The Infernal Sacrament (Guardians of Elysium Book 1)

by Nissa Leder

  “Right,” Finn says. “My demon blood isn’t blessed by the angels, so I can’t be righteous like the Hellwalkers.”

  Darien straightens, watching Finn with narrowed eyes. “We’re nothing like you,” he says. “Our blood is infused with trace amounts of blessed demon blood. Your father is a Greater Demon. Half of your blood is demonic. There’s a huge difference.”

  Finn laughs. “Did Uriah Donnelly tell you that?”

  I can tell from the look on Darien’s face that Uriah is exactly who told him that. My stomach does a nervous flip, probably a result of the tension in the room. Marius puts a hand on Darien’s shoulder and eyes Finn.

  “And what would you know about Uriah Donnelly?”

  Finn shrugs. “Oh, nothing much. Things I hear from my evil fellow demons. Like the fact that the Guardians praise him because he’s the only Hellwalker powerful enough to operate alone. Well, what if I told you the reason he works alone has nothing to do with how much power he has? What if I told you he works alone because the woman he was bonded to felt the Summoning for someone else?”

  “That can’t happen,” I say.

  I look at Tuck and Darien, though, because deep down, I’m not really sure.

  “Oh, but it can,” Finn says. “Look at Claire’s face. She knows it’s true. The Guardians tell the stories, making heroes out of their members. But really, Uriah Donnelly was just broken.”

  My belly twists, and my head pulses in my ears. I’m afraid I know where this is going. And I desperately don’t want to hear it. Is it my own fear? Or is it Darien’s?

  “Ever heard of Sean and Ellen Crain?” Finn continues.

  I can feel Darien’s blood go cold. I close the distance between us and grab his hand, trying to calm him.

  “Uriah was adopted by Thomas and Lillian Haley and lived right under the same roof as the love of his life. Ellen was your mother, right, Darien?”

  I squeeze his hand, feeling his anger and dread rise up around him in a smoky cloud of dull red.

  “Well, Uriah was bonded to Ellen, but, oops, Ellen bonded with Sean, who also bonded with Ellen. It almost never happens.”

  “Shut up, Finn,” Claire snaps.

  “Oh, no, I’m just getting started. It almost never happens. But rumor has it that when Uriah challenged Sean, Ellen took Sean’s part, which resulted in the unleashing of power no one had ever seen before. Apparently, Uriah brought hell on earth, so to speak, and tried to drag Darien’s dear old dad to meet King Beelzebub himself. Only Thomas Crain interfered, stopped the fight, and kept the Guardians from prosecuting him. Instead, the powers that be took him in at their headquarters and made him a legend. So while you sit here and judge me for having demon blood, keep in mind that it was the darkness that unleashed Uriah Donnelly’s powers. Not the light.”

  Everyone is quiet. I can hear Darien’s heartbeat thudding in my ears, rattling against my ribs as if it were my own. Another secret kept from him. Another important detail of his backstory left in the shadows. I can’t imagine how betrayed he must feel, even with our bond. I want to cry for him, to hurt Finn for hurting him.

  No one wants to hear ugly truths about their heroes, but this is something I’ve never heard of before. This is a secret the Guardians have kept from the Triads. I can tell by the way Claire won’t look at us. Apparently, we don’t have the proper clearance for that kind of honesty.

  Finn’s expression relaxes into a lazy smile of satisfaction. He’s rattled us. He’s put us in our places. He’s challenged everything I’ve ever been taught to believe.

  I can’t understand why I’ve never seen it before. Claire is half Seraphim, but, other than her looks, she definitely isn’t a hundred percent perfect all the time. Because for any demon or angel blood running in our veins, we are all human, too.

  Finn’s human vulnerabilities are etched into his worried expression when Uriah Donnelly pounds on Ava’s front door.

  19

  Heat sears through my body as Uriah Donnelly’s footsteps pound up the stairs. I’m glaring fire at Finn, though my ears are trained on Uriah’s movements. Is Finn telling the truth? Did Uriah practically try to kill my dad? If that’s the case, then why in the hot hell does Gran trust him enough to train me?

