Page 73 of Wings of Torment
“Cut the bullshit. I wouldn’t have made a deal with demons if I could create these blades on my own. Give me a number.”
What the hell? An angel and a demon, working together? This is really fucking bad.
“You might call the shots up here, but I don’t report to you. In fact, I’ve been explicitly told not to provide you a number, so my answer remains the same,” the guy, who must be a demon, says.
The barn feels too stuffy, overflowing with tension between these two clearly powerful men, and I wonder if maybe they’ll just start fighting each other. That might be nice.
Instead of the epic showdown I hope for, the boss only says, “Fine. For now, anyway. Besides, I’ve learned to be a little more picky about who I gift them to.”
“And what is it you plan to do with that Roderick fellow? He almost ruined the entire operation with his stunt in the Fallen encampment.”
I’ve almost got it,Zeke says through our bond.If you can, try to move toward the back, but be careful.
I walk slowly, trying to remember how the crates were positioned so that I don’t accidentally stumble into one. My heart races, speeding up as I keep my focus split between my own movements and the conversation happening near the front of the barn.
“Oh, I’ve not forgotten. If you must know, I’ve already put something in motion and will be sending an extraction team his way shortly. Then he’ll be brought here and taught a lesson that very few angels have ever truly learned.”
“How do you know he’ll show up?”
“As far as he knows, he’s to wait for me outside the Fallen district, closest to the Guild. He wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet me in person.”
“And you aren’t worried about your so-called protectors?”
I wait, holding my breath for the answer, but it doesn’t come.
Something silent must have passed between them because the demon says, “Fine. Then let my team do it.”
I expect the other guy to refuse, but he doesn’t. The only thing he requests is that Roderick be brought back here coherent and alive.
I almost let out a yelp of surprise when I bump into someone, my stomach coming all the way up into my throat until I realize who it is.
Fuck, Theo. You scared me.
We’re almost out, firefly.He holds me for the briefest second, and I practically melt into him.
“My king wants to know if you’ve gathered any further information about the powerful creature who took out too many of my brothers.”
A shiver goes down my spine. He isn’t talking about me, is he?
“This again? My heavens, yourkingis rather obsessive. No. I have nothing definitive, but when I do, I’ll pass it along.”
“He’s getting rather … antsy, so I suggest you look a little harder.”
I hear a vibration and for a moment I panic, thinking it’s from one of us.
“All in due time. Now, duty calls,” the angel in charge says, sounding more tired than he was earlier. “I’ll be in touch.” And then, after a few steps and the flap of wings, the barn is silent.
“Get rid of these crates, then take a group to grab the insolent angel.”
“On it, commander,” whoever the demon is talking to replies, but I can’t focus on any of that because holy fucking shit. He’s going to get rid of the crates, but where will we hide then?
Uh, Zeke? I don’t mean to pressure you, but we’re running out of time.
Just about … There. Go. Quickly, but for the love of the Archangels, be fucking quiet.
Theo and I scurry to the door with who I’m hoping is Raphael close behind us. It’s only partially held open, but the light of themoon filters into the barn like a damn beacon. Please, please, please don’t let anyone still inside notice.
Just as Raphael makes it through the door, the wind picks up, tearing it from his hand and slamming it into the wall.
