What would they do to him?
Nothing. Divine power or not, I wouldn’t let them.
I stepped forward and took his hands. He flinched ever so slightly but stilled.
Tilting my head, I looked up into his dark green eyes, focusing on a flicker of flame. If we weren’t meant to be together, why did this feel so right? Why did my soul call to him?
Circling my waist with his arm, he drew me close. The outlines of the study melted away as a whirlwind of fire dragged us through the cosmos.
18
Damian
We materialized on a rocky plateau enveloped by darkness. Armenia. It had been so long since I’d been here last, I’d almost forgotten the scent of the air and the feel of the monastery’s magic.
A cool breeze blew, and the brightness of the moon dulled out the stars, bathing the deep gorge on either side of us in light.
I didn’t want to release Neve from my arms. Her jasmine scent intoxicated me, and I could feel her heart pounding against my chest.
Regret tore at me as I pulled away and turned toward the monastery perched on the edge of the plateau, burying the ache that filled my chest after our earlier conversation.
Neve had convinced herself that we were good for each other. That we might have a fighting chance.
Delusions.
This was my fault. I had played with fire, and now she was the one getting burned. I should have been cold from the start. I should have kept my own desires in check. Clearly, I had just as little control over myself as I had over my FireSoul craving.
That was perilous.
I’d tried to warn her. She knew well enough what I was capable of, that I was a gods damned monster. Even now, I struggled with my desire for her magic.
She shouldn’t have let her guard down so easily.
Anger seeped into my veins, and I silently cursed the pitiless fates.
The outlines of the monastery walls were visible, and a single light glowed in one of the towers.
“Are you ready for this?” Neve appeared by my side, and I fought the urge to look at her.
I’d never be ready for this, but it was necessary.
“When I fell, I felt betrayed. By the gods, by my brothers, and by Nathaniel. I spent half a century making them—him—pay by waging a war to bring everything they stood for down. I didn’t see it at the time because I was blinded by my rage, but I’d become what I hated most.”
The words flowed from my mouth. There were no excuses for what I’d done, only regret, though that was dulled by the hollowness that now filled my soul. I’d never been so open with anyone.
Neve took my hand, weaving her fingers through mine. “Our past might forge us into what we are now, but it doesn’t dictate our future, Damian.”
She squeezed my hand then slipped away and headed toward the monastery.
If only that were true for me.
We picked our way through the grass that covered the rocky plateau. A gentle hum vibrated through the air, along with the scent of pomegranates. The distant echo of bells that I’d known intimately. Once.
I reached for Neve’s arm, gently tugging her to a stop. The vibration grew and swept around us like an eddy, and Neve palmed the khanjar at her hip.
A gush of air pummeled into us, and then a deafening explosion split the sky. A glowing form crashed into the ground ten feet ahead, releasing a shockwave that rocked the ground. I steadied Neve, blocking her with my body.
“Holy mother of gods,” Neve whispered as she peered around my shoulder.
“Not quite, child. But I appreciate the sentiment.”
Steeling myself, I met the icy gaze of Nathaniel. Archangel, brother, enemy. The aura of white light that cascaded around him was radiant. Blinding.
Once, I had been the same.
“Damian.” His voice rumbled through the air like distant thunder. Apart from his clothes, he appeared the same, even his arrogant smile. “What has it been, sixty years? I vowed to kill you if we ever crossed paths again. Why are you here?”
Age-old bitterness and fury surfaced, and I clenched my fists as flames licked down my palms. “Try. If you must. But that’s not why I’m here. I’ve come to make a deal, Nathaniel. With the Order of Angels.”
The words twisted in my gut. I can’t believe I’m fucking doing this.
The angel’s eyes rounded, and the corner of his lips pulled up. “A deal? Now what could you possibly offer us?”
He stepped forward, his footsteps cracking the earth beneath. My magic flared, and flames erupted around me. “A chance to do good in the world, rather than to sit idly by and watch it burn down around you.”
