“How’re thefiestreighcoming with the updated security?” Kaj asked as he led the way up the twisting stairs to the main floor.
“More cameras have been installed, the new wall’s been started, and thedhirahas been reinforced.” There were still additional measures Obsidian wanted to put in place, but he figured they could only tackle one thing at a time.
“Any news on whether Eevuhl’s actually dead?”
That was really the million-dollar question. As far as they knew, the demon was eliminated. But considering he’d simply shriveled up and vanished, there was still the possibility Lucifer had called him home in time to keep him alive.
“Unfortunately, we won’t know. He’ll either reappear somewhere or he won’t.”
Obsidian prayed for the latter. There were still two more they had to deal with—Aguhnee and Mizuhree—and Lucifer only knew where those two demons were and what they were up to.
Kaj peered back at him as they headed down the hall. “You think that’s what Michael’s worried about? Why he’s adamant we focus on building our armies?”
Once inside the office, Obsidian closed the door, then proceeded toward the decanter on the table near the window. “I think Eevuhl’s the least of his worries.”
“So why the urgency? Why’s he demanding I resurrect Khari? He said I have no more time to decide.”
After pouring two fingers in each glass, Obsidian passed one over to his friend.
“Out of curiosity, what’s holding you back?”
Kaj shrugged. “The unknown. Up until a few weeks ago, I didn’t know the original vampire still lived. Now he wants me to resurrect him.”
“That’s Michael for you.” Perhaps Obsidian had merely gotten used to the archangel’s urgent demands. “But if it’s any consolation, I think he has good intentions in delaying his requests. Bites him in the ass in the end, but I do believe he attempts to find other avenues if at all possible.”
Kaj tossed back his drink, then strolled over to pour another. “And you’re on board with it? We have no idea what it’ll do to Penelope’s brother.”
“I’m on board with nothing,” he told Kaj. “Hell, I’m only learning of this now. As for Oliver … as much as I want to dig deep into that one, I cannot. I’m bound by my faith when it comes to humans, Kaj. I can only trust God’s plan where they’re concerned.”
“Even with an archangel interfering?”
Obsidian nodded. As much as he didn’t like what Michael had sprung on them, he knew it wasn’t his place to intervene. Although Oliver Calazans was believed to be Penelope’s twin brother, it appeared he was not. And more importantly, he was still human, which meant Obsidian had no say in what happened to him.
Not that he was eager to share that with Penelope.
“Michael preserved Khari’s body. Said he can take me to it.”
Obsidian could hear Kaj’s concern. “But…?”
“If we’re going to do this, I’d prefer it be here. Where we can control the outcome.”
“So you’ve decided to go through with it?”
Kaj turned to face him. “I fear my decision’s selfish in nature, Obsidian.”
“This is the favor, huh? The one where he’ll release the Fae if you follow through?”
“Never easy, is it?”
Of course not.
Obsidian considered what this meant for all of them. Without the Fae to provide blood, they would be forced to seek an outside source. But more importantly, without the ability to keep them in His sights, it was possible God would recall them to Heaven.
“Michael has another option for your blood source,” Kaj added, as though reading his mind.
“What might that be?”
Kaj took another long drink. “Something about angels in Heaven who are willing to be called upon.”
