“Oh, and?”
“He said he believes an Angel is behind your dreams of Astaroth.”
“Yes. I'm not so sure, but I won't rule it out.”
“That's ridiculous. No Angel would risk damaging the alliance between Heaven and Fairy. Especially now, with Miri here, blessed by Anu.”
“I agree. It would be strange. But Angels have behaved oddly before. Maybe your leaving has inspired some Angels to rebel.”
“I doubt that.” Sever grimaced, his black wings rustling so that their purple dust glittered. “That being said, it could be done.”
“What do you mean?” I whispered.
“We have influencing magic that allows us to enter the thoughts of others.”
“Yes, but isn't angelic influence good? Demon influence deals with lust.”
“Is it just lust between you and Astaroth?”
I cleared my throat. “Not entirely.”
“No. It's love. And love is under our influence.”
“Yes, okay, but Angels can't influence Demons or Fairies.”
“Not when they're awake, but perhaps they could if that Demon or Fairy were asleep.”
“Shit,” I whispered. “Are you saying Raza is right?”
“I'm saying that as ridiculous as it sounds, it's possible.” His jaw clenched, fluttering his cheek. With his leonine mane of golden-brown hair wild about his shoulders, the ex-Kingof Heaven looked ready to lay an angelic smackdown on his enemies. “If it is an Angel, I will deal with them.”
“Sever, you're not alone anymore. We will deal with this, whatever it is, together.”
His lavender eyes narrowed.
“Sever!”
“I'm taking Miri to Earth.”
“What?!” I screeched.
“If this is an angelic threat, she's in danger.”
“And you think you can protect her better on Earth?”
“I can hide her on Earth. Here, we are exposed. If an Angel has penetrated your mind, Seren, they know what you know. And they have made it past Fairy's wards. Miri isn't safe here, and telling you where we're going wouldn't be safe either.”
“Sever, no,” I whispered. Then I shouted, “Don't you fucking dare take my daughter away!”
“Goodbye, Seren. Don't worry. I'll keep her safe.” He paused. “I love you.” And then the crystal went clear.
Silence within the cair. Only the sound of the wind broke it. And then I screamed.
“Go!” Tiernan said.
My hands shook when I looked at him. “What about the Basty?”
“Laruk back to me when you've secured Miri.”
