Page 92 of Destined for Dreams
“I’m surprised he wasn’t worse,” Cauis said, shaking his head. “I’d be upset too if my son had been captured by a powerful demon.”
They each studied their lists and started coordinating which places to cover first.
Just as they were about to leave, Remiel flashed into the room. “I saw you had a visitor.”
Caius snorted. “You should have joined us for the flaying.”
“I preferred not to slow him down—he’s more useful as he is now.”
“Any news?” Bartol asked.
“All the signs are strong that the demon is here and active but pinpointing his location is another matter.” The archangel’s lips turned downward. “It appears he has already gained a few followers.”
Caius cursed. “What have they done this time?”
“As of yet, nothing extreme, but the number of suicides in the city has increased in the last few days—all with a familiar symbol carved into their skin somewhere on their bodies.” The archangel moved toward the front window, staring out. “The local authorities are already working with Interpol on the matter due to the similarities with other deaths across Europe. We’ve got someone at Scotland Yard watching closely in case they discover anything useful.”
“That’s not going to make our job any easier with the human authorities involved,” Bartol said.
“Perhaps, but perhaps not.”
He frowned at Remiel. “How do you mean?”
“It could be turned to your advantage, but I will have to get back to you on that.” The archangel gestured toward the lists Bartol and Caius were holding. “For now, follow Yerik’s lead and look into those locations—but take care and do not get captured again.”
“We are taking precautions.” Bartol wasn’t about to let himself get taken a second time if he could help it. “But what news is there about my father?”
“The council finally approved my suggestion this morning. Raguel is in the process of being awakened now, but he’ll need a little time to orient himself and regain a measure of his strength.”
Bartol’s father would have missed a lot in the last eighteen-hundred and six years. He supposed he could understand that, though he was curious to meet the man who’d sired him. Yet he also feared their first meeting. What if his father judged him and found him wanting? Raguel had been the head of a legion, after all, and likely had high standards. There was no telling how seeing him might go and if it could be as unpleasant as what Lucas and Micah faced with their own sire.
Remiel stared at Bartol, a knowing expression in his gaze that said the archangel might have been listening to his thoughts. “Do not worry. Raguel is mighty and powerful, but he was also born with compassion. It kept him motivated to protect humans and is likely why he felt so strongly toward your mother that he sacrificed his standing for her.”
That only gave Bartol a measure of relief since things could change over the centuries. “Let us know when to expect him.”
The archangel nodded. “I will return soon.”
