But why does it matter to me?I’d never cared about what one person did to another as long as the actions ensured their soul’s path to Hell and a recharge of my power before funneling it to Lucian.
Sending out a rope of black power, I yanked a rock from ten feet away and sent it hurtling across the ravine, the sound of it crashing onto the ground below satisfying.
“Maybe I can use what I did tonight as a way to get closer as Lucian commanded, gain her complete trust.” Wrapping her soft body against mine to protect her from everyone but me made me smile. A dark knight saving an innocent princess.
A few feet away, a tiny bird, nestled in a bush, trilled softly.
Except Phoebe was no princess, and I most certainly was no knight.I could be, though, if I changed my path.
I shook my head, astounded the thought had even popped in my brain.
When everyone else had thrown me away, I’d chosen my side, my fate, and my master. There was no turning my back, no sudden salvation because of one girl, and no love due to my sins. I wreaked havoc and unleashed evil upon whomever Lucian commanded. I killed and siphoned souls...andenjoyedit. Most of the time.
And soon, the hard work and dedication would pay off.
Several high, wispy clouds drifted across the moon, temporarily snuffing out the light. Warm air caressed my brow, soothing and pleasant. I’d lived in the darkness for so long it had become an old friend and a treasured safety blanket.
Light exposes every flaw, every sin, every weakness.
But the black became a means for revenge. I wouldn’t let one tempting, unlucky, beautiful girl put my plans in jeopardy.
“Thinking of doing us all a favor and sailing over the cliff?” asked a dry, sultry male voice.
In a flash, I crouched on the balls of my feet, my power armoring my body with ebony plate mail.
Malachi, black wings unfurling and shining in the moonlight, smirked with his muscled arms crossed over his chest and long legs spread apart.
I’d been so lost in my thoughts I didn’t even sense his arrival.
Idiot.
“What do you want, Malachi?” I rose but didn’t release my power.
“Oh, the usual.” He snapped a twig from a nearby overhanging branch then shot a hand inside the foliage. The gentle coo of the bird stopped. “World dominance, a throne, and to fuck up Heaven. Not in any particular order.”
“Good luck,” I countered, then pivoted and stalked toward the cave.Need to set up some new wards. I hate how easily he barged into my territory, so close to home.
“It’s dangerous to give your back to the enemy.” A rope of his power snapped outward, hissing through the air, and struck my shoulder blade. The agonizing whip sliced through the heavy plate and singed my flesh. “I thought you knew better, Cain.”
I gasped and dropped to my knees.This is why I need to become a Chosen. I’ll never be able to compete without their powers.
“Did you really think,” he murmured, swinging into my line of vision, a cruel smile dancing on his lips and fury simmering in his black-brown eyes, “that my brothers and I would idly stand by and watch as Lucian bestowed his greatest gift on a pathetichuman?” He spat the last word out as if it tasted of brimstone.
Another coil of energy shot from his palm to slide around my waist, dragging me through the dirt, my knees scraping painfully against the sharp edges of rocks and twigs. The scent of crisping flesh charred the air. I ground my teeth together, determined not to let him see my pain.
“Isn’t jealousy a human emotion, Malachi?” I lifted an eyebrow and forced my face to remain calm, even though inside I seethed, imagining the day I’d wrap him inmynew power and searhisskin.
Maybe I’ll trail it up his pretty face, give him a nice, jagged scar to match his perpetual sneer.
“Let’s dispense with the games.” He curled a hand around my throat, dragging me upward to stand. “I want to know where this Phoebe girl is.”
Hearing her name in his mouth sent cascading rage to roil deep inside my bones. A well of ether blasted from my fingers, and I seized his hand around my throat, peeling his skin from mine.
Malachi’s eyes widened and his mouth slackened, as if he couldn’t quite believe what happened.
“Never,” I growled, “say her name again, you worthless demon.” Wheezing in a breath, I yanked my elbows up and sent them cracking against the bottom of Malachi’s jaw.
He stumbled backward, dark wings flapping to counterbalance his shifting form.
