Page 44 of Secrets in the Shadow

Raziel ducked beneath a vicious swipe, spinning low and striking out with his own blade. The edge nicked Bashar’s thigh, drawing a hiss of pain and a streak of dark, otherworldly blood on the floor. The droplets twisted into a gnarled black rose bush with thorns that gleamed like obsidian. The bloom was a dark mirror to Bashar’s corrupted essence.

“How befitting,” Raziel sneered, his chest heaving as he squared off with his opponent.

Bashar’s eyes darkened, his grin slipping into a snarl. “Neither are you.” He raised a hand, summoning a burst of searing light that shot toward Raziel like a spear. Raziel twisted, his wings snapping around him in a protective arc. The light struck his feathers, scattering in a dazzling explosion that sent trails of dark smoke curling upward, the air thick with an acrid, electric tang.

“You’ll have to do better than that,” Raziel spat, his wings unfurling again, feathers smoldering but intact. He surged forward, his blade swinging in a deadly arc. Bashar blocked it just in time, but the force of the blow drove him back, his boots skidding across the floor.

“You’ve grown soft,” Bashar sneered, his voice dripping with venom. He feinted left, then struck right, his blade slashing dangerously close to Raziel’s ribs.

“And you’ve grown desperate,” Raziel countered, deflecting the strike and driving his shoulder into Bashar’s chest. The corrupt angel staggered, his breath hitching as Raziel pressed the advantage, his blade a whirlwind of steel and fury.

Their battle raged, each strike and parry accompanied by the guttural grunts of exertion and the crackle of energy that bled from their clashing powers. The air thickened with heat and the metallic tang of ozone, every breath a struggle against the oppressive force of their fight.

Bashar’s wings flared wide, their edges slicing through the air as he launched himself upward. He dove at Raziel, his blade descending with terrifying speed. Raziel rolled to the side, the blade missing him by inches and carving a deep gash into the floorboards.

Raziel’s eyes narrowed as he sprang to his feet, his wings propelling him into the air. He met Bashar mid-flight, their blades colliding in an explosion of light that sent ripples of energy cascading outward. The room seemed to fold in on itself for a moment, the sheer force of their clash threatening to tear it apart.

“You’ve taken enough,” Raziel growled, his voice low and menacing as he pressed against Bashar’s blade, their faces inches apart. “And you’ll take no more.”

Bashar snarled, his wings beating furiously as he pushed back. “You can’t stop me” He twisted, breaking their deadlock and slashing upward. The tip of his blade grazed Raziel’s arm, drawing a thin line of blood that shimmered like liquid gold.

Raziel hissed in pain but didn’t falter. He retaliated with a vicious swing that caught Bashar’s blade, forcing it from his hand and sending it spinning across the room. Bashar’s eyes widened in shock, but he recovered quickly, lunging at Raziel with his bare hands.

They collided with a bone-jarring impact, their struggle devolving into a brutal melee. Raziel drove a knee into Bashar’s stomach, forcing a grunt of pain from his adversary. Bashar retaliated with a savage punch to Raziel’s jaw, the force of it snapping his head to the side.

“You’re finished,” Bashar spat, his voice ragged as he grappled with Raziel, their wings tangling in a chaotic flurry.

“Not while I’m breathing,” Raziel snarled, driving his elbow into Bashar’s ribs. The corrupt angel stumbled, and Raziel seized the opportunity, slamming him against the cracked wall. His blade was in his hand in an instant, the tip pressing against Bashar’s throat. “We’re about to find out if an angel can truly die.”

Bashar’s lips twisted into a defiant sneer, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. “Do it, then. Prove me right. Show everyone what you really are.”

Raziel’s grip tightened on the hilt, his chest heaving as his wings trembled behind him. The clash of swords and grunts of effort filled the room, the chaos of battles continuing around them. Just as Bashar shoved Raziel away and lifted his blade, Ethan raced toward them, Cody shouting and giving chase.

“No hurt fudder!” He stomped his foot. A pulse of energy erupted from his son, rippling outward in a shockwave that sent everyone flying backward. Raziel hit the ground hard, the impact rattling his bones.

“I think he’s pissed,” Raziel moaned.

Bashar lay sprawled across the floor, momentarily stunned.

“Can boo-sip.” Ethan scowled as Cody grabbed him and pulled him back.

Raziel leapt to his feet, his blade raised.

But Bashar was on his feet too, baring his fangs.

“You heard my boy.” Raziel swirled his swords in front of his body, daring Bashar to come closer. Then he raised his blades in a brilliant arc, ready to drive them deep.

The swords hung midair, unmoving. Raziel snatched his hands back and looked around, wondering how this was possible. His weapons were a part of him, only obeyed his command, yet someone had frozen them in place.

The sound of hands clapping drew his attention.

The stranger entered the open front door. Raziel had no clue who the person was, but he felt immense power radiating off the guy. More powers than any angel possessed.

“Who are you?” Bashar curled his lip. “I don’t recall inviting you.”

“Oh, you didn’t.” His smile was downright chilling. “Panahasi couldn’t make it, so he asked me to come instead.”

Bashar’s eyes flared at the mention of Panahasi’s name. Although Raziel hated demons, even he knew to have a healthy dose of caution when it came to the demon leader.

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