by Angel Lawson
There doesn’t seem to be any other option and Agis definitely doesn’t look like he’s going to slow down any time soon. I do notice that even in the eye of the hurricane the sun has shifted, which means that even if the storm itself doesn’t move, night and day still pass. Going after Agis in the dark seems like a bad idea, so now is our best opportunity.
Marshal opens his armory for us to gather weapons. I check my dagger and take a pair of cuffs. If I get close enough to Agis, I can snap them around his wrists and slide the ring on his finger. All of this is more complicated because he can fly.
“If I have to, I’ll toss this over his wings,” Rupert says, reading my mind. He holds up a finely woven net, most likely used for fishing, and pulls at the rope. “It should hold, for a few minutes at least.”
I turn and see Armin and Marshal loaded down with weapons, and Luke securing blades to his wrists. He struggles to get one tight and I walk over, taking his muscular forearm in mine. “Let me get it.”
I pull the leather strap tight, cinching it around his wrist. He grunts and flicks his blue eyes to mine. “Are you sure about this?”
“No,” I reply, “but he needs me, and I need him. This is what we do for one another. We fight until there’s no fight left. We’ve done it for decades, centuries apart. This time, we do it together.”
“You seem so sure.”
About saving Agis? I’m not, but I don’t tell him that. “I believe in our bonds, I believe in what we’re fighting for, and I know the Guardians believe in us.” I push the end of the strap through the buckle. “What do you believe in, Luke?”
He frowns, deep lines marring his perfect face. There’s an answer on his tongue but he swallows it and nods over my shoulder. “They’re ready.”
I wonder for the briefest moment if he’s going to betray us—that this is a long con in association with his father. There’s no way to know other than to just have faith. If he betrays us, we’ll kill him and lay his body at the feet of his father before we end him, too.
As if the anchor has been lifted, the smaller boat surges forward, like it’s being reeled in by an invisible force. The plan came together quickly, probably too quickly, but only the gods know how much time we truly have. Watching Agis fight like this is exhausting. Can his body continue at this rate? What happens to him once we remove him from the circle?
While the others make a show of force on the boat’s deck, I huddle out of sight. The plan is for me to get to the tower. See what he’s protecting so fiercely and do whatever I can to get the ring on his finger.
Armin had planned to make the first move, trying to get the upper hand, but from the furious roar that bounces off the water, it’s clear we’re now in Agis’ sights. My allies quickly move into position, while I wait until he’s fully occupied. A loud cry and the clatter of metal on the deck gains my attention. I look out from my hiding spot and see Marshal flat on his back. “Mother fuck—” he curses, quickly getting back to his feet. I gape but he winks in my direction. “Any time now, love.”
I steady my resolve and jump up, holding my dagger in my hand. The ring is secure on my finger and I rush to the side of the boat. My allies are both at the bow and on the ground, attacking Agis from all sides. Armin uses his gift, tossing aside massive boulders with the flick of a hand. One crashes into Agis’ side. I see the regret on Armin’s face—he doesn’t like going after one of his own—but that doesn’t stop him from giving it his all. He lifts another rock, but this time Agis is ready, swinging his Reaper’s scythe. The boulder-sized rock shatters into a million pieces, raining down on his enemies. Rupert jumps back, barely getting out of his way. The explosion is the distraction I need, and at the edge of the boat, I sling my leg over, and hang by two hands. I look down and see the shallow water. With my eyes closed, I jump and land with a splash.
I move quickly, unsure of what demons live beneath the surface, and slosh to the shore. Agis is completely occupied, and I run to the tower, placing my hand on the cool stone. I run in a circle, looking for the entrance. There is none. I look up, the only way in is at the top. How the hell am I going to get up there?
I run my hands over the surface, looking for juts or indentations for me to use for leverage. There aren’t any. Whoever designed this tower didn’t want anyone to get inside—or rather, for whoever was locked up there to get out. I’m about to give up, when the sound of fluttering comes from behind me. I spin, dagger raised.
