The past can’t be healed in the space of a few hours.
Trust has to be built, but right now, we’re hurtling forward along a dangerous path and there’s no time for doubts.
I sweep the clasp toward the horn. The air crackles as the two pieces join, just like it did the first time we used this weapon.
The runes around the clasp’s surface begin to glow, a soft aqua color. Now that two of the pieces are fitted together, the weapon is primed for the third piece, and I sense it pulling us toward the stone.
Koda’s jaw clenches, but his hand is steady as he snatches the diamond stone from the air and pushes it toward the clasp.
The stone jolts into place, and I prepare for the gates of Hell to break.
CHAPTERTHREE
Blinding light overwhelms my senses as I soar upward.
It could be the strength of the power Esta used on me or a testament to the increased power in my demon energy, but the weapon doesn’t feel like it’s tearing me to pieces as it whips me from the battlefield.
I have a sense of being pulled through space, then everything slows again, coming to a standstill much faster than the first time we used this weapon.
My eyes flash open, but my vision remains filled with light.
I hear my sisters’ groans, Roman’s low explicative, and then there’s silence. A brief, blissful silence as I sense myself touch the ground, settling onto my knees on a firm surface.
It’s still too bright to see where exactly on Earth the weapon has brought us, but I’m hoping it’s to the cavern in the desert where we assembled it the first time. That cavern is close enough to the eagles’ territory that we can seek their help. And I can see Mom. My heart squeezes as I think of her. It feels like forever since I hugged her.
All I know for sure is that my hand has stayed firmly within Koda’s, the most unexpected anchor through this ordeal. When we came to Pyra-Mortem, my sisters were torn away from me despite my attempts to hold on to them, but somehow, Koda has stayed at my side.
It’s a lifetime, but also a fraction of a moment, before the light clears. As I wait, Koda squeezes my hand tightly as if to reassure me. Or maybe himself. After all, Earth was where he wreaked havoc, almost destroying us—and himself. Coming back here is not going to be an easy journey for him, but in my heart, I know it’s where we need to be.
We have to regroup and figure out how to save my—our—father.
“Damn,” Roman snarls, and, despite the anger in his voice, I’m relieved to hear him so close by. The ancient demon owns my heart and soul. Trusting him with my life has proven to be the best decision I’ve made.
“Shit,” Koda says softly beside me, and I understand why they’re both cursing when the light finally fades and our surroundings become clear.
We’re not on Earth. Not even close.
“No,” I whisper.
The weapon has brought us to Mortem’s crystal bridge, right at the junction of doorways between the worlds. The surface of the bridge is embedded with glowing crystals that glisten around my kneeling body while brilliant white mist fills the air above our heads and all around us. Waterfalls of crystals cascade down on either side of the structure, a silent stream.
Within the mist, high above us, are the outlines of the other two worlds: Earth and the angels’ realm. Earth’s outline is sapphire, while Stella Astrum’s is golden. When we first arrived, Esta explained that the shadows of the two worlds could be seen within the mist, which is a conduit to those worlds, and that their shadows are darker now that the gates are closed.
The damn gates. Still closed.
Last time I was here, we’d just been yanked through from Earth and I ended up in the Elimination. Now, it seems I’m trapped once more with my enemy at our backs.
“We didn’t make it out.” I try to move, still badly injured, trying to confirm that Malia and Taniya are here with me, along with Temple, Blitz, and Luca. Ace’s warm body rests against my left thigh, while the ruby-eyed wolf is still lying beside him, both of them much closer than before.
On the plus side, it looks like Roman succeeded in keeping anyone else from coming with us. It’s a small win, but it’s something.
Malia rushes toward me, the mist swirling around her as she drops to her knees to place her hand over mine.
Almost instantly, healing energy floods through me. Her other hand moves to Ace, whose eyes are open now. They’re blazing purple, even if his energy is waning. My most fierce and wild boy is hurt so badly that he doesn’t make a move to rise to his feet, his energy dimmed within my senses.
“Shit, Noves. You scared us,” Malia whispers to me, her deep-brown eyes glistening with tears.
She bows her head then, concentrating on her task.
