Page 145 of An Unexpected Ascension
My heart thunders inside of my chest. I do not fear this man,Ambrose Cromwell. However, I have recently discovered a great weakness within me and that is Briar Fentonelli. I beg the universe to be just in this moment, to grant me this one thing: to keep her safe.
“Ada was never theirs and they know it,” Lucifer speaks.
Ambrose’s eyes never waver from mine as if he can taunt methrough just his stare. Daring me to relive all those horrible memories from my childhood. All the beatings he’s bestowed, all the cuts and bruises he’s colored me with.
Hatred curdles my stomach the longer I look at him, and by the way his lips creep up tells me he knows it.
“Her welcome was worn out anyway.” He waves his hand in dismissal. “Something about the same cunt is a boring cunt.”
“Fuck you!” Lucifer lunges toward him, but I stop him with an outstretched hand.
“It seems you’ve already taken more than you are owed. See, we only stole one life whereas you took upward of two hundred. Far from even, but I don’t think we owe the Gods a thing. Your presence is unwelcome.”
Another ruthless smile slices along his darkening features.
“Ah, but there’s something in this story you’re missing, Lynx. Think long and hard.”
I glower at him, unwilling to say another word.
Ambrose slips around me, his chest now touching my shoulder as he whispers in my ear.
“The Gods don’t give a fuck about the redheaded cunt. Take the used whore.” His eyes flick to a seething Devil. “No, it seems there’s another woman that’s slipped through their fingers.”
My left eye twitches and it’s all he needs to know he’s right on target.
“Ring a bell?”
In a flurry of motion, I unsheathe the sword at my back and swing it over my head, bringing it down on the monster dressed in white. There’s not an ounce of stolen blood on him, but I’ll be sure to stain him red.
The world around us slows as my blade cuts through the air and by the time the edge of my sword is mere inches from my father’s neck, it’s deflected with a weapon of his own. The clank of metal rings out in the throne room as our blades clash together.
He meets my growl with a satisfied smirk, and I can already feelthe rage searing my veins. Pure hatred inflates my lungs, and a fire sets my control ablaze. I can’t tame the murderous beast he awakens inside of me. I want nothing more than to kill him all over again, to wrap my fists around his neck and to suffocate him until those blue eyes fade to nothing.
“Focus!” Lucifer barks as my sword nearly slips from my hand.
Ambrose pivots as I lunge forward ready to spear him and spill his guts as he did all those demons in our Great Hall. I miss and it only infuriates me further.
“The only thing you ever did better than me, son, was drink.”
“I didn’t know angels could lie so easily,” I snarl, charging at him again.
He spins, ending up behind me and as I turn on my heels, his blade slips past mine and right into the center of my stomach. He lifts up, tearing into me, splitting my skin and spilling my blood. The pain is nearly unbearable as he yanks me to him with the leverage of his weapon.
I look down to the gaping hole inside of me. My fingers twitch as they come to the wound and wrap around the blade of his sword. I tug, but my strength betrays me.
“Lynx!”
“Briar, no!”
I can hear Lucifer warn her off, but it’s too late. Ambrose’s gaze finally tears from mine to find my angel fighting her way toward me.
“Is that her?” Ambrose’s voice echoes in my ears.
I shake my head, but it’s no use. Not when Briar is screaming for me and abusing the Devil holding her back.
Lucifer gives me one last pitying look as he reads my face. He nods, then disappears with Briar behind the door, leaving me to my father.
With her gone, I fall to my knees, letting the blade slip even farther up my torso. Blood spews from my lips and drips down my chin.