  Finn smirks at me. Sweat beads on my back and forehead.

  “Go!” Claire hisses at Finn. “We can’t be seen together!”

  I twitch toward him as he hurries by, but Rachel squeezes my hand, dulling the fire rushing through my veins. Finn ducks out the window and disappears just before Uriah steps inside the room. Every muscle in my body tenses, as his eyes fall on me. He can sense I’m about to lose it.

  “I think I’ve found Ava Pierce,” he says. “But I take it there’s something more than the disappearance of your friend on your mind.”

  He adjusts cufflinks that shine silver against his black sleeves, looking completely at ease.

  I clench my jaw, not trusting myself to speak. I need to stay in control, but the fact that every eye in the room is shifting between me and Uriah isn’t making it any easier. I can feel Rachel tense beside me, and when I break my gaze from Uriah, she’s watching him in confusion, her head cocked. What does she see?

  “Would anyone like to fill me in on what I’ve clearly missed?” Uriah asks.

  Tuck steps forward. “Well, it would’ve been nice for someone to tell us that you basically tried to drag Sean Crain into hell. You know, Darien’s dad?”

  Uriah looks unbothered. His eyes slide to Claire, though.

  “I told them your little secret,” she lies. I’m not sure why she’s trying so hard to protect Finn, but apparently, he’s important to the Guardians. Still, she has to know she can’t trust Finn. I mean, he’s betraying his own kind.

  “Darien and Rachel are having issues accepting their connection,” Claire explains. “So I told them why you really work alone. To explain how powerful the bond is and why they shouldn’t fight it.”

  Claire has given me hell about dumping Ava, but after hearing what happened with Uriah and my mom, she’s right. Fighting the bond is useless. Hopefully, Rachel realizes it, too. I give her hand a squeeze.

  “I see my confidential records are not off limits to the halfling daughter of Seraphiel,” Uriah says. “Despite that violation, Claire is right. The bond is not something that can be fought.”

  He looks back to me, and I swear his ice blue eyes can see straight into my soul. It’s creepy as hell.

  “It’s true, Darien,” he says. “I did feel bonded to your mother. Yet her own bond led her to someone else. It’s very rare. An anomaly, I’m told. But, Darien, think about the bond you feel with your Lightbearer. Think about it. The power of it. What would you do right now if Tuck were to pull Rachel into his arms? What would you do to your best friend and Priest if he were to kiss your Lightbearer?”

  I swallow the lump in my throat, my mouth dry, thinking back to the rage I felt when I thought Tuck and Rachel were on a date at the pizza parlor. The way I had slammed him against the wall of the men’s room without an ounce of thought.

  I had reacted out of pure instinct.

  The truth seeps into me, heavy and punishing.

  I might be sorry later, but in the moment, I know I’d go after Tuck with the full measure of my power.

  When I don’t answer, Uriah nods his head. “You see? I deeply regretted my actions toward Sean afterward. It nearly killed me when I realized Ellen would never speak to me again, when I lost my home with Thomas and Lillian. It’s why I poured every ounce of energy I had into helping Thomas investigate the cause of your parents’ death. But two Hellwalkers bonded to the same Lightbearer cannot co-exist. There was no way I could stay under the same roof anymore. To my knowledge, it had never happened before and hasn’t happened since. That’s why I was sent to the Guardians. They taught me how to operate without a Triad.”

  He looks back at me, then. “Now, if you’re all satisfied and my dark past has been put to rest, I believe we have mor
e pressing matters at hand than ancient history that should remain buried.”

  He’s right. The heat that results from my anger slowly departs, and I focus on my breaths until my body temperature regulates. Satisfied that I’m calm, Rachel drops my hand and gives me a sympathetic look. Beside us, Claire rolls her eyes and takes charge.

  “Okay, so clearly Ava disappeared sometime between two nights ago when she left Darien’s house and this morning,” Claire says.

  “Yes,” Uriah confirms. “My intel team has reported that she is being held in the basement of the Serpent’s Lair. She is being detained there, though we are unsure of the motivation behind her kidnapping.”

  He looks at Claire. “I am aware that you have your sources, too, Claire. I know well what your role is in the Guardians. Do you have anything to add?”

