Page 33 of Rise from the Flames

This was a huge mistake.

I should’ve never tested my connection to Hell. I shouldn’t want so badly to unleash my power again, spreading it through this entire room to keep everyone away.

Oh, Heaven. Please, help me. Please, show me the way.

“Riella, over here. Come this way.” An unfamiliar man waves his hand at the other side of the bar, leading to what possibly might be a back office. It’s hard to see from here, but he knows my name.

My heart ricochets in my chest, smashing against my ribcage, trying to bust free of my mortal body. I wobble on my feet, swiveling to look behind me. I spot Storm and River looking around the bar, trying to see who might be the spy. They’re so focused on the other hunters that they don’t see the man waving his hand at me.

“Hurry. I have a way out. You shouldn’t be here, Your Highness.” The hunter motions his hand again, acting far nicer than he would if he were fighting for Heaven. Because to him, I am hell-bound. I’m a fallen angel.

But he called meyour highness. That would only mean one thing.

Dagan. This is the man we’ve been looking for, and the one who can give us answers.

I know I shouldn’t engage with him, because Storm and River could know him, and they might be able to get answers without hurting him, but waiting leaves me anxious. I don’t want to run out of here like I’m supposed to.

I was only supposed to bait the guy, but plans change all the time.

I have to take advantage of this.

Another man comes up on my right, and I spin around and side kick him, knocking him back into one of the barstools. He stumbles and hits the floor, giving me enough room to dash toward the spy.

I unveil my wings and flap them, launching the ten feet it takes to get to him, and if he didn’t move out of the way, I might’ve crashed right into him.

I fold my wings away and look at him. He motions toward a dark dingy green hallway. Taking one last look back at my guys, I see them fighting hunters. Hopefully, they’ll realize I went down the hallway. I know I shouldn’t go. But I have no choice, we’re running out of time. I cautiously follow him to the end of the hallway. He reaches for the handle to a door and pushes it open. He enters and motions me to follow. I follow him in, a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach settles in. I realize a moment too late that this might be the worst idea I’ve ever had.

“Riella, you’re not supposed to be here. Come on. I’ll help you through the window.” The man shuts the door behind me, locking the office. “I know Storm and River think that you can help humanity, but I don’t know why they thought it was a good idea to bring you here.”

I falter at his words. “They told you about me?”

I don’t know why I glance over my shoulder at the closed door, because I can’t see either of the hunters.

“Of course they did. We’re best friends. They tell me everything. Now, come on. This way. I don’t want you to get hurt. I believe in your cause.” The man strides across the small office and to the window. He pulls open the blinds, showing an empty parking lot behind the bar.

Maybe I was wrong. Maybe this guy isn’t the spy that I thought.

“My car is parked in the corner over there. My keys are behind the bar, so I’ll have to meet you out there. But you should be safe.” The man slides the window open, popping the screen off.

My stomach twists, my skin buzzing. A strange scent permeates the air, and I worry that I might’ve used too much of my power. What if the bar burns down because of me? What if Storm and River couldn’t put out the flames in time?

I should turn around and go back.

But something pulls me forward, fighting against my instincts to run away. I can’t run. I’m supposed to fight. I’m supposed to face even the scariest of situations head-on.

And this man is mortal.

He is a hunter, and in the end, I know he has humanity on his side.

Even if he’s lying now.

I know he is.

I see the spark of fire in his gaze when I close the space. He almost had me fooled.

This is it.

We will finally have an advantage.

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