once or twice.”
I hum to myself as silence ensues, then an idea forms in my head. “So, what is going on with you and Lucifer?”
Dina rolls her eyes and begins puttering around the kitchen, “Nothing. Just sex.”
I know her statement is meant to stun me, but I don’t fall for it as I nod along and push away from the island to stand against it.
“Why didn’t he come with us or at least go with the guys to their meeting?” I ask and watch as Dina tenses again.
She hesitates before finally sighing in frustration and turns to me, arms crossed, “He can’t leave Hell.”
“What?”
“He can’t leave Hell at the moment. With everything that’s going on up here and demon activity on an all time high, he needs to be in Hell to keep things running smoothly,” Dina gazes up at me, “If he were to leave, then his generals and lower lords would take over. They have no problem running rampant. At least with Luc there, things aren’t as chaotic.”
I nod and walk over the living room windows that overlook New York City’s nightlife.
“How long are the guys going to be gone?” I ask, an idea forming in my head.
“Late, that’s all I know,” Dina mutters from the kitchen. I turn away from the windows, a grin forming on my face and Dina’s confused face meets mine as she asks, “What’s that face for?”
“Let’s go dancing.”
Dina snorts and moves into the living room with me, “Dancing? I thought you were the goody-goody type, you know the type that reads books for fun on the weekends instead of partying.”
I grin and laugh as I recall the days, I would stay home instead of going out. “I did, but I want to have fun. Besides, this is the city that never sleeps; and I think you need to relieve some stress.”
Dina’s eyes squint as they assess me, “It isn’t safe.”
“Why? You’re going to be with me and you’re pretty badass,” I grin as Dina’s face morphs into shock.
“Pretty badass? Oh, no, honey, I’m the freaking Angelina Jolie of the angel world. You want to go dance, then let's go dance.” Dina stomps toward her bedroom and with the slam of her door, I grin excitedly. Turning back to look over the city, I am inwardly squealing with delight
Well that was easier than I thought! Watch out demons, we are going out.
“Do I look like a slut?” In that question I feel a sense of deja vu and grin to myself as I recall asking that very same question and hearing Darius’ answer. Though today, Darius isn’t the one to answer. Dina is.
“No. You look freaking hot. Darius’ tongue would be permanently detached from his mouth if he saw you,” She giggles as she fluffs up her short hair and fixes the hem of her sexy cocktail dress. Once again, I am floored by the beauty of an actual angel walking next to me.
I didn’t have any appropriate clothes for dancing according to Dina and she immediately purged her closet to find me a sparkly top and tight dark pants. Accompanied with heels and my hair curled perfectly, we are ready to go.
As we walk down the busy street toward the club Dina claimed was fun for dancing, I adjusted my sparkly top. The straps are tiny and tight against my skin. The V-neck causes my breasts to practically fall out of the top. Dina ended up screeching in a whole other language when I asked her what bra I should wear with it. She then proceeded to introduce me to the wonders of going braless.
“We get free drinks this way,” she claimed.
Now, as our heels clack on the pavement and the club is approaching, my stomach rolls and butterflies erupt as I pull Dina to stop. The lineup into the club is long and I wince as I try to make my shirt a little bit more conservative.
“Maybe this is a bad idea. I don’t even have my dagger,” I know I’m a chicken, but come on, clubs are intimidating, especially when you’ve been a wallflower your entire life.
Dina chuckles and kneels down to show me her high leather boots. Inside I can see the flash of a blade and gasp, staring up at her.
“How many of those do you have on your person right now?” I ask, kind of upset that I hadn’t thought to strap one or two to my calve
s.
Dina merely grins at me and takes my hand, continuing on our way down the street. I grow more nervous as we ignore the sign that indicates where the end of the line was. Instead we stand before the intimidating bouncer.
The bouncer glances at us for a split second before his whole face morphs into a smile and he unhooks the velvet rope.
“Hey Dina babe, long time no see. Go on in.” The bouncer winks and steps aside, much to the people who remain waiting in the line’s displeasure.
Dina smiles and blows the bouncer a kiss, “Thanks Jerry.”
