Ruthless (The Seraphim Series Book 2)

by Sophia Stafford

“Yeah, they can talk to angels. They also have visions. But there is still no telling if they will help us.”

  Lilliah turned away, fisting her hand in her hair in frustration. She swung around to face the others. “But it has to be something, right? I mean, does anyone care that Azrael is gone and the Devil himself is out of Hell!”

  Benedict’s gaze hardened. “I was looking after you.”

  Lilliah regretted her words immediately. She hadn’t been talking about Benedict directly, and she knew he had looked after her until she had healed, both physically and mentally.

  “Well,”—Rebecca clapped her hands together, her eyes bouncing between Lilliah and Benedict—“I think I’ll head off to bed.” She walked past Benedict and pulled a worried face at Lilliah. “See you later.”

  Lilliah waited until Rebecca had left to speak. “I didn’t mean that you didn’t care. I’m sorry, I’m just frustrated.”

  Benedict was loyal to Azrael, as loyal as anyone could ever be. She had no right to question what he had been doing, and she had faith he was doing something.

  “You’re frustrated, it’s understandable.”

  Lilliah could see he was still hurt. “No.” She ran towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist. He stood completely still. “I’m being a complete bitch.”

  After a moment, Benedict slowly encircled his arms around her. “I’m doing everything I can. We will save him.”

  “I know.” Lilliah pulled away, wiping her tears with her thumb. “I just want answers, you know? We have no idea what’s happening to him. Lucifer could be torturing him! Then he could be planning to destroy everything! We just don’t know.”

  Benedict’s lips turned up a little at the ends, though his features remained grim. “Magic or not, we’ll find Azrael. If it means killing the Devil himself”—he shrugged—“then so be it.”

  “Yeah.” She breathed in deeply. “So my plan failed. What’s your plan? Where do we start?”

  “We have to go to The Cure. I told them about what’s happening. There’s going to be a council meeting in two days.”

  “Okay.” She liked this progress. “I’ll get my bags.”

  ********

  “Mum’s fine. Going on lots of dates,” Lilliah said into her phone. She didn’t have to see Sebastian to know he was rolling his eyes.

  “Have you met the guy yet?”

  Lilliah leaned against the brick wall outside The Cure, her blonde hair tied neatly in a bun, with the busy New York streets in front of her. Benedict had been whisked away on business as soon as they’d arrived. The meeting she had come here for was starting in a few minutes, giving her just enough time to step outside to check in on her brother.

  “No.” Sebastian sighed. He’d offered to stay back in London. Lilliah had had a long chat with him before she’d left, telling him everything she knew about Lucifer and Azrael. Sebastian understood the danger and knew their mother would be a prime target. “Mum keeps asking when you’re coming round. I think she wants us to meet him.”

  Lilliah pursed her lips. “With everything that’s going on, it’s meeting mum’s boyfriend that’s bothering you?”

  “Yes. You should be bothered too.”

  “I was bothered at first, but I’m not now. I want her to be happy.” In comparison to everything in her life right now, meeting her mother’s boyfriend actually sounded kind of nice. It sounded normal.

  Rebecca walked out of The Cure through the large, wooden front doors and strolled up to Lilliah.

  “Your girlfriend’s here,” Lilliah said to Sebastian. “Do you want to speak with her?”

  “Yeah, put her on,” he said, sounding instantly happier. “I’ll look after Mum. Oh, and I told her you’ve gone away with Azrael for a few days to Rome. So when you come back, make something up.”

  “Rome? Why did you tell her that?”

  “She was asking so many questions and tried calling you a few times. It was the only way to stop her from asking me where you were.”

  “Okay. Good plan. It’s a little bit elaborate, but it will work.”

  “Good idea? No, this was a genius idea.”

  Lilliah raised her eyebrows; her brother really did think a lot of himself. “Genius, huh? Well, tell me this, Einstein: what do I say when she wants to see pictures? It’s a lie that’s going to create too many more lies. You should have just said I was ill or something.”

  “It’s done now, so just roll with it. Now pass me to my girlfriend and call me as soon as the meeting’s over. I want to know everything those slimy bastards say.”

