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“King Victus. She’s a friend.” Gorgo spoke so fast, the words blended together. “She means no harm. She’s here to aid your quest to bring down Asmodeus.”
Victus’s nose twitched as if to sample my scent and released me. As I landed in a crouch, I inhaled a deep breath and craned my neck from side to side, but I didn’t rub the sore spot. I would not let him think me weak.
I rose, awestruck by his towering presence, and his body and features chiseled and sculpted to perfection. His skin, a flawless shade of olive looked almost ethereal. But it was his eyes that gave him away—a deep crimson hue that had already begun to return to a human shade of brown.
Victus was far from monstrous looking, and he held an air of regality and power that demanded respect. He wore all black like Abacus, but the fabric clung to his broad shoulders and framed his muscular body.
My heart drummed, then beat faster as we locked our intense gazes. Neither of us looked away, almost challenging the other to do so first. I won when his eyes shifted to a dark strand stuck to my cheek and he tilted his head. His expression turned from curiosity to something more intense.
He brushed his fingers through slicked-back hair as he took in every inch of me. I couldn’t tell if he wanted to kill me or rip off my clothes. I chastised myself. I had no reason to think the latter was even on his mind. But that heated expression was like the one Zander had given me before he conquered my mouth.
My sense kicked in and I looked away from this beautiful, yet dangerous and intimidating being. Too bad I had to kill him.
I straightened my dress. “Is that how you greet your guests? It’s no wonder vampires have a reputation for being assholes.”
Victus clenched his chiseled jaw and scowled. “She’s a goddamned feather girl.” His nostrils flared. “Why did you bring that filth into my palace?”
“You call this a palace?” I scoffed.
Gorgo shook his head at me with a stern gaze.
Victus walked away toward Nadira, who was still standing by the circular table cradling her doll. Her gaze traveled from me to Victus and then back to me, looking confused.
Gorgo bowed as if in apology, even though Victus had his back to him.
“King Victus.” Gorgo followed him like a lost puppy when Victus didn’t acknowledge him. “I assure you that you can trust this one. Asmodeus kidnapped her lover and—”
I cleared my throat before he could finish and threw dagger eyes at Gorgo. