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

Chapter 38

Nesy

I march into the empty Council chamber, shattering any tranquility around me. I can't control the emotions flowing through me. The rage. My anger coils inside, consuming every ounce of love I hold for Aydan. Bathing me in his lies.

Why?

The question tosses, tosses, tosses in me. It doesn't make sense.

He promised he'd never feed again...he killed Lori.

Promised he'd refute his vow...he's taking his marks.

Promised he would love me...

He chose Azzaziel.

Everything I trusted slips away as I feel the full weight of his betrayal. Gabriel and Mikayel walk into the hall, absorbed in their own conversation.

"Sirs," I interrupt. Anxiety flutters through my limbs.

"Nesayiel. Why are you here? You were not summoned." Concern replaces the smile on Gabriel's face.

"No, I—"

"Then you have finished your task?"

"No." The words fade from my mind. Along with my resolve. But not my rage. Never my rage.

"The Council is not in session. If you need to report something, speak with Mikayel."

I release my torment, letting it seep into the Council Elders.

"I suggest you control your emotions when you come here, Sentinal." Mikayel's eyes are as hard as ever. "I assume there is a reason you are here. Or, was my faith in you to finish this unfounded?"

"No more than my faith in you." The words escape too fast from my lips.

So much for staying calm.

Mikayel's eyes ignite. "What did you say to me?"

"Enough, Mikayel," Gabriel says. "This is not the time. I am certain your Sentinal came for a reason." He faces me, urging me to continue.

"Yes. I did."

"Well, what is it then?"

"It's Azzaziel. He's figured out how to brand Aydan. He's going to do it. Tonight."

"Brand...but he would need to have the soul of a Seer for that."

"He does. Aydan already drank her soul."

"The Seers are gone. Who did he find?" Gabriel's mind eases into mine.

I let him see every moment, feel every emotion.

"Oh. I see."

I look down. I never told them about Lorelei. Never mentioned a Seer. Another failure I'd have to live with.