by Jana Oliver
She wanted the same as him – the chance to spend their last few hours together, as lovers would.
This time she took the lead, slowly removing his clothes, garment by garment. Every touch spoke of love and of sadness yet to experienced, of the potential for unthinkable loss.
Riley was not as experienced as most of the girls he’d been with, curiously awkward and shy, but that did not matter to him. She was claiming him as her own, and it humbled him. If this was their last day on earth, he could think of no better way to spend it than with the woman he loved.
‘Why did we waste so much time?’ he whispered as they lay in bed after the loving. ‘I think of all the nights we could have shared. Why was I so stubborn?’
‘We both were,’ Riley replied. ‘We were too scared of being hurt again.’
He fell silent for a few minutes, pondering his life and the twists and turns it’d made along the way. ‘I went to see Louisa and her husband before I left Sadlersville. While we were talkin’, her baby began to kick somethin’ fierce.’ He slid his hand on to Riley’s bare abdomen. ‘I was thinkin’ how it’d be if that was our baby and I could feel it right here under my hand. Feel the life we’d created.’
Riley’s eyes moistened. ‘Girl or boy?’
‘Doesn’t matter. If it’s a girl, we can name her after my gran. Her name was Emily Rose.’
‘Hmm . . . I like that. Maybe the boy could be Paul Arthur, like my dad.’
‘Yeah, that works. But that’s all down the line, isn’t it?’ It might never come to pass.
Her breath caught, and then in a swift motion she slid out of his arms and off the bed.
‘What’s wrong?’ he asked.
‘Nothing,’ she said softly, hunting for something in her pack. Once she returned to bed, Riley modestly tucked the sheet up to cover herself.
‘When I was in front of Lucifer, I held on to your ring. It was as if you were there with me and I didn’t feel so alone.’ She took a deep breath, like she was working up her courage. ‘There’s a lot of darkness coming our way, Den. I want you to have a little bit of light of your own.’
She offered him a small white box. Inside was a thick leather cord and, attached to the cord, a band of silver he knew so well.
‘It’s Paul’s wedding ring,’ he said, looking back up at her in amazement.
Riley touched it with fondness. ‘Your fingers are bigger than my dad’s, so I thought you could wear it around your neck instead.’
She had offered him one of her most prized possessions, just as he’d given her one of his. The gesture so touched his heart that speech failed him.
Beck set the box aside and slipped the cord over his head. Now the band rested on his chest, a reminder of a dear friend and the promise that one day it would be more than just Paul’s ring.
He gathered Riley into his arms and held her tight as the last of his defences crumbled and turned to dust.
Chapter Thirty-Two
People began to gather in the heart of Demon Central just after dark. In that way Atlanta was no different than any other town: they loved to see other folks making idiots of themselves. From what Beck could tell, the swelling crowd fell into three distinct camps: the cautious, the hecklers and the true believers.
He belonged with the first group, curious how one guy, in this case Reverand Lopez, was supposed to exorcise every single demon in the entire city at the same time. Just how would that happen? Where would they go?
‘What do you think about this?’ he asked, looking over at Jackson.
His fellow trapper shrugged. ‘Part of me would love to have it work. The other part of me is thinking about the mortgage payment I have due in a couple of weeks.’
Beck understood that. No demons meant no need for demon trappers.
They were in one of the largest open sections in the heart of Five Points. As usual, it was ringed with trash and dumpsters and scrap metal. Usually folks didn’t try to collect it, what with the Threes on the prowl, but tonight might be a different story. Strength in numbers and all that.
Lightweight fencing had been set up as a barricade to keep the crowd at bay. Inside the fence was the A-list crowd – a few local church leaders, someone from the mayor’s office and other dignitaries. They might think Reverend Lopez’s demon-exorcising plan was a load of crap, but if it worked they wanted to be the first to sing his praises in front of the news cameras.
Beck had already spied Justine, who would always be in the middle of anything that made news. They traded nods, but nothing more. Now, as he studied her, he realized she’d help him find a future with Riley, even if it was totally self-serving on her part. Not that he was going to thank her or anything.