  Even though she knew he couldn’t see her, Lilliah shook her head, frowning. “That was rude, but I will. Look after Mum and stay safe. If you see anything or anyone that looks remotely suspicious, call someone.”

  “Yeah, yeah. I have no idea who could help me, but I’ll call.” Sebastian breathed in. “Stay safe, Lil.”

  “Yeah, you too.” Lilliah passed the phone over to Rebecca, who took it gratefully.

  “The meeting’s about to start. Good luck and kick ass.”

  Lilliah nodded and smiled before heading back into The Cure. The building was busier than she remembered. Witches and warlocks were running everywhere; no one walked anymore. They had come from all over the world for the meeting. The Devil escaping from Hell was a very big problem, it seemed. The building itself was the same, though—huge and magnificent, with magic concealing its size from the outside world. The last time she’d been here had been with Azrael; he had brought her to The Cure to protect her, and here she was, hoping to save him.

  “Lilliah.” She turned to see Benedict walking towards her with a few people, all dressed in black cloaks, following behind. “The meeting, are you ready?”

  A man Lilliah didn’t recognise stepped out from behind Benedict. “Don’t you think it’s best if the lady stays behind? You’ve just arrived this morning. She must be so tired. All this talk about Lucifer will not be good for her.”

  Lilliah turned towards him, a polite smile still on her lips. “I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.”

  “Oh, you must forgive me.” The man held out his hand. “I am Harold Bailey.”

  “Harold.” Lilliah took his hand in hers and squeezed it firmly. “Have you ever met the Devil?”

  The question startled Harold for a minute, and he tried to pull his hand back. Lilliah didn’t let him. “Well, no. No one has.”

  “I have.” Her smile vanished. “Does it frighten you, the thought of Lucifer?”

  Harold gave her a jerky nod. “I’d be a fool not to be afraid.”

  “Well then, maybe it is you who should stay behind. Lucifer has Azrael and I will get him back. I don’t have time for people like you. I need thinkers and helpers. So if you’re not one of them, make room for someone who is.”

  No one spoke.

  Benedict stepped forward, nodding proudly. “Now that we have that sorted, shall we?” He then bent his head so only Lilliah would hear. “Well, that was something.”

  “No way in hell was I not going to this meeting,” Lilliah answered, keeping her voice lower but not whispering.

  She followed Benedict through the halls and into a large room full of cloaked figures. All of them were talking, but as soon as they saw her and Benedict enter, a hush fell over the gathering.

  “Let’s begin,” Benedict said, his voice booming.

  The doors shut behind them, and everyone took a seat except for a few who were left standing in the back. Benedict led Lilliah to the front. People moved, giving up their seats for them.

  “You all know why we’re here. Lucifer has escaped.”

  The room burst back into life, with men and women talking over each other.

  “It’s a disaster,” one man shouted above the rest. “We’re all going to die.”

  “We need to hide and wait out the war,” a woman somewhere to Lilliah’s left shouted. She tried to follow all the voices, but it was impossible.

  Benedict held up his
hand and the room quieted again. “We need a plan of attack. He has the angel Azrael. It is only a matter of time before he comes here.”

  “Did Azrael go willingly?”

  Lilliah’s head snapped to the younger man on her right, her jaw tense. His eyes briefly flicked to her, but his focus remained on Benedict.

  “No,” Benedict answered simply. “His eyes were red, just like Lucifer’s. We believe it was some kind of magic, mind control perhaps.”

  “Mind control? On an angel? That is powerful magic. Powerful magic indeed.” A woman in her early fifties stood. Her light ginger hair was pulled back from her face. She wasn’t wearing a black cloak like the others, but was dressed rather plainly in jeans and a knitted jumper. The room filled with whispers as people talked behind their hands, all of them staring at the woman.

  “Zena,” Benedict greeted. “I didn’t know you were invited.”

  “We may not agree on many things, Benedict, but I think we can both agree that Lucifer coming back is a disaster.”

  Lilliah watched the exchange closely. Who is this woman?

