“I know you are there, Thamiel,” Mother said without turning. “We are finished here. You may escort the triscelene to safety.”
Still, Nadia was apprehensive. The moment she stepped from the protection of this chamber into the other, she was fair game.
“You have nothing to fear from me, child,” Mother said. Her understanding was reflected in her soft smile. “We want the same thing.”
“If you betray me—” she began shakily.
The goddess’s expression hardened. “I will not, but you will do well to show respect and a modicum of faith.”
Once again, Nadia felt as if she’d seriously misstepped. But if angels lied, why couldn’t deities?
“There was a cat in my apartment, who I believe might be more than an average feline. If anything happens to me, will you see she is protected?” She owed Ariel that much, having left her to her own devices when Gabriel was taken last night.
Quiet descended as Mother’s thoughts turned inward. Indeed, it appeared as if she’d checked out or was in the middle of a minor seizure of sorts, she was so still. Then she blinked and came back to the present.
“Ah, yes. It seemed my son has taken it upon himself to subject the poor dear to a terrible fate. I shall see he reverses the damage and bothers her no more.”
“Thank you,” Nadia replied, heartfelt. She’d come to care for Ariel in the last weeks.
After a deep inhale, she blew out a breath and stepped through the opening, joining Mother and Thamiel.
With a warm smile, Mother caressed Nadia’s cheek. The skin beneath her cool fingertips tingled, but not in an unpleasant way.
“You hold great power, Triscelene,” the goddess said. “And though young, I believe you are wise. You’re ready this time.”
“This time? What does that mean? Have we met before?” She couldn’t shake the sense of familiarity, of having once encountered the woman.
“Patience is key. When you have joined us in the Kingdom, all shall be well.”
Her heart began to hammer.
Had she misjudged the goddess’s intent?
“You plan to imprison me?” she squeaked.
Giving an exasperated shake of her head, Mother dropped her hand and pivoted to leave. “You are too curious for your own sake, my dear.” She paused to stop beside Thamiel. “It is good to see you again. Thank you for keeping watch over Lucifer.”
He bowed his head until she’d gone, then gestured for Nadia to follow him. “Quickly, my lady. We must escape these catacombs before Raphael reveals where you are to Michael.”
They only managed to round the corner before coming face to face with Nadia’s worst nightmare.
Michael grinned as he lit his swords.
Her knees trembled, and she wanted to vomit.
Where was her pepper spray when she needed it?
“Yo, Mike! How’s it hanging?” she asked, infusing cheer in her words.
For the briefest of moments, he appeared confused before shaking his head in irritation.
“So, your mother left the dirty work to you?” Nadia asked, shoving Thamiel aside. “He goes free, and you can do what you will. I won’t fight you.”
Michael cocked his head and stared at her as if she were an alien creature he’d yet to encounter. “You would sacrifice for a daemon?”
“For a friend,” she corrected. In truth, she didn’t know Thamiel well, but he’d protected her at every turn. The least she could do was make sure he didn’t lose his life on her account when her death was a certainty.
Michael didn’t remove his curious gaze from her as he addressed Thamiel. “You are free to leave. Bring the traitor Ariel to the Gates in one hour.”
