Page 115 of Hounded: Ashes to Ashes

“It’s not a failure, you know,” I said, and Evander’s pale blue eyes flicked up. “I had the life I wanted. A whole bunch of them, thanks to you and Loren. Now I can have the death I want, too.”

Evander let a breath out in a sigh. “You are a force of nature, Indigo. I will be sad to see you go.”

Go where?That remained unknown. Dead hellhounds joined human souls in hellish torment. I wasn’t sure what happened to dead phoenixes, but no answer would have changed my mind, so I supposed I would have to wait and find out.

The quiet grew, and I glanced at Moira, then Evander.

“You’ll take me back?” I pressed him.

“I will.”

I smiled again. The heat pumping into the wings sprouted from my spine eased, and the flames extinguished. They remained within reach, though. Everything was restored and ready, waiting for the moment it would be unleashed in an explosion fit to shake Heaven. Or Hell.

Superpowers, I’d joked to Loren, weeks ago, but Evander said it better:supernova.

Moira’s ankle chain clattered. I turned to find her standing, looking abashed while holding another sheet of paper in her hands.

“Perhaps…” Her brow furrowed. “If you could get to Whitney? If I absolved him as well… He could have another chance at life?”

My next breath came as a gasp. “We could get him out of Hell?”

Her head dipped in assent. “Loren can. If he’s willing.”

“He’s willing!” I blurted, then added, “I’m sure he is.”

Evander stood between the demoness and me. He seemed disgruntled by the goings on, but if he had reservations about Moira and I manufacturing salvation, he didn’t voice them.

The demoness’s red eyes flashed, and a spark struck from her fingers to set the page ablaze. No sooner had it wisped into a plume of smoke than did she murmur, “They’re good boys.”

I swallowed but failed to sound more than choked as I agreed, “The best.”

She settled back into her chair, looking worn but at peace.

With another thick gulp, I held out my hand to Evander. “Going down?”

As soon as the angel’s palm brushed mine, we started falling.

Indy

Arrivingoutside Sully’s apartment felt like Loren’s homecoming in reverse. He’d had Whitney as his chaperone; I had Evander. The angel held my hand tightly while we stared at the closed door.

My memories may have been incomplete, but Evander’s behavior and what he’d confessed about his decision to spare my life gave me a clear enough picture of our shared history. He had one of my paintings in his office, for god’s sake. That made him a fan. Or maybe just a good friend.

I gave his fingers a squeeze before pulling free.

“Thank you,” I met his icy blue eyes, “for giving me another chance.” A sheepish smile teased my lips. “Maybe a lot of chances. I’m gonna make the most of this one, though.”

Evander frowned. “And you won’t be talked out of it?”

“Nope,” I replied. Balling my fist, I reached to knock on the door, then paused and glanced at the angel once more. “Will I see you again?”

Evander raised a shoulder. “I’ll be around,” he said, then smiled. It felt warm. “Good luck, Indy.”

“Not Indigo?”

He gave his head a shake. “Just Indy.” Then he turned and walked away. His footsteps echoed in the stairwell, heading downward and growing softer until they trailed off into silence.

Facing the door, my hand lingered in the air. I wasn’t sure how much time had passed since I’d left. For all I knew, I would walk in and find Loren exactly as I left him, and I hoped that was the case. The image of my love, my mate, anxiously awaiting my return was as heart-wrenching as it was comforting. He was always waiting for me, and I couldn’t wait another second to get back to him.

---