  Claire clears her throat. “I’ve heard the same report. But there is also chatter from our sources that the reason Ava was taken somehow involves me and Darien. Logically, if the demons are trying to get to us, Ava is a common link. “

  In deep concentration, Uriah brings a finger to his chin and paces for several agonizing seconds.

  “So they’ve kidnapped and imprisoned a human to get to the daughter of a ranking Seraphim and a newly turned Hellwalker. I understand the Seraphim angle, but what I don’t understand is why Darien would be dragged into it, too.”

  “Well, he’s your protege,” Claire says. “And regardless of why, you are the most powerful Hellwalker in history. Maybe they’re using Ava to get to Darien to get to you?”

  Uriah laughs. “Well, as flattering as that is, I’m not sure what they would want with me. Powerful or not, I am still just a Hellwalker, which is small-time when compared to a Seraphim halfling.”

  Uriah paces as he thinks, which sends my nerves on edge.

  “Darien may have been brought up simply because he is a part of your social circle,” Uriah concludes. “A Hellwalker who has recently come into his inheritance is certainly something they’d have to consider before trying to get to the daughter of a Seraphim. This has to be about Claire’s father. His bloodline—and hers—goes back to the original celestial hierarchy. A general, I believe?”

  We all look at Claire, then. She nods to confirm Uriah’s question. I don’t know exactly what it means, but from the way Rachel and Tuck are staring at her, being a part of the original angels must be a pretty big deal.

  “What?” she snaps. “Stop looking at me like I’m some kind of freak.”

  “So … what does that mean?” I ask. “About your father?”

  “It means that her father is the most powerful angel who has ever existed,” Rachel says.

  “He’s untouchable,” Tuck adds. “So powerful, even a Greater Demon would hesitate to come after him, which could explain why they’re keeping Ava at the Serpent’s Lair. They’d never dare make a move on Claire on neutral ground. But if she were to be lured into the Serpent’s Lair, she’d be fair game.”

  Tuck watches Claire as he reaches his conclusion. There’s something about the way he’s looking at her that makes me think his disdain for her might be an act.

  “Yes,” Uriah agrees. “Since the demons can’t directly get to Seraphiel, they would send a clear message to him by harming his only daughter. They know Claire isn’t stupid enough to get caught in demon territory unless the situation was dire, so the only way to get to Claire is through Ava, the unsuspecting human friend.”

  Nausea twists my stomach. The unsuspecting human friend. This whole time, we’ve been trying to protect her. Our silence only put her in more danger. I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to her.

  “Okay, so what do we do about it?” I ask. “Clearly, they’re trying to get to Claire, and they’re prepared for both of us to come after Ava. So if we go get her, we’ll be walking into a trap. But at the same time, we know that they’re ready for us, which means we won’t be walking in blind, or as blind, at least. I mean, we can’t just leave Ava at the mercy of the demons.”

  Uriah smiles. It’s an unnatural look for him. It twists his face as if he’s one of those people who isn’t meant to smile.

  “It’s true that the demons will be expecting Darien and Claire,” Uriah says. “But they haven’t factored me into the equation. Or a powerful Lightbearer. Or a well-trained Priest.”

  I step forward. The thought of Ava alone and scared and at the mercy of the Lessers heats the blood in my veins, charging me up like a battery.

  “Well, what are we waiting for?” I ask.

  Uriah smiles his creepy twisted smile once more. “Darien, it’s like you’ve just read my mind.”

  Claire nods and heads out of the room with Tuck. Uriah follows them. Rachel takes my hand and tugs me forward, but a movement in the corner catches my eye.

  The curtains flutter as Finn slips back out of sight.

  He’s been listening.

  As I hop down from Ava’s second-story window, I keep my aura shield raised. It isn’t something I’ve practiced much. Humans can’t sense my demon blood and I stay out of demon drama as much as I can, but without a shield, Hellwalkers like Uriah Donnelly can easily sense my heritage. Right now, I don’t need him knowing I was just listening to everything he said to Claire and the Triad Three.

