Angel Assassins - Book 1 Lineage & Lies

Chapter 44 - A Hollow Victory

Gabriel stepped back having seen the last guard disappear into ash.

'It's over Reboaz. Even your House has deserted you' said Gabriel as he pointed behind Reboaz with his sword.

Reboaz glanced over his shoulder to see that Razok has disappeared. He had slipped away, finding a place to hide as he saw the last of his guards go down. Reboaz looked back as Danny, Xavier and Drago joined Gabriel.

'It seems you are right, renegade! I will deal with him later, after I have dealt with you.'

Reboaz felt in the inner pocket of his tunic for the red orb and key that Lucian had given him. His plan had worked perfectly so far. His hand brushed his outer pocket, the green transporter orb was still intact. 

Now for the finale! He slid his foot towards one of the stray swords that littered the courtyard.

'Xavier. I have a message from your Grandfather' Xavier stepped forward.

'What did you say demon' spat Xavier.

Reboaz, in one fluid motion flicked the blade up with his foot, caught it and sent it spinning at Xavier. The blade struck Xavier in the chest. They all looked in horror, hardly able to move. Xavier pulled the blade free and stared at his blood soaked hands. 

Reboaz reached into his pocket and pulled out a green orb. Activating it he threw in front of Xavier. The portal opened as Xavier fell forward and disappeared, the silver disc closing behind him.

'He shouldn't have betrayed his family should he' said Reboaz a smug tone in his voice.

Drago rushed Reboaz, tears streaming down his face. Reboaz block the first couple of blows, growing impatient Reboaz knocked the sword from Drago's weakened hand and with a kick sent him flying back towards Gabriel.

'Better watch out renegade, that's two of your kids that you've lost, with no chance of bringing them back.'

Reboaz laughed, but stopped abruptly as Gabriel stretched out his arms, the air began to crackle with electricity. 

Gabriel lifted his head and began to rise into the air. 

A sudden pulse of light and energy that emanated from Gabriel sent the ash from the fallen demon guards to the four corners of the courtyard. His dark clothes began to shimmer as light continued to envelope Gabriel. 

The light intensified to such an extent that Reboaz had to shield his eyes at the height of the brightness, Danny and Drago hid under the cowls of their cloaks. As sudden as the light had come, it stopped as if it had been switched off. 

At the epicentre Gabriel hovered. His appearance had completely changed. The black cloak and uniform of the Drakim had been replaced with white tunic that glowed with an iridescent light. His long blonde locks falling around his shoulders. A thick gold cord belt pulled the tunic in at the waist, with another cord running from the left side of the belt, across his chest and over his right shoulder. 

The hilt of a broad sword protruding from a sheath strapped to his back. Gabriel arched his back slightly and a pair of incredible wings opened behind him. Looking down at Drago, Gabriel alighted on the marble floor. He reached down and easily picked up Drago, gently handing him to Danny who was now stood, open mouthed in awe. 

Gabriel's eyes burned with an intense white light as he unsheathed his sword, the blade was tinged with a blue light. Reboaz looked him up and down.

'Perfect, unexpected, but perfect' he said under his breath.

Reboaz readied his sword and addressed Gabriel

'Very impressive, looks like you may not be a renegade after all.'