Hold, Watchman!Ramsey dashed out the doorway a few beats after them, stopping me from charging forward with violent intent.I brought them here. They are not your enemy.
Phin pushed past me as I lowered the blade, kneeling to accept an enthusiastic greeting from the hellhound as the three Nephilim huddled together watching us.
“I’m so happy to see you.” Phin squeezed Ramsey again, then got to her feet, eyes widening as she took in the three people who looked quite a lot like her. She backed up to my side, the hound maintaining a post between us.
“Hello.” The woman raised a hand in a timid wave. Her voice was low and resonant, like it encapsulated the tone of bells when they rang. She had the same silvery blonde hair Phin had, but long enough to be tied back in a loose braid that ended between her shoulder blades. “We’re Nephilim, if that helps. Not full angels. We’re not armed, either.”
I felt Seir approaching from behind me, and his presence was confirmed when all three took a small step backward.
The three of them, upon closer inspection, seemed weak and hungry. They would be no match against two demon princes armed with Dark blades. I sheathed the new sword and turned my focus to the hound.
“Is there anything else coming out of that doorway?”
Not that I’m aware of, Watchman.
I approached the portal and deactivated it manually, just in case. “Ramsey, it would be helpful if you could explain,” I prompted, eyes never leaving the three half-angels.
“Is that her name? Ramsey?” the woman asked.
Phin nodded. “Yes.”
“She’s lovely.” The woman’s eyes dropped to the hound. “It’s been a bit difficult communicating, since none of us have the gift of mind speech. But she’s gotten her point across well enough.”
The corner of my mouth ticked upward when the dark-haired man shifted and ran his palm over his forearm. I was betting there were some teeth marks under his sleeve.
I wasn’t overly upset about that, and I worried what that said about me.
I was wrong, all this time. Please extend them some grace, they deserve it. But they have some things to atone for as well. Do not mistake my kindness for total forgiveness.
“You’re sure?” I asked the hound. Phin met my eye, clearly hearing the same thing I was.
Yes. I was chasing them, and naturally, they were running from me. They are incredible at maneuvering portals and staying hidden, but not because they are hunting Phin, though they were seeking her out.
“Is that not the same thing?” Phin asked.
No, it’s not. They are trying to stay hidden, to survive. Just like you. Give them a chance to explain.
Phin took half a step forward, focus etched in her face as she looked between them as though trying to solve a puzzle. “Oh. You’re some of the others from that day. From the garden.”
Immediately my blood went hot.
I didn’t even realize I was growling, wings wide and full demon features on display until I felt Seir’s strong grip on my shoulder holding me back and heard Phin’s voice calling my name.
“Stop! Tap! No, it’s okay!”
I glanced from the now terrified Nephilim to my sweet mate and inhaled slowly as her palms came to the sides of my face. Her touch chased the rage back. It was not gone, but I could easily manage it.
Phin shook her head. “They are not at fault.”
“You were hurt,” I said, knowing I sounded petulant. “They left you behind.”
“I was, but I’m okay now. I haven’t even had an episode despite them being here, thinking and talking about it. That’s a good sign, right?”
I blinked and realized she was right. There hadn’t been any freezing episodes since she stopped taking that cursed tincture.
“I’ll follow your lead, Feather,” I said quietly. “But I will not hesitate if I feel you’re in danger.”
“I know.” She patted my hand and kissed my cheek. When I looked up, the Nephilim seemed a bit confused by our interaction but not bothered. In fact, all three of them were holding hands, the woman clutching at both of the men who stood firm at either side of her, blocking as much of her body from me as they could.