Nathaniel stopped and narrowed his eyes at the flames rising from my skin. “You need help, brother.”
“True, but so do the angels.”
His eyes burned with radiant light but betrayed no emotion. “Speak.”
“Matthias is hellbent on bringing down the angels.”
“Matthias,” he growled. “That has always been his desire, and yours as I recall.” Nathaniel’s voice cut through the air like a whip.
“The game has changed. Matthias has created a new plane—a Realm of Chaos—as if he were one of the creators himself. To power his spells, he’s struck a deal with a lord of one of the hells and is amassing an army of demons. The veil will break soon and when it does, the hells will open, and chaos will follow.”
Nathaniel’s expression hardened and his aura flared. “How is this possible?”
“Through wishes. He has two genies. Soon to be three,” Neve said calmly, appearing at my side. “We don’t have much time.”
“Genies. Like you, child?” Nathaniel’s voice boomed, echoing through the gorge. His gaze locked onto Neve, and I ground my teeth against the instinct to protect her.
It was a foolish instinct. She was a full djinn with powers now far surpassing my own. Yet the urge irrationally remained.
Neve was silent, and Nathaniel shifted his eyes to mine. “What do you propose, fallen?”
“You help us invade Matthias’s citadel and close the gateway to the hells. That will cut off his source of power and prevent him from mustering an army.”
Nathaniel considered us with piercing eyes, then shook his head. “I’m sorry but no. I understand your position, but this conflict is not within our jurisdiction. Yet. We do appreciate you bringing this information to us. It is a step in the right direction, and demonstrates that you may yet be redeemed, Damian.”
I opened my mouth, but Neve snapped. “What do you mean, not in your jurisdiction? Matthias is planning to invade our world. That seems pretty damn relevant.”
Nathaniel glared at her. “There are rules. We do not interfere in the hells, and they do not interfere here. That is the way we keep the fragile peace. If Matthias attacks Magic Side, we will fight, with or without you.”
Neve tensed. Her signature swelled, and the breeze picked up. “Isn’t it your job, angel, to watch over Earth? Well, newsflash, you’re doing a shit job of it. Demons are already slipping through the veil in Magic Side. The invasion has started.”
She took a step forward, and I tried to stop her, but she pulled away and continued. “What will the gods say when the veil breaks entirely and you’ve done nothing?”
I coiled my muscles and prepared to block Nathaniel if he moved for her.
But he didn’t. He watched her closely, then spoke. “You’re brave for one so young. I’ll attribute your insolence to your newly acquired powers.”
Wind tore at the hillside, and white lightning flashed in Neve’s eyes. Her voice boomed through the hills. “And you’re a fool, for one who’s lived so long. You have the power to prevent tragedy. If you don’t act, you’re as guilty as Matthias.”
“You are not listening,” Nathaniel growled. “This conflict is outside our domain. We have a treaty with the underworlds that we will not break.”
Rage poured off Neve like rain from the heavens. “I’m listening to you hide
behind rules. I don’t know what your little treaty entails, but I do know the Realm of Chaos didn’t exist when you made your deal with the devils. It’s neither the domain of the angels or demons, but a new world created by genie magic. If you insist on doing nothing, it will become just another extension of the underworld. One with an open portal into Earth. Do you really want to be the one who refused to shut the gates when the armies of hell arrived?”
Nathaniel gritted his teeth and fixed Neve with a relentless stare. Finally, he spoke. “Perhaps you are right. This realm is neither part of Earth nor part of the hells. We might be permitted to help close the gateway, to ensure its neutrality.”
“I’m glad you’re willing to do the bare minimum to ensure human safety,” Neve hissed, venom palpable in her voice.
Nathaniel wasn’t listening. He had tilted his head toward the heavens and closed his eyes, using telepathy to communicate with the Order of Angels.
The howling wind died as we waited.