A few off-duty cops milled around to keep the peace, and sprinkled among the crowd were most of the Atlanta Guild, at least those who weren’t recuperating from the Oakland battle. He spied Simon, Reynolds, McGuire, Remmers and a few of the others. Each had a weapon, usually a steel pipe or a sword wrapped in some sort of covering so as not to spook the locals.
Harper had definitely called in the big guns as well. Besides himself and Stewart, the magical folks were well represented. Mort stood next to the taller Ayden and they were laughing about something. Nearby was none other than Lord Ozymandias, clad in his black cloak and leaning on his staff. Though Beck detested the summoner for what he’d done to Paul, he was pleased they had serious magical back-up.
He saw Riley weaving her way towards him, and the unrestrained loving they’d shared this afternoon sang like a vibrant chord between them. He had put his soul on the line for her, but then she’d done the same for him and others.
As Riley moved closer to him, she paused near the magical users, collecting hugs from both Ayden and Mort. Beck could tell the moment she noticed Ozymandias – her body stiffened. The summoner inclined his head and then looked away.
She joined Beck a short time later. After greeting Jackson, she whispered, ‘What is Ozy doing here?’
‘Just watchin’ our backs in case Hell accepts this invitation.’
To distract her, he slipped his hand round her waist and dropped a kiss on her cheek. Her skin was unnaturally warm, though it hadn’t been that way this afternoon.
‘You OK?’ he asked, concerned.
A slight shake of the head. ‘It’s like I’ve got a fever. It started about an hour ago.’
Someone called out Riley’s name and she turned to find Peter walking towards her. Her friend wore a hundred-watt smile, like he’d won the lottery.
‘What are you doing here?’ she demanded.
He ignored her sharp tone. ‘I wanted to see the Demonland set and whatever this exorcist dude is up to. Thought it’d be fun. I met Blaze, can you believe it? She’s ah-mazing.’
‘That’s all great, Peter, but you should go home . . . now.’
‘What? Why?’ he asked, confused.
Before she could answer, a cheer went up as a man in a dark suit crossed the open space and climbed on to a makeshift stage. The demon exorcist had arrived.
It was the first time Riley had seen Reverend Lopez and she had to admit he cut a commanding figure. At a little over six feet tall, he wore a black suit, his dark hair was perfectly styled and in his hand was a worn Bible. Just his presence told her that if anyone could cast out demons this would be the guy to do it.
‘Atlanta!’ he called out. ‘Tonight I will save you from eternal damnation. I’m not here to negotiate with Hell. I’m here to kick Lucifer and his servants out of this city.’
There was a throaty cheer from some behind the fencing.
‘This sounds like a revival to me,’ Beck said.
The exorcist waved his hands to quiet the crowd’s enthusiasm.
‘Now I’ve heard that some of you think I’m crazy, but I’ll prove that Heaven can exist here on earth. But first let’s have a prayer.’
Riley bowed her head, not because the reverend had asked them to, but because it felt right. If Sartael and his
demons were on their way, this might be her last time to send a personal message to God. She doubted prayer was an option in Hell.
Please keep Beck safe. Let him have those kids he wants, even if they’re not with me. I’m lost, but he deserves a good life.
As if he knew what she was thinking, Beck’s hand tightened round her waist protectively.
The prayer ended and Lopez took a few steps closer to the crowd. ‘Are you ready to reclaim your city?’ he cried.
More cheering now. As he continued to raise the crowd’s enthusiasm to a fever pitch, Riley’s eyes moved to her fellow trappers, one by one. They were vigilant, not caught up in the moment. Simon’s bright blond hair was easy to spot where he stood next to Harper, a sheathed sword in his hand. When he saw her, he nodded in return.
‘By the power given to me by the Almighty himself,’ Lopez drawled, ‘I call forth all the Hellspawn in this city. Come forth, servants of darkness. Come forth and meet thy Holy Master –’
The earth shook, and though Lopez paled he kept exhorting the demons to come forth. The tremors ceased, causing many in the crowd to sigh in relief.
