Ascension of Evil (Battle for Souls Book 3)

by Ciara Knight

  His wicked grin shot a piercing anger through her, and she shuddered. “Alex,” she breathed. She couldn’t remain that close to him with such intense emotions or she could set the tent on fire.

  “Sorry,” he mumbled. She sensed his desire to kill Forras subside to a miniscule need to punch him, and couldn’t help but snicker.

  “I hate to disappoint you,” Herak said from the tent opening, “but I don’t—”

  “Don’t try it. I saw you. In my vision. You know where the angelic warriors are and why they haven’t joined us.”

  Herak remained still, his face expressionless.

  Gabby opened and closed her fists while analyzing every facial muscle on Herak, but he gave nothing away. “It’s the angel that betrayed us, he’s somehow manipulated the angels not to help us, hasn’t he? He’s the one who’s made a deal with Satan this time.”

  Grace leaned against the back of a chair, her body hunched over. “Gabby, what you speak of is treason in the highest form. You can’t make such an accusation lightly.”

  “Maybe you are mistaken, or your vision was some sort of anxiety brought on by all the fighting,” Herak offered.

  “My visions are never wrong. Sometimes they’re left open for interpretation, but they’re always accurate.”

  Sammy nodded. “This is true.”

  Grace shook her head. “What did you do, Herak?”

  “Nothing. Gabby is the one who made a deal with Satan, not me. I was locked on that island for millennia, remember?”

  Boon crossed his arms over his chest. “That was after the Chosen One fell.”

  Herak scrunched his nose and the corner of his mouth lifted. “Before that I was still being detained in battle with you.”

  Her dad swayed and grabbed the side of the box to stay upright.

  “Sammy, would you take my dad outside for some fresh air?”

  “I’m fine, Gabby,” he reassured her. “Don’t worry about me.”

  “Dad, I can’t concentrate if I’m worrying about you. Please, go take a break. It’s been a long day for you.”

  “It’s been a long day for all of us.”

  “I know, but you need your rest. You’re not only battling external demons, but internal ones as well. That’s got to be exhausting.”

  Sammy took his elbow and led him to the exit. “Let’s go find some food.” She gave Boon a nod.

  Alexander sat and gestured for Gabby to sit on his lap. She worried it would weaken how the general saw her, but the second his warmth curled around her soul, she didn’t care. She needed his contact. He ran his hands down her bare arms and soothed the anxiety of it all away.

  “Now that we’re finally all together, we need to figure a few things out. If Satan’s plan is to attack in one big battle this time, while keeping us preoccupied with the hounds, how long do we have?”

  Grace shrugged and Boon’s brow furrowed.

  “Here. Look at these.” General Beck touched a tablet screen and maps appeared. He scrolled through a few then stopped. “See this? It was taken last year.” He pressed his finger to a map then flicked it to the right. “And this was six months ago.” Another swish of his finger. “Three months ago. And finally, a month ago. Do you see the pattern growth? Those are the rifts opening around the world. Now, does anyone know how many rifts opened during the first war?”

  They all looked to Herak who raked his teeth over his bottom lip. After a moment, he said, “About sixty. Some merged, making one big gaping hole.”

  General Beck swiped his finger across the tablet screen. “Okay, there was one last year, three six months ago, six three months ago, and there were twelve three weeks ago. Newest heat signatures show that as of a few days ago, there were twenty-four. I’d say we have less than a week before Satan unleashes his army and slaughters us all. In the meantime, I’ll keep patrols out to monitor the hounds.”

  “I’m almost impressed,” Forras drawled. “Satan plans on totally destroying Earth in five days.”

  “Why not before? I mean, if the warrior angels aren’t here.” Gabby wasn’t sure she wanted the answer, but if there was a way to slow him down further, she’d take it.

  “Like the man said, that’s when the rifts will be completely open.”

  Boon cleared his throat. “He won’t take the chance that angels will arrive before all his demons are assembled on Earth.”

  “General, do the men know where the rift is here in Kemp?” Gabby asked.