“Don’t!” Elizabeth whisper yells, her hands up. “I saw you were stuck. I can get you up there.”
Wings on her back unfurl, a shiny purplish blue. They’re a far cry from the wicked wings jutting from Agis’ back, but they seem sturdy. A shimmer of magic gleams off the wings. “I can carry you up.”
I don’t get the chance to agree before she flings her arms around me. A heartbeat later we’re in the air, wings pushing us upward. I glance down and see our allies in the throes of battle, but Rupert pauses, glancing upward. That allows Agis to get in a hard blow, knocking him back to the water. The prince is stunned and before he gains his senses, black tentacles slither from the water, threatening to drag him back down.
“Rupert!” I shout in warning, but Elizabeth clamps a hand over my mouth.
“He’ll kill us if he sees us,” she whispers. We land on the balcony, and I exhale in relief with something solid under my feet—also because Luke has spotted Rupert’s struggling. From high above, we watch the Nephilim charge toward the water. His sword is out, and he chops at long arms of a demon deep under water. As soon as I see Rupert is okay, Elizabeth drags us into an opening that leads into the tower.
“Oh my gods,” she declares, wings shrinking away. I look past her to the large bed. A figure sleeps as the battle rages outside. Elizabeth and I both slowly walk over. We need to confirm who Agis is protecting, but the horror on the fairy’s face says what my gut feels.
Sure enough.
It’s me.
Well, some Hell-contrived version of me. The Hildi in the bed looks like I did after the arena—back at Miya’s garden—stomach full of teeth marks and healing. I wasn’t sure what to expect, not after our fight that day. I’d sent him away after learning that he’d known for months I was his mate. He’d fought me, lied to me, denied me over and over, while secretly coming to me at night, glamour masking his face, making love to me in a way that brought me peace and balance.
Now in this realm, I’m his prized possession.
“What do we do?” Elizabeth asks. “If all of this is to protect you...”
“It’s like Armin. We have to break the spell. I have to get the ring on his finger.”
“But—" she starts, but the words catch her throat. The light is extinguished from the room and I glance back. A shiver runs down my spine as I see that the God of Death has arrived, scythe in his hand. The expression of fury on his handsome, brutal face chills me to the bone.
“Agis,” I start. He growls in reply, eyes glazed as though they’re covered in a film. His mind and body are locked in this world—I know that. I’ve seen it time and time again with the other Immortals. None are as stubborn or angry as him.
“Look at me,” I say, trying to coax him away from the window. I nod at Elizabeth, needing her to get into a better position. “I’m the Hildi you’re bonded to. I’m your mate.”
His eyes narrow and he spins the scythe in his hands. The blade, once shiny, is coated in blood. “The Devil sent you, didn’t he?” he asks, his voice clear and strong.
“No, Agis, you’re already in Hell. This is the fifth circle and you’re completely caught up in it.” I nod to the bed. “That person, she isn’t me. I’m me. I’m here. I want to take you home.”
I try to hide the tremor in my hand as I offer it to him, hoping that maybe if he feels my touch, if he’s close to me, maybe he’ll snap out of it. The warrior stares at my hand, his jaw tight with tension.
“Please?” I lift my hand.
His forehead furrows and his
shoulder seem to relax, the blade lowering to the ground. I exhale and keep my eyes pinned to his. Maybe he’s not so lost after all.
Tentatively he reaches forward, his hand grimy with death. I swallow my fear, thinking we’re close, so close, when something behind his eyes shutters, and he grips my arm, slamming me against his chest.
“The Valkyrie never says please. She’d never beg. She’s stronger and smarter than the pathetic illusion in front of me.” With his mighty strength, he lifts me, tossing me into the air. I land on the floor, my back cracking against the hard, stone surface. He lunges for me to finish the job, but his body stops suddenly. I can barely move, my entire body shaken from the fall, but I see the shiver of magic around his ankles and wrists, Fae magic. Elizabeth stands behind him, her face contorted in concentration.
