Remi stiffened. His voice was forced. “As you can see, the skies are clear for miles, including on the island of Oahu. We shall be safe to dock within a few hours. I trust you remember your assignments and will assist in making preparations.”
“What of the harlot and her sister?” Ian demanded.
Zac clamped down on my wrist as I sucked in a breath.
“The Gibbor sisters are not at fault and will be taken to the safe haven as planned. I’ll deal with the problem as soon as we dock.”
Remi’s eyes drifted to me. A dozen angels turned, following his gaze. For the first time in my life, I agreed with him. I was the problem. I stood there and took it.
“I assure you this will not happen again. Zachriel, let us prepare.”
“We’ll be on the bridge,” Zac said as Remi left the balcony. “I can check on Karenna for you.”
“No. We’ve already caused her enough problems.”
I made my way through the dispersing crowd, heading for the bowels of the ship. I was less likely to put the entire ship in danger if I locked myself up down there. There was one thing had to do first, talk to Raffi.
I paused, keeping a safe distance from Ian, who had Raffi close to his side. Ian kept his hand on Raffi’s shoulder as he spoke to the remaining group of angels. They glanced down at Raffi with sympathy, periodically patting his head. They took in every word Ian said, agreeing with him. Their voices raised to a fervor with each statement Ian made.
“Remi and Zac have gone soft,” Ian said heatedly.
“Yes.”
“We cannot allow lawlessness to continue.”
“That’s right.”
“We must use force to stamp out the usurpers.”
“Yes! Take out the usurpers!”
“It is our duty to take control of the ship and deal with all who get in the way of our most holy mission.”
My stomach grew cold as the angels roared with agreement. Raffi blinked as if snapping out of a daze. His eyes widened as he looked up at the angry voices surrounding him.
Forcing myself to remain calm, I wandered toward the group. “Deal with what?”
Ian smirked. “Your favorite plaything.”
The Archangels looked at me in anticipation.
I clenched my teeth. They wanted me to lash out. They wanted an excuse to defy Remi’s order. “Do you seriously think a teenage Gibbor girl and her little sister are dangerous? Come on, really? What do you think, Raffi? You hung out with Lucy.”
“I…I…” Raffi’s eyes darted from me to Ian.
“Raffi’s a child. He doesn’t know the ways of the world,” Ian snapped. “You, however, were taken by the Gibbor harlot. You may be her first conquest, but you won’t be her last. Look at how she already has an Ancient’s sympathies. Perhaps there is more to Remi’s decree than he cares to admit.”
My fingernails dug into my palms as Ian raised an eyebrow suggestively.
The air stilled. All eyes were on me waiting for my next move. Images of Val rolled through my head, a constant reminder of the choice I’d made. My choice. My mistake. Ian was merely holding up a mirror and forcing me to see my true self.
“You’re right. Karenna must be dealt with for everyone’s safety.”
Ian startled back, surprised, but then his eyes quickly narrowed. “As the humans say, talk is cheap. I find it difficult to believe you’d change your mind so quickly.”
“You’d be surprised how watching your closest friend suffer and die can change you.” I turned to Raffi, gesturing to his sword. “Can I borrow that?”
His eyes widened as he handed it to me. “What are you going to do with it?”
“What I was born to do.”
20
Karenna
The corridor outside the cabin bustled with excitement. From the portal window, the high rises of the Honolulu skyline and the iconic Diamond Head cone in the distance came into view. We’d made it. We were safe. Except…
I stifled a sob as Val’s limp body flashed through my mind.
I crawled back into bed, pain weighing heavily on my chest. It should’ve been me, not Val. Val was the heart of the angels. She was wild, fierce, and brazen. She was a natural leader, a Throne. And I…I was a liability.
I shut my eyes against the bright sunlight shining through the portal. The world should be dark and in mourning. Instead, there was light and laughter. Did they not know they had lost their greatest champion?
I didn’t deserve to be here. When Tristan had left me with Ian to join Val, I’d wanted to stay. I had pleaded with Ian to help me find a way to help them. The moment Ian disappeared from the deck to find Zac, Caim had snatched me up. How could Tristan not hate me for putting him in that position?
