by G. K. DeRosa
“I think so,” I muttered as my brain finally accepted this scene as reality. It felt like I’d been gone for so long.
“What happened?”
I sucked in a ragged breath. “I know where the portal is.”
Chapter 28
I stopped in front of the thick drape that doubled as the entryway to our container as strained whispers seeped through the edges. Wrapping my towel more tightly around my wet hair, I waited.
“You should’ve seen her.” Declan’s strangled voice was the first I recognized. “Whatever she saw was bad. She was shaking, and she’d been crying, but she wouldn’t tell me anything other than she knew where the portal was.”
I shuddered at the onslaught of images that raged through my mind. I wasn’t trying to keep anything from Declan; it merely wasn’t something I could explain. I suddenly just knew how to access the portal. It was like a deadbolt had suddenly been unlocked in my brain.
“It must have been another vision,” said Trinity.
“Another?” I could almost see the crease between his dark brows deepening.
“Yeah. She told me she had one of you dying after you left her with the renegades.”
He sighed loud enough that I could hear it through the metal walls. I’d purposely failed to mention that to him. I didn’t want him to worry about me worrying about him.
“Trinity, I’m concerned that all of this is too much for her. She’s been so stressed out. The look in her eye reminded me of my mom’s—when she’d have one of her episodes.”
“She’s tough. She’s going to be fine. You both will.”
I didn’t want to hear this anymore. I stomped in place for a second then drew the curtain back. They were quiet as I entered, Declan sitting on the small chair and Trinity at the edge of the bed.
I dropped my towel and dirty clothes into my laundry bag, refusing to meet either of my friends’ eyes. Duke whined as I passed so I gave him a quick ear rub. He’d adapted so well to our new underground home, it didn’t even seem like he missed the outside anymore.
“You ready to meet Azazel?” Declan finally asked, breaking the awkward silence.
I nodded as I filled my duffel bag with a few essentials—Sammarah’s dagger, my sword, the book, an extra pair of clothes and a toothbrush. Who knew what I’d need for this final test?
“Are you guys sure you don’t want me to go with you?” Trinity stood and tossed three small leather pouches into the bag. They were pre-filled with her cloaking spell herbs. All we had to do was light them to activate.
“No,” I answered, taking my friend’s hands. “This is something Declan and I have to do alone. That’s one thing I’m sure of. Plus I need you to take care of Duke and the others.” My throat tightened, so I stopped talking before my shaky voice betrayed me.
She smiled and pulled me into a hug. “You guys be careful, okay?”
“Always,” said Declan as he moved beside me.
He swung the duffel bag over his shoulder, and I bent down and kissed Duke on his furry head. “Be a good boy, buddy. I’ll see you soon.”
Declan took my hand and led me out of the container. I forced myself not to look back as invisible bands tensed around my chest. Everything will be fine. I repeated the mantra in my head as we headed through the tunnels.
“Are you sure you don’t want to tell Parker we’re leaving?” he asked.
I shook my head, not trusting myself to speak. I couldn’t say goodbye to him. It would be better if he found out after we were gone.
Declan halted, jerking me back with him. He cupped my face and seared me with his intense gaze. “We’re coming back. I promise you.” He stroked my cheek, and I bit down on my lip to keep the tears at bay. “You trust me, right?”
“Completely.”
“Okay. Let’s go then.”
I did trust Declan. It had taken me a long time, but I had more faith in him than anyone. I knew he’d do anything to protect me, to keep me alive. I also knew what I saw in my dream. There was no way I was going to let that vision come to pass.
Even if that meant dying in his place.
The sharp smell of burnt wood engulfed my senses the second we emerged above ground. Standing under the porch of the old church, my eyes widened as I took in the charred forest across the street. Blackened bark was all that was left of the magnificent pines we’d sat under only yesterday.
“What the heck happened?” I slowly descended the stairs.
A fireball sailed over our heads in response. Declan dove on top of me, pushing me to the ground. I landed with a smack, the hard concrete squeezing all the air out of my lungs.
