by Ciara Graves
It was several miles to the south of my current location. I stood in what once used to be a town but had been overrun by damned souls and other abominations that escaped Hell’s prisons.
The shops that lined the street were decayed and falling apart. Several rotting bodies hung around. No one had come back to bury the dead. Back when the war first started, I took the time to see them all to a grave. Now, it was just too much. Made me sick.
I lifted my lip in disgust and walked down the middle of the road. The wind kicked up dust from the barren wasteland surrounding the town. Once upon a time, it had been farmland.
No longer.
I was at the edge of town, ready to shift toward the south when a sudden gust of burning hot wind blew across my neck. Demons were near. They were fighting.
I sniffed the air, picking up the strong smell of my kin. And a rift. I definitely picked up the scent of a rift. What were they doing by one of those foul atrocities? I started at a jog, and then full-out ran when the sounds of the battle reached my ears, my sensitive hearing able to pick up the clanging of blades and shouts of dying soldiers.
As I crashed through a grove of dead and decaying trees, a different battle cry overshadowed the snarling of demons. I hung back in the shadows to catch my breath and take in the scene. Bodies littered the ground—angelic and demon. I recognized several of the demons, but it was Kexan who caught my gaze. He was an elite soldier, like me, and led his own troop.
If he was here, the situation was well handled. Judging from the single angel who remained alive, he was going to have no troubles finishing her off. Her dark hair with hints of blue light flew wildly around her face as she took a hit that sent her to her knees.
I waited for her to falter, but the angel swiped out the legs of the demon about to finish her off, then stabbed him between the shoulder blades.
She kicked his body aside and as the demons closed ranks around her, Kexan at the lead.
The angel’s eyes flared brilliant white. It blinded even me, and when I could see clearly again, a double-headed battle ax made completely of blue and white holy light was in her hands.
Kexan scoffed. “If you would simply give up, your death would be quick.”
The angel’s eyes narrowed as she hefted the ax and made ready to attack.
“Fine, I’ll be certain to drag it out as long as I can. Make you beg for the end.”
“Never,” the angel shouted, then lunged to her right.
She caught the demons there off-guard, the ax setting them alight with brilliant blue flames as it embedded in their chests. The demons fell back, screaming as they tried to douse the flames. The angel was on the warpath.
My feet were frozen as my eyes watched her every move, transfixed by how she attacked. Graceful yet ferocious at the same time. I’d never seen an angel fight like that. Ever.
When she charged for Kexan, I expected him to take her down, but in three moves, she had him on the ground, ready to end his life.
Instinct kicking in, I grabbed a dagger from my lower back and threw it as I burst from the trees, dropping the satchel as I went.
The blade knocked into her ax, and the angel stumbled away from Kexan. Her head whipped in my direction, and those dark blue eyes pierced my very soul.
There was a half a second for me to admire how damned beautiful she was in her anger, then I reminded myself I was there to kill her.
I didn’t slow down and as she swung the ax. I came in low and tackled her to the ground.
Her knee buried itself in my thigh.
I growled but didn’t let her go.
The ax shimmered then disappeared as I bashed her head into the ground.
“Filthy mongrel,” she snapped and headbutted me.
I reared back, and then, somehow, I ended up on my back with her stomping on my abs. I gasped and grabbed for her ankle as she made to turn. I brought her down a second time.
She scrambled to get away, kicking at my face.
I caught a boot to the cheek but didn’t let up.
She flipped herself over and then we were both on our feet, exchanging blows.
She moved damned fast, clocking me twice until I was able to block her and hit her right back. She took the hits with barely a grunt of pain. Then she jumped and kicked me in the face.
I stumbled back, waiting for her to take advantage, but she was taking off the other direction.
I sprinted after her, grabbed her by the arm, and pulled. The leather armor gave way at her shoulder, revealing bare skin marked by a brand.
The spread angel wings mark on her upper shoulder designated her as not just a simple angel, but as a damned commander.
She wrenched her hand out of my grasp, but I couldn’t let her get away.
“She’s a commander,” I shouted.
Kexan rushed toward us. The angel slipped out of my grasp and bolted, running smack into him. This time he was ready for her and bashed her in the face with the hilt of his sword. She wavered, and when she didn’t go down, he struck her a second time.
Her eyes rolled back into her head, and she slumped to the ground.
I nudged her with my boot, but she didn’t get back up.
“My lord,” Kexan said, bowing. “Perfect timing as always.”
I waved him off and motioned to the unconscious angel. “Looks like you’re having a good day.”
Kexan barked a laugh. “Hardly. We were sent here to ambush whatever angel patrol might show up. The captains received a rumor one would show itself today. We were almost ready to leave when she showed up with the others.” He rolled his shoulders then let out a low whistle. “I haven’t had a fight like this in years. She killed seven of my best fighters. Would’ve killed us all, perhaps.”
“Are you saying you’re not as good as you used to be?” I teased, even I as I glanced around at the dead. Consisting of angels and demons, alike.