The gentle kiss he’d given me before he left, still lingered on my forehead. He hadn’t said a word when he’d brought me back to the cabin. He’d simply placed me on the bed, his warm hands splaying over my cheeks. His sapphire eyes had searched my face for what had seemed like hours. Had he been searching for meaning to justify saving me over Val? Had he regretted his decision the moment he caught me?
I’d seen the look on his face when he realized Val loved him. The torment of those final moments, when Thalos had counted down, forcing Tristan to make a decision, had been unbearable.
I sucked in a breath, the agony of Tristan’s choice washing over me.
He’d chosen a daughter of traitors over the fearless angel who loved him.
Something wet slapped over my face. I jerked up out the bed.
“What the hell, Lucy!” I flung the washcloth back at her.
“I’m making sure you’re alive. You’ve been asleep for over twelve hours.”
“I’m tired. Drowning does that too you, you know,” I grumbled.
“Geez, sorry. I didn’t mean to piss you off. Look, I brought you a cinnamon roll and OJ. Aunt Marmie told me to make sure you eat something.” She pointed to the plate of pastries on the nightstand.
“Thanks, but I’m not hungry. Where is she?”
“She’s helping Nacho in the galley.” Lucy sank on the edge of the bed. “Is it true? About what happened to Val?”
I bit my lip, fighting back the wave of grief. “Yes.”
“Blaze said they took her wings. Did they…is she dead?”
“Yes,” I said in a hoarse whisper.
“If angels can die, why are they fighting in a war for us?”
And for reckless Gibbor like me.
I blinked, quickly pushing back the tears threatening to spill over. “I’m not sure.”
There was a scream followed by yelling in the corridor.
Was it them? The warrior angels? I rushed to the window, but the skies were still clear.
“It’s not them,” I murmured in relief.
“What’s going on?” Lucy asked as I made my way to the door to check.
“I don’t know. Stay inside.”
“No way. I’m coming with you,” she said as I stepped out into the corridor.
“Lucy, just do what I say for—” I stopped cold.
There once was a time when I had faith in the goodness of angels. They healed our bodies as well as our souls. They were our saviors in an imperfect world. Even when I’d stumbled into their world, I held on to the belief all angels had good in them, even those like Ian. I’d ignored the hushed whispers spoken among the Gibbor, ignored their warnings. Angels didn’t trust Nephilim. To them, we were the enemy.
They’d tried to warn me, Hunter and Dorian. Everything they had said was true. I’d crossed a line, taken one of their own. And now…
The angels were coming for me.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as the Archangels made their way down the corridor. I could see every detail as if time had slowed.
Ian’s cold eyes bore down on me as he led the pack. His powerful body moved with angelic grace as the other Archangels marched behind him. Their trench coats billowed behind them like bat wings.
>
Ian’s lips curled into a wicked smirk as he moved to the side. Slowly, the group parted. Raffi shuffled through, his face pale as he joined Ian.
Blood drained from my face, and the corridor swayed as Tristan emerged. Lifting his sword, his face hardened as he took over Ian’s lead.
This was it. My one-time savior was now my enemy. There was no escape, no mercy for what I’d done. All his promises and kisses meant nothing. It had all been a lie. His words echoed in my mind.
I don’t care what the others say. I won’t ever let you go. I promise.
“Lucy, go back inside the cabin,” I said, my voice sounding unusually calm.
Lucy turned to Tristan, slapping my hands away when I tried to drag her back. “What the hell are you doing? I thought you didn’t want to fight.”
Tristan’s eyes held mine, his handsome face emotionless. “I’ve learned that sometimes we have no choice, especially when the enemy is among us.”
“Tristan, don’t do this,” I whispered.
“Who are you calling the enemy?” Lucy snapped.
Hali and Jo’s cabin doors flew open. In one swift move, Hali slammed her door and rushed to my side. She nudged the dagger against my thigh, signaling she was ready for anything.
Jo poked her head out. Her eyes widened when she saw Tristan holding the sword to me. “Are you okay, Karenna?”
