“And that's how I know that not everyone is worthy. I want love for everyone, but being worthy of it is something else entirely.”
Mike snorted. “Fair enough.”
“I'd better get started,” Azrael said as he stepped forward, into the center of the room. “Brothers,”—he paused and nodded to the sole female in the group—“And Sister, thank you for coming. Jehovah has gone too far this time. He's threatening all of Heaven and Earth by commanding the Avengers to stop.”
“Avengers,” I snickered under my breath.
Michael grinned at me. “Where's Thor when you need him?”
“We would have refused,” an Avenging Angel said. “But he threatened to cut off our wings.”
Azrael held up a hand toward their group. “This is not on your shoulders. We all understand how hard it is to go against Jehovah. And, as I'm sure you know, I've segregated the dark lands. Hopefully, that will protect us from the taint.”
“Aren't they safe in Azrael's territory?” I whispered to Mike. “How would Jerry get to them to cut off their wings?”
“As I said, he technically rules all the Heavens. He can come here any time he wishes.”
“I had no idea Azrael's territory was so vulnerable.”
“Only because our pantheon is divided. It wouldn't be an issue if Jerry weren't such an asshole.”
“So, Jerry could invade at any time?”
“He could, but with the entrance to Hell here, it wouldn't be wise.” Michael smirked. “Luke could be here with the entire Horde in minutes.”
“Luke,” I whispered, something tickling the back of my mind.
“Yeah, he'd never stand by while Jerry attacked his son.”
“No, he wouldn't. And he's already proved that he can get to Jerry at any time.” I blinked. “That's it! Luke has a way into Araboth.”
“Yes, we could take the fight right to Jerry if we have to, but that should be a last resort.”
“Why? The Horde did so well when they rescued me from Araboth.”
“The Host didn't have magic fey apples back then.”
“Right.” I grimaced. “Sorry, I forgot.”
Sam snorted. “How could you forget about those apples?”
“I have a lot on my mind.
“No shit.”
“What's your plan, Azrael?” Cassiel asked, regaining my attention.
Azrael stared at Cassiel a moment, then said, “There is no plan yet. We can come up with one together if you decide to join us.”
“So, you won't be leading this army?”
“I wouldn't dream of commanding any of you. We can work together or you may take your chances with Jehovah. But I think you know that he won't appreciate your loyalty, merely use it to his own benefit.”
“I can attest to that,” Samael said. “All of you know how loyal I've been to Jehovah, but he has never shown me loyalty in return. I refuse to serve him any longer. He's proven to me that he is all that Lucifer claims and cares nothing for any of us. Not even his own son, I'd wager.”
The Angels murmured among themselves.
“I want to hear from the Godhunter,” one of them said.