So much death and blood. I was sick of it. Sick of setting pyres for friends and family. Why couldn’t they just decide to have peace talks? To end it? I remembered all too well what happened the last time we made an attempt at peace.
It hadn’t ended well for either side.
Long before the war started, angels and demons understood how important it was to keep the balance of light and dark in check. We were stronger when we worked together. The fighting against the natural order of our races was throwing all of us out of whack. Our strength would continue to wane the longer we were at odds.
“After today, I might be saying just that.” Kexan winced as he rolled his shoulder again. “Shall I summon one of the lords?”
“You better. We haven’t had a commander in our grasp for a long while. She could have some good intel.”
I walked around her slowly, taking in her dirty armor and the blood covering her hands and face. She bore no other markings, but a medallion rested on the ground by her face, the chain around her neck. I picked it up, smoothing my thumb over the surface. There was no power to it and wondered why she wore the trinket. I let it drop then hoisted her body upright.
One of the demons brought a rope and bound her hands behind her back. I patted her down for any more weapons but found none. I let her fall back to the ground, lying on her side.
Kexan’s eyes were shut, and a shimmer surrounded him, alerting me that he was in contact with someone down below.
I should’ve told him which lord not to tell, but it was too late now. I paced around the angel’s body, keeping an eye on her in case she suddenly came to and attempted to flee.
When Kexan’s eyes opened, he told me a lord would be here shortly.
“Good. Were you here to seal the rift, as well?”
“We were, but there’s not enough of us now.” Kexan walked with me to the ledge. “We can’t keep taking hits like this,” he said, his voice quiet. “Our numbers are down, and the damned simply keep coming. We’re not collecting their souls fast enough.”
I remembered I had a box of captured souls
with me and ordered another demon to retrieve the bag from the trees. “I snagged six today, but you’re right. It’ll never be enough. There are too many souls and too few of us.” As I turned back around, I glowered at the angel. “They brought this plague upon the earth, and have the gall to call us the monsters. The defilers.”
“There are rumors the lords are planning an outright attack against the Heavens.”
“Only rumors. An attack of that magnitude would take a force greater than what we can muster,” I told Kexan. “Besides, when was the last time all nine lords were in agreement on any plan of action?”
“Good point. Still, it gives hope to the troops.”
Hope. That was one feeling I hadn’t had in a long while. Hard to let myself believe this war could end peacefully without both sides obliterating the other and destroying what was left of humankind. The demon who brought over my bag set it at my feet. I checked to ensure it was still sealed. If the souls had escaped while I dealt with this commander angel, I’d be taking my anger out on her. I handed off the satchel to another demon to guard.
The angel stirred. She grunted as her eyes fluttered open. She sat up, tugging on her hands.
I crossed my arms and smirked. “You should stop before you hurt yourself.”
She stilled, and her eyes landed on me filled with defiance. She spat at my feet.
The demons shifted and growled, but if she was scared, she didn’t show it.
I had to give her credit for being so fearless. Stupid, too, definitely. She should’ve cut and run instead of trying to fight the entire troop.
I arched a brow at her insult. “Who are you?”
“Why would I tell you?” She glanced around as if calculating her chances of escaping.
I grabbed my dagger and crouched in front of her. “You try it, and you’ll regret it.”
“I’m sorry, is that supposed to frighten me?” She leaned in closer until our faces were hardly an inch apart. “I nearly killed every demon here. You think you and your tiny knife are going to make me talk?”
“Nearly,” I pointed out. “You nearly killed the demons here. Not all.”
“Untie my hands and let’s see who’s still standing,” she challenged.
“If you want to live, your best option is to answer my questions,” I said, ignoring her request. “A lord is on his way here. He won’t be as kind as I. You want pain, or you want to cooperate?” I pressed the tip of the dagger to her neck. There wasn’t even a flicker of fear in those eyes. The silver surrounding her irises was fascinating to watch, but then she blinked and sat back. “Nothing?”
“What do you think?”
“Fine, have it your way.” I stood and paced a few steps away.
The angel continued to twist her wrists and tug on the rope.
I turned to Kexan. “How long do we have to wait?”
He shrugged. “Hopefully not long. She’s just one angel, Mech. I think we can handle her.”
I raised my brow at his words.
“We can handle her now that she’s bound. She’s not going anywhere.”
The angel started laughing.
I glared. “Something amusing?”
“Mech? Is that really your name?”
I ground my teeth then sneered. “Tonamech is my full name.”
She laughed louder, but I could tell it was fake. If she believed she could get inside my head, she was going to be horribly disappointed.
“That makes it so much better.”
“You want to compare names? How about you tell me yours? Angelic names are always so sickening. Too many syllables, as if you all get bored up there and just throw random sounds together. Too heavenly as if you all truly believe you’re above the rest of us.”
“We are better than you.” Her words were filled with so much venom it had me growling. “You’re to blame for the state of the world, for the rifts, all of it. Your kind did this. Demons. We were created to protect humans, and if ever there was any doubt that you and your kind are evil, those doubts have long been erased. That’s all you are. An evil upon this earth that needs to be purged.”
