I leaned back against the sofa, my eyes on the television, but not really paying attention to whatever show was on. I focused entirely on our immediate future. Without my realizing it, I dozed off, only to snap awake in a clearing. In my hands was the xiphos Jeremiel gave me, and at my feet was Azrael, his face dirtied and bruised. A pure white seemed to leak from his chest, but he still glared up at me with malice in his eyes. If there were ever a description of madness, I would say Azrael had it in that moment.
“Do it, Aura! Take the chance!” Lucifer yelled out as I leaned over the body of Azrael. “That is what the dagger for! It has to be!”
The blade’s design twisted in my hands, the once marble grip with its inlaid ruby turned pure black, and seemed to latch on to my hand, making me
