AZAZEL COMBED THROUGH ancient books in Relics. All too often his eyes strayed to the empty chair across the table. Charouth’s seat. A pain he hadn’t quite learned to suppress gripped his heart. Sick of his moodiness, Lucifer had kicked him out of the apartment a few hours ago. Couldn’t blame him. Az could barely stand himself these days. Always angry and no amount of bloodshed in the cage matches eased the pain. He didn’t want her back. She made her choice. Her precious Maker. Her status. Az’s mouth twisted into a grimace. He shoved thoughts of Charouth to the back of his mind and tried to focus on the hieroglyphics in front of him.
The human shopkeeper bustled around the main rooms serving customers. It was midday and she’d gotten a little lunch time rush. Relics seemed busier than ever
