Darker (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #6)(15)

“I told you.” Gabriel faced the angel with a brave face that was betrayed only by the scent of fear oozing from him. “I couldn’t see anything. Nothing. It doesn’t work on immortals.”

The acrid scent of a lie mingled with his fear. So, he was lying after all. I forced my best poker face into place so I was ready when Falon’s attention returned to me.

“So?”

I met his gaze evenly. “He’s telling the truth, Falon. Why is that so hard for Shya to accept? I’m sure there are other ways he can sneak a peek at the future.”

I crossed my arms and tapped a foot impatiently. The sooner Falon left, the better. I had a few questions for Gabriel myself.

“Of course there are,” Falon replied, studying me a little too closely, “but they tend to involve rather heavy sacrifices. Are you volunteering?”

“Why did he send you?” I changed the subject. “Can’t Shya do any of his own dirty work?”

“What can I say? I enjoy it.”

Falon took a few steps back. He pointed a finger at Gabriel. The air around him hummed with a heavy energy that made it hard to breathe.

“I’m watching you, kid. I’ll be back when it’s time to do that spell.” With a glance my way, he added, “Shya’s waiting to hear from you, Alexa. You should follow your twin’s lead and make staying alive your priority.”

Before I could make sense of his comment, he was gone. The pressure on my lungs decreased, and Brogan was freed of his hold.

“Well, I really gotta run.” Gabriel darted for the door.

I blocked his exit. Shaking my head, I forced him to look deep into my eyes. He flinched, apparently uneasy with my wolf looking out at him.

“You owe me an explanation,” I demanded. “I lied for you. Now, tell me what you saw when you touched Shya.”

He looked nervously to Brogan who only shrugged and nodded. Swallowing hard, Gabriel shoved a hand through his long, tangled hair.

“I’ve been trying so hard not to think about it. It was just a glimpse, but it was so awful.” He paused as if he had to gather the strength to say it. “I saw his real form. And, it is not human. Not even close. He was standing in the center of a circle, performing a ritual. A sacrifice maybe. Whatever he was doing, he failed. There was a flash of light. It took him out. That’s all I saw. I swear. But, I lied. I told him what he wanted to hear. That he would rise to greater power.”

“How long ago was this?”

“At least a month or so.”

That was before the incident with Lilah where she told Shya he’d never be more than underworld scum. He’d been so sure that he could exchange my blood for a place as her second-in-command when she returned to her dark throne. She had spurned him like he was dirt. He likely wasn’t taking that so well.

“Do whatever it takes to keep him away from you,” I said, gesturing to Brogan. “Maybe Brogan can help. Get your house blessed by a priest if you have to. I don’t care. But, don’t let your guard down. Shya’s already decided you have power he’s interested in using to his advantage. He’ll be back for you.”

“I know.” The color drained from Gabriel’s face.

“Shya’s a collector of people with power, especially rare power. Trust me, I’m one of them.” I dug in my bag for the cross Kale had given me as a birthday gift. Maybe it was time to get it blessed. A thought gripped me, and I turned back to Gabriel nervously. “When you touched me earlier, did you see something?”

His gaze dropped to the floor, and he shuffled his feet. “I really need to get home and make sure my mom is alright.”

My heartbeat quickened. “Tell me what you saw.”

He couldn’t bring himself to meet my eyes. Bracing himself, he shoved by me and ran for the front door calling back over his shoulder, “You don’t want to know.”

* * * *

I stared up at the church. It was overwhelming in its size and structure. Large white pillars stood at the top of a high stone stairway. A set of wooden double doors beckoned as I made my way up. Several cross-topped steeples perched atop the brick building. It emanated a palpable energy that both welcomed and intimidated me.

The stone steps beneath my feet hummed with vast power. The ambiance was light and breathy, like an unseen breeze that promised cleansing, and it drew me like a caged bird catching my first glimpse of freedom. Could I find a way to ward off Shya and withstand Lilah in a place like this, or was it just wishful thinking?

I grabbed the door handle and gasped. My entire arm lit up with pins and needles until I swung the door open and stepped inside. Shaking off the strange sensation in my hand, I took in the immense interior of the church.

It was breathtaking. I stood in a foyer that looked into the sanctuary of the church. Taking slow, steady steps, I moved beyond the foyer to gaze in wonder at what lie beyond. Paintings of saints and angels adorned the place from floor to ceiling. An elaborate crystal chandelier drew my gaze. It seemed to sparkle with an iridescent shimmer.

“Can I help you?”

A man sitting in the front pew stood up and raised a hand in greeting. A fair distance separated us. I made my way down the aisle toward him. He wore a priest’s white collar and dark attire. I judged him to be about fifty. Though physically he was in good shape, his eyes aged him. As I drew closer, I saw the deep lines and shadows evident of a man who has known many sleepless nights.