Pulling me along, Dina races inside and we are immediately assaulted by the heat and pounding music that shakes the club’s floors. As we weave through the crowds of people, men and women alike stare, not at me of course, I inwardly groan, but at Dina. Who could blame them? The tiny pixie is angelic looking.
Once we make our way to the bar and our drink orders are taken from the practically drooling bartender, I begin to relax and bob my head to the beat of the music. Scanning the room, I meet the gaze of several men, few of whom meet mine back. They all seem to nod and acknowledge me, but none approach.
“Let’s dance. That’ll really get their blood pumping,” Dina leans in and whispers. I am barely able to hear her, but I nod anyway and follow as she drags me onto the full dance floor.
As we sway and move to the beat, I find Dina is right. Once we started dancing, the men don’t waste time pouncing. It isn’t long until we’re both dancing with two very attractive men, both of whom are working their butts off to get us alone.
Much to my guy’s disappointment, I pull away and find Dina relaxing at the bar. She nods at me, but doesn’t say anything, her eyes scanning the room very much like a predator.
“I need some air.” I call out to her over the thumping speakers and push my way out the back entrance to the alley. Grimacing at the trash that’s piled up at one end, I walk toward the alley’s entrance, intent on being closer to the street lights when a large hand grasps my wrist tightly.
Reacting on instinct, I twist my wrist and spin, bringing my leg up to kick my attacker in the groin. The man collapses to the ground, holding his groin as he groans in pain.
Taking a step back from him, I nearly jump out of my skin as the club door to the alley opens and Dina walks out.
“Well that didn’t take long,” Dina muses as she walks forward and grasps the man by the hair. As she pulls his head back the man's eyes are wildly following us. His eyes are clear and alert.
As I stare at him, I wait for his form to melt away and show his true form, but nothing happens.
“Is he human?” I ask, completely confused.
Dina nods and thrusts the man’s head against the brick wall of the club, effectively knocking him out. The man collapses in a heap and we both rise to full height.
“I know I sensed demon scum in there, but maybe they got scared off,” Dina rolls her eyes and carefully steps over the man, “We can try another club if you want.”
I shake my head and motion toward the alley’s entrance, “Let’s go back to the hotel. This was a stupid idea anyway. I don’t know why I suggested it.”
Dina shrugs and gives the unconscious man a kick. “I was sure I sensed something off lurking inside. Maybe it was just his vile nature leaking out.”
I let out a small laugh, but freeze when we both turn to see a hulking figure blocking the entrance to the alley, effectively blocking the light. Dina tenses and there’s a blade immediately in her hand extended in the direction of the hulking figure.
“Get behind me, Elara,” Dina orders.
I slowly obey, but stop halfway when the hissing sound begins.
“Pretty soul. Don’t listen to her. Stay where you are. It’ll make things so much easier,” The hulking figure takes a step into the alley and Dina doesn’t hesitate to push me back. The blade leaves her hand as she throws it in the hulking figure’s direction.
Like lightning, the demon masquerading as a large man grabs the blade out of the air like it is nothing and grins in our direction. His eyes are black and his smile evil. The illusion he places over his form melts away before my eyes. I gasp at the size of the demon before us.
This demon isn’t made of shadows like Tarnin. This demon is a solid, grey mass of muscles. His teeth are as sharp as daggers and even his fingers unclench long enough for me to see the claws he has at his fingertips.
“Come to me, pretty soul, and I won’t have to hurt your idiotic friend,” The demon hisses, his eyes go right through Dina and stare at me.
Dina answers for me, “But we were having so much fun.”
“Reditus,” Dina cries and the dagger in the demon’s hand begins to move.
The demon snarls as Dina’s dagger slices through his hand and flies through the air to her waiting hand.
The demons’ snarls vibrate through the alleyway and I back up a step, accidentally bumping into the unconscious man at our feet. Something shiny distracts me and I kneel down to grab the switchblade sticking out of his pocket. At least now, I have something. Damn it powers, where the heck are you when I need you?
“You’ll pay for that, bitch,” the demon snarls.
