Page 130 of Crimson Promises
“As we discussed prior, the car accident was a demon attack. The second attack was by Behemoth, one of Lucifer’s captains, and the latest attack he sent Gaul. I don’t think I need to explain the seriousness of the situation, Michael. The attacks are increasing in frequency in anticipation of her twenty-first birthday. With each attack Lucifer is sending a higher-ranking general. It’s only a matter of time before he goes after her himself.” My throat bobbed with the heavyweight that landed against my chest.
“He won’t get her,” Michael said viciously. His wings rustled behind him.
“We both know that he won’t stop until he has her. Tell me why he is after her, why he’s sending her nightmares, reaching out through demonic objects. I’ve done my best to defend her against them. But I could be better equipped with backup, magical weapons, but most importantly, information,” I begged.
I felt Michael’s deep intake of breath. I crossed my fingers behind my back, a human gesture Aurora would always do when she was hoping with all her might for something. This could be a window, a step.
His exhale was slow, measured. “You already have what you need to protect Aurora. That is all I can give you, Bennett.”
Michael's limbs were stiff, and just like that, the brief bridge I had extended disintegrated between us.
“If anything happens to her, Michael, it’s on you,” I spat.
Michael’s hand fell to his sword at the accusation.
I had already agreed to train her earlier this morning, but I had some lingering reservations. Not anymore. If Michael refused to help her in the way that she needed, I would.
“We both know you won’t let that happen, Caelum. You have too much riding on this.”
“We both do,” I said solemnly.Little does Michael know what I was riding earlier. Ahem, ahem.
“What are your conclusions about Lucifer?” Michael prodded.
Was this guy daft?
“I already explained that I anticipate increasing attacks focused on Aurora. Lucifer is heavily interested in Aurora, and he isn’t backing down. I’m assuming it has something to do with why you find it essential that she remains mortal after her twenty-first birthday. Am I on the right track?”
Michael tilted his head a fraction to the right. It was as much of an answer as I was going to get.
“Lucifer must have found out why you are so intent on protecting Aurora, a mortal.”
Michael barred his teeth.
“I mean no offense, but Michael, you are an archangel who I assume has quite a hectic schedule. Earth is filled with billions of humans, yet you are focused on ensuring the protection of one over the many. I don’t know the role she plays yet. Obviously, it’s significant for Lucifer to risk attracting the wrath of God’s favored angel.”
“And Aurora is still unaware of your presence?”
“Yes, of course.” I swallowed audibly. “I wanted to propose moving her to a discrete location, one where she isn’t too visible to Lucifer or his cronies. We can establish stronger wards. It’ll be easier to manage?—”
“No,” Michael replied firmly. “I’m not going to uproot her entire life.”
As much as I hated being dragged up here against my own will, there was one thing I wanted to get Michael’s thoughts on. “If you’re satisfied with the updates I’ve provided, I want your advice.”
Michael lifted his chin.
“Aurora was at work when a demonic object—a book, specifically—latched on to her. It wasn’t the first time that she had an encounter with the thing. The first time it seemed to call to her, she could not remove herself from its orbit until someone else interrupted whatever pull it had on her.
“The second time she had touched it with gloves on, nothing happened. When she removed her gloves, from where I discreetly watched her, it seemed that some part of the spine of the book reached out to prick her finger. Somehow, a tiny spindle was hidden within it and drew out a particle of her blood.”
Michale’s grip on his sword turned bone white.
My stomach dropped, reliving it. I had been asleep when Aurora needed me. He didn’t need to know that she was the one who recalled the details to me. That I hadn’t been there.
“Long of the short, the book basically tried to devour her. It must have sensed something in her blood. A loud clap of gold exploded, causing Aurora to faint. She doesn’t remember any of this, of course. I overheard a conversation with Aurora when her boss, Jean, had mentioned that the book is a rare and treasured volume because, for the first time, it gives some details about The Great War.”
I wasn’t going to give him more details about what it contained. If he wanted, he could find out for himself. Maybe the book would try to devour him instead. That would certainly make my life easier.
I pushed on. “What I don’t understand is how a demonic object knew to find Aurora. What can I do to negate them before they have a chance to cross her path again?”
