The Goddess of Love moved closer to Surcy, to stand in front of her. “So what’s the plan?”
Surcy took a deep breath. What is the plan?
Chapter 20
The next morning, they stood outside the barrier separating Zedussa from the rest of the world. Surcy was positioned in the middle of the line of Immortals. The druids had stayed behind to guard the children, knowing that they might be the last beings with the blood of gods remaining after that day.
Each of the Immortals had donned traditional robes befitting their station. They were long, with slits on the sides, and pants underneath. Each one wore an emblem that symbolized their power. And the fabric was spun of both gold and silver, making it so the morning sunlight seemed to cling to them.
Some of them held weapons.
Some of them were dangerous enough without them.
The Gods and Goddesses of the Seasons would shift into dragons the moment the attack begun. They had no need for anything but their claws and their teeth. It was the same with the Goddess of the Ocean. She no longer wore her mermaid tail, but she swelled with the power of the ocean. She assured them that when the time came, neither Caine nor his angels would be safe from her wrath.
Of all the Immortals, the Goddess of Life was the quietest. She carried with her a golden dagger, but she admitted that she would do little fighting. Her strength would be to lend the others her powers. She would heal their wounds to keep them moving. She was the healer that would fade into the shadows made by the God of the Night.
She was perhaps their most powerful tool.
The vampire stood at Surcy’s side with a sword in his hand. He held it like a man unaccustomed to weapons, but he’d reassured her that he could use it, if needed.
The God of Sin, The God of Earth, and The Goddess of Love held their weapons with confidence. Her bow rested in her hand, as if made for her, and she had many arrows upon her back. The God of Sin carried a long sword with a wickedly jagged edge, and the God of Earth carried an axe.
All looked like powerful Immortal beings, ready for an attack.
And yet, Zedussa was silent.
No angels crowded the sky. None even soared overhead. There wasn’t even the flicker of movement that said guards walked their paths around the structure.
“It’s eerie,” the vampire whispered.
She agreed.
“They’re waiting for us,” the Goddess of Love said, and there was a darkness to her words. “And so we shouldn’t disappoint them.”
“Just be prepared,” The God of Sin said, his voice forcefully casual. “It isn’t just Caine and his angels we have to watch out for. His archangel will be there too, and that bastard’s smarter than all of them combined.”
Surcy shivered, remembering the red winged angel.
When their group started moving forward, she called her soul-blade into her hand. They walked in measured strides across the lifeless lands, moving toward the formidable structure.
“This place was a thing of beauty when we ruled here,” The Goddess of Life whispered.
Surcy stiffened, and a strange sensation washed over her. Glancing behind them, she saw that life was blossoming everywhere that the goddess had stepped. Grass sprouted on the ground, hidden seeds split, and trees emerged slowly from their slumber. They grew at an incredible speed, stretching higher and higher as branches and leaves erupted.
Her pulse sped up.
Already things were changing. She prayed that was a good sign.
When they were just outside of an archer’s range of the fortress, the Goddess of Love gave an order, “stop.”
Immediately, they obeyed.
“It’s time,” the Goddess of Love said. “We must execute the plan to the letter.”
The Gods and Goddesses of the Seasons moved back and within seconds they shifted into their dragon forms. Where once the four Immortals stood, now powerful magical creatures stretched their massive wings. The God of Summer was golden and massive, humming with strength. The God of Autumn was red and simmering with a contained kind of anger, that she could sense waiting to explode. The Goddess of Winter was black, her anger worn about her like a cloak. The Goddess of Spring was a lovely shade of blue, with talons that could sever heads with one swoop.
A cloak of darkness spread over all of them like a black cloud. For a second, it made Surcy's chest feel tight. The cloud reminded her so much of Caine. But then, she breathed deeply, reminding herself that this was all part of the plan. The God of the Night would do his best to conceal them, for as long as possible.
At last, they were ready.
And then, the war began.
Chapter 21
Daniel stood like all the other angels. They were silent soldiers, preparing for a war. It took everything within him to stay standing in the silent throne room, knowing that Surcy was somewhere close by, preparing to attack.
This feels wrong. How the hell am I an angel?
A tremor rolled through his body. Images flashed in his mind of the moment he was burned alive.
He felt his eyes widen, and clenched his entire body to keep from throwing up. Was it not enough he had to burn to death in his first life? He’d had do it again!
His head spun, and he felt light on his feet. Burning to death had to be one of the worst ways to go. Even after that, he had experienced a different kind of pain when his soul appeared in the throne room. Daniel had been still withering in agony when Caine had turned him into an angel and wiped his memory.
He’d fought it with all his might, but it was useless.
He would never forget the moment he tried to kill Surcy. It would haunt like a ghost for the remainder of his life. He didn’t know how she’d brought him back, but making love to her was the only thing that healed his soul. That kept him from imploding the moment he realized all that had happened.
Thank God for Surcy.
Staying by her side was the only thing that could bring him peace again, yet he was more valuable here. He had to pretend that he didn’t remember and be ready to help her when the time came.
Even if it drives me mad.