  “Your kind of magic isn’t welcome here.” Harold stood, his face scrunched up in disgust. He pointed his long, bony finger at Zena.

  “Sit down, old man.” Zena scowled as if she were talking to a child. “My kind of magic might be the only kind that can save you.”

  “We don’t deal with dark magic here, Zena. You know that.” Benedict sat back in his seat, controlling the room with ease. Everyone here respected him. Lilliah could tell by the way they all looked at him and hung on every word he said. “If you have nothing further to add, please leave.”

  Zena stood straighter, her features hard and her eyes narrowed. “The kind of magic you’re talking about doesn’t exist on earth. This kind of magic is from Heaven.”

  Lilliah tensed; this had been their worst fear. “How do you know this?”

  Everyone turned to her.

  “I know every kind of magic there is on this earth: light, dark, you name it. A spell that can control someone? Someone as strong-minded as Azrael? It doesn’t exist. My guess is that it’s not mind control.”

  “He didn’t go willingly,” Lilliah defended. “He was made to watch as Lucifer beat me.”

  “There are other ways to control someone. Mind control only works on the weak.”

  Azrael wasn’t weak.

  “So what else?”

  Zena frowned at Lilliah’s question.

  “How else would you go about controlling someone?”

  Before Zena could answer, the lights went out. People screamed and jumped from their seats. Benedict and Lilliah slowly rose. Her eyes scanned the room in search of anything that looked out of place, but it was so dark she could barely see.

  “What’s happening?” Lilliah reached for Benedict, her heart racing.

  “Stay here.” Benedict took a few steps away from her. “Try the door,” he commanded to no one in particular.

  “It’s locked!” someone shouted. A wave of worried cries filled the room.

  “All these witches and warlocks, all in one place.” Lilliah went cold at the sound of his voice. Her mouth went dry as the room hushed. “I am so very flattered.”

  “Lucifer.” She didn’t have to say the name loudly; she knew he was standing behind her. She could feel his breath on her neck.

  The lights flickered back on, and she stayed completely still as everyone gasped in terror. The Devil was standing in the room. Benedict had paled but still took a step towards her. She stopped him with the rise of her hand.

  Lilliah was petrified, but she refused to show it. She refused to give Lucifer that satisfaction.

  “Where is Azrael?” She stepped away from him and then turned, hoping her body wasn’t visibly shaking.

  “It’s so great to see you, Lilliah.” His voice made her skin crawl.

  “Wish I could say the same.” She tried to keep her face devoid of any emotion. “Where is he?”

  “You’ve healed beautifully.” Lucifer’s eyes skimmed her body. “That’s good to see.”

  “You repulse me.” More gasps came from behind her. “Tell me where Azrael is.”

  “I repulse you?” Lucifer laughed, placing his hand over his chest. He gestured to their audience. “You’re surrounded by these insects, and I’m the one that repulses you?”

  “Insects?” Lilliah’s body jerked at the word. “Insects? You’re the only monster that I see,” she repeated, her eyebrows knitted together.

  “They are all impurities. Like humans, they’re diseases that need to be eradicated. They’re not like me and you. They don’t have pure blood running through their veins.”

  “They didn’t brainwash my boyfriend either.” She clenched her jaw, wanting nothing more than to hit him with everything she had.

  “Brainwashed?” Lucifer laughed, ignoring her question. “That’s what you think I did? I think you can be more creative than that. And the beating? As you so eloquently put it.” He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “Look at that as more of a demonstration of what I can make Azrael do.”

  He looked cool and relaxed, and it made Lilliah furious. For a second, her anger beat her fear. “Where is he?!”

  “Now, now. There’s no need to shout.” His smile had disappeared; she’d offended him. “Azrael is busy. I wouldn’t worry about him if I were you.”

  Realising her mistake, Lilliah backtracked. She would crawl on her hands and knees if it meant getting Azrael back. “Bring him back to me. Please. Just … just let him go. I need him.”

  Lucifer straightened, clearly liking having control. “I know. That’s why I took him.”

  Lilliah fell silent. Realisation slowly dawned; nothing she could say would change Lucifer’s mind. He was here to taunt her—nothing more. She wouldn’t get Azrael back unless she took him. Balling her hands into fists, she pushed down her nerves.

