Page 115 of Grave Revelations

“This is the end, Simon,” Rebecca began. “The fate of the world depends on us. I won’t ask you to stay and fight. I don’t want you to. But please don’t ask me to walk away from everyone counting on me. On us.”

Simon’s eyes drifted over her shoulder to the creature she knew was only a few steps behind them—her dark shadow.

“You don’t owehimanything.”

“You’re wrong.” Her vision blurred as she recalled all Azazel had sacrificed for her. “I owe him everything.” Simon’s grip on her hand tightened, and she glanced down. “Ow. Simon, that hurts.”

She tugged her hand, but he squeezed tighter.

Azazel was between them before she’d seen him move, prying Simon’s fingers loose and shoving him back so hard he hit the wall.

Simon pushed off the wall, darting forward, but Azazel squared his shoulders, blocking his path.

“You won’t touch her again.”

Simon’s gaze narrowed, but he didn’t move.

Rebecca touched Azazel’s wing, running a hand over feathers that seemed to sparkle under the moonlight. A tremor ran down his back before he turned to face her, his look feral.

“Az, we have to find the lance. It's our only hope. Leave him.” Rebecca grabbed Azazel’s hand, pulling him down the hall, away from Simon.Did you kill anyone while I was unconscious?

A few of the nasdaqu-ush.

I asked you not to harm them.

“Bec.”

Rebecca turned, meeting his eyes. “Simon. Please go.”

“Firefly.”

She stared into his mournful yellow eyes, understanding that nothing she said would convince him to leave. “Please be safe, Simon. Take care of yourself.” She shifted back to Azazel, placing her hand in his.

“Let’s get the lance.”

Chapter 76

Azazel

Azazel bit back his grin, unable to hold the joy radiating from him. Whether or not Rebecca realized it, she had made her choice. She had chosen him.

Of course, it was you, soulmate. Not like I had a choice.

He frowned as she wrapped her arms around his neck, and he tucked her against his chest.

Kidding. I’m joking. You’re so lovable. Who wouldn’t choose you?

He raised an air shield, launching them through the gaping hole in the side of Rebecca’s house as warmth radiated from each place where she pressed against him.

“There.” She pointed to the back of the estate.The old cemetery.

They landed on a branch just outside the small iron gate, circling several rows of headstones, and Rebecca climbed down beside Azazel.

The scene was reminiscent of Rebecca’s dream. A mass of demons hovered outside the gargoyle-lined fence, and inside, along the edge of the much smaller wrought-iron fence surrounding her family cemetery, a group of witches stood, staring into nothing. They swayed on their feet, different somehow from the other night-beings. It was as if they were empty shells.

Elizabeth stood at the center of their group; all her attention focused on Samael as he moved to stand inside a massive six-pointed star drawn in the earth.

He has the lance, Rebecca thought.

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