Gilded Wings(90)

“What do you want?” Kade asked, in a not so friendly tone.

“Bane?” I questioned, trying to read his expression. He looked torn but he didn’t answer.

“We came for the girl,” Azzah spoke in a deep, growl.

“You aren’t touching her,” Kade crouched. “What happened with Lucifer is over.”

“It’s not over,” Azzah roared with laughter, slowly stepping closer. “Lucifer is imprisoned in hell, unceasingly tortured by the death of his son, and his heart is unwilling to rest until one thing has been accomplished.”

“And what is that?” I asked.

“Your death.” His black wicked eyes fastened on mine.

I would normally freeze with fear, but instead, a deep seeded fury overcame me, burning like an inferno. I was glad everyone else was gone from the area, still making their way out of the labyrinth.

“He can’t touch her,” Kade said, “Lucifer has been bound to Hell.”

“Yes. But his legion has not. They will come, and they will keep coming until there is no breath left in her.”

“Let them try,” Kade threatened.

“We will,” Azzah implored.

My fury erupted from within, and I could not contain it. I felt myself being involuntarily thrust toward Azzah.

It all happened so fast, like a flash of lightening.

Before anyone could react, Azzah pulled a huge, sharp sword from behind him and charged toward me. I could hear Kade yelling my name, but everything inside of me was muted and focused.

I went invisible, momentarily throwing him off, and then reappeared right at his side. Grabbing hold of his arm, I thrust him to the ground. He twisted his body and kicked me backward with such great force I flew upward into the air about twenty feet.

And then it happened.

My wings suddenly appeared, fully extended, stopping my backward momentum with one brisk flap. Below me, collective gasps and screams filled the air and a look of utter astonishment filled everyone’s faces as they watched.

Alaine and Samuel had just exited the labyrinth and were standing next to one of the trees. Alaine’s hands were clasped over her mouth, and her eyes were wide with terror. Samuel’s face was filled with concern as I watched him immediately call his wings.

But Azzah had also called his wings, and was heading toward me. Kade tried to intercept him, but when Bane moved in his peripheral, he changed directions and flew forward to take him down.

The fury within me continued to burn.

With a flap of my wings, I shot forward like a rocket to meet Azzah head on. I was on autopilot now, my body a slave to my gifts.

In a microsecond, we collided. The raw strength in my arms crashed against his chest, ramming him backward. His body impacted the ground with such violent force, it sent a shockwave of energy outward, sending the chairs flying back, crashing against each other.

I landed on top of him, and for a moment, his black eyes were filled with shock and awe.

With a quick twist of my chest, my right wing swung around and beheaded him.

I stood as Samuel landed in front of me, and looked upon the scene with pride and adoration.

Everyone rushed back toward us, but Thomas and Dom kept them back. Samuel quickly spoke his angelic words, and Azzah’s body burned into ash.

Kade brought Bane forward, holding one of his wings under his neck.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” Bane said, his arms extended out to his side.

I knew he was telling the truth.

“Lucifer sent us. We had to. We are slaves to his will.”

“I know,” I said, stepping forward. “I know.”

Samuel stood next to me, his striking black wings still spread, anticipating any danger.

I folded my wings behind my back, and touched Kade’s hand. “It’s alright. He won’t hurt me.”

“Emma,” Kade said, his eyes landing on my wings.

“I was going to tell you,” I breathed. “I just didn’t think it would be like this. I’m sorry.”

His expression softened. “It’s alright,” he smiled and nodded. “We’ll talk later.”

I nodded in agreement.

My gaze went back to Bane. “You tell Lucifer where he can shove it.”

“I’m not returning to the Underworld. I don’t care if others are sent to seek out and kill me. I want to live. I want to be free.”

“As you should be,” I said, gently lowering Kade’s wing from his neck.

“Thank you,” Bane said with a nod. “You will never see me again.”

“And hopefully it will be because you have stayed hidden,” I grinned.

He smiled then bowed his head. “Live well, Emma.”

“Live well, Bane.”

Bane called his wings and with a single flap he was gone.