  “Yes, ma’am. They’re guarding it now.”

  “Good. I need you to send as much fire power as you can to stall that rift.”

  He gave her an approving nod. “I’ll give the order.” Then he marched from the tent.

  “Okay, we need to figure out where the warrior angels are, why they’ve forsaken us, and make a plan to be ready in a week. Sounds doable to me.” Gabby struggled to keep the doubt from her voice. If she didn’t believe it, no one else would, and right now, she needed them all to believe they had a chance. Herak remained quiet, standing near Grace. “You need to start talking.”

  Herak shook his head. “I don’t know who the angel was.”

  Grace gasped. “You mean an angel really was involved?”

  “No, I don’t know who or what it was.” Herak held his hands up in defense. “All I know is that a voice entered my head those final days of the war.”

  “What did it say?” Grace asked.

  “That if I made the Chosen One believe the only way to win the war was to surrender to Satan then I’d have a chance to earn my right back to Heaven someday.”

  “You should have told us.” Boon clenched his fists. “This changes everything.”

  “Wait,” Gabby said, holding up her hand. “So you heard a voice but never connected with it or saw any indication that it was an angel and not a demon.”

  “A demon would have shown himself to me. Only an angel would remain in hiding.” His words sent nervous energy through her body.

  A familiar, steady wind beat against the large tent. The brewing storm was almost soothing after living in Kemp for so long. Or maybe Alexander was soothing her. Either way she welcomed it.

  Alexander tightened his arms around her, and she leaned into him. The calm helped clear her head so she could think. She turned her attention to Forras. “You’ve been connected to the underworld for decades. What business does Satan have with an angel?”

  Forras shook his head. “Don’t know. If you want to find out, I know how. Time for you to pay up.”

  Alexander stiffened and his rage flew over her soul.

  She gasped. “Alex, please.”

  “Sorry.” He released his death grip from her and leaned back.

  She stood up and faced the others. “Okay, clear the room.”

  Alexander shot up, nearly knocking her over. “No, you’re not going to be alone with him. If you don’t want me in here, fine, but someone stays.”

  She sighed. “Boon. Grace. I’d like you both to stay. Grace, I’ll need your healing if things go crazy. Boon, I can trust you’ll take care of Forras if he gets out of line?”

  Boon stepped forward. “My pleasure.”

  “Alexander, stay with Herak and keep an eye on him. I’m not done with him yet.”

  “Be careful,” he whispered in her ear before he clutched Herak’s arm and yanked him out of the tent.

  Forras winked. “Let’s get busy.”

  Boon slammed a chair down behind the table. “Sit.”

  Gabby remained on the other side of the table.

  Forras’s face darkened. “That’s not what you promised. You said I’d get to be with Charlotte, not sit across the table from her.”

  “I leave that up to her. I’m not sure you’ve earned the right to touch her again.” She looked up at Grace. “You ready?”

  She gave a reassuring smile. “I wish I could do this for you, but you’re the Chosen One. I’m here for you, though.”

  “Okay, I’m not sure how it happened last ti
me, so I’m just going to open my mind and see who joins us.”

  “Are you sure that’s wise?” Boon asked.

  “Don’t worry. I’m sure Grace can pull me out if something demonic tries to drill its way in.”

  Gabby closed her eyes. The steady rhythm of everyone’s breath, mixed with the beat of the tent’s flap waving in the wind, lulled her mind. Her focus blurred into a sea of color. She could feel several souls rummaging for a space in her vision, but one grew stronger. Charlotte?

  Yes, we don’t have long. The one who condemns betrays many.

  What do you mean?

  “Is she here?” Forras asked anxiously.

  “Yes, I’m here.”

  Her lips moved, but it was Charlotte’s voice. “You made the right choice.”

  “What do I have to do to be with you again?”

  “You should concentrate on doing the right thing, not on when we’ll be together again.

  There are no guarantees. But if Satan rules Earth, Heaven will close, separating us for eternity.” Forras growled. “Will we ever have peace?”