Even though not knowing what happened to Mark and Tristan was its own kind of torture.
Suddenly, Daniel sensed a change in the room. His gaze moved to the darkness that concealed the cowardly Caine, and his entire half of the throne room.
What’s happening now?
Caine’s darkness crept slowly out over the rest of the room like a cursed mist. It did nothing to hide the red-winged archangel that leaned back arrogantly near the bastard, nor did it hide the three portals to the other realms.
Despite himself, Daniel’s gaze flickered to the portals. They loomed deadly, salvation and punishment, the blinding brightness of the entrance into the angel realm, and the absolute darkness that led to the demon realm. Beyond them was the Soul Destroyer, closest to the back of the throne room. It hummed of danger.
“They will be here soon,” Caine said, his voice breaking the tension-filled silence. “There’s more that still must be done.”
The doors to the throne room opened, and four angels carried a massive wooden stock across the room, before setting it near the portals. They opened the top, where spots had been made for a head and hands to go.
He’s going to punish someone? But who?
“Daniel.”
When Caine said his name, he knew. He knew that the punishment was meant for him. And yet, how could Caine know that Daniel’s memories had returned? Daniel had done everything that was asked of him. So was this about something else?
It doesn’t matter. I have to obey.
He stepped forward and bowed, even though it was like a dagger in his stomach.
“Yes, Caine.”
“Go in the stock.” Caine’s command seemed to fill the air.
He didn’t force Daniel to obey. The demon could try to fly or outrun the six dozen angels who crowd the room, but Caine and Daniel both knew he wouldn’t make it more than
a few feet before he was dead.
So, Daniel played his game. “Yes, Judge.”
He went to the stocks, placed his hands and his neck into the carved out spots, and held himself stiffly as it was closed over him and locked.
“Good. Now, the bait is ready. We need only to set the trap.”
Fuck. Is he going to use me against Surcy?
His stomach clenched, and he made a silent prayer. When the time came, he hoped Surcy had the strength to let him die again.
She had to.
If he distracted her for one moment, he knew Caine would win.
Clenching his fists, he shifted, testing the strength of the stocks. They held, without the slightest leeway.
His mind began to spin. There had to be a way he could still help Surcy. But how?
Chapter 22
Surcy watched as the dragons unleashed their flames on the fortress. The God of the Summer latched onto the roof of the structure and began to pull, his massive wings flapping, causing wind to press down on all of them. The other dragons seemed to understand. Their flames stopped, and they latched on too.
The entire building shuddered and shook. Angels came pouring out of the hole in the center of the roof. They attacked with their flaming swords, but fire blazed over them, killing them instantly.
Surcy held her arm over her face, wincing up at the chaos, and then, the roof came tearing off. One of the Immortals shouted. They ran, throwing themselves on the ground. Stone fell like rain from above them, and she held herself tensely, hoping nothing hit her.
Several quiet moments passed before she looked up. The entire roof of the structure was gone, most of it tossed to the ground on the other side of the fortress. Stone had fallen all around them, but to her complete shock, none of the Immortals seemed injured.
They rose once more and moved to the massive door of the structure. She tensed wondering how the Immortals would open it, when the doors were flung open, and angels came pouring out.
The God of the Earth swung his mighty axe. Heads fell.
The God of Sin was there to defend him, to watch his back each time he swung his axe. And the Goddess of Love shot her arrows, each one hitting an angel with ease.
She clenched the handle of her sword more tightly and took a step forward as the God of Night’s darkness spread around them once more. When the first angel swung at her, she avoided his blow with ease. They danced around each other, jabbing out, swinging their blades, connecting over and over again.
And then, water struck him in the back. The angel hit the ground, and Surcy severed his head in one blow.
Turning, she spotted the Goddess of the Ocean. Water swelled behind her. Gathering water from a nearby source, she held it back like an invisible wall. She shot out little streams at the angels who attacked.
All around, the Immortals fought like animals, distracting the angels.
Surcy took a deep breath. It’s time. This was the part of the plan that terrified her the most. None of the Immortals could enter the fortress until Caine was removed from the throne. While they could battle the angels and cause a distraction, she would have to take down the Judge himself.
I just hope this plan will work.
Teleporting, she appeared just outside the throne room doors. She had no idea what she would face inside, but she knew the task was hers alone. Then, slipping the little bottle from her pocket, she stared briefly at the dark liquid swirling inside.
Tears stung the corners of her eyes. She removed the cork, took a deep breath and chugged it down.
Gagging, she forced herself not to hurl the disgusting liquid. She only had one shot at this. And it had to work. Instantly, her lips began to tingle, and her gut began to churn. Time was of the essence. Already she could feel the chill moving through her body, spreading out to find its source. Tossing the bottle on the ground, she knew it was time.
Pushing open the doors, she tried to enter as quietly as possible, but the noise of the room immediately exploded around her. Her jaw dropped. Above the huge room, angels fought in the air against the dragons who blasted fire, and chomped them in their massive jaws. It was bright, and warm from the dragons’ fire.
