Page 78 of Dark Awakening

Warm liquid trickles down my neck—the parking lot swims.

Somewhere, I hear a feral snarl—"Exquisite! I've never sampled blood so sweet." Azrael's voice sounds muffled, far away.

My fiery anger reignites, joining my pain and terror. Almost of its own accord, scorching heat gathers in my palms where they're pinned between us. I focus every ounce of rage and strength as a blinding flash of energy bursts forth, blasting Azrael away from me.

I crumple to the pavement, his roar of fury echoing…One final thought drifts...Rhyland, where are you?

Azrael's crazed cackle echoes ominously. "Ah, ha ha…perfect! So much raw power locked away inside that delectable body." His eyes blaze with cruel delight, transfixing me.

Glancing down at my still-glowing palms, shocked disbelief floods my veins. How...how the fuck did I just do that?

Before I can stagger to my feet, Azrael creeps closer, a hungry rumble vibrating his broad chest. "We're not finished yet, my pet."

"Stay the hell back!" I thrust out my palms in warning.

As he continues his predatory advance, some deep instinct takes over. I focus every shred of my rage and fear like fuel, channeling it into a concentrated orb pulsing with volatile light. With a scream, I hurl it straight at Azrael's heart. His shriek is blood-curdling as scorching flames engulf him. The stench of bubbling, melting flesh turns my stomach. He tears away the remains of his shirt in agony, obsidian eyes promising murderous retaliation.

"You'll pay dearly for this, bitch," he snarls through charred lips.

Then, he dissipates into curling smoke and shadow. Gasping raggedly, I sink against my car on quivering legs. Adrenaline still rockets through my veins even as my fiery power fades. Gingerly, I probe the throbbing wounds marring my throat. Azrael's threats echo relentlessly in my mind as I speed home, hyper-alert to attack.

Relief at my escape wars with horror. Never did I dream myself capable of such volatile destruction. Yet the alternative was unthinkable.

Safely home, I bolt the door with quaking hands. But locks cannot keep out creatures of darkness and shadow. Azrael could return at any moment to finish his depraved game.

So where is Rhyland? My dark guardian. Why does he abandon me to face these demons alone? The thought of never hearing his arrogant drawl or feeling those possessive hands roving my body again cleaves my heart. Grabbing my phone, I leave desperate voicemails pleading for him to call. But only deafening silence answers.

Doubt and bitterness threaten to overwhelm me. Yet something deeper stirs, an ember of courage kindling into flame.

Rhyland

40

Unease slithers down my spine as Erik and I exit the Enclave, Adrian's ominous words still echoing. The area outside exudes an unnatural, watchful stillness—like the held breath before a vicious storm strikes.

Erik and I exchange an apprehensive look. We both feel the lurking malice enveloping this place. It sure as hell isn't empty.

"We've got company," Erik mutters under his breath.

I nod briefly, every muscle coiling, adrenaline flooding my veins. We creep forward through the heavy silence. Just as we're nearing escape, stealthy scuffling shatters the quiet. The soft tread of cautious footsteps nears through the crawling darkness.

We freeze as one, attuned to the threat. Seconds crawl by, pregnant with menace, as several bulky silhouettes materialize from curling shadows to block our exit. Black cloaks bear the insignia I've prayed never to encounter again—the Brotherhood of Shadows. Long consumed by primordial evil, these merciless zealots answer only to their depraved master. Outnumbered and exposed, we're in an extremely precarious position.

Their hulking leader, Cade, prowls forth, edged with a visible black aura that weighs oppressively upon us. My pulse hammers wildly at the sight of his sadistic grin.

"Rhyland," he rasps, gravelly voice dripping contempt. "What brings you trespassing onto our grounds?"

My fists clench, fury burning through my veins like ignited fuel. Our covert plans were somehow discovered, which means a traitor lurks within our fold.

"Our business here doesn't concern you," I spit back through gritted teeth.

Cade's grin widens, sending a chill down my spine. "Oh, I think you'll find it very much does. Lord Azrael wants your precious human pet eliminated. Permanently." His promise of impending violence thrums eagerly beneath each word.

Rage detonates through me with the heat of an atomic blast at the vulgar threat toward Danica. The Brotherhood clearly operates as Azrael's attack hounds now. Which means the danger to Danica has grown exponentially.

"You sick bastards won't lay a goddamn finger on her head!" Erik snarls back vehemently.

Seven against two, but we share an unspoken vow—Danica's survival hangs in the balance now. And failure is not an option.

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