I struggle to my feet, easing the ring off my finger. We’ve got one shot, one, because I don’t see how we’ll get another. I grab his hand and fight against his clenched fingers, sliding the ring on. I step back, looking for the relief, for the dark magic of this place to dissolve, but his face pinches with rage and in a furious motion, he snaps the binds at his wrists, then feet. He reaches for the ring, pulls it off his hand and crushes it between his fingertips, tossing it out the window.
“No!” I cry, running futilely toward the window. I don’t make it there before two hands grab me by the waist and fling me toward the sky. I scream, fighting until I realize that Elizabeth is soaring across the sky, carrying me back toward the boat. A shadow crosses over us, and I look up, seeing Agis’ dark wings blotting out the sun.
“Hold on,” Elizabeth says as we land hard and fast on the deck, our bodies toppling over one another. My crash is stopped only by hitting the side of the boat, my head slamming against the wood.
“Gooooooo!” a voice cuts through the air, Luke? Marshal? I’m too woozy to determine. The battle rages on the deck, my allies fighting, but it’s obvious their energy is fast waning. I’m seconds away from admitting defeat, demanding that that boat captain turn the vessel around and head back to safer water, when a gust of cold air blows across the calm waters and in the distance, I hear a sound I never wanted to hear again.
The howl cuts to the bone, chilling me in a way I didn’t know was possible. Everyone on the deck stands still, eyes focused on the sky. Even Agis pauses, his head tilted.
It starts as a speck, the wings getting closer and closer. The wind grows colder, and I look down and see the water has turned an inky black. Another howl rips through the sky, night falling quickly, and I know what’s coming. Who is coming? Is it just one? Or more?
Agis turns and faces the monster, six eyes, sharp teeth, skin tearing claws. The God of Death grins, his scythe raised, and he shoots straight up in the air. Agis and the monster clash above us.
“Go,” I whisper to no one—anyone. “Get us out of here.”
Marshal glances back, blood dripping down his face. He shouts at the captain, “Retreat!”
The engine roars, and the boat swings wildly to one side, water crashing over the side. Overhead, Agis and the monster continue to fight, which gives us a chance to escape. At best we need to regroup. At worst we’re totally fucked.
As the boat sails back to safe water, we all keep an eye on the fight above. The monster seems to be a viable foe, not something we want. We need Agis back in one piece. The God of Death seems to understand this and escapes from the monster, flying back to the tower. A moment later he vanishes inside. The monster swoops through the air, circling the structure, until it flaps its mighty wings and sails in our direction.
“Shit, shit, shit,” Luke mutters, blades ready. Armin and Rupert get into position. Marshal grips his sword. Elizabet and I stand. If Agis can’t take one of these beasts, then there’s no way we can. Not with our injuries. Not ever.
We’re braced for the assault from the monster, all eyes locked on the sky as it swoops overhead. Armin raises his hand, prepared to blast him out of path, but it’s then that I notice the bent angle of its wing, and the ooze pouring from its chest.
“Wait—don’t!” I scream. Armin keeps his hand lifted but doesn’t move. A second later the monster’s glide falters, and it drops suddenly, heading straight for the deck. I watch in horror, then confusion, as the teeth vanish, along with the beady eyes and furry head. In a blink the monster is gone, and a smaller, more human figure lands with a crash on the hard surface of the deck, a long moan following.
Armin is the first to gain his senses, rushing over. With the tip of his blade he prods the figure. “Ow, dammit.”
“Dear Gods,” Rupert mutters. Elizabeth has already dropped to her knees. She pushes over the body. I’m not sure who gasps, it may have been me. In my defense, I hadn’t expected this—for us to find an ally deep inside the fifth circle. An ally that just saved our asses.
“Darius?” I ask, touching his face, pushing his braids off his cheeks.
“Valkyrie,” he says, blood coloring his teeth. “I think this belongs to you.”
He opens his hand, revealing the smashed ring Agis had thrown out the window. I take it from him, but before he can say another word, his eyes flutter shut, leaving us with more questions than answers, but also, for the first time, with a glimmer of hope.
