“Indeed. And that’s why he appeared at the cave to complete his order since you managed to somehow overcome it.”
Lore straightened, too annoyed to remain still. “They won’t rest until it’s done, until my mate and I are dead.”
“Yes.Youbroke the higher-ups’ sacrosanct rule.”
“Never succumb to the weakened mortal coil like our brethren,” Lore repeated the last added codicil of the ancient decree, his attention shifting back to Nia and Echo. His mate was now carrying the purring feline.
He reached out through their soul bond and took comfort in her warmth. She glanced up and smiled. His resolve hardened. “They should know better. Remember who I was.”
He rolled back his taut shoulders. Pain flayed his back, and he gritted his teeth, wishing the wounds would heal already.
“It still hurts?” Michael nodded to his back.
Lore considered denying it, then nodded. “The goddess healed every broken bone I sustained from falling, but these back injuries aren’t doing so well.”
“I’ll get the Oracle to send you something else to aid you.” He set his soda aside. “You’re not on duty yet, but be on the lookout. Call the others if you sense anything first. They are aware of the situation. Two will remain here until it’s over.”
Call the others?
Irritation surged through him. But without powers, if he tried to take down the Seraphs or the thrones, he might as well just hand himself over to Chamuel to finish the job.
Lore pulled his emotions deep into him.
“It’ll be fine. We’ll handle this—dammit!” Michael cursed.
Lore stilled. “What is it?”
“Race. Demons are running rampant in the small villages near the Himalayas. The Fallen who watch over that hotbed need help. I have to go.” Michael disappeared in a flash.
Lore was aware Michael had a group of fallen angels working as protectors for this realm, too. Whether they’d pledged their allegiance to Gaia as her Guardians, he wasn’t sure.
Soon enough, it would be his job to keep humans and this world safe, as well.
Same job, different situation. With this one, at least, it would be protecting those who were weaker and in need rather than the snobs he’d worked for.
Lore headed for Nia.
As he stepped onto the terrace, she looked up, her amber eyes brighter than the cat’s she carried. Her ready smile faded. She set the feline down and joined him, her gaze searching his. “Are you okay?”
He grasped her hand and pressed her fingers to his mouth. “I’m fine, just getting used to this new me?—”
A soft gasp split the quiet.
“Echo!” Nia cried out, darting forward as her twin swayed.
Lore grabbed the female before she hit the ground. He scanned her, but his abilities weren’t at full power yet, and he couldn’t seem to get through to find out what was happening to her.
He settled her onto one of the wooden benches between the potted plants.
“What’s wrong?” Nia demanded, sitting next to her.
“It’s nothing.” Echo swiped a hand across her brow. “Just felt a little weak for a second, is all. I’m okay now. Please don’t tell Aethan. I don’t want him to worry.”
Lore frowned. If Nia was unwell, he’d want to know.
It surprised him that Aethan wasn’t there already.
“Shall I call Nate, then?” Nia asked.