“I can see why you left,” Neve said through the side of her mouth.
I nodded.
Finally, Nathaniel lowered his head and opened his eyes. “It is decided. The angels will help with two conditions. Damian, you betrayed us and have remained a thorn in our side for centuries. There is little trust for either of you amongst the Watchers. Before we progress any further, both of you will make a binding oath that you will forgo giving aid or support to demons in the future.”
He narrowed his eyes on Neve, and she flinched. ”Fine,” she said.
“I also agree.”
“Good,” Nathaniel said. “Then you will sign that first.”
The air cracked and a glowing document and feathered pen appeared in Nathaniel’s hands. He strode forward and handed me both, the ground shifting under him. I read over the oath, signed my name, and handed it to Neve.
She read it closely, biting her lower lip before locking eyes with Nathaniel. “The wording of this is unclear. I have a few friends who are part demon, and I’m not giving them up.”
I fought back a smile as a low rumble burst from Nathaniel’s chest, and his eyes glowed white hot. “Where did you find this one, Damian?”
“She makes a point. If the document is unclear, how can we be expected to follow it?”
Nathaniel snatched the oath and pen, scratching out the line and scribbling some words under it, before handing it back to Neve.
She examined the oath and frowned. “Not much better, but it’ll do.”
Another rumble erupted from Nathaniel, but he said nothing. After signing it, she handed the oath and pen to him.
“What is the second condition?” I asked.
He slipped both into his trouser pocket and met my gaze, a smile forming on his lips. “You, Damian, must stand before the Assembly and atone for your crimes.”
Neve’s eyes flashed, and the wind rose again. “What does that even mean?”
“Judgement. Punishment.”
She growled and shot forward, the wind howling around her. I caught her and pulled her back. “It will be fine. I was prepared for this,“ I whispered.
She glared, shooting daggers with her eyes. “Don’t you dare agree to anything before you know what the limits of their judgement will be. I’m not letting them lock you away. I’m not letting them hurt you. I can’t lose you.”
Her heartbeat pounded against my chest, and I breathed in her scent before releasing her and turning to Nathaniel. “I agree.”
“Damian!” Neve shouted.
“We must all atone for our sins, child. The gods seek retribution but that does not mean they are without mercy.”
A lie.
I could feel the anger vibrating in her signature. Nathaniel met her eyes with a cold stare.
Finally, the slightest amount of tension left her shoulders, thank fates. The angels might be the guardians of this world, but they were vengeful and dangerous, especially when crossed.
I knew that all too well.
19
Neve
I focused my lingering anger on the back of Nathaniel’s perfect head as Damian and I followed him down the slope to the monastery.
Somehow, I had mastered my rage long enough to get my message across. That had felt good. I didn’t expect that angels took kindly to threats, and I wasn’t entirely sure I could rip them down out of the sky, but I would sure as heck try if they hurt Damian in any way.
But that wasn’t the message I wanted to send. They had to know he had changed. To see the good that I knew was there.
Would they care?
The ground was rocky and covered in tall grass, so I had to pick my way carefully to avoid face planting. Damian and Nathaniel seemed unfazed by the terrain, and every step the angel took was followed by a low, ominous boom.
If Rhiannon were here, she’d joke about his weight.
Actually, it was more likely she’d make a comment about his butt. That girl.
Nathaniel was gorgeous like Damian, in a cold, all-too-perfect angelic kind of way. He was also massively built, but not like a giant.
Sandy blond hair, blue eyes, and a dimple in his chin. But his personality was a buzz kill, and I wanted to slap the condescending smile that graced his face.
Damian gently touched my arm and nodded. Was that supposed to be reassuring?
Well, it wasn’t.
I didn’t like this plan, and I had zero trust in the angels. If they threatened one hair on his head, I would turn into a cyclone and grind this whole place into the ground.
Angels or not, good luck trying to fly in a hundred and sixty mile-an-hour wind. Assholes.