  “Give him back to me or I will find a way to take him back, and then I’ll find a way to kill you.”

  People cried out, shocked, and even Lucifer couldn’t hide his surprise. Her heart thumped in her chest, but she stood a little taller.

  “How do you plan to do that?” Lucifer leaned forward, eyes blazing. “No matter where you go or what you do, I will always be one step ahead. I will always win. You can either join me and we can take Heaven together, or I will kill your boyfriend, your mother, your brother, and even your best friend.”

  Lilliah’s fingernails dug into her palms.

  “Then I’ll enter Heaven and kill Michael. After it’s all over and you’ve watched everyone you’ve ever loved die in the most horrendous way possible, I’ll kill you. Either way, I win. There are no surprises.”

  Lilliah didn’t know what came over her, but without knowing how, she’d reached up and had grabbed Lucifer’s head in the tightest grip she could manage. Her body shook as fire flew from her hands, burning Lucifer’s face. He screamed and pushed Lilliah away. She crashed into the people across the room.

  “I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you all!” he screamed. The room shook, the doors burst open, and then Lucifer vanished.

  Chapter 8

  “Heard you kicked ass.”

  Lilliah looked up as Rebecca walked into Benedict’s office, or at least the room he had claimed while they were at The Cure. She was sitting on the floor, her head resting on her knees. She tried to muster up a smile but failed. The Lucifer incident had happened an hour ago and doubt had since crept in, as had complete and utter fear.

  “I think I made the biggest mistake.” Lilliah looked up from where she was sat on the floor and rubbed her face.

  “Why?” Rebecca sat beside her.

  “I hurt him.” Saying the words out loud made it more real. “He can kill everyone I love in the blink of an eye, and I goaded him.”

  “I heard you scared the shit out of him.” Rebecca nudged her arm, trying to coax a smile out of her, but Lilliah could hear the panic in her friend’s face. “It’s all
anyone can talk about.”

  The witches and warlocks had scattered after Lucifer’s disappearance. Running back to their holes, as Benedict had put it. She couldn’t blame them. She wanted nothing more than to go home and to have her boyfriend back and pretend that everything was okay, but she couldn’t. She was in the eye of the storm.

  “I thought everyone had left.”

  “They want to.” Rebecca crossed her legs. “But they don’t know where to go. I mean, where the heck is safe from Lucifer?”

  “Nowhere, I guess.” Lucifer was an evil she could never escape. Images of her mum, her family, her house all came rushing at her. Everyone she had ever cared about was in danger. “What if he goes after my mum?”

  Rebecca reached into her pocket for her phone. “I spoke with Sebastian. He’s with your mum, but they’re not at home.” She pulled up a text message and leaned over to show Lilliah.

  “Is that worse or better?” The question came out more bitter than Lilliah had intended, and she cringed inwardly.

  Rebecca looked unimpressed. “Because of what you’re going through, I’m allowing one bitchy moment. You’ve just had it.”

  Lilliah tried to laugh, but it came out more like a snort. “And what if I have another bitchy moment?”

  “Then I’ll kick your ass.” Rebecca didn’t laugh, but she smiled and shrugged.

  “So Mum and Seb are safe.” Lilliah was speaking more to herself than to Rebecca. She’d hoped saying the words aloud would make her feel better. It hadn’t. All it had done was highlight the fact that they were in danger.

  “I’ve just royally pissed off the Devil.” She turned to Rebecca, and threw her hands in the air in defeat. “I have no idea what I’m doing. When Lucifer was in front of me, I knew what I needed to do. I knew how to use my powers. Now, it’s gone again.” She held her hands out in front of her, imagining the fire flowing like it had before.

  Rebecca didn’t lean in to hug her; she just listened as Lilliah spoke.

  “What use are powers when they come and go like that? Why couldn’t they have come back when Lucifer was actually attacking me? When I could actually have used them to protect myself?” Lilliah dropped her head in her hands and growled. If the powers were in her why couldn’t she control them? Why didn’t it come naturally, like breathing?