“Josette, love, this is none of our business,” Dorian’s smooth voice emerged from the cabin. Before she could say anything, the door slammed shut.
“Lucy, get back inside, now!” I demanded.
“No way! I’m sorry about your sister, Raffi, but this is not cool. Tell your friends to step off.”
“Hey, hey, what’s all the racket out here?” Hunter came out of his cabin. He took one look at the angels and moved a grumbling Lucy behind him. “Okay, I see y’all got a burr up your saddle. I’m sure it’s all a misunderstanding. Let’s talk this out, all right?”
“Our quarrel is not with you, Gibbor,” Ian said. “Our ship was put in danger by that one. Because of her, we lost one of our own. She can’t be trusted.”
Hunter scowled. “Karenna is as honest as the day is long. There isn’t a mean bone in her body.”
“Her parents are with Belial. Even some of the Gibbor don’t trust her,” Ian barked.
“I can’t speak for them, but all I know is Karenna is sweet and kind and—”
“Please, don’t defend me,” I said to Hunter before turning to Tristan. “I don’t deserve it. What happened yesterday with Val. That was—”
“Not your fault!” Lucy cried. “Tell him, Raffi.”
“That’s enough!” Tristan snarled. “There’s nothing you or anyone can say to change things. We are taking you into custody for the angelic council to decide your fate.”
“Hali?” I whispered frantically.
“I’ll watch Lucy,” she said, latching a hand onto Lucy’s shoulder.
The corridor erupted as Lucy screamed at Hali to let go as she dragged her into the cabin.
Hunter dove for Tristan as he moved toward me. With a flick of his hand, Ian shoved Hunter away. Hunter flew back into the air, crashing into the wall at the end of the long hallway.
I stumbled forward, tears blinding me as Tristan half dragged me through the ship and down the steps to the Guardians’ quarters on the lower deck. The Archangels laughed as I tripped and fell flat on my face. With one hand, Tristan jerked me up, placing me back on my feet.
A salty, metallic taste coated my tongue. A warm sensation trickled down my nose onto my chin. Tristan slapped my hand down when I tried to wipe it.
I stifled a sob. There was nothing left of the Tristan I’d fallen for, no flicker of remorse. Nothing.
Ian opened a door to a windowless room, and Tristan shoved me inside.
“Please, Tristan. Don’t let them hurt Lucy. She’s innocent.” I could feel blood rolling onto my lips, lips he’d once kissed with affection.
Tristan glared, his cold eyes drifting down to my lips. He smiled and then slammed the door.
21
Karenna
Sobbing, I slid down the door with my back against it until I reached the floor.
Why did I ever believe him? How could I ever believe we could even be friends? Even after hearing some angelic history of how Gibbor were—and still are—treated, I held on to the hope Tristan was different. His caresses, his kisses, his murmurs of affection, I fell for it all.
Standing, I angrily wiped away the tears rolling down my cheeks. The cruel angel didn’t deserve tears. What I needed to be doing was finding a way out.
How long had I been in the room? Two hours? Four?
I prayed someone got word to Blaze. As much as Blaze didn’t trust me, I knew he wouldn’t let anything happen to Lucy. He’d defied Tristan once. I was sure he’d do it again for her.
Reaching out into the darkness, I brushed my hand along the wall, searching for a light switch, cursing Tristan. Light flooded the room. A bed with a thin sheet and pillow took up most of the room. A tiny writing desk sat in the corner. Off to the side was a bathroom.
Turning on the faucet, I swished cold water and spat out the last of the blood. I looked into the mirror, hating what I saw—red eyes, pink nose, and puffy cheeks. I was a teenage girl sobbing for a boy. Pathetic.
Sighing, I rummaged around the room for anything to pick the lock.
“Yes!” I cried with relief when I found a package of paperclips on the desk. I snatched a couple and knelt by the doorknob. Straightening them, I stuck them in the lock, pretending I knew what I was doing.
After what seemed like an endless amount of time, my hands and back began to ache. I was about to give up when there was a clicking sound.