28
Hildi
Darius is taken to a room below deck to rest and hopefully recover. Elizabeth and I stay with him while the others go to re-strategize. We’re not leaving without Agis, but we’re going to have to try something different. He’s just too strong.
Elizabeth uses a cloth to clean the wounds on Darius’ chest and I sit in a small chair against the wall. I take a deep breath and confess, “I’m tired, Liz.”
“I know,” she says. I don’t miss the dark circles under her eyes. “It feels like a really long time since we were at the Academy.” She drops the cloth into the water and rinses it out. “Is this what the rest of our lives will be like? Going from one battle to the next? I don’t want to live that life.”
“I can’t see where we go next, even if we get to Agis. We’re still missing Miya.” I look down at the bent ring Darius handed me. “The Immortals, they’re strong, but this is a numbers game—it’s about balance. Five guardians. Five Immortals. One female to bind them together.”
Elizabeth pauses and looks out the small window that offers a view of the deck. “Remember what Christensen said, about the gods closing a door but opening a window?”
“Yeah,” I reply, following her gaze. Outside in the flickering torch light, a pair of long legs crosses the deck. It’s Luke, taking the first shift of patrolling overnight. “What about it?”
“Maybe the answer to your problem is already here.”
I frown. “Luke?”
“He is an immortal. And he’s powerful. I doubt he’s even tapped into the strength and power of the Nephilim blood.”
My stomach twists nervously. “I don’t know, Liz, I mean, he’s…”
“Lucifer’s son. I know. But the men you’ve mated with, the ones you’ve bonded to, they haven’t always been righteous people.”
No. Camulus chose them for a reason. They’d terrorized armies, pillaged, ravaged and dominated lands way before the God of War found them.
“No,” I say firmly, “that is not how this works. I’ve bonded with these guys, I care for them. Honestly, I love them. We’ve been through a lot, even before we got to the Academy. It took months of careful trust building—and even that has been tedious. We’re all damaged and conflicted, while understanding there’s something bigger controlling us. Luke…”
“Is loyal. He’s determined. He’s sacrificed to support you and your vision. He’s—”
“Young. Immature. An ally, for sure, but he’s not part of this. Part of us.”
“Are you sure? I mean, a few days ago you were sure Marshal wasn’t loyal. Before shit hit the fan, you and Agis couldn’t see eye to eye. No one said that this wasn’t going to be difficult or filled with challenges. Not e
very relationship just clicks into place. But Luke…he’s pushed every step of the way to be either by your side or to keep up with you. Maybe what you need is right in front of your face and you’ve been ignoring it.”
“These men aren’t interchangeable! I care for Miya, I’m not just going to replace him with the next guy that walks in.” The next handsome, commanding, sexy guy. I drop my head into my hands. Groaning I say, “Thank you for your input. We have to look at every option, but I just don’t think this is the answer to our problems.”
She nods, her lips set in a thin line. “Go rest,” she says. “I’ll stay here.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
I head back to the small cabin and climb into bed without changing clothes. My body aches and my brain hurts. The gentle rocking of the boat makes it easy to drift off and I only wake when I hear my name, faint and distant. I sit abruptly, looking around the dark cabin.
“Elizabeth?” I ask, certain it was a female’s voice. There’s no one else in the room. I start to lie back down when I hear my name again.
“Who’s there?”
“It’s me, Hildi.”
I climb out of the bed, knocking the blankets to the floor. Movement catches my eye and I spin, seeing the curved glass of an old mirror. Morgan stands on the other side. She looks very far away, but not enough so that I can’t see her growing belly.
“Oh my Gods, you’re huge.”
“Big enough that getting around is hard.”
“How much longer do you have?”
“Not long.” Her hand caresses her stomach. “Days at the most.”
I exhale. “I’ve failed you and the Guardians. I don’t know if we can stop this.”
“Your challenges are difficult, but not insurmountable.”
“No? You must not be aware of Agis guarding a fake-me in the tower or Miya being lost to us. Even if I get to the God of Death, we’re Immortal man short.”
