Page 29 of Grave Revelations

He hissed, glancing sideways at her. “Don’t say that name out loud.”

“Why not?” She lowered her voice to match his.

“His cursed moniker is meant to draw his attention. It’s akin to pointing a blazing arrow at our location on a map. He may have released me from his torturous domain, but I am powerless against him should he choose to drag me back.”

Rebecca shuddered, ice rolling down her spine. But his words had reminded her of something she’d wondered for quite a while. “Why did Jophiel think I could save you from that place?”

As if saying her name aloud had summoned her, the angel appeared on the sidewalk beside them. Rebecca halted, stopping Azazel with her. He tugged her arm, urging her forward.

Jophiel strolled beside them as if she’d been there the whole time. “Brother, I hate to see you this way,” she said, glancing at him.

“It would’ve always come to this. You and I both know it.”

Jophiel shook her head, not bothering to acknowledge Rebecca as she stuffed her hands into her pockets and continued down the sidewalk, passing shop after expensive shop.

“Something is interfering with the souls attempting to enter Alaxia.”

“It’s not my problem anymore.”

“You can’t mean that.” Jophiel shifted her gaze to Rebecca. “You may have Rebecca back, but countless souls are trapped like she once was.”

“She’s right here,” Rebecca bit out the words. “Hi, Joph. Good to see you.”

“What do you expect me to do? Father has turned his back on me,” Azazel continued.

“Go to Primoria,” Jophiel said. “See if they’re there. I’ve been looking for you. You’re the only one who can help with this.”

Azazel stopped, halting Rebecca with him. “You dare ask a favor of me? Might I remind you I’m in this new form by your actions?”

Jophiel’s gaze darted to Rebecca again. “Brother…”

“Ask Raphael.”

Jophiel turned, giving up all pretense of a stroll. “I’m not talking about one or two lost souls. There may be thousands trapped in Primoria, being tortured for crimes they did not commit. Would you leave them to that fate?”

“It’s no worse than the fate I suffered for coming to the aid of my other half.”

Jophiel’s swirling, multi-hued eyes turned pleading. “You’re not like him, Gabriel. You don’t want humans to suffer needlessly.”

The sky darkened in a flash as thunder rolled overhead and a burst of lighting shot through the clouds.

“I amnotGabriel!” His voice echoed the sounds above, and people on the street ducked and ran for cover.

Rebecca looked around, awed at how quickly the world had transformed. She’d never seen him angry. It was something.

She squeezed his arm, and the dark clouds receded as quickly as they had come, leaving room for the sun to peek out.

Azazel took a calming breath before saying, “I’m searching for the nasdaqu-ush who is likely behind all of this. When I find her, I’ll end her. Everything will be put right.”

Jophiel eyed Rebecca’s hand wrapped around Azazel’s arm and said, “The reashes in this territory have been searching. They believe she’s hiding on a small island off Tropea.”

“Thank you.”

Jophiel nodded and winked out of existence.

Azazel turned his gaze to Rebecca. “Would you like to see Italy?”

Chapter 18

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