Nodding, I slid my hand into his, needing comfort and trying not to think about what the evil angel walking ahead had planned for me.
“Can you get us out of here?” I whispered under my breath.
Cain shook his head and gave my fingers a squeeze then mouthed,Trust me.
Looking out at the vast, empty desert, I’d never felt so forlorn. As much as I loved Cain and wanted to believe he had a plan, he didn’t have a fraction of power the Fallen wielded. And this truth sent terror racing along my skin.
Malachi had brought me to a plane of death, and whatwasdeath, really? The opposite of life, of love, of fullness. This world represented it in every aspect and my shoulders drooped.
Instead of answering Cain, I slid my gaze to Malachi’s dark wings and marching form.
Love and goodness will never win in a place like this.
Chapter 31
Cain
Mentally, I tried tolend my strength to Phoebe. I could feel her thoughts turning dark, desolate. That was what Hell did to someone on their first visit. It greedily sucked away every ounce of willpower and goodness, leaving only sorrow and regret.
I needed Samael, but he and I had expected Lucian’s summon on Monday, and I had no way to contact him without risking Malachi’s suspicion.
Phoebe slogged through the grayish-red sand, each footstep heavier than the last.
Malachi led the way with his wings unfurled and a pep in his step. Now that he’d transported us to his world, he had no worry about Phoebe escaping. Even if she overpowered the soul-sucking abilities of Hell, he’d track her down with the snap of his fingers.
And there’d be nothing I could do.In their realm, my power became a bothersome mosquito against an angry tiger.
The sand thinned, and smooth gray cobblestone poked through the dirt, creating a path leading ever onward.
I knew where we headed, and I suppressed a shudder.
Directly to Lucian’s palace.
Phoebe stumbled. “Everything’s so heavy.” Her words slurred, and she shook her head slowly, as if trying to clear away mental cobwebs.
I scooped her into my arms and held her close.