The time grows near, Ori whispered in her mind.
Riley’s body ignited in a flood of heat and she gasped at the sensation. The tattoo on her right palm began to pulsate, the call to battle. Very shortly the sword would appear, and the entire world would know her secret.
I summon you to my side, Riley Anora Blackthorne.
Shaking now, she tipped up on her toes and placed a lingering kiss on Beck’s lips.
‘I love you, Den,’ she said, touching his face with the back of her glowing hand. ‘Stay alive, you hear?’
‘You too. Let’s get this settled once and for all. I’ve had enough of this crap.’ As Beck reached to touch her, a tremor shot through her soul. Hellish voices roared in her ears, proclaiming war.
Sartael has been freed.
Before she had the chance to warn Peter, cries of shock came from around them as the crowd parted in panic. A lone figure strode forward through their midst, wings unfurled, sword blazing white hot in the night air.
Ori. The angel was definitely out of the closet.
When the tingle in her fingers became an inferno, Riley didn’t bother to look down. Her sword was fully formed now.
‘What the heck is—’ Peter began
‘Go home. Go be with your family.’
He blinked. ‘End of the world stuff, again?’ he moaned.
‘Yeah. I love you. Keep yourself safe, OK?’
Before she could stop him, he gave her a hug, then stepped back. ‘Same to you,’ he said solemnly.
Riley strode through the crowd to join up with the angel. Though she had no wings, the fiery sword in her hand told the story to those who understood: Ori was her demi-lord and she was in Hell’s yoke.
As she passed Simon, she caught his expression, a mix of awe and immense sadness.
You were right about me, but for the wrong reasons.
When she and Ori took positions in front of the stage, Lopez stammered to a halt, caught by the sight of the winged warrior and his young female apprentice.
‘Who are you?’ he demanded.
‘I am Ori, the Prince’s chief executioner,’ Ori replied in a voice that had to have carried to the ends of the earth.
‘Have you come to kill me?’
‘You are not my enemy,’ the angel replied.
The air around them grew volatile, explosive. When a jagged spear of lightning impacted a nearby building, throwing sparks high into the night, the crowd reacted with shrieks, and the air filled with the sound of running footsteps.
Ori raised his eyes to the heavens. ‘Sartael is nigh.’ He turned and gazed over a shoulder, his eyes locking on Beck. ‘Remember your promise, trapper.’
Her boyfriend nodded grimly.
‘What promise?’ Riley asked. ‘What did you—’
A near deafening boom shattered the air above them, causing her to jump in startled surprise. Just like at the cemetery, their enemy descended to the ground clad in his simple black monk’s robe, his grey wings flapping noiselessly. There was no evidence of the wounds Sartael had sustained in Hell, and his clothes were intact.
‘It’s the Devil!’ someone shouted.
No, but just about as bad.
Ori’s blade dipped downward as if he was acknowledging a superior. Sartael noted the gesture, his eyes glowing with an unnatural light.
‘We meet again, old friend.’ Sartael’s feet lightly touched the earth. His attention moved to Riley. ‘What is this? How does she wield the Divine fire?’
‘What do you offer in exchange for my allegiance?’ Ori asked, ignoring his question.
‘What do you wish?’
‘Death. I wish the respite that nothingness will bring. And the promise of safety for the soul I hold.’
Sartael’s eyebrow rose. ‘If you serve me, I shall allow you to die. In fact, I will ensure you do so.’
‘What of Riley Anora Blackthorne?’ Ori asked.
Sartael’s attention moved to her and Riley shivered at the madness in his blue eyes.
‘I will hold her safe,’ Lucifer’s enemy promised.
He’s lying. He will put us both in chains and you know it.
There was a sigh in her mind. Yes, he will.
‘I detest my master’s endless schemes,’ Ori said, his voice louder now. ‘But he is not you, Sartael.’