  Seeing their faces when I broke their bubble of Uriah-worship was priceless. Everyone in the Order puts him on such a gigantic pedestal without knowing the rumors that swirl around the demon world. The answer he gave when they confronted him seemed plausible, but I don’t quite buy it. But right now, none of that matters. The only important thing is saving Ava. If Uriah Donnelly can help save her, then for the time being, he’s an ally.

  Knowing that the Lightbearer saw pink in my aura is strange. I’ve enjoyed this past week with Ava, but love is too strong of a word. Even so, I don’t want her hurt, especially when I could have done something to prevent it.

  Thankfully, I parked around the block. I sprint there, desperate to get out of sight before Uriah spots me. I speed as fast as I can, generously using California stops whenever possible.

  When I’m back to the Serpent’s Lair, I return to the room where Ava is being held. I expect to see Ruben sitting there on his phone as he guards her, but it’s much worse.

  Three Pey and two Familiars hover around her. She’s curled into the fetal position with her hands covering her ears. The upper bodies of the Pey cling to her as they break through her mental barriers, their lower bodies fading into shadow, while the Familiars, the only flesh-and-bone Lessers, sink their claws into her skin.

  She cries out, which only excites the creatures more.

  “What’s with that?” I gesture to her.

  Ruben glances up from his phone. “Boss said to get her nice and fragile.”

  As the son of Baal, I could be a Lord. But I’ve never pursued the right of my bloodline. Instead, I do demon work under Ruben, mostly to get enough intel to free my sister. I don’t even know who his boss is.

  Right now, I’m regretting keeping the secret of my heritage. If I was somebody more important, maybe I could get her out of here on my own.

  “If you get her killed before the ritual, I don’t think your boss will be too happy.”

  He stands and walks to the cage.

  Ava’s aura is dull. The demons have already worked their way into her mind.

  “Stop,” Ruben orders the Lessers.

  The dark, scaly-skinned Pey pull away, hissing as they turn to him. They snarl their razor-sharp teeth. The Familiars silently follow his command.

  “Out,” he orders.

  With the Lessers gone, I notice the scratches across Ava’s skin. Deep red streaks run up and down her arms and legs. Her body shakes as she remains curled like a baby in a womb.

  I pry my eyes away. If I look at her any longer, I won’t be able to resist kneeling down and comforting her.

  “Not feeling sorry for the human, are you?” Ruben asks.

  I’ve been staring too lo
ng. “Please. There are plenty of humans. What’s one less?”

  I hate even pretending to think such a thing.

  “Good, because this one is in for a painful end.” Ruben laughs as he stares at her. “After her friends arrive to save her, Boss said the Daeva can do as they please.”

  Possession—the Daeva’s most desired thing. It fuels them more than anything else. Feeding on humans’ dark emotion satisfies them, but possessing their souls fills them. Whichever one can break into her soul first, can have her.

  “Can you watch her again?” Ruben asks. “I need to piss.”

  My heart accelerates, thankful I’ll have another moment alone with her. “I guess.”

  After he leaves, I unlock the cage and rush to Ava.

  I won’t have long, but I need to let her know to hang on.

  I bend down and pull her body into my lap. Her breaths are short and labored, a sign of pain.

  “Ava.” I touch her cheek. “Wake up.”

  Her skin is nearly translucent, all of her natural rosy color stolen by the Lessers.

  Her eyes move beneath their lids. She’s still there.

  I use my demon gift to soothe her as much as I can, sending her all the calmness I can muster. Right now, I’m anything but calm.

  When her eyes open, she coughs. “What’s happening?”

  “The demons are going to try to possess you. You have to fight it. Your friends are on their way.” I talk as fast as I can. I can’t be caught here or I’ll be no good trying to help them save her.

  “No …” she says in a tired voice.

  Footsteps approach the door. Time is up.

  I lean down and kiss her forehead. “Fight it.”

  Using my speed, I push myself up and shut the cage door before Ruben enters, the Pey and Familiars with him.

  “Boss wants her weak before we take her in.”

  The Lessers continue to the cage, walking straight through its bars and latch onto her again.

  If Ava’s friends don’t hurry, they’ll be too late.