The warmth in her chest buzzed to life.
“Azazel?” she whispered into the wind.
No one answered.
They stopped beside a marina where Rebecca climbed down. Ducking behind a building, the pair watched people come and go along the boat dock.
“Look. Someone left keys on the counter,” Sophia whispered.
“You won’t need a boat.” A deep voice rolled through Rebecca, and she looked up and up at the tall creature standing behind them.
She turned, flinging her arms around Azazel. “You’re okay!” Remembering herself, she released him, backing up. “What happened? How were you able to leave Primoria?”
“It’s a long story, and I don’t have time to tell it,” he said. “Come.”
Rebecca glanced at Sophia. “We’re going to Athens. To meet up with the other witches.”
“We’re going to Patmos.” His gaze never wavered from Rebecca’s, and her face burned beneath his scrutiny. He grinned, a dimple creasing his cheek. “I missed you, too.”
She smothered a half smile, turning to her friend. “Sophia,”
“I’m going to Athens. To my coven.” Sophia’s piercing stare told her the girl wasn’t backing down. She pivoted on her toes, turning toward swirling red and black eyes still watching her.
“What if we take her to Athens, then go to Patmos? It wouldn’t be too far out of the way, would it?”
Azazel’s gaze slid past Rebecca to the girl behind her. “No.”
Gone for a few hours, and he was already back to those broody one-word answers.
He reached for her hand, squeezing, as words jolted through her:Anything she wants.
Okay, Rebecca wasn’t imagining it. She’d heard him.
Can you hear me?
“Yes,” she breathed. “I can.”
The grin that stole over his face was the widest she’d ever seen.
Rebecca released his hand, turning to Sophia. “Come on, Sophia, we can fly with Az.”
Sophia glanced between the two of them. “Rebecca,” she said, raising her eyebrows to impart some silent meaning.
Rebecca’s nose crinkled. “What?”
Sophia jerked her chin at Azazel. “He’s a…” she mouthed the worddemon.
Rebecca crossed her arms. “He’s not a demon.”
“He looks like one.”
Heat stained Rebecca’s cheeks. Azazel was right behind her, listening to every word, saying nothing to defend himself. “I’m going with him. It would be faster for you if you came too. But it’s your choice.”
Sophia stood, movements jerky as she came closer.
Rebecca turned, looking into Azazel’s stern face. She wanted to hug him and tell him he wasn’t something to fear, but his mouth was flattened into a grim line that made even her a little nervous.
“What?” she asked hesitantly.