For a moment their rival appeared confused about whether this was praise or not.
‘Swear your allegiance, Ori, and that of the mortal soul you hold, and I shall free you. Lucifer’s reign is ending. Even now, in Hell, my demons are cutting through his forces. Join with me. Rule with me. We shall challenge Heaven and retake what is ours. Then you shall regain that peace you so desire.’ Sartael’s eyes were still on Riley, though, and they made her skin crawl.
Her angel gave her a quick glance. ‘Yes, Sartael, I shall join you . . . in the nothingness. I hate Lucifer for denying me final death, but you are a traitor to our master and I will not allow you to destroy this city or those in my care.’
I will not permit him to harm you, Riley Anora Blackthorne. You are the closest to Heaven I shall ever be, now that I am Fallen.
It took Sartael a moment to comprehend that once again Ori wasn’t going to play the game.
He reared back, furious. ‘You’ve always been willing to lick Lucifer’s boots. I will devour your heart after I rip it from your chest. And I will do worse to the soul you hold, for her father betrayed me.’
Remember what I taught you, Riley.
I will, angel. Good hunting.
‘Shall we, old friend?’ Ori said, raising his sword.
The Divines’ swords clashed on impact as they rose into the air to fight one last time. Riley backed off, knowing this really wasn’t her battle. Tense, she swept the scene, looking for threats: the mad archangel never did anything without back-up.
Beck and the other trappers were also on the alert. He caught her eye and nodded.
I love you too.
The reverend kept intoning Bible verses, not quite comprehending that this war had little to do with Heaven. Standing near him was one of the cameramen from the Demonland crew, filming for all he was worth.
That’s just what we need.
‘Heads up, lads,’ Stewart called out.
Grade Three demons poured over the crumbled walls in a solid wave. Riley froze, then she forced herself to shake off the fear. No matter how she looked at it, she was dead one way or another and that macabre reality gave her courage. Some of it was bravado, but it felt right, so Riley made it her own. It was either that or totally freak out.
As she moved forward to challenge one of the Threes, the ground near Lopez began to heave in rolling waves. After a final prayer, he ran for it, and not a moment too soon. Out of the broken earth rose a towering figure, a Geo-Fiend, seven feet of unbridled menace, topped by a bull’s head. Its blazing red eyes w
ent directly to Riley.
‘Blackthorne’s daughter!’ it cried.
Here we go again . . .
It was the shorter figures clustered around the Five that were the really bad news. Riley did a quick head count: nine Archfiends, in all their evil glory. That was three times the number they’d had to face in the cemetery, and this time there were no demon hunters to help them.
A figure in a swirling black cloak stepped forward as magic burst from the tip of his upraised staff and encompassed the closest Archfiend. The demon burst apart in brilliant curls of flame.
‘Go, Ozy!’ she cried. That totally rocks.
The Five roared its fury, but it didn’t move, allowing the Archfiends to break ranks and flank the necromancer. Ozymandias might be the most powerful summoner in the city, but there was no way he could take down eight of these fiends at once.
Beck was next to her now, his blade unsheathed. ‘Looks like Ozy needs our help,’ she said. The same necro who had stolen her father away from her.
‘This is really bites, you know?’ Beck replied.
‘Same here.’
They took off at a run.
Chapter Thirty-Three
As Beck made for the Archfiend furthest to the left, Riley veered to the right, making sure to give the necro and his magic as much room as possible. The fiend she chose was a smaller one, but just as vicious as any of its kind. Its three pairs of blood-red eyes glared at her from a domed skull and the four sickle-shaped teeth had been sharpened to needle points. With a furious flap of its wings, it leapt into the air above her, its smoking sword aimed to decapitate her.
As Ori had taught her, she dropped and rolled out of the way of the blade, then spun and cut at the closest wing. On the first pass she missed the demon entirely and the fiend chided her.
‘I will drink your blood this night,’ it crowed.
The second dive brought it closer, as if it’d decided she was no serious threat. One of the wing-tip claws caught the back of her jacket, ripping it.