What was wrong with her?
She fisted her hands in front of her and created two long, red fire whips.
“Ni,” I begged, taking a hesitant step forward. “You don’t want to do this.”
She struck, the line of fire racing toward my stomach. I dove to the ground, stone scraping against my arms and chest, and my Glory scorched the area. Her fire cracked just inches from my head. Before I could gather my breath, she lifted her hand and flung her whip down. I rolled, feeling the spray of rock. She did the same to my other side, forcing me to roll back, then roll again, closer to the edge.
I stood before she forced me off the cliff and jumped over her whip just in time—only to be slammed in the side. I teetered on the edge, my heel pushing off loose bits of rock. My stomach plummeted as I stared at the drop. It was steep enough to steal my life, and there was a line of jagged rocks below.
Swallowing, I regained my balance and lurched forward, taking another fiery hit. My Glory protected me from the flames, but it still felt like a fierce punch.
“Ni, please!”
Maybe I could just wait this out. Maybe she’d tire of me.
My naïve thoughts were quickly extinguished by repeated attacks and dodges. But her whips didn’t just slam into me; they tore into the ground around me, chipping away at the stone as if she wanted me to fall into the lake.
But if she wanted to kill me, why not do it when I was unconscious?
I flung up an arm and protected my neck from her attack. Our fires battled each other, but my Glory had the upper hand, shielding me and forcing her red flames back. Encouraged, I took a step forward, fighting her whips. Every inch I gained, she increased the ferocity of her attacks. Holding the foot I’d gained away from the cliff, I absorbed her strikes, thinkingI could do this. I could hold out until the General got here.He’d know something was wrong once he connected with Rune,as long as she was okay. But even then, he would know. I just needed to hold out for a little longer.I could do this.
Then I felt the pooling sand in my legs.
My Glory was draining me.
The edge of the cliff shrank.
I didn’t have time.
Chapter
Twenty-Four
RONEN
Iwalked to my shower, shucking off my Dark Seraphim uniform, which I’d received from Heaven. Stepping into the shower, I sighed—grateful, for once, for the frigid water.
The door to my bathing chamber squeaked open. “Did you want some company?”
I stiffened at her sultry voice, glaring at the black marble dripping with water, refusing to turn around. “No, Moira. I’m almost done, and I need to see the king.”
She padded closer and pressed her warm, naked body against my back. “Too late.”
My shadows revolted, pulling at their tight leash, demanding I throw her off.
I turned off the shower, stepped out of her arms, and snatched a towel, wrapping it around my hips.
“Ronen.” She grabbed at the soft fabric.
“What part ofnodid you not understand?” I threw an extra towel at her. “Get out.”
She pouted, letting it hang loosely in her hand, her wet body on display like she thought it would tempt me. Unfortunately for her, she lost that power the moment the hellion entered my life, and our intimacy had suffered for it. I’d been dragging my feet in ending this, not wanting to face the fallout.
I figured if I didn’t seek her out, she’d get the hint. We were never dating, only fucking. I should’ve known she’d want more. They always wanted more, and I could never give it to them then, let alone now.
“Moira, this isn’t happening anymore,” I said, pointing a finger between us.
She dropped her towel and walked into my space, her breasts brushing against my chest. “You say that now, but I guarantee I’ll be seeing you soon.”
