Page 103 of Dark Angel

She answers with a definitive nod. “Seven. The plan was recorded as the Sacrificial Seven hundreds of years ago. Seven angelic souls to signify the seven Archangels. The last sacrifice is for the birth of the new Dark Angel, bringing equilibrium to the universe.”

“But there have only been two so far. Clara and Mabel,” Tobias states loudly, “are you saying that five more still need to be sacrificed?”

She nods again in response to his question.

Robert rubs his forehead in apprehension.

“I am sorry that your kind is being targeted for this,” her voice sweet with a hint of sympathy, “but you are the protectors of the Earth from demonic creatures. It is your duty to defend against these evil beings for everyone living on this planet, Mortal and Marked combined.”

Robert looks at her, furrowing his inky brows. “We’ll need to put a stop to this before it’s too late. We cannot afford to lose innocent Seraphim to a ritual of Dark Angels,” dropping his voice and muttering to himself, “I’d never forgive myself.”

“How did the Dark Angels try killing off an Archangel? I didn’t think there’d be anything strong enough for that.” Percy questions further.

“Archangel weapons are the most powerful. Each of the seven have their own specially made weapon with their own powers laced into the metal forged to create the arms. Shaped from pure elementssuch as gold, silver and copper. The Dark Angels found ways to create their own, fortified with their own energies to create the deadliest of weapons. Although they’re deadly, the Archangels were only injured for decades, but couldn’t be killed. There is no element that can strike down an Archangel.

“Uriel, Michael and Raphael were wounded in their battle a thousand years ago. Three of the six Dark Angels were also struck down, spending centuries trying to recover. Lucifer spent that entire time planning and seizing realms for himself and his fellow followers. They prepared to capture Earth, making it their realm to rule when an Archangel weapon was found here. The only weapons known to strike down Immortals. The Blade of Uriel was wielded here by Tessa Hamilton.”

Robert crosses his arms in front of him, rubbing his knuckles along his stubbled jawline. “If Tessa possessed Uriel’s blade, then we need to find out if it’s still here.”

“That would be wise,” Lavina’s voice is harsh, “and I would start with your own people-the Hamilton’s. If Tessa had this blade last, then there’s a chance her children might know of its whereabouts.”

“You think Clarence and Kora know where it’s located?” Tobias’ eyes widen at her.

Lavina’s mouth twists as she considers him. “I believe they will know over anyone else here.”

Tobias lets out an exhale. “We will talk with them. Thank you, Lavina. You’ve been very helpful once again.”

“I hope you can find a way of stopping this before it’s too late. If they manage to create a seventh Dark Angel, then we’ll all be in grave danger, not just your kind. Everyone on Earth will be killed and this place will become desolate and dark. A wasteland that will never be replenished. Your world and everyone will cease to exist.”

Tobias swallows as Robert nods to her, understanding the threat hanging over their heads. “We will figure this out, Lavina. You have my word.”

“Very well. I should return to the stronghold then-”

The doors to the infirmary slam open, banging against the walls, making everyone flinch in surprise as Charles rushes in. His murky green eyes frantic as he takes in the group before him. Clarence hurries in on his heel with the limp body lying in his arms.

“Father, we have found another one.” Charles blurts out hastily.

35

Unnerving Doubt

“You do realise that Shifters have no reason to hate us?” Clarence points out to Charles as they stroll through the alleyway together.

They were sent out on assignment by Robert earlier this morning. A Spellcaster was caught using dark magic on a Mortal. The Ascendancy was informed, and the two boys were sent out to investigate while the Elders met with the White Women.

Clarence wasn’t thrilled by the idea of working with Charles, but he also knows it’s the perfect opportunity to show Robert that he is leadership material. Yet, he’s now so close to hitting Charles over the head with the way he’s trying to blame the carvings on Shifters.

“Shifters don’t care who hates them,” Charles spits out annoyed, “they are ferocious creatures and will attack anyone in their way.”

Clarence looks at him sideways. He often wonders what goes through Charles’ mind. With all the hatred he expresses for the other Marked kinds, Clarence knows that if Charles is selected as the next leader of the Ascendancy, the entire world will be tipped upside-down with chaos.

He shakes his head at him. “Shifters are not all like that, Charles. Only the wild rabid ones that live in the forest and attack Mortals who stupidly go hiking on their own and never return again to see their family. Most of the civilised ones are like you and me. They’re normal and fit into society. They know the rules of the Ascendancy and abide by them, for the most part…”

Charles scoffs in disagreement. “Please, Shifters have their scent all over these attacks. Who else would be wanting our kind dead? Carving shapes of celestial symbols into their flesh. If you ask me, I think it’s some crazy sacrament those wolf Shifters complete for full moons. Wanting to get rid of us so they can rule over everything. I hear things down at the docks. The Marked kinds want us out of leadership. They want to rule themselves. Wild beasts, if you ask me.”

Clarence’s mouth shuts. He’s not even going to bother arguing with him anymore on this subject. It seems like a waste of breath. “Are you joining the Night Guard?” he asks, changing the topic completely.

He gives another scoff. “I’ll be the leader soon, so there will be no chance of me patrolling the city at night for Infernals.”

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