I steadied my thoughts. Keep it together, Neve.
The stone walls of the monastery rose in the darkness, and we entered through an arched gate. The ground was level and free of rocks, and I couldn’t help but be awed by the beauty of the place. The whole complex was surrounded by a fortified wall with several towers.
Nathaniel led us toward a church that held a commanding position over the valley below. Like all the structures here, the church was constructed from hewn stone. The air inside was cool, and a light breeze blew through the narrow windows. Candles were set along the altar, and their light danced across the space, illuminating the tall central dome.
Nathaniel stopped and turned to me. “This is as far as you go, child.”
My irritation swelled. “I’m not a child, so please stop calling me one. And no, I’m coming with.”
Nathaniel met my eyes with a cold stare. “You are in our domain, now. You must obey our laws.”
I stepped up, so that only mere inches separated us. “And when you fly, angel, you are in mine. If you harm Damian in any way, I will make you wish you had never learned to crawl, let alone taken to wing. I will make you wish your eyes had never seen the sky. I’m holding you accountable for anything that happens, and I will have my own justice.”
My voice was little more than a whisper, yet it rumbled like thunder. The wind rose, and it was as if the candle flames bowed before me.
Nathaniel’s expression was impossibly impassive, but his body was tense, and he was struggling to stand, like the whole weight of the heavens were bearing down on him.
But I knew this wasn’t the way to negotiate with angels.
I steadied my breathing and pushed the rage from my heart. “If I can‘t enter, so be it. Carry my words to your assembly. I have witnessed who Damian is. Whatever atoning needed to be done, it has already happened. He’s put his life on the line to protect me and people he has never met. He has my faith. We are here to defeat Matthias, so help us do it.”
Finally, after a long pause, Nathaniel spoke. “I hear the truth of your words, and I promise to take them to the angels. I will speak upon Damian’s behalf.”
Sorrow and pain filled Damian’s eyes. Why was he looking at me that way? Like this might be the last time he laid eyes on me.
Panic and protectiveness surged inside me, and a barrier of wind burst around us,
shielding us from Nathaniel.
I turned to Damian. “Why do I feel like you won’t be coming back from this?”
He was silent, but the anguish and regret that cut his face was an answer in and of itself.
“Damian, don’t do this. There has to be another way.” My voice sounded ragged, and my chest heaved.
I couldn’t lose him.
Damian placed his hands on my shoulders and locked me with those brilliant green eyes. His magic washed over me, calming my tumultuous emotions. “It will be okay, I promise.”
His words wrapped around me, and I took a breath and nodded.
Why did my heart still trust this man after all his lies?
But there was nothing else I could do.
The wind wall dropped as I released my magic, and Damian walked with Nathaniel to the altar.
A thunderclap ripped through the space, and I doubled over, clutching my hands over my ears. The faint rustle of the breeze returned, and I looked up.
Nathaniel and Damian were gone.
All that was left was the ringing in my ears and the ache in my heart.
Damian
Nathaniel and I walked down a white marble hall illuminated by a thousand candles.
We were no longer on Earth, but in a gateway to the heavens.
A darkness had settled over me as I steeled myself for what was next. I knew the consequences when I took up the sword against the angels. I’d run from them for so many years, but now that it was time to face them, it mattered not.
Neve’s words from earlier resounded in my head, driving me to the brink of insanity.
You and I are good together.
We would not be together. Not in this world or the next.
Unbearable pain spread through my chest, and my dragon reared up in a desperate plea. Even though Neve was on Earth and I in heaven, the beast still craved her magic.
Bile rose in my throat, and I grimaced.
I was an unstoppable monster that needed to be put down. I measured Nathaniel’s vacant, stoic expression. I might get my wish, momentarily. In the end, perhaps it was the best way to keep Neve safe.
Broken Skies: Dragon’s Gift: The Storm Book 4 Page 12