And that defiance was pissing off everyone around her.
Constantly.
“Ariel? You haven’t answered me.”
“What do you want me to say? I couldn’t let him die. It wasn’t right, and I loved him too much to stand by and do nothing.”
Michael growled at her.
“I would apologize, but it wouldn’t be sincere.” Ariel moved forward and again bowed her head. “I’m ready for my punishment. I’m aware that Belial is supposed to take me to Azmodea for what I’ve done. Go ahead.”
The look on her father’s face had to be similar to the one on hers when Raziel had shown up for Valteri’s soul.
Though to be honest, Belial didn’t look as pleased about this as he should have. He and Thorn, along with Shadow, were off to the left, and they all had the same tired expression.
Sneering, Sraosha flicked his wings. “She has to go, Michael. We have to do our duty. No one can be immune. Not even your daughter.”
“Wait!”
She frowned as Gabriel appeared and pulled her father aside, out of her hearing.
Nervous, she glanced over to Thorn and Belial, neither of whom would meet her gaze.
What were they talking about?
Obviously, it was her, as Gabriel kept gesturing in her direction.
Nervous and unsure, she wished she had some clue as to what was going on.
Could they be planning something worse than sending her to Azmodea?
Was there anything worse?
That very thought sent a shiver down her spine.
After several terrifying moments, they moved to stand in front of her.
Gabriel stepped forward and Ariel flinched, half expecting him to motion for Belial.
Instead, he inclined his head toward the Arel behind her.
Bracing herself for her trip to the worst of the hell realms, she drew a ragged breath.
“Come, Ariel.” Raziel took her by the arm and her wings dissolved.
She was losing her wings? That wouldn’t happen for a trip to Azmodea.
Confused, she looked at her father. “I’m being banished?”
Her father nodded. “For a time, or for eternity depending on the choices you make.” He turned his back to her.
“I don’t understand.” But he refused to say anything more.
In fact, no one would say a word.
What the…
Ariel bit her lip to keep from pleading for mercy. She’d known the consequences for her actions, and the least she could do was meet them bravely.
