Page 8 of Live Like Legends

Ariel rolled his eyes, putting his hand out between us with his palm facing upwards. “Hand it over. I have no patience at the moment.”

“I don’t have it. That’s the truth,” I answered, crossing my arms over my chest.

The sentries were coming around, picking themselves up from the ground. They shook their heads and began to rally, seemingly trying to figure out what the fuck just happened to them.

Ariel raised a suspicious eyebrow at me. “Would this have anything to do with you being dead in the eyes of the Queen of Darkness?”

I licked my lips. “Perhaps.”

“You wouldn’t mind explaining that since your two companions seem to keep a tight lip about that part of your time in Purgatory, would you?” Ariel spoke to me as if we were friends, but the sharpness of his tone told me otherwise.

I gave him a small smile. “If they didn’t tell you anything, then I think it is highly unlikely that I will either.”

Ariel’s lip curled up as he turned away from me. “Mr. Diniel?”

Reese blinked over to him. I watched his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he swallowed. “Yes?”

“You are still in contact with our High Priestess?”

Reese moved his eyes quickly over to me and Nick before returning to Ariel. “I am.”

“You and Mr. Cassial will make sure the High Priestess helps our dear Soul Seether.”

I stalked over to the red headed executive. “Excuse me, I’m right here. You want Natalia to help me with what exactly?” I noticed smoke seeping from the ends of my hair, and I tried to bat it away. The smoke wasn’t the only thing I noticed though, there were tiny sparks of light that came with it. I wasn’t used to that.

Ariel reached out, touching the light spark and it illuminated for just a moment before dispersing. I heard Nicholas’s loud huff at Ariel’s proximity to me, but he stayed put. “Dani, correct?”

I narrowed my eyes at him, but I nodded.

Ariel’s lips pulled into a sly smile. “Well, Dani, you want freedom to roam and not be watched with such scrutiny…then fine. I plan to consider the good your hybrid status could mean for us at Heaven’s Gate as a defense. I am well aware that you are a novice in understanding this combined power of yours, but I trust your established relationship with Natalia will do wonders.”

“You want Natalia to teach her how to use both?” Reese asked, each word coming out cautiously.

I didn’t let Ariel answer that before I asked my own question. “Heaven’s Gate’s defense? You want me toworkfor you?”

“You are the reason this entire mess is happening. Lilith wanted you here. You are the reason these two gallivanted off to Purgatory and put yet another potential target on us, I meanwho knows who or what you angered there. The least you can do is offer your help and hybrid services to a place that you wish to see freely. Without your dagger and despite your withholding of information, I’m sure there is still some great use for you.”

“You are fucking insane if you think I’ll let you have any say on what I do or how I use whatever powers I have,” I spat out.

Ariel’s shoulders lifted in a soft laugh. “Alright, Soul Seether, have it your way.” He pointed to both Nicholas and Reese. “Seize them.” The sentries started to make their way to Nick and Reese, who began to back away from the throngs of angels.

“No! Stop!” My hands turned to fists as smoke started to envelope the room, but I was halted by the executive’s voice.

Ariel tsked. “This time I wouldn’t if I were you. You help Mr. Cassial and Mr. Diniel, but what about your friends in Oculus? They are of no use to me so disposing of them would be nothing at all. Your self-righteous behavior does not save everyone I’m afraid.”

I had a lot of power but being in two places at once wasn’t one of them, so it hurt to know he had a point. My shadows were inches away from their victims, but they began to retreat, the tiny light sparks within them doing the same.

Ariel put his hand up to stop the sentries and continued, “you want to show the people of Heaven’s Gate that they don’t need to fear you so much, that they should want to work with you and trust your aide, well then obliterating so many angels all because you didn’t want to accept my extended helping hand just isn’t a good look now, is it?” He smiled with all his teeth, but it wasn’t a pleasant smile. It was menacing and manipulative.

“You are fucking rotten. The people will see right through you,” I said, letting the shadows melt into my skin.

“They need something to hold onto, now more than ever. The ceremony and with your now delightful help, they will see that I only have their best interests at heart.” Ariel grabbed my handand placed his other one on top of it. The gesture was meant to be tender, but all I felt was cold, icy skin. “I think you should head to Oculus and begin your training at once, no time like the present.”

I was pulled away from the cold feeling in moments and a strong, warm chest was at my back. I felt his thundering heart and it mirrored my own.

“I think I made it clear that you don’ttouchher,” Nick warned, his voice low and authoritative. I wanted to fight back, but with everything I’d been through, everything I’d fought to keep, I didn’t want any threat Ariel threw at me to potentially have merit and it was all taken away.

Reese looked at me, mouthing, “are you okay?”

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