by Ciara Graves
A hand fell on my shoulder. “He going to make it?”
I leaned back into Mech’s chest and shrugged. “Not sure yet.”
“At least he was able to convince more angels to join us.”
“Yeah, but if he had the information we have now about the device and what Hadariel’s doing, he might’ve turned the rest of them.”
Mech said nothing, but his presence was comfort enough. We stood watching the two healers work until finally they turned to us and smiled. Nathaniel was going to live.
I exited the infirmary with Mech and took a couple of deep breaths of fresh air. Or fresher at least. Would there ever be a time when the air would be clean? Or we’d get to see the sun? A clear, blue sky was a dream. A dark cloud settled over me as it hit me. I wasn’t going to survive this war. Not as a mortal. Somewhere along the way, I was going to die and leave Mech alone.
“You alright?”
I let out one more shaky breath then nodded. “Yeah, have to be, right?”
“Lela,” he said with a scowl.
“I’m good. We need to talk to the scouts.” I walked away, not giving him a chance to ask me anything else. I’d keep my darkening thoughts to myself, buried away where they belonged.
The moment we stepped inside Town Hall, everyone fell silent. The angels had crowded inside. Kexan and Bobby stood at the front, probably trying to explain our current situation here in Dakota. The angels parted for me and Mech, a few whispering to each other as they watched me make my way to the center of the room. The angels’ mutterings started to get on my nerves. I held up a hand.
“Yeah, I’m alive. I don’t know what Hadariel told everyone, but I’m alive. Remiel’s here, too.”
“And what about Nathaniel? Is he going to live?” another angel asked.
I nodded. “He’ll pull through. As will the others. I’m sure you’d like some answers. If you want to find seats or stand, whatever, we’ll tell you everything we can, starting at the beginning.”
Damn, this was going to be a longer day than I thought.
The beginning. That’s where I said I’d start, but I wasn’t even sure I knew where that was. The urge to bolt out the door was so strong I took a couple of steps that direction. Just as I stopped, a sense of calm grew inside me that was not from me. I looked over my shoulder at Mech. His face was set, but his eyes spoke of hope for a future where we weren’t running for our lives daily. How he managed to stay this positive after nearly dying left me fumbling for words.
“Right,” I said, then coughed to buy a few more seconds. Everyone settled down and waited for me to get on with it. “Here we go.”
I jerked upright as a hand touched my back. The back of my head smashed into someone’s face. He growled and staggered backward.
“Damn it,” Mech mumbled sounding muffled.
I held the back of my head, rubbing the sore spot with a grimace. “Sorry. How’s your face?”
He rubbed his nose, then stretched his face as I laughed quietly. “I’ll live.” He chuckled, then bent down and kissed the top of my head. “Come on, time to get you to bed.”
“Not tired.”
His brow arched. “You fell asleep at the table. You’re tired. Let’s go.”
I grumbled as he hauled me out of the chair. My ass was numb, and my legs were stiff. I yawned, and he gave me a haughty look.
“Alright, I’m tired. Guess I could stand a few hours of sleep.”
The talk with the angels had gone better than expected. There’d been yelling, but none of it was directed at me or the demons. Most were in sheer confusion and panic that someone we had all trusted for so long with our lives would go so far as to sacrifice his own for the sake of evil. When the room had fallen completely silent, Mech had stepped in for me. He assured them the demon lords were working on a plan to stop Hadariel and Zeraxin, but we needed them on board. Without their added numbers, we’d be dead. He gave rousing speeches a hell of a lot better than I did. Once the angels agreed to fight alongside us, they’d left. Then the two demon scouts came to give their report.
We’d sent out eight, but these were the only ones that made it back. I was glad they’d waited until the angels left to come forward.
“Where are the others?” I had asked quietly.
Kexan and Bobby went to close the doors to give us some privacy. If the scouts were going to give us shitty news, no use in anyone overhearing it until it was necessary.
“Dead. We found their bodies,” Helen said, her face pinched in anger.
