But I can see the strain on his face, the vein pulsing in his forehead as he maintains the connection. His face grows redder with effort, and I recognize that look from the old days when Father used to test him by pushing back through the spiritual channels.
Something’s actively opposing him out there.
“Hold it!” I shout over the growing roar of wind and energy.
He manages another few seconds before the controlled circles tear apart. Stray runes fly outward like shrapnel, one catching me square in the face and sending me crashing into the reinforced stone wall.
The impact should shatter bones, but I’m built for punishment. Still, feeling two feet of solid flagstone compress against my wings reminds me why I hate being on the receiving end of spiritual energy. I climb to my feet, fury making my movements sharp.
“Did you see anything?” I demand.
Romulus looks pale as death, scraping a trembling hand down his face. Before he can answer, his head performs that sickening spin, and suddenly I’m staring at Remus instead.
“What did he see?” I bark.
Remus glances around the dungeon with obvious distaste, nostrils flaring. “Get me out of this hellhole first, then maybe I’ll share.”
I grab his shoulders, bringing him close enough that he can see the desperation in my eyes. “Tell me what Romulus saw. If Hannah’s in danger?—”
“You’re not moving,” Remus interrupts with that infuriating smile. “Guess you don’t really want to know.”
I roar in frustration but step back, storming toward the exit. Remus sweeps past me and up the stairs, but I catch his wing before he can get too far.
Fire flashes in his eyes at the audacity, but I’m beyond caring about his pride right now.
“Is she in danger?” The question comes out raw, desperate.
His shoulders lift in what I think might be another dismissive shrug, but then he pauses. “I don’t know yet. Haven’t looked at the memories.”
“Then look,” I command.
In the dim stairwell, I watch his head tilt as he accesses what Romulus experienced. Then he exhales sharply.
“Fuck.”
I rush up to his level. “What is it?”
“You were right about all that training paying off,” Remus says, his voice uncharacteristically serious. “Since Romulus shielded himself properly this time, when he encountered the other presence...”
“What?”
“He saw through its eyes.”
My blood turns to ice. “What did he see?”
For one of the few times in his existence, Remus looks genuinely grave. “Looking through the angel’s eyes, he saw this castle. The bastard was right outside the castle window, Abaddon. Looking in.”
FIFTY
ABADDON
I turnand race back down the stairs, yelling, “Hannah!” as I go. Then, when I do not get an immediate response, I roar again, “Hannah!”
And that is when I hear it. A screech.
My Hannah.
That which I have feared has come upon me, as some part of me always knew it would. I have not been strong enough to protect her.