Not at all like the throne room that haunted her nightmares.
Her gaze moved to where she would find Caine. To the man she must take down.
Time stood still. Daniel was encased in stocks. At his sides? Mark and Tristan stood with their flaming swords pointed at their friend. The dark liquid in her stomach churned faster, and she felt the chill moving up her spine.
It was impossible. All three of her demons had been turned into dark-winged angels. None of their souls had been destroyed. Mark and Tristan hadn’t been given the special water, so they were both mindless soldiers. It was clear that Caine intended for them to be Daniel’s executioner.
The cruel bastard.
“Welcome, Surcy,” Caine said, his voice uncurling from the darkness. “The time has finally come, the moment that will finally end this rebellion once and for all.”
She swallowed hard. I can’t look at my demons. I can’t worry about them. They’re simply distractions.
“It’s time for you to step down and give the rightful judges back their thrones.”
He laughed low, as if angels and dragons weren’t fighting above him. “None of the Immortals can face me, and so, this plan of theirs hinges on you taking me down. Do you really believe you have any chance at succeeding?”
“No,” she said.
Her confession hung in the air between them.
His dark cloud moved towards her, and she sensed him drawing nearer, stopping just behind her angels. “I can’t imagine they sent you here unprepared.”
Was there fear in his voice?
“They did not.”
“Come here,” he ordered.
Gritting her teeth, she fought his command, but it flowed over her, through her, racing in her very blood. She struggled against each and every step, yet she struggled in vain. Within moments, she was standing before the dark cloud. Close enough to touch her demons. She felt Daniel’s gaze upon her. It took everything inside her not to look in his direction.
“Kneel before me,” Caine said. “And let me pluck their plan from your thoughts.”
His words weren’t a command. She glared at him. “Not a chance in hell.”
“Such an attitude,” the voice came from the darkness, and her eyes flicked to the red-winged archangel.
Every instinct within her screamed. She hadn’t expected to find him here. The Immortals had thought he’d be leading the battle, but they should have known better.
“Coward,” she hissed at them. “Hiding in here when there’s a war to fight.”
The archangel smiled, his expression slimy. “I live only to serve the great Caine.” His tone was filled with mockery.
“I told you to kneel,” Caine said, but she could almost feel him smiling as he said it.
“No fucking way!” she shouted at him, itching to call her soul-blade into her hand, to sever the heads of these two monsters.
“Why not just command her to?” The archangel said, but she got the sense their words were rehearsed. That they were playing with her.
“You know what might be more fun?” Caine asked. “We should let her make the choice—this foolish cause of hers, or the loves of her life.”
Her heart pounded. The dark liquid’s chill was everywhere, bleeding from her blood to something deeper, perhaps her very soul. Her teeth began to chatter and her limbs began to shake.
“Just face me like a man!” She shouted. “I’m tired of your games and bullshit.”
“Mark,” Caine ordered. “Hurt the angel.”
Despite her every intention, she turned. Mark had the same subtly handsome face, the same gentleness to his features. Although his glasses were different, the way they framed his deep blue eyes was as familiar to her as her own.
He showed no emotions as he drew the sword deeply across Daniel’
s hand, drawing dark red blood.
Daniel jerked in the stocks. His jaw clenched and pain shone in his eyes, but he said nothing.
“Stop this,” Surcy said, and she didn’t have to fake the emotion in her voice.
“Only you can stop this.” The humor in Caine’s voice made her want to tear out his throat.
“Mark, Tristan, you were once demons, fighting for our cause. Daniel is your best friend. You can’t do this. You can’t hurt him.”
Tristan raised a brow, his stoic face expressionless. She looked into his mismatched eyes, craving to see recognition in his gaze more than she needed air, but there was nothing. A wicked déjà vu flowed through her but she pushed the feelings aside. She would deal with them later.
“Kill him,” Caine ordered.
Her soul-blade leapt into her hand, and she caught Tristan’s blade with her own one second before it touched the back of Daniel’s neck. Tristan pressed down harder. She fought against his strength, even as the blade lowered, cutting a line of blood into the back of Daniel’s neck.
“No,” she sobbed.
Inch by inch, Tristan forced her blade deeper.
Daniel cried out.
Surcy did the only thing she could think of to end Daniel’s suffering. She sent her soul-blade away.
The power of Tristan’s strength sent his sword down in one quick, fatal motion. Daniel was dead. His body still hung there, lifeless, held up by the stocks around his wrists.
She couldn't look at his severed body. A sob exploded from her lips as she turned away.
“One down, two to go,” the archangel said, laughing.
Overhead, a dragon’s roar echoed with rage. Whether it was for her loss or his pain in the battle, she didn’t know. She kept her focus on the archangel.
“Why are you doing this? Fight me!”
“Oh, but that’s what you want, isn’t it?” Caine said.
She stiffened, but tried to hide her thoughts. Did he know what they had planned? Did he know that the Immortals had discovered a simple way to destroy him?
Rebel Loss: An Angel Reverse Harem Romance (Mates of the Realms: Immortals Book 3) Page 9
