Page 25 of Fated Angel

Silence.

“Sold,” the auctioneer hisses, slamming down the walking stick.

Crack. The deal is sealed. They just bought Asher.

Gabby’s breath whooshes out so fast, her head spins. The bazaar bursts into sound and movement, several people turning to look at the person who just purchased what’s no doubt the most expensive being trafficked in these awful auctions.

“Come on,” Gabby says, tugging on Colt’s hand.

He follows without question, even when she draws him along the wall in the opposite direction of Asher and the obsidian cage. It’s going to take time to process the payment, and she’d rather do that once everyone has collected their trafficked, illegal wares.

Which gives them time to find out who Purple Turban is and why he wanted Asher so bad.

His headwear is easily spotted in the crowd, meaning Gabby and Colt spot him as he takes a sharp turn into a nearby alleyway.

“Oh, no you don’t,” Gabby mutters, walking faster as they weave through the men and women.

She and Colt are almost jogging, jostling people who grumble and grouch, but don’t seem surprised by the rudeness. They turn into the alley just as Purple Turban is about to disappear down another labyrinthine street.

Gabby hisses an incantation and a stack of wooden crates crash down, blocking his way. To her surprise, Purple Turban doesn’t run. In fact, he turns to face them, a look of challenge on his face.

On a face that’s morphing. Changing.

And glows with angelic essence by the time they reach him.

The man inclines his head with a gentle smile. "I am Nathaniel," he says, his voice low and soothing. "I come in the name of Gabriel, the archangel. I have been sent to recover Asher."

Gabby stiffens at the mention of her father's name. "Gabriel," she repeats, conscious that Colt’s also gone still. "I am Gabriel's daughter. What does my father want with Asher?"

Nathaniel nods. “Yes, I recognized you.”

“What does Gabriel want this Asher?” Colt growls, the willingness to be patient probably demolished the moment he discovered Nathaniel’s connected to Gabby’s father.

Nathaniel doesn’t take his gaze from Gabby, ignoring the demon. “Your father believes that Asher may possess valuable information," he explains. “Information regarding the Grigori and their plans.”

“What kind of information?” Colt asks, his voice hard.

Nathaniel doesn’t answer. Doesn’t take his gaze from Gabby as he waits.

She stares back, acknowledging that Asher was never their target. His cage is. She nods sharply. “Asher is yours if he freely shares the information he carries.”

Or he’ll be dead.

Gabby ignores the obsidian even as a rush of power pulses through her veins. Nathan inclines his head. “I’m sure he will,” he murmurs.

“Yes, because angels are known for keeping their word,” Colt mutters.

Gabby places her hand on his arm, understanding his distrust, but conscious they need to work together. Her father's involvement in this mission is a reminder that celestial and infernal forces are deeply entwined with the fate of the world.

They’re going to need all the help they can get to defeat the Grigori.

No, we won’t.

You are destined to destroy them.

And rule the world.

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