From Despair Comes Hope (The Strange Case of Devin Sola Book 1)

Break Free

***Chris' POV***

I nod to my band mates. Devin appears from nowhere, as per usual. We explain that we have to go after Charli. "You mean Hope? I've been listening in." He explains, looking a bit sheepish.

"So you know?" Ricky asks.

"That I'm the missing Angel of Life? Yeah." Devin smiles. "I kind of figured. Charli seemed so damned familiar, but I couldn't place her. When she mentioned she'd had a moment of déjà vu while I dressed her whip wounds, I realized we really did know each other somehow. So instead of going to sleep like I said I was, I went invisible and started sneaking around."

Tia smiles and wraps an arm around Devin. She'd decided to stay behind to hang out with Devin. "I promise, I'll only pop out if needed for a death and if he's willing and hangs on to me, I can pop with him in tow. I've been popping in and out with Charli for a while now." We all nod and prepared to go to Ares' palace on Olympus when Ricky sighs.

"Um, guys?" Ricky looks at the ground and shuffles his feet.

"What's wrong Love?" Hades asks him. I groan.

"He can't pop on his own." I say. Popping is what we call our teleportation powers. Demons blink, angels pop. I don't know why, but that's just what we call it.

"All angels have the power of teleportation." Hades grouches at him. "Did you not learn to use yours?"

"No sir, it isn't that." Ricky says quietly, still looking at the floor. "I learned, but..."

"It just doesn't work for him. He has all the mechanics down, but he literally doesn't go anywhere when he tries." I finish for him. Ricky nods. "Who do you want to pop with?" I ask, turning my attention to Ricky. We've all popped with him before.

"Um... Ryan." Ricky will probably never forgive Josh for dropping him when they appeared on Olympus that one time or me for literally popping him into a wall when I popped us too close to said wall. Ryan nods and grabs onto Ricky.

"On three?" I ask. They all nod including Hades. As they expect I don't actually count I just say "Three!" Fortunately we all land where we need to – in Ares' throne room.

"Ahh, come to find Hope have we?" Ares smirks. "Good luck. She's in the labyrinth. Oh and by the way, I've replaced the creatures. I decided it was time to set the ones who know her free."