Kexan stepped toward her, but I threw out my arm, blocking him.
“Mech,” he muttered.
“I’ll handle this.”
“Handle what?” she scoffed. “I’m right, and you know I’m right. You might’ve killed my brothers and sisters today, but more will come. They always will. We won’t give up this fight.”
I had her shoulders in my grasp in a blink and hauled her off the ground. I shook her as she shouted at me to let her go.
“How dare you blame this on us?” I snarled in her face. “We had nothing to do with this war.”
“And we did? It started in Hell. You and your kind brought it to the surface.”
I backhanded her as my anger erupted. “I have lost countless friends and family to a war you and your people started.”
She worked her jaw, turning back to face me.
“Perhaps you should have a conversation with your generals, ask them what really started the war. Angels are not without sin. You are not without sin. Your soul is far more stained than the souls I have to capture every damned day because you caused them to escape their prisons.”
“Us? How would we have done that? Why would we?” she argued, her voice barely above a whisper. “We did not cause Hell to erupt into chaos. We didn’t unleash these horrors upon the innocent.”
“Didn’t you?” I challenged. “You might be a commander, but you’re a fool. A damned blind fool.”
Her lips curled into a mocking grin. “Not as blind as you.”
I wasn’t sure what she meant until I spotted the subtle glow behind her. The rope burned away, and her hands pressed against my chest, filled with holy light. It should’ve blasted me away from her, but at the last second, I crushed her to my chest and drove us to the ground. I grunted as the light burned my chest, but she was trapped in my arms.
I rolled us over, pinning her to the dirt with my weight, captured her wrists, and slammed them down beside her head. She kicked and screamed furiously, but she’d used up the light.
“Stop,” I growled loudly in her face, and she stilled.
She stared up at me, and the rest of the world faded away to the background. The depth of emotion swirling in her eyes reached out and surrounded me. Her lips parted, and her brow furrowed.
I’d been face-to-face with plenty of angels in my time, but none of them drew me in as she did. It was like I knew her, somehow. and she knew me.
I saw the recognition in her face, followed immediately by confusion. This angel was not like the others. She might spew the same bullshit about our causing the war and angels being the righteous warriors, but there was a hint of rebelliousness on her face. Uncertainty, followed by an anger not directed at me, was the last emotion to surface when we were interrupted.
“Mech,” Kexan said behind me. “He’s coming.”
The moment was shattered. The angel blinked rapidly then her face screwed up in hatred.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” I warned, not sure why I didn’t want to see her hurt anymore.
“Go back to Hell.” Light pulsed at her hands, and as I yelled for her to stop, I was thrown back with a burst of holy light coming from her entire being. Wings expanded from her back, framing her body.
The silhouette had my jaw dropping in awe, unable to not see the beauty before me. The demons yelled, charging toward her. Her wings fluttered, creating a wind that blew them all back.
As she made to take to the skies, I grabbed my dagger and threw it.
The blade pierced her side.
She faltered, hitting the ground.
I lunged for her, but she was back in the sky, one hand clutched to her injured side.
I ran after her, waiting for the wound to take its toll, but she pumped her wings harder and disappeared into the clouds.
“Damn it.” Even as I cursed her getting away, guilt rose up out of no
where. Why should I feel guilty for wounding her? She killed plenty of our kind today and who knows how many before that. She was a commander, a leader in the army of angels. I should be celebrating and praying the wound would end her life.
Shoving the guilt aside, I hurried back to the others as a fiery portal stretched to its full size. Four demons stepped through, their black armor designating them as bodyguards. When the demon lord stepped out next, I had to fight the urge to curse some more.
“Lord Koreth,” I said as I crossed my arm over my chest and bowed.
“No need for that, Tonamech, where’s the angel commander?” Koreth stood a head taller than me with matching horns, skin tone, and tribal tattoos covering his arms and neck. They matched because he was my father.
“I’m afraid she’s no longer in our custody,” I informed him. “Regrettably, she has slipped away, but not before being wounded.”
Koreth clasped his hands behind his back. “I see.”
“Apologies for bringing you here.”
“No, I needed to come anyway. It would appear Kexan no longer has enough demons to seal this rift. I shall see your mission to its completion, Captain,” he said to Kexan.
Kexan bowed. “Yes, my lord.”
“As for you, my son,” Koreth said, turning to me. “You accomplished your mission?”
“I did. Six souls captured and ready to return to their place in Hell.”
“Hand them off to someone else. I want you to find this angel commander and bring her to me. Alive,” Koreth ordered. “If she has any information on the generals and their plans, we need to know.”
He was concerned. He might not look it to the other demons, but I knew my father well. There was a slight twitch to his eye, letting me know he was worried about something.
I tapped his arm and gently pulled him away. “Is there something I need to know?”
He breathed out heavily through his nose. “Not at the moment.”
“Father,” I said quietly.
“When I know more, I will tell you, but until then your duty is to find this angel. Understand? If she has any intel regarding Hadariel, we need it urgently.”