Page 108 of Grave Revelations

“You’ll need something to carry it in if there’s a fight,” Jophiel explained. “Guard the lance with your life. If he gets his hands on it, no one is safe.”

Rebecca dipped her chin, nodding solemnly as she strapped the sheath over her shoulder and slid the lance inside.

Azazel’s gaze darted to the window. “He’s coming.”

Rebecca rubbed sweat-slicked palms against her side, watching the horizon through the windows lining her foyer.

Azazel pressed himself into her back, letting her lean into him, and she reached behind, clasping her hand in his.

He squeezed her fingers.I’m with you.

A cool breeze prickled the hairs along the nape of Rebecca’s neck, and she knew it was unnatural. Although the temperature had only continued to drop, she was impervious to it. The ice sliding down her spine was in anticipation of the King of Demons, who would shortly be on her doorstep.

A knock sounded at the door. Terror shot through her.

“It isn’t him,” Azazel said aloud for Jophiel’s benefit.

Rebecca slid forward.

Wait,Azazel thought.Let me.

The knock came again, more insistent this time.

What if it’s a human? You’re not in disguise.

It’s not human,he thought as he twisted the doorknob, pulling the door wide.

Rebecca let out a small gasp as Sophia stumbled through, deep cuts marring her neck and shoulders.

Azazel moved too fast for Rebecca to stop him and wrapped his hand around Sophia’s torn flesh. “You’re dead, witch.”

“Stop!” Rebecca screamed, lunging forward and trying to pry his fingers from Sophia’s neck.

His grip loosened a fraction.

“She’s… coming…” Sophia gasped out.

“Az! Let her go!” Rebecca pounded her fists against his iron biceps.

Azazel reluctantly released Sophia, dropping her on the floor as he stepped between her and Rebecca. “Make a move toward her, and your life is forfeit.”

Jophiel knelt beside Sophia and pressed glowing fingers to her cuts. “Tell us, girl, who is coming?”

Sophia's eyes were wide as she huddled against the wall, but some color had returned to her face. She held up her hands, and Rebecca's stomach soured as she took in Sophia’s middle finger, partially torn away at the tip.

“Elizabeth… She’s… coming for you.”

Chapter 71

Azazel

A serpent's slithering tongue murmured against Azazel's ear as Samael whispered: “Hello, brother.”

Azazel looked up, meeting the King of Hell's icy stare. He moved, stepping in front of Rebecca as Samael appeared beside him.

“I expected you to come when I called for you.”

Stay behind me,he thought to Rebecca. “I have no interest in joining your crusade.”

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