A troupe of nephilim whizzed by as high-pitched screams rang out in the distance.
“Are you all right?” asked Declan, his warm breath by my ear.
“Yeah. I’m fine.”
“It must be the stryx.” He glanced skyward at the trail of light the angels had left.
My thoughts immediately darted to Asher. Had he rejoined the vampires? Was he okay?
Declan pulled me to my feet, and I banished the dark thoughts. I had to focus on the mission today. Passing the final test was all that mattered. I scanned the barren forest, devoid of life. Every day that went by the angels and vampires destroyed more of our home. I had to stop it.
“Do you think Azazel is in there?” I pointed at the lifeless trees.
“Only one way to find out.” He cradled me in his arms, and his wings unfolded. His powerful legs pushed off the ground, and we soared across the street. Scorched branches whipped by as we darted through the forest to the designated meet up spot.
Azazel stood in the shadow of a blackened bark, his expression dark. Declan lowered me to the ground, the desiccated foliage crackling under my feet. I couldn’t believe it was the same place as yesterday. In one day, the immortals had burnt a lush forest to the ground.
I forced my gaze away from the destruction and focused on Azazel. “I know how to get to the portal.”
His peculiar eyes lit up, the blue sparkling in the early morning light. “Wonderful. You’ve unlocked your power then?”
I unlocked something all right—a Pandora’s box of grisly images. “Yes,” I muttered.
“And where are we going?” Azazel rubbed his hands back and forth. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones antsy to do something.
“We?” asked Declan. “Liv and I only came to tell you we wouldn’t be needing your services any longer.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” He stepped closer. “Don’t you think it would be wise to have someone with my talents watching your back?”
“More like stabbing us in the back.” Declan squared off with his uncle.
He grunted. “Come now, nephew. I thought we were past all the ugliness.”
“Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to have him tag along.” I eyed the wily old angel. He had proven valuable so far. “Until we reach our destination, anyway.”
“Fine,” Declan snarled. “Stay here with Liv, and I’ll get the car.” He zipped away in a blur leaving me with Uncle Crazypants.
“Where are we going exactly?”
“Back to New York City. Apparently, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the portal to the final test.”
Chapter 29
The last faint rays of sunlight disappeared behind thick darkening clouds as the three of us emerged from the subway tunnel. Light rain pitter-pattered on the cement. The Gothic spires of St. Patrick’s Cathedral loomed over the metropolis, still untouched by the reigning destruction. Vampires and stryx crawled the city, lurking around every corner. Traversing the island underground had been our only option. Now that night had set in, the battle had begun with renewed vigor.
Beating angel wings buzzed overhead, flaming swords sparking across the night sky. The city was still vampire territory. They took advantage of the towering buildings to reach the soaring angels. It was the only way to level the playing field.
As we crept down Fifth Avenue, we passed m
ore than one angel corpse. My fingers trailed the hilt of my sword as we hugged the abandoned buildings, disappearing in the shadows.
An occasional scream pierced the deadly silence, and my eyes would instinctively scan the sky for the body to fall.
“Almost there,” hissed Declan as we crossed 49th Street.
A loud whoosh caught my attention, and Declan jerked me back as a body plummeted to the earth. The corpse smacked against the asphalt, limbs twisted at odd angles. Lifeless crimson eyes stared into nothingness before crumbling into a pile of ash.
Another one down.
Declan’s head spun down the street. “More vampires,” he hissed as he tucked me into his side.
Azazel’s gaze narrowed down the dark avenue. “I’ll keep them busy. You go inside.”
“If you betray us, Uncle…”
“I won’t,” Azazel barked. The loud snap of his jaw reminded me of a crocodile. “Now get inside!”
We raced up the steps toward the massive bronze doors. Declan heaved one open, its hinges whining shamelessly. I cringed just thinking about how many vampires must’ve heard the sound.
Declan scanned the vast atrium of the cathedral. He cocked his head, his ears straining to hear the slightest sound that would signify we weren’t alone. “It’s clear,” he finally said.