  Gabby caught a glimpse of his longing for a simpler, quieter life. No fighting or world domination, just a place to live without all the drama. “There is still good in you, I can feel it.” This time Gabby heard her own voice.

  Forras shoved the chair back. “No. It’s my time with Charlotte.”

  Gabby pulled back and let Charlotte shine through once again. “It’s okay. I’m here. I’d love to walk hand-in-hand on the beach again, too. Swim in the cool ocean and watch the stars glisten, but none of that is possible without sealing the rift and saving mankind.”

  A wave of determination swept over Gabby. Charlotte warmed with happiness. “I knew there was still good in you,” she said, her voice fading.

  Forras grabbed her arms, pinching her skin tight between his fingers. “No. Don’t leave me.” His emotions rolled over her like a tsunami, smashing into her repeatedly until it left her breathless.

  Charlotte drained from her body and disappeared.

  “Enough!” Boon yelled and Forras was ripped away.

  Gabby doubled over.

  “Shh, child. It’s all okay now,” Grace reassured her. “Boon, I’m going to take her to Alexander.”

  Gabby blinked at them both, too tired to form words. Angel or no angel, it had been over twenty-four hours since she slept. Her human body needed rest.

  “Alexander is meant to heal your soul,” Grace said. “That’s why he was placed here on Earth. To heal wounded soldiers and to keep you emotionally stable. You feel the cries of all the fallen, while he feels the pain. Neither of you are whole without the other. Now, come. You need to rest.”

  “Let me through or I’ll make my own hole in this tent,” Alexander hollered.

  “Send him in,” Boon called.

  Alexander stormed in and froze. “What did he do? You look so pale and weak.”

  Gabby tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t flow. Alexander’s right arm slipped behind her legs while his left supported her back as he scooped her into his arms. Her head rolled and thudded against his chest.

  “W-wait,” she managed. “I know who the angel is.”

  “Hush. Not now, child. You can’t risk making such an accusation unless you are sure,” Grace warned.

  Gabby spun in the air at a dizzying speed as Alexander turned back to Grace. “Why?”

  “Because a false accusation made against an angel in Heaven is punishable by eternity in Hell.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Gabby fell limp in Alexander’s arms while a pimple-faced guard led him to a tent at the center of the compound.

  “General ordered you two to stay here. Doesn’t want you being attacked by hounds.” The boy couldn’t quite hide his scorn. “Says you’re too important to go out like that.”

  They entered the small canvas tent and the hunter disappeared. Only the glow of a lantern illuminated the interior. Two cots with thin blankets and pillows lined the back and right wall. He shuffled over and lowered her to one. He fluffed the pillow beneath her head and covered her with the blanket.

  Men laughed, cheered, and argued outside. Metal clanked and an owl hooted. It was hard to believe in another few days Earth, as they knew it could cease to be. He crawled up from the foot of the cot and took Gabby into his arms. His body instantly responded with warm desire. If all he did for the next century was to hold her, he’d be happy. The thought of losing her again crippled him. Tears stung his eyes with the knowledge they could be separated at the end of this war.

  What if she returned to Heaven and he was stuck here for eternity? Or worse, if one of them fell? Were they only connected for the sake of fighting a war, or did their bond mean more?

  He pressed his lips to her head. If only he could do more.

  You do more than enough already.

  “You’re awake?”

  “Not completely. Close your eyes and fall asleep next to me.”

  Alexander rested his head against Gabby’s and tried to relax. It seemed strange to be sleeping when world domination was less than a few days away. They still had so much to do, how could they waste time sleeping?

  He closed his eyes and pulled her tight against him, his body molding into hers as if they were two parts made to lock together. Certainly, Heaven wouldn’t separate them again.

  His body floated and the world evaporated away. The only thing he could feel, touch, or smell was Gabby. She moaned by his side, and he sensed her pain. Too many souls were clawing at her for attention. She’d barely touched the surface of what was yet to come. Was that what made her betray everyone and make a deal with Satan last time? Still, she’d done it to stop the war, but this time she wouldn’t chance being torn apart again.

