Uriel’s lips are tight as he watches us. We’ve only met, but his relationship with Nox has been for hundreds of years. Their separation, almost as long.
“We’ll be fine. Nox can portal us into the park. Hallowed Grounds is about a mile from there. I know all the shadows of New City. Since we can both use our shadows, no one will know we are there.”
“You’re putting a lot of faith in your power. Sometimes thinking strategically is the better option.”
He turns and leaves Nox and me alone. Giving Torque one more glance, I follow Uriel out the door. We must go right away.
“He gets like this. Overprotective. He’s seen too much, and he doesn’t have faith anymore.”
“I do. I’m capable, and I think you know it.”
“My confidence is in you. However, this witch doesn’t seem to be any less confident. I want her to burn for what she did, but, first, we must make Torque whole. You cannot be without your fated.”
His omission stuns and frightens me. There’s no way I will solidify the bond between Torque and me. Our worlds are too different. We’re too different. It could never work.
Instead of replying, I walk out of the room in search of Namir. Talking to him will settle my nerves and prepare me for what’s next. Having the White Tyger for a familiar is something I never thought I’d say, but I’m grateful nonetheless.
The backyard is open to a thick cropping of a forest. The brush is dense and lush with life. When I pictured the Darklands, I didn’t think it would feel so vibrant. I thought it more of a wasteland.
Namir sits beside a creek, lounging in the sun. His white coat glitters in the light, and his tail lazily flicks up and down.
“Comfortable?” I ask, plopping down next to him.
He picks up his head and opens up one eye.
This is as much rest as I’ve gotten in days. I’m enjoying myself.
“I have to go to New City. Torque isn’t waking up. I think his vampire could help.”
I cannot go with you. I’m a demon cat. We cannot jump realms.
“I figured it was the same between you and me. Ari couldn’t come with Torque when he first came to the Mortal Realm.”
Will you take Nox?
He rises from the ground and stretches out his back, shaking his coat. His head bumps me in the side, forcing me to open my arms. I lean down on my giant tyger, soaking in his powerful aura.
“Yes, Uriel will stay with Torque. I think a demon will blend in more than an angel. I’m not sure the Mortal Realm can take his holy magic. It might act as a beacon.”
I pick the blades of grass between my legs, staring out at the water. There is so much uncertainty. I don’t like it.
It is a necessary task, but do not linger. There is something in the air. I’m uncertain we saw the last of Scur.
He yawns in my face, huge teeth inches from my neck. I smile at the black spot on his pink tongue. A normal being would be frightened, but I know my soul-bonded would never harm me.
“It feels like everyone wants a piece of me. Rahna, Scur, Torque, even Nox and Uriel. A few weeks ago, I was an assassin doing my job, and now I’m a piece of a gigantic puzzle that I can’t solve.”
Fate has a way of throwing us everything at once. It won’t be easy from now on, but you will prevail. You are my soul-bonded. We are strong. More so than Nox and Torque. Allow the magic to settle in you. We will be unstoppable.
Namir and I didn’t have time to talk about us. He found me when I needed him the most, but we’ve been on high alert since. It’s nice to lie with him and sort things out.
“For all our sakes, I hope you’re right.”
Two
ANIMA
The scent of home hits me as soon as we step through the portal. The sun is shining high in the clouds, and the weather is warmer than in the Demon Realm.
“This is your home?” Nox asks, turning in circles, trying to take it all in.
“It’s the park. I live at the citadel on that hill. Or at least I did. You could say I’m homeless.”
I trek in the entrance’s direction. I forgot how much my life changed before I went to the Demon Realm. There’s no one in this realm besides Shelley who I can count on.
“Remember what I said, let me do the talking and try not to reveal yourself as the Dark king. In New City, the Dark and the Blood don’t exactly see eye to eye, especially since they have no Princep.”
Nox turns toward the window as if he’s ashamed. “I shouldn’t have left them alone here. I was selfish and grieving. It was so long that I’d been without Uriel. Nothing else mattered.”
“I thought he left you years before the invasion. I’d have thought you’d get over it by then.”
My flippant tone doesn’t go over well as he glares at me. His hand snakes out and grabs my wrist. I try to push him back, but it’s like iron.
“When you mate with the Blood, you will understand. My life without Uriel meant nothing. We are your fathers, and even if we did not raise you, you will respect us.”
My jaw clenches, and I grab the handle to the cab. We’ve pulled up to Hallowed Grounds. Slamming the door behind me, I don’t wait for him to get out of the car. I’m not a child. Once we’re alone, we’ll have to speak about boundaries.
The door to the club swings open, and Mammon storms out. Fire is practically coming out of his ears as he approaches. Nox moves fast, standing in front of me.
“Where is he?” Mammon growls. His hands are clenched as his sides, ready to attack.
“He’s still in the Demon Realm,” I answer,