“Any idea how to get to the roof?”
He pointed to the vaulted ceiling. “Above the choir stand.”
Racing up a narrow spiraled staircase, my heart pounded against my ribs. Short, ragged breaths spurted in time with my erratic pulse. Declan barreled through a black door, the glowing red Exit sign long extinguished. The balmy night air and light rain swirled around me as I stepped onto the tiled roof. Gray spires shot up on either side of us transforming the slanted roof into a slippery spiked gauntlet.
“Now where?” asked Declan.
Heat pulsated along my birthmark. The glowing edges sparked to life under my tank top. “I’m not sure, but it’s nearby.”
Declan clutched my hand, and I took a careful step forward. The light emanating from my chest intensified. I followed the invisible pull, slowly inching forward, until we reached the edge of the building.
Declan halted and peered over the ledge. “And?”
The air shimmered a few feet beyond the cement barrier. An electrical current buzzed, drawing me closer. “There.” I pointed at the nothingness in between the church and the next building over.
“You’re kidding me.” Declan shook his head.
“The portal’s there. I can feel it.”
“Fine.” His wings erupted from his shoulder blades bathing us in a warm glow as he picked me up.
The moment we floated toward the spot, the energy sputtered away. Even the light from my birthmark died off. “There’s something wrong.”
Declan landed on the roof, his wings folding behind his back. “You’re sure that’s it?”
“Yes.” Now that we were back on the roof, the air glimmered once more calling to me. I took a step closer, my toes dangling over the ledge.
Declan yanked me back, and I collided with his firm chest. “What are you doing?” he shouted.
“I know what we have to do.” I stared out into the void. “We have to take a leap of faith. Literally.”
Declan’s nostrils flared, his entire body tensed. “No. Absolutely not.”
“If it doesn’t work, you can catch me.”
A flash of terror crossed his bright irises. “What if I’m not fast enough?”
I locked my eyes on his, willing them to exude the confidence I felt in my heart. “It’s going to work. I know it will.”
His jaw clamped shut, his tendons twitching. “Together then,” he hissed.
We stepped onto the precipice, our hands clasped tight. The feverish thundering of my heart slowed, and a strange calmness rolled over me. I nodded at Declan and at the same instant, we stepped over the ledge.
Wind whipped my hair across my face as my body lurched back. It was like being caught in a furious undertow, the current thrashing through the waves. I squeezed Declan’s hand tighter to confirm he was still there as we hurtled down. My stomach leapt to my chest as our downward speed increased.
A brilliant flash of light enveloped us, and we stopped. Suspended in mid-air, the scene around us blurred and transformed. The cement high rises morphed into a grassy plain, the pitch-black night into a vivid blue sky. We tumbled to the earth, landing on a soft tuft of grass.
“Are you okay?” Declan’s voice brought me out of the haze.
“Yeah,” I rasped out. “You?”
He nodded as he stood to survey the foreign surroundings. Lush rolling hills stood behind the verdant field, the warm sunlight bathing the terrain. It almost sparkled. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen something so beautiful.
“This isn’t exactly what I expected.” I turned to Declan whose gaze seemed distant.
“Me either. It doesn’t look anything like the trials Azazel mentioned.”
“Maybe the trials change too, depending on the circumstances—like the clues.” I shrugged.
“Maybe.” He scanned the wide-open terrain.
I assumed Declan was using his heightened senses to survey the area. He abruptly turned to me, his eyes intent on mine. It only took a second to notice a deep chocolate brown had replaced the maroon. “Declan, your eyes.”
He frowned, his lips twisting into an irresistible pout. “My powers are gone.” He whirled around, turning his back to me. He flexed his shoulder blades and nothing happened.
I spun him toward me, still mesmerized by his bottomless dark brown irises. I caressed his cheek, and his jaw relaxed. “You’re human.”
“It appears so.”
“Your eyes weren’t always that maroon color?”