  They needed to find out who had betrayed them, where the angelic warriors were, and work on a way to seal those rifts, cutting off the underworld for good.

  Shhh.

  Alexander could feel his lips tug into a smile. Life was good as long as he was touching Gabby. Nothing could ruin his good mood now.

  Appius. He’s the one who betrayed us.

  Every muscle in his body tensed. Could she be right? He’d already figured out something wasn’t right about when he and Sammy had fallen. He was certain Appius had lied to them both and angels didn’t lie. I think you’re right, but don’t say it out loud.

  I’m glad you believe me, Gabby’s words whispered soft in his mind.

  I’ve never doubted you about anything.

  I love you for that. She lifted her face and kissed him. Still, we need to keep this to ourselves for now.

  Alexander brushed the hair from her face and cupped her cheek in his hand. I agree. We need more evidence first. If we falsely accuse him, we’ll be sent straight to Hell. I won’t chance it.

  Gabby turned her head and kissed his palm. I’ll find out from Grace what I should do once we have proof. I think we should be cautious until the day of reckoning has arrived.

  Agreed.

  Alex?

  Yes?

  I know we can’t soulbond the way Sammy and Boon have, but if only for a few minutes, can you connect with me the way you did back in my room last year? I know it sounds selfish with the war and all, but tonight could be our last night together.

  “Shh.” Alexander brushed his thumb down her jaw line and kissed her cheek. “Don’t say that.”

  “We both know it could be true. Tomorrow might be it.” Gabby rested her hand on his hip. We don’t know for sure if the general’s speculation is true. Satan could be manipulating things somehow. That’s what demons do. Isn’t that what you’re always telling me?

  Yes, but we need to remain positive. You stopped the war last time. This time we will win.

  How? We don’t have enough angels. And let’s face it, you can’t keep healing them on the field without backup. You were almost…” Gabby shivered and he pulled her close. “I’m fine.”

  Fear trickled in as his body
and soul longed to be one with her. I’ve been yearning to connect again for as long as I can remember. It’s just that I didn’t want to ask too much of you. Last time, after—

  “That had nothing to do with us. A demon caused me to go all inferno on everyone.”

  Yes, and there are plenty more where he came from. If I stir up your emotions, I could be the cause of you being injured or worse.

  Gabby sighed. Not being able to connect with you would be the worse part.

  His heart churned with indecision. They were married. Okay, maybe that hadn’t gone so well, but they were thousands of years old. Intense desire burned through his body. His soul clawed at his insides for release if only to feel her for a moment. Waves of passion and love beat against his concern for her safety and wellbeing.

  “Gabby, my love.” He drank in the scent of her hair, her mind-numbing scent of fruit and…woman. He pulled her tight against him. His entire body ached to be with her. “If tomorrow never comes, then let us have tonight.”

  Her aura filled with happiness and spread over him, urging him closer. Gabby kissed his cheek, chin, and nose. “I love you, Alexander Lohr.”

  “I love you with all my heart and soul. You’re my everything,” Alexander choked. Human emotion threatened to tear him to pieces, the desire to love her and never let her go. To forget the war, the men, the demons. All that mattered was her.

  “We’ll take it slow,” Gabby assured him. “I promise, if a demon comes near, I’ll fly away or something. Don’t worry.”

  He rested his forehead against hers. With each heartbeat, his soul surged out a little farther. Gabby moaned, and her head rolled back. Her fingertips dug into his bicep. Finally, their souls touched. He felt weightless with delight. Colors swirled as they fell into a cocoon of bliss where no one else existed. Vibrations hummed up his arms, down his back, around his ribs and back down to his toes. Love encircled them, filling him with peace and joy so intense he thought he’d touched Heaven.

  Breath caught in his throat as desire drove through him.

  Loss, thousands of years of despair. Wanting, yearning for something so powerful that life had no meaning.

  He glided his mouth down her neck and unbuttoned her shirt, kissing lower.