Page 74 of Grave Revelations

Sariel’s fate will be mine. Two thousand years. More. Eternity.

Rebecca’s breath caught as his thoughts battered her mind. This time, it had been more than thoughts. She’d felt his anguish piercing through her, worse than any pain she’d ever experienced. Worse than the ice they’d used to burn her flesh in the cave. Worse than when she’d died on the floor of her bedroom, sucking strained air through fluid-filled lungs as she gasped her last breaths all alone.

You weren’t alone.

Another rush of tormented misery shot through her.

“I can’t. I can’t do this.” Her voice broke over the words as she pulled her fingers free from his and stared down at her empty hand.

She looked up. Azazel’s agonized gaze reflected the emotions consuming her. He’d put them there, and now they wouldn’t leave. Her heart was racing,slamming into her chest so hard it hurt. Her breath came in fast, sharp bursts, and her fingers began to tremble.

“I can’t. I can’t.” Darkness tinged the edges of her vision as she breathed faster, trying desperately to suck more air into her lungs.

Jophiel’s bright form filled her vision as glowing hands touched her cheeks. “Look at me, Rebecca. Breathe.” The calming words and touch settled something in her chest, slowing her rapid heartbeat. Her breathing eased as she stared into Jophiel’s swirling iridescent eyes. “That’s good. Take another deep breath.”

Rebecca inhaled, filling her diaphragm and releasing it slowly. Her vision cleared.

“We must do this, okay? If we don’t and something happens to you, you’ll be in Alaxia. Do you understand what that means?”

Rebecca pulled in another deep lungful of air. Her gaze darted to Azazel standing behind Jophiel. He looked troubled, in pain. Her breathing sped up again, and her heart thrummed erratically in her chest.

“Look at me, Rebecca.”

She refocused on the swirling eyes in front of her.

“Deep breath in… let it out.”

Rebecca followed her instructions, calm settling over her.

“You need to stay alive.”

Rebecca nodded. After a few more deep breaths, Jophiel released her. The angel’s soothing calm wrapped around her, blanketing the underlying panic. Yes, she had to stay alive.

Because if she died, she would be separated from Azazel for eternity.

Chapter 45

Azazel

Azazel was frozen. Their bond was growing, and with it, their emotional connection. He ached to go to her, to comfort her, but his touch only brought pain and misery. It was selfish to want her to live, to want to keep her.

But if she died, he was sure he wouldn’t survive it again.

As they descended the stairs, he trailed behind them, watching Rebecca’s dark curls bounce, light as air. She was silent. Her thoughts, too. Dina had forced a calm upon her—a kindness. She’d only been exposed to his emotions for a few moments, and it had nearly broken her.

What would she do when the floodgates opened?

“Dina.”

Dina turned at the bottom of the stairs, tugging Rebecca to a stop.

Azazel halted behind her, his whole being aching at her nearness. His fingers twitched, desperate for her warmth, but he remained frozen a few feet away.

Dina arched a silvery brow at him.

His gaze fell on Rebecca, and he shuddered. She was staring at Dina, still taking deep, calming breaths. “I’ve reconsidered.”

Dina’s brow fell, and she leveled a stare at him. “Brother. Stop torturing yourself. Do you want her to be safe, or do you want her to fall into Sanura’s clutches once more?”

---