He shook his head, covering my hand with his own. “No. They turned when I did.”
“Kind of like Azazel’s?”
He nodded. Their angel blood must have battled the change, and it manifested in their unique eye coloring.
“Well, I like them both.” I slid my mouth over his to prove my point. He tasted the same, warm with a hint of minty freshness. Heat tingled in my core, filling my veins with a pleasant warmth.
The heat ratcheted up, increasing from fiery to unbearable. I wrenched away as a ray of fire sailed over our heads. We both glanced up at the same time. The sun’s brilliant rays morphed into deadly lasers. Scorching beams shot through the blue sky and plummeted down to the earth.
“Go now!” Declan jerked my hand, and we took off toward the hills. It was the only natural covering in sight. We darted over the grass, dodging flames falling from the clouds.
I pumped my arms back and forth. My breath came in quick short spurts and again I wished I were in better shape. Fire rained down on us singeing the grass and reducing it to kindling. Blistering heat billowed around us, the air thickening with smoke and ash. I coughed as my lungs screamed in protest.
We zigzagged across the grassy plain with no refuge in sight. A fiery spear skimmed my arm, and I shrieked.
“You okay?” Declan shouted.
I winced and panted a quick, “Yes.”
Another ball of fire zoomed from the sky, lighting up Declan’s sleeve. He rolled to the ground, quickly stamping out the flames and was back up running again.
I felt the wave of sizzling flames before they hit me. Preparing for the impact, I squeezed my eyes shut as every nerve in my body tensed. Instead of heat, a heavy body pushed me to the ground smothering me against the parched grass.
Declan grunted. His body jerked and then went still.
“Declan? Declan!” I screamed. I squirmed out from under him, his big frame like deadweight. Hot tears filled my eyes as they raked over his burnt flesh. His shirt was destroyed, and red angry skin seethed under the ripped remains.
Sliding down beside him, I lowered my ear to his lips. A faint breath trickled from his mouth. Thank God. “Declan, wake up. Please.” I
ran my hand through his hair, too scared to touch his back. “Please, don’t leave me.”
Drops of water drizzled down my face. At first I thought it was my tears. Then I tilted my head up. Icy rain fell from the sky, and it was only then I realized the fire had stopped. Light droplets descended, cooling the charred earth.
“Declan? Please, wake up. We’re going to be okay.” I squeezed his hand and warmth lit up our palms.
His angel light.
I tightened my grip around his fingers, and the ethereal spark traveled from his hand to mine. Releasing him, I raised my palm up. It still glowed. Slowly, I ran my hand over his back as he’d done to Duke when he’d been shot.
The skin knitted before my eyes, the scarred, puckered flesh replaced with a new pink surface within seconds.
Declan gasped, and his eyes jolted open.
Chapter 30
“Declan!” I crouched beside him and pulled his head into my lap. “You’re okay. I’m right here.” He tried to push himself up, but I refused to release him. “You almost got yourself killed to save me.”
He regarded me with a dark soulful expression. “And I’d do it again—a hundred times over.”
His words reverberated across my heart. They filled every nook and cranny inside my soul until I thought I’d burst.
He sat up and grasped my hands. “Was I dreaming or did you heal me with my angel light?”
I nodded as tears rolled down my cheeks. “I don’t know what happened. Are your powers back?”
Declan kneeled and flexed his shoulders. Nothing. He ran his tongue over his incisors, but no fangs.
“How did I heal you?”
He shook his head and kissed my knuckles then moved up to my mouth. “It doesn’t matter,” he breathed against my lips. I kissed him like he was the last man on earth, and to me he was.
We held onto each other for a while. It was hard to say for how long because time didn’t seem to move forward in this land. The sun remained at its peak, never dwindling in intensity.
A loud gurgling sound abruptly tore us apart. We spun in opposite directions searching for the source. The rush of lapping waves grew louder. We turned in time to see a sheet of water cresting over the rolling hills. The tidal wave increased in speed as it barreled down the steep incline and headed right for us.