“Abominations, judging from the stench left behind,” Freddie added. “We’re not sure how they found them, but all four bodies were together.”
“Were you able to get close at all?”
They nodded. “But the army is slowing its approach,” Helen told me.
“How far out are they?” I asked as I went to the table and opened the map of the terrain. Its soft, blue glow lit our faces as we circled around. I shifted until the mass of black appeared. If they’d kept their current speed, they’d be much closer. Why would they slow down? “Is this accurate?”
Helen and Freddie squinted then bowed. “Honestly, it was almost like they were looking for a place to make an encampment.”
“Setting up a new home base to lay siege to Dakota maybe?” Mech suggested. “But if their numbers are that great, why not just attack us full-out?”
“Could be waiting for orders from Hadariel,” Kexan said. “He’s still technically in charge.”
“Yeah, but I’m not sure for how much longer. They didn’t seem too happy together. Whatever the reason, I want eyes on them at all times. For all we know, they can manipulate this map. If they’re going to appear on our doorstep, I want to know. Find some volunteers,” I ordered Helen and Freddie. “And if you two are willing, go back out with them.”
“Whatever is necessary, Commander Lela.” They turned and left, leaving the four of us to stare at our doom. Which had suddenly felt the need to slow its approach. The closer I looked, the more I realized it wasn’t moving at all. They had stopped. Why would they stop?
I’d sat down at the table to try and understand what Zeraxin and Hadariel might be plotting. I hadn’t expected to fall asleep here. It was dark outside the windows, but that could just mean a storm had rolled in.
“How long was I out?” I asked Mech.
“Not long enough to count as sleep, so don’t even try. And before you ask, six more scouts have gone out. Helen and Freddie are going to join them in a couple of hours.” I opened my mouth to ask more questions, but he placed his fingers over my lips. “Nathaniel is doing well. As are all the other angels. And no, we have no idea why Zeraxin would stop. But that is a matter for tomorrow. Did I cover everything?”
I started to talk, but my words were blocked by his fingers. I planted my hands on my hips and waited.
He slowly pulled his hand away. “I’m sorry, what?”
“I need to talk to Muz and Gath today, so I can keep working on the—”
His hand was back over my mouth, cutting me off. “I’m sorry, I thought you said you were going to go do something instead of going to bed. Is that what you were doing?”
I tried to say this couldn’t wait, but once again, anything I said only sounded like muttering behind his hand. I rolled my eyes and shoved at his hand. His strength had fully returned though, and he hardly moved.
“Tomorrow, Lela. You can talk to them about everything tomorrow. Deal?”
The temptation to keep arguing was strong, but behind the amusement on his face was worry. It had etched new lines into his forehead and at the corners of his eyes. Mech no longer seemed like merely the son of a demon lord anymore. His cares and fears had finally caught up with him, as had his responsibility to every living soul left on the surface and in Hell. A lot of his worry stemmed from my being mortal. His eyes narrowed at the bags beneath mine and the bruises that had yet to fade from around my neck. I’d been able to walk without a limp today, but my ca
lf was starting to throb.
I nodded, and Mech lowered his hand. I wrapped my arm around his and leaned into him as we made for the door and left Town Hall behind. It was definitely night, but there was a storm on the horizon. Lightning lit the sky, and the soft patter of rain hit the dirt. But it was just rain. The weather wasn’t enough to deter anyone from being outside and socializing. There was a different commotion tonight as the angels Nathaniel brought to Dakota mingled with the demons and humans. There was talking and laughing. Drinks were being passed around.
The sight of reinforcements certainly helped bolster everyone’s spirits. We’d been going nonstop since we brought Mech and the other survivors back from Blood Falls. I hadn’t realized until now that there’d been no slowing down. Mech guided us toward our apartment, and we climbed the steps as I stifled another yawn.
Once inside, Mech stepped behind me and tugged on the band holding my hair in a bun. It cascaded over my shoulders, and he ran his fingers through it, massaging my scalp. I sighed, falling into him with a sleepy smile.
