Page 125 of Conflicted

He had, once upon a time. Before the war between God and Lucifer, he’d stood shoulder to shoulder with both my parents, receiving orders and punishments.

After the war, my parents were dead, and Ferry had fallen.

Finally Rami appeared, shooting me a wink before falling in beside Ezekiel. I had noted his absence, but I’d hoped perhaps he’d had more sense than to risk his immortality for me.

I should’ve known something greater was at play. If we got out of this, I’d spend the rest of eternity thanking my unit for it.

A faint shimmer appeared over my mate’s skin. Threedifferent colours, one after the other. My mouth dried out as I realised what was happening.

The demons were shielding my mate. Here, in the most powerful courtroom on any plane, they were openly challenging the authority of Heaven.

They weren’t the only ones. As soon as they spotted what was happening, more shields appeared as every Seraphim added their own.

Light was radiating from Nox, covering every inch of his skin. He looked down at his arms in wonder before his eyes met mine. I could feel him in the bond. His confusion. His awe. His disbelief.

I didn’t think anyone had ever done this for him before. Not like this.

You’re worth it, I tried to tell him silently.Our love is worth it.

I didn’t know if it was the appearance of the demons or the shields Nox now wore, but Gloria had been pushed over the edge. She strode from the dais, storming closer. Not too close, mind. She was pissed, not stupid.

“You are forbidden from this place, Dimitri,” Gloria spat, her eyes fixed on his now black wings. “You made your choice.”

“You’re right. I chose love,” Dimitri said simply. Ez took a step to the side, allowing him to slide into his former spot. Meanwhile, Dagon and Ferry took up positions on either side of Nox. “Just as Micah is doing. Nox is under the protection of Hell. If you execute him, you’ll be declaring war with Lucifer.”

“You don’t have the authority to declare that.”

“No, but I do.” Dagon waved cheerily, like she somehow might’ve missed the blue-haired demon in our midst. “Son of Lucifer here, former prince of Hell, and very willing to bea pain in the arse if required. Now, thanks to a deal Lucifer was…persuaded into, he’s under the control of my brothers and me. And I’m happy to inform you that, should you execute Nox, wewillgo to war with Heaven.”

The silence that followed Dagon’s declaration was almost deafening. Gloria’s lips were white, while the other archs had retreated back a few steps, like they no longer wanted to be associated with what was happening. Ozias went as far as to grab Gloria’s arm, spitting furious whispers in her direction, but she shook him off like he was nothing more than an irritating fly.

“Nox executed an arch,” Gloria repeated woodenly. “He must pay.”

“Then hand him over to Dagon,” Ferry said. “He’s a demon. Let the demons decide his punishment.”

There was nothing but hatred in the look Gloria shot Ferry. “That’s not how it works,Ferenc,as you should well know.”

“You’re right.” Ferry twitched his fingers, flames twisting leisurely between his fingers. “I was punished for choosing love. Four thousand years of heartbreak, all because I chose a different path.”

There was an ache in my chest. My father had always spoken highly of Ferry. It had never sat well with me, his being entrapped in Hell. All this time, I’d had no idea of the motivations behind his choice to fight for Lucifer.

Now I did? Fuck. Looked like Heaven had been punishing angels for things out of their control since the very beginning.

“I refuse to sit back and let the same thing happen again,” Ferry said, the flames burning a little brighter now. “Hand Nox over or face theconsequences.”

As one, the demons drew their weapons, the heat in the chamber rising in warning.

“Nox executed an arch. His immortality is forfeit.”

Rami groaned behind us, cursing under his breath. I agreed with him—if there was an award for the most stubborn being ever, it’d surely be awarded to Gloria.

“No, he didn’t,” Ezekiel said, breaking from the line to step forwards. “I did.”

Both Nox and I looked at him in horror. “Ezekiel, what thefuckare you doing?”

Ezekiel held my gaze calmly.Trust me.

I wanted to, but didn’t he realise he was putting his neck on the chopping block?

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