I had bonded him. If he had betrayed us, I would make him pay.
Samael could communicate with those he’d bonded with. I had no time to learn how he did it, desperation clawing at my chest and cutting me open. I forced my mind to go blank and focused on Pischiel’s face.
“Pischiel,”I attempted, and felt him jolt.“You have to get them out. Before Lucifer’s people destroy the realm. Please.”
“It’s going to be okay, Danica.”His expression was blank, and his voice was cold. My entire body went numb, horror sweeping through me.
My attention faded slightly as Lucifer paced back and forth, screaming at one of his generals.
“Destroy that artifact!” he roared. “Now!”
I was helpless to do anything but watch as one of Lucifer’s commanders turned to Pischiel with a nod. Pischiel lifted his sword.
“No,”I begged Pischiel.“Please, please don’t do this.”
He swung his sword, cutting the artifact in two, and a scream ripped from my throat. In front of me, Lucifer laughed and laughed. I fell to my knees, too numb to cry.
The bond was still there. They were trapped for eternity but not dead. I would find a way to get them out. If it took the rest of my life, I would—
“Little witch.”
Now I sobbed, hearing Samael’s voice in my head. Knowing I might never get to touch him again. He sent reassurance down the bond, but I was too distraught to feel it.
“Danica, I need you to trust me.”
Lucifer’s army began marching toward Bael’s soldiers. Bael’s eyes gleamed with anticipation, and he screamed out an order that had his front lines crouching, ready.
They were about to be slaughtered.
The battlefield receded as the underworld made me focus on what was happening in Lucifer’s throne room. My body was leaving the ground as Lucifer used his power to float me through the air, dropping me on the table. I’d never seen him look so happy, his eyes practically glowing with triumph.
He smiled at me, leaning close enough to strap down my restraints himself.
“Hey grandfather,” I gasped out. “Fuck you.”
I reached for the chain around my neck and snapped it, feeling the invisible rowan in my palm. I’d only have one shot at this.
Lucifer grabbed my arm, ready to tie me down.
And I shoved the rowan into his chest.
Nothing happened.
Lucifer threw back his head. Then he laughed and laughed. “You believe you can killme?” He ripped open his shirt and displayed the thin armor molded to his chest. I couldn’t see the rowan, but I heard it snap as Lucifer pulled it free with a smile, heard it fall to the ground as he dropped it on the floor.
“I know every move you make before you even think to make it, granddaughter. Your lack of foresight is a humiliation to my bloodline.”
His arm swung, and I rolled off the table with the force of his backhand, my vision dimming as I hit the ground. My eyes slid shut, and I forced myself to open them to slits. If I passed out, I was done.
Of course, I was done anyway.
I’d had one shot. One chance to kill him. And I’d lost it.
The doors slammed open, and two guards sprinted into the throne room, obviously hearing Lucifer’s raised voice.
“Get out before I kill you!” Lucifer roared, and they turned, hauling ass straight back out. They left the doors open, and I could hear their footsteps disappearing as they sprinted from the throne room.
My cheek throbbed. Had Lucifer broken my cheekbone? Pain seemed to spread over my entire face, and it immediately began to swell.