I jumped to my feet as hope leaped into my chest. Tristan came back for me.
The door flung open and the handsome face was not the one I was expecting.
“There you are!”
My mouth fell open. Hunter stood in the doorway, grinning, with Dorian behind him.
This was real. Tristan was gone. He was gone, and it was Hunter who cared enough to search for me. Even worse, Dorian was with him. I couldn’t hold back anymore. I burst into tears.
“Aw, sweetheart. Everything is all right. Come ’ere.”
I gazed at Hunter’s open arms, inviting me to him. A small part of me wanted to stay back, feeling I would cross a line if I took his invitation. Yet, something compelled me to him. Some part of me sought his comfort.
I gave in, letting myself get swept up into his strong arms, wishing they were the arms of another.
He stroked my hair, crooning that he’d keep me safe.
Composing myself, I pulled back, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall apart like that, and all over your shirt.”
“I’d freak out too if an army of angels locked me up. Dorian, see if you can find a tissue for Karenna.”
I blinked, surprised Dorian didn’t put up a fuss. He disappeared into the bathroom.
“How did you find me?”
“You can thank your friend Dorian here for that. Mr. Remi suggested we look for you here.”
“You went to Remi?” I asked Dorian when he handed me a tissue. Why would he do something like that, especially since he was the one to suggest they leave Lucy and me in Texas. And why was he suddenly being so nice?
Dorian rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes avoiding mine. “Jo wouldn’t leave the ship without you, and we’ll be docking in a few minutes.”
Yes! Jo was back.
“What about Ian and…?” A sob bubbled up as I thought of Tristan. “What about Ian and the others?”
Hunter took off his cowboy hat, running his long fingers through his hair. “Well, now, that took a bit of maneuvering. Ian’s pissed, ain’t no denying that. Said something about ship security. I promised Remi and Ian you’d stay with me. They agreed. Well, Remi agreed. Ian grunted. I hope you don’t mind. I told him I’d stick to you like a ti
ck on a hound dog.”
I gazed into Hunter’s kind eyes and shoved away my feelings about Tristan’s betrayal. He didn’t want anything to do with us. And here was Hunter, working hard to help Lucy and me.
“That’s fine. All I want is for Lucy to be safe.”
He smiled brightly. “I was hoping you’d say that. We can meet up with Lucy and Ms. Marmie. We can head straight to the gangway exit. I brought your bag.”
We made our way up to the deck. Hunter guided me through the crowd, politely excusing us as we pressed through. I caught my first close-up glimpse of the harbor. Despite the cloudless sky, gloom hung over the city. Towering steel filled the horizon but the city felt lifeless. There was no movement, no buzz. Even the air felt stale. What would normally be a warm and bustling vacationer’s dream felt cold and dead. There was no laughter, no families strolling along the white sand beaches or beautiful nature parks. It was empty. Barren.
Hunter came to an abrupt stop when a luggage cart stacked with Gucci bags suddenly appeared in front of us.
“Ah, Mrs. Carmichael. It’s a lovely day in Honolulu, don’t ya think?” Hunter whipped off his hat, placing it against his chest.
Mrs. Carmichael placed a handkerchief under her nose. “It will be once we disembark.”
That woman! She was one person I wasn’t going to miss at all. Who wore a poncho on a tropical island? The luxurious cashmere flowed to her knees. No matter how stylish she looked, she had to be melting.
James appeared from behind the cart and clamped a hand on Dorian’s shoulder. “Hey, Dorian, where’s the family you’ve been slumming it with?”
Dorian flushed, mumbling something about not asking for the job. I balked as Carmichael’s clique circled him. If it weren’t for the way James elbowed Dorian, teasing him, I wouldn’t have recognized him. He had a similar buzz cut as the Archangels and even had on a black trench coat. Everyone in the clique had some type of long coat. Mrs. Carmichael moved rigidly, her hand pressed awkwardly against her thigh. Then I saw James’ scabbard.
“Karenna! Over here!” Lucy cried, jumping as she waved her hands. She was near the exit to the gangway with Blaze, Aunt Marmie, Jo, Nacho, and the kids.
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