Dina doesn’t give him a chance to react as she grabs the other dagger in her other boot and launches at the demon. Dina is so fast. I only make out the demon blocking and reacting to her attacks. The demons’ grunts of pain and snarling hisses have me on edge.
Inwardly, I know I have to help. The demon is getting madder with every swipe of Dina’s blade that hits his skin.
I step forward when the demon strikes Dina, pushing her up against the brick wall of the building by her throat. The demon snarls directly in Dina’s face and I open the switchblade as the demon squeezes against Dina’s throat. She’s completely immobile and I feel my entire body freeze.
Not again. Please.
Dina’s daggers drop from her hands one by one and before I think of the consequences, I race forward and slash the sharp knife through the demon’s heel.
The demon howls and drops Dina to the ground. Dina’s gasps are muffled by the demon howling in pain as he pushes me back with his large hand and makes to grab me. Blood is everywhere. I feel my vision blurring at the sight of it.
Be strong, Elara!
I slash the tiny knife at the demon’s hands, but he’s furious now as his useless leg drags behind him. He’s backing me further and further into the alley and I plant my feet, glaring up at him.
“Stop. Leave us be, demon, and you won’t be harmed.”
“Infect her,” the injured demon snarls, but his eyes aren’t trained on me. Instead, they are level with the presence behind me.
Just like in the InBetween, the slicing through my flesh is familiar and it burns. Like an inferno. I feel myself glancing down at the tip of the jagged, black blade sticking out of my lower chest. I gasp and hear a ringing. Faintly, I can make out the sounds of Dina screaming my name.
Everything is fading, everything is going black. My fists are clenching and someone else is screaming. It’s me. The pain is too much as I collapse to the ground. My eyes are dropping closed, I can practically feel the evil leeching my energy from me. I need to sleep.
“Elara! No! Elara, stay awake! I’ll get us home. Don’t worry!” Dina’s face is in mine and I try to keep my eyes open like she says, but the darkness is consuming me too fast and when my eyes close again, they don’t open.
21
Darius
I can’t help the anxious feeling sliding over me. I tap my foot in the slowly rising elevator. The tiny numbers of each floor slowly tick by and I let out an exasperated growl underneath my breath.
“Would you calm down?” Gideon grumbles behind me and Ezekiel hums in agreement.
“I’m sorry, I can’t help it. Something’s wrong. Try Dina again,” I clench my fingers.
Gideon snorts, “She never answers my calls, why do you think now would be any different? I’m sure they’re in the suite, en
joying the pool and having girl talk. Relax man.”
Pascal murmurs from the back corner, “Would you like me to ease your mind?”
I shake my head. “No. Thank you, Pascal, but not today.”
All I want is to see Elara safe and sound in the hotel suite. When Chamuel didn’t show to our meeting, an anxious pit in my stomach grew and I knew immediately we had to return to the hotel suite. Something was very wrong.
When the hotel doors opened to the suite, we all freeze. We can sense the presence of darkness here. It is weak, but still present and growing stronger. As we step out of the elevator, we all draw weapons, except for Pascal who remains at the back, watching and waiting.
“Almighty help us,” we hear Pascal whisper as we tense at the sight of Dina stepping out of Elara’s bedroom. She swiftly closes the door and locks it from the outside.
“Dina?” I ask her name and take a step toward Elara’s door, but Dina’s hand raises in the air to stop me.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she says, her voice wavering.
I take Dina in. She’s wearing another revealing cocktail dress and tall boots. Some of her dress is dirty and ripped. There are bruises forming around her neck and the adrenaline rolling off her in waves reveals more than her words.
“What happened?” Ezekiel asks for me.
“We went to a club and were jumped by two demons,” She answers simply.
I feel myself moving before I can think clearly and race to Elara’s door, my hand barely graces the doorknob before a slash of pain races through my arm. I pull my hand away and glare at the burn the doorknob made on my hand.
“I can’t let you go in there, Darius. It isn’t safe,” Dina says, her voice heartbroken, but strong.
“Where is Elara?” I ask, my voice cracking under the pressure.
“Can’t you sense her?” Pascal murmurs as he steps toward the door, not touching it but running his hands a few inches away from the door. “What did they do to her?”
