Page 78 of Death Match

When the maze’s signature mist appeared between the three of us, swirling clockwise in a small tornado, I stepped back, not trusting it.

“Michael?” I asked, nervous. “What’s happening?”

Both pairs of eyes were glued on the activity before us, but neither of their postures or expressions hinted at a threat. I rolled my shoulders, trying to relax my tight muscles some, but it was a wasted effort. All I could do was wait and watch as the wind picked up around us, whipping through my hair as the cyclone grew larger before our eyes.

After a moment, the gusts slowed and the spectacle began to shrink again, revealing something in its center. I held my breath, expecting the worst, and watched as the mist dissipated completely, leaving a large, ancient looking sword in its place. Just like in the story of King Arthur and the sword in the stone, its blade was embedded in the solid rock under our feet, its detailed gold handle waiting for its owner to grab hold and pull it out.

“Holy shit,” I muttered mostly to myself, but it still earned a harsh shush from Eli. I clasped a hand over my mouth and held back the other curses as they rose up.

This had to be an angel sword—the weapon made for Archangels and the only thing that could kill anything. Angel, demon, spirit, or alive. It was the most powerful weapon ever constructed. And it was mine.

How could I have almost forgotten about a perk like this?

My feet moved forward, my body eager to grab the thing and give it a trial swing.

“Wait.” Michael’s sharp command halted me mid-reach.

“What?” I asked impatiently. “It’s mine, isn’t it?”

Michael chuckled softly. “Well, yes. But there are a few steps you must follow before claiming the sword as your own.”

All the injuries I had acquired during the Trials ached at the mention of the word “steps.” If any of them came in the form of any more challenges, he could count me out. Put a fork in me. I was D.O.N.E.

“What do you mean?” I asked, hoping I wouldn’t regret the question.

“As we told you before, this sword is meant to be an extension ofyou.Not only will it share your power, it will enhance it as well,” Eli said. His gaze stayed firmly on the weapon. Whether it was because he was avoiding looking at me or he was enamored by the holy sword in front of him, I didn’t know. Both options were equally as possible.

I regarded both the angels skeptically. That hadn’t answered my question, had it?

“So, what do I have to do?” I asked, putting more oomph into my tone.

Michael and Eli exchanged looks. Were they communicating telepathically? When did the mental walkie-talkie feature turn on for me? Not that I was sure I wanted it.

When neither of them said anything aloud, I cleared my throat.

Michael turned back to me, a playful smile on his lips. Seeing it only heightened my nerves.

“Before touching the sword,” he began simply and gestured to the thing sticking straight out of the ground, “you must give it a name.”

“You want me to name it?” I said, confused. “Like…a pet.”

Eli’s brows pinched, confused by my reference. Like usual.

I shook my head. Was this a joke or something?

Michael’s hand cupped his chin in thought as he considered it. At least he understood where I was coming from. “I’d say more like…a nickname for a dear friend.”

Like Kay?

That only stumped me even more. It was a sword. Not a person.

“I don’t get it. Why does an object need a name?” I asked.

“It’s to activate the magic,” Eli said. “Match it to yours.”

“Like Elijah stated before, this sword will be part of you,” Michael went on. “With a name, you will be able to call it to your side when you need it.”

My head tilted up in interest at that. “Woah, wait a minute. You’re telling me I can summon this thing whenever I want just by saying its name?”

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