Page 54 of Wicked Angel
With his back to me, he turned on the water, letting it fall in a steady stream as he checked the temperature before adding in some bath salts.
“A bubble bath, Levi?” I asked, raising a brow.
He laughed, standing up to his full height, before he stepped behind me, easing my body into the warm water. “I can do things like bubble baths.”
I gasped as I felt his chest slide against my back, then his legs against my side as he slid into the tub behind me.
Sighing, I leaned my head back against his sweaty shoulder, letting my eyes drift closed.
“I don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring,” he said quietly, his fingers lazily trailing down my chest where my heart beat rapidly.
“We don’t need to talk about tomorrow, okay? Let’s just stay in this moment for as long as we can.”
He stayed silent for a moment before I finally felt him breathe again. “Okay.”
20
Early morning,we all gathered at the warehouse. No one spoke much—the weight of what we were about to attempt hung heavy in the air, making idle conversation impossible. Instead, we moved with quiet efficiency, checking weapons, reviewing maps, and preparing the potions that would allow us to infiltrate Elysium.
Aspen and Boise stood at the center of the warehouse, hands raised as they prepared to open the portal that would take us to the eastern gate—the same place where Ezekiel had supposedly arranged to meet me with my family, where we'd walked into a trap. It seemed fitting that we would return there, this time with our own deception planned.
“Everyone clear on their roles?” Lacey asked, her voice steady despite the tension evident in her posture. She and Abbie moved among us, distributing small vials of the invisibility potion along with the golden elixir made from the lilies.
Murmurs of confirmation rippled through the group. I looked around at the faces of my allies—Levi, his expression grim but determined; Farrah and Wyatt, standing shoulder to shoulder; Erin, Rey, and Rage weapons checked and ready; Kadriel, Tarek and the rest of the Lost Legion, their eyes alert for any sign of danger.
The portal shimmered into existence before us, a swirling vortex of purple energy that would take us to the edge of Elysium.
“Remember,” I said, addressing the group one final time, “stay hidden until you see my signal. No matter what happens, no matter what Rhodes does or says to me, don't reveal yourselves too early.”
“We'll be right behind you,” Lacey promised, her eyes fierce with determination.
With a deep breath, I stepped through the portal, feeling the familiar disorientation as magic pulled me across space. The others followed close behind, emerging into the same wooded clearing where we'd been ambushed just days before.
From our position among the trees, we could see the eastern gate of Elysium—a simple arch of white stone, unadorned but radiant with power. Ten angel warriors stood guard, their armor gleaming in the early morning light, their expressions alert and watchful.
“Showtime,” I murmured, straightening my shoulders.
One by one, my allies drank the elixirs. The effect was immediate and fascinating—they didn't disappear completely, but rather became like reflections on disturbed water, their outlines blurring and shifting until they were barely visible even to my enhanced angelic senses.
Levi was the last to drink his potions. Before he did, he caught my face between his hands, his eyes locked with mine. “Be careful in there,” he said, his voice low and intense. “Remember the plan, but also remember to adapt if things go sideways.”
“I will,” I promised, leaning in to press a quick, fierce kiss to his lips. “See you on the other side.”
He drank the potions and faded from view, leaving me standing alone at the edge of the clearing. I took a deep breath, then another, steeling myself for what was to come. I'd faced Rhodes before, had survived his betrayal. I could do it again.
With deliberate steps, I emerged from the trees and walked toward the gate, my hands raised to show I carried no weapons.
The angel guards reacted instantly, their swords materializing in their hands as they moved to form a barrier between me and the entrance to Elysium.
“Halt!” one commanded, his voice echoing with authority. “Identify yourself!”
“My name is Ariella,” I said, keeping my voice steady despite the rapid beating of my heart. “I'm here at the request of Archangel Rhodes.”
The guards exchanged glances, clearly having been warned to expect me. After a moment's hesitation, the one who had spoken nodded.
“We were told you might come,” he said, his eyes hard with suspicion. “Alone.”
I spread my arms wide, inviting their inspection. “As you can see.”
