Page 121 of Forging Darkness

“Not one that I know of, or even one that I’ve researched since it all started happening. You’re the only Nephilim in existence that I know of who can manipulate the unconscious mind.”

“Could I somehow be doing it without realizing?”

“I suppose it’s possible. But how would you have known to reach out to me before we even met? I was having dreams about you in your gilded armor and wings long before we ever plucked you off those downtown streets.”

There has to be an explanation. Something like this can’t be explained away by coincidence.

“Could they be prophetic?”

“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of. And separating myself from you seemed like the safest option at the time.”

It hits me like a blow.

“That’s why you left Seraph Academy? To get away from me?”

“Not only that, but in part, yes.”

This is a lot to process. I blink back at Steel, confused over my own feelings.

“I don’t want to let fear rule me anymore, Emberly.” Reaching forward, Steel brushes the tips of his fingers over my cheek, smudging the wetness I didn’t even realize was there. “I was so wrong before. So very wrong. And for that I’ll most likely spend my lifetime trying to earn your forgiveness.”

With gentle hands, he coaxes me closer until I’m resting in his arms. My tears are soaked up by the soft material of his shirt as he rubs a hand up and down my spine.

“Emberly,” he whispers. His head rests atop mine, as mine rests on his chest. “You are like a flame that’s ignited the darkness inside me. You’ve illuminated those shadowed places I buried from the world. You’re breaking down my walls and lighting up my life in a way I never knew was possible.”

Those words. He’s killing me slowly with them, but it’s a death I’ll gladly embrace. My eyes grow heavy, and I drift off to sleep, this time to the steady thump of Steel’s heart.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

“Did the Council of Elders have slaves?”

Sable shoots me a startled look as she descends the stairs next to me. “After what was done to our people for generations? No, never.”

“Then how in the world did they build pyramids?”

I knew we were traveling to Egypt, but I had no idea I’d be stepping into an alternate civilization when we got here. The compound is located in an area of Egypt called Farafra that’s known for its hot springs—of course—and was basically in the middle of nowhere. I didn’t get a great look at it from aboard the plane. The Nephilim had devised a way to camouflage the whole multi-structure compound from the air with mirrors. I didn’t understand even a bit of the engineering when Greyson tried to explain it. Now, as I step into the hot, dry Middle Eastern day and descend the stairs to the airstrip, the entire compound sprawls out in front of me—including two pyramids.

“Oh. That’s actually an interesting story. I’ll let Raziel tell you all about it. He oversaw its construction over two millennia ago.”

I release a low whistle. Dude is old.

Just then, a high-pitched scream sails through the air. Jolting, I snap my gaze up to search for the threat when a small person rams into my stomach. Thin arms with a surprising amount of strength wrap around me and squeeze.

Aurora’s blue-black head of straight hair gleams in the light. I look around for help, only to see Blaze’s arms wrapped around Steel in a similar fashion. Steel ruffles Blaze’s hair.

“I was so worried for you,” Aurora says with her face buried in my middle.

“Hey, look at me.” She raises her cherub face. Large blue eyes blink rapidly to keep tears from falling. “I’m here. I’m all right.”

“Did you meet the one who’s like you?”

My eyebrows pleat together. “Do you mean Thorne?”

Her head bobs.

“I did. But how do you know about him?”

“The monsters were talking about him in the caves. They said he was like you.”

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