Sentinal's Tear (Book #1 in Requiem Series) [formally titled Lacrimosa]

Chapter 31

Nesy

There is nothing else to say. To do. I wrap my fingers around the hilt of my sword as my wings unfurl behind me. "I love you, Aydan."

"I know," he says as he closes his eyes.

I whisper the words that will banish him to the Abyss, lift my sword to his chest and thrust it forward.

My own heart rips through my body. For a moment, I can't breathe. Can't think. Can't feel. I watch the sword jab forward. Watch Aydan tighten his body, preparing for his end.

A barrier forms between us as Aydan flies away from me.

My body screams for air. My lungs fail, my mind swirls.

Aydan lands with a thud on the other side of the courtyard. He rushes for me, each step taking him further and further away.

I hear his screams. Feel my own.

My lungs struggle to draw a ragged breath—my final breath—as time seems to stop.

One second passes.

And another.

Confusion settles around me and I know I am dying. Until my lungs miraculously expand. Air fills my chest. My cells. My body.

Along with the familiar scent of rotting flesh and ash. My stomach turns, threatening to empty. A warm foul stench spreads across my back.

"You know I can't let you do that, little Sentinal." Azza's voice fills me with rage.

"Azzaziel," I growl. I spin to face him, my sword level with his neck.

"You may want to rethink your actions."

"I doubt that," I spit.

My mind focuses sharply on Azza. Only Azza. His skeletal frame and bat-like wings fill my senses. I feel each tiny movement, anticipating his coming actions. Just as I've been trained to do.

Finally, I am the Sentinal again.

Aydan lifts from his human host and runs to the barrier. Over and over he slashes it with his claws. Nothing works. The invisible wall remains.

All manner of dark creatures pour from the corners of the courtyard. The fallen. The UnHoly. The Jinn. Demons in every size and shape. They nip the air around Aydan, digging their talons and claws into his skin.

I stare at my love, unable to save him from Azza's creatures. "What do you want, Azzaziel?"

"Your blood. And Mikayel's."

"That'll never happen," I say. "You're no match for him."

"Really? Is that what he tells his warriors now?"

My silence fills the space as I consider my options, Aydan's private battle always in my sight.

"Oh, I wouldn't try anything. You see, those creatures will do anything to keep Aydan from disrupting our little conversation." Azza's eyes dart from me to Aydan. "And they'll consume him if you try to hurt me in any way." His gaze settles on me. "I'm sure you wouldn't want that to happen."