Page 60 of Grave Revelations

In the living room, she tugged her bag open, pulling out a to-go box and plastic silverware.

A sound like lightning cracked outside, and she tossed the cardboard to the seat, dashing out of the room. Throwing the front door wide, she stopped on the porch and glowered at a gleaming creature standing in a circle of melted snow outside her door.

Azazel was across from him, arms folded over his chest. “Raphael.”

“You hold no dominion on this plane, Prince of Primoria. Take your legions and depart!” Raphael drew his sword.

Rebecca stormed off the porch, marching toward him. “You’re not welcome on my estate. Leave!”

Raphael cast a glance at Rebecca before lifting his sword and pointing it at Azazel. “This is your one warning.”

Azazel said nothing, his jaw clenching as he stared down the angel.

Rebecca stopped beside him. She looked up and up. He was a lot bigger. Somehow, he’d regained that ability to shrink and grow at will. Maybe it came with his new title.

Raphael raised his sword overhead, slicing in an arc.

Rebecca screamed, and the world moved in slow motion as she threw herself in front of Azazel. The sword came down, slicing across her chest.

Azazel lunged forward, sweeping her up into his arms as time caught up with her.

She touched her chest and stared down at smooth, unmarred skin. Leaning her head back, she looked up at Azazel in confusion.

Seraph.

What does that have to do with anything?she asked.

A seraph's blade can’t harm you.

She stared back down at her uninjured body, finally understanding why her sword hadn’t drawn blood when Elizabeth used it on her all those months ago in her father’s basement.

Raphael dropped his blade to his side, looking horrified. “What game is this? Think you I will fall to your whims and be swallowed by the fiery bowels of Hell?”

Rebecca rolled her eyes, tapping Azazel’s arm. He released her, letting her slide to the ground.

“We’re on your side. We’ve been trying to stop the monster. With no help from you.” She stepped forward, pointing a finger at him. The angel’s light dimmed. “Why don’t you go find Elizabeth and leave Az alone?”

He shook his head, golden locks reflecting the sun’s glare. “A Prince of Hell cannot exist on this plane, little lamb. His presence upsets the balance.”

Rebecca swiveled her gaze to Azazel.

He nodded in affirmation, but his mind was suspiciously silent.

She bit her lip.If only Jophiel were here. She would probably have an idea.

You may be right.

“Dina,” he said aloud.

As if the words were a summoning spell, the angel appeared beside them.

“I should have known this was where you’d be,” she said, shaking her head at the trio. “Raphael. You’re needed in Greece. Why are you here?”

His gaze moved between her and Azazel. “He is a Prince of Primoria. He cannot dwell on this plane.”

Jophiel gave an exasperated sigh. “In case you haven’t noticed, things are already dire. His presence does nothing that wasn’t already set in motion long ago.”

“Dina. If you would consent to protect her, I will return to my realm.” Azazel gave his sister a meaningful look.

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