“And you said you weren’t tired,” he murmured, then kissed the top of my head.
“Not. Wide awake,” I replied as my eyes slipped closed.
“Sure you are.”
“I am. Totally, completely awake,” I mumbled, fighting back another yawn that made my jaw crack.
He scooted me along, turned me around, and sat me down on the edge of the bed. He unlaced then tugged off my boots and pulled back the blankets.
“Really, Mech, I don’t want to sleep.” I forced my eyes to open wide and beamed. “See?”
“How about we just lay here for a bit and talk? And if you are still awake after a little while, we can go join the others.”
He climbed into bed behind me and bundled me up in his arms. I’d slept last night, but only for a few hours. We’d been a bit preoccupied with assuring the other one that we’d survived another day. I planned on enjoying every second I could with Mech and meant to roll over and tell him that. The beat of his heart against my back was comforting, and I told myself I’d do it in a minute. I shifted closer to him and smiled when his quiet growl surrounded me. I’d missed hearing that this past week. But I was going to stay awake. Didn’t want to miss anything…
I sniffed the air. Coffee. Why was I smelling coffee? My face was in the pillow, and when I lifted it, was greeted by the half-grinning face of Bobby. I dragged the pillow back over my head as he laughed and shuffled away.
“Yeah, she’s awake,” he commented.
“Five more minutes,” I grumbled.
Then someone was tugging the pillow away.
“Lela, you might want to get up now,” Mech said, sounding amused as he tugged on the pillow.
I buried my face in it and clutched it with both hands.
“Or you can sleep another day. That’s fine, too.”
“Day? Did you just say day?” I snapped as I shot upright and nearly clocked him in the face a second time with the back of my head. “What time is it?”
“About half-past nine.”
“In the morning?”
Mech glanced toward the window. “Sure, we can call it morning.”
I followed his gaze and tripped getting out of bed, taking the blankets with me. “At night? Why didn’t you wake me up?” I angrily kicked the blankets away and scrambled for my boots. “I can’t sleep this long. What if something happens?”
He grabbed my boots out of my hands and held them behind his back. “Nothing happened, actually. Nothing at all. The enemy hasn’t moved, the scouts haven’t come back, and no one died. That just proved my point.”
“What point is that?” I asked as I lunged around him, but he easily side-stepped me.
“That you can take care of yourself and be Commander Lela without the world ending.”
I stopped attempting to get around him. Not that I wanted to admit it, but I felt rested. My mind was clear, and I wasn’t ready to fall over and crash. My stomach rumbled, and Mech’s lips stretched into a grin.
“Alright, fine, sleeping was nice,” I finally said. I sniffed the air again. Coffee sounded great. “You didn’t happen to cook breakfast or anything, did you?” I asked with a sheepish grin.
“I’m so glad you asked. Bobby was able to find ingredients to make some pancakes.”
I followed Mech to the kitchen, sniffing the air as I went. The strong, sweet smell of syrup hit my nose, followed by the aroma of meat. Sausage sat on a plate, still steaming. I made a plate as Mech poured me a mug of coffee. I was three pancakes in when I paused long enough to glance up. Bobby was laughing, and Mech looked torn between joining him and wanting to kiss me. After he kicked the zombie out of course.
“What?” I asked through a mouthful of food.
“Nice to see you eat, that’s all, without it being a fight.”
“Shit, I haven’t even seen her eat that much,” Bobby said with a wink of his good eye.
I drained my entire mug of coffee, and this time when I picked up my boots, Mech let me put them on. “You sure nothing happened while I was out? Nothing you’re conveniently hiding from me? I’d like to be prepared before I walk out that door.”
I started to put on my boots when caught the look they exchanged.
“I knew it,” I yelled and dropped my boots with a thud. “What is it?”
“It’s not bad,” Bobby said quickly. “Muz and Gath might’ve had a breakthrough. With Remiel’s help. And a few other angels.”
“The shields. Did they get them to work?”
“Not yet, but during their experimenting, Remiel was able to use Gath’s hellfire. It was only for a few seconds,” Mech added in a rush when I grinned, “but it was definitely a sight.”
“Interesting. Are they still working on them?”
“No, had to take a break. Muz and Gath are back in Hell with Ilran so they can recharge. Anok and Thol are here now. They’ve brought two more batches of troops with them.”
An angel used hellfire. One who didn’t even have his wings anymore. Remiel wasn’t as bad off as I was, but there was no stopping my imagination from running away with me. If he could tap into a demon’s hellfire, was there a chance I could use Mech’s and not be completely powerless?
Mech cleared his throat.
“What? Stop staring at me like that,” I said as I slipped on my boots then laced them up.
“Hard not to when you’ve got that look on your face.”
“What look?” Bobby asked.
“Nothing. Tonamech is just about to overreact.”
Mech’s biceps bulged as his hands fisted at his sides. “Woman, don’t even start with me. We haven’t left the apartment yet. I’m allowed.”
“I’m not thinking anything bad.”
“No, you’re just plotting your first move if you’re able to use my hellfire. I can tell you right now, you are not leaving Dakota to after Zeraxin.”
“Did I say that? Pretty sure those words didn’t leave my mouth,” I argued.
“So you weren’t just thinking it?”
I pushed my tongue against my cheek, knowing full well he wouldn’t buy any lie I told him. “Would it be so terrible? They’re not moving right now, remember? We could sneak in, blow his ass up, then sneak out. No one would know.”
Mech’s lip twitched. “No, Lela.”
“Oh, come on,” I started, but he stormed for the door. “Really? You’re just going to walk away?”
“Yeah, I am.”
“I see nothing wrong with this plan,” I yelled after him, leaving Bobby behind. “Think about it. If I can use your hellfire, then we can knock him out for good. Don’t you want him dead?”
He whirled around in the middle of the stairs, putting us at the same height. His raised brow said that was exactly what he wanted, Zeraxin gone from this world, but it warred with the fear growing in his eyes.
“You have to stop believing I’m going to die every time I leave the compound.”
His gaze
shifted to my bruised neck. “Yeah, kind of hard to do that when every time one of us does, we almost don’t come back.”
“Comes with the territory.”
“If you’re trying to make me feel better, you’re failing miserably.”
“I’ll be really, really careful,” I said with a grin.
“That’s just making it worse.”
I groaned as I grabbed his shoulders. “Look, you and I both know the best way to end this madness is to take out either Hadariel or Zeraxin. All I’m saying,” I went on, clapping my hand over his mouth—turnabout’s fair play—to stop his protests, “is that if it’s possible for me to use hellfire, or you to use holy light then we should consider going after Zeraxin alone. Spare a few more lives.”
His brow furrowed and the worry lines on his face deepened. He kissed my palm then took my hand in his. “I’ll consider it, but that’s all I’m doing right now. No running off to try and do it alone, got it? If we’re going to do this, we’re doing it together.”
“I can agree with that.”
“Good. Now, let’s go find Remiel. He said he wanted to talk with you whenever you woke from your beauty sleep.” He winked, then went downstairs.
“Beauty sleep,” I mumbled as I followed. “Only because you didn’t wake me up.”
Our bantering fell quiet as we walked through Dakota. Unlike last night, it was silent. The atmosphere had shifted, and the air was heavy with worry. The army had stopped its advance, but that was more troublesome than if it was still coming for us. Until the scouts returned, there was no way to know what was going on. We were blind. I noticed added patrols in the streets. As well as atop the wall and in the watchtowers. More were stationed on the rooftops, their eyes on the dark clouds moving in. Another storm. Lightning cracked. I jumped as the thunder that followed.
All in Dakota seemed to be holding their breath. I reached behind me, but the shotgun was absent. Mech shifted closer as if sensing my unease. Remiel was in one of the buildings that had been divided into living quarters. His room was on the top floor with access to the roof. He requested the space, saying something about being able to keep an eye on the skies. I wasn’t sure what he hoped to see. There hadn’t been a clear night in years.