Page 147 of Grave Revelations

“He killed Claire.”

Rebecca froze, and ice ran down Simon’s spine as she turned glacially slow to face him. She searched his expression, seeking the truth in Zophiel’s words.

He was petrified in place. It was his greatest secret. He’d known the angels saw his thoughts when he was made a reash. But Zophiel had told him it washissecret to share.

Angels could never be trusted.

“Why?” Rebecca breathed.

Simon’s gaze darted to the fading edges of Zophiel’s form as her lips lifted in a sad smile.

He jumped to his feet, reaching for Rebecca, but she backed up.

“It was the only life from which I never recovered my memories,” Rebecca continued. “I died before I could. How could you do it?”

A cold sweat broke out along Simon’s back. “She was lying. I couldn’t have. She spelled me to keep you safe.”

Rebecca’s brows dipped, and a tear slid down her cheek. “I know when someone’s lying to me, Simon.”

His fingers drummed a nervous beat against his leg. “I—”

“I’m leaving, and I may never see you again. Please. You owe me the truth.” She stared into his eyes, pleading.

He held his breath, mind racing through all the possible answers he could give her for killing a version of herself. He glanced at the sphinx, who was inching away as if he were afraid of what Rebecca might do.

Would she do something?

When the silence had stretched far too long, she wiped a tear from her cheek and nodded. “Keep your secrets. I hope they’re better company than I was.”

Without a backward glance, Rebecca left them all behind, marching toward the river and stepping in. She met the boat as it approached and climbed aboard, disappearing into the distance.

When she’d gone, Asher reappeared beside him. “Um, sir. King. What should I call you?”

She’d torn his heart out too many times to count, and this time was no different, but it seemed Claire’s secret would go with him, even beyond the grave.

Simon cleared his throat, looking down at the little sphinx. He knew the creature referred to his title but needed more than that. He needed a fresh start.

“Call me… Peter.”

Peter stood beside Asher, gazing out over his new realm. It was alive, vibrant and bursting with energy, but it was missing something. He stretched his fingers wide, pulling lavender from the soil. Its scent drifted on the breeze, and he inhaled deeply.

Now it was perfect. It was home.

He stuck his hand in his pocket, fishing out a small golden chain, holding it up. At the end, a locket dangled, spinning in a slow circle. On one side, it held a star; on the other, a crescent moon.

Chapter 100

Gabriel

Raphael had joined them, flanked by Phanuel and Camael as they raced down gilded halls. “Are you certain we need him?” Phanuel asked.

Gabriel’s gaze swiveled to Phanuel. “He was our mightiest ally in the first war.”

“He does not care about the fate of humans.”

“This affects us all,” Raphael supplied.

The group slid to a halt outside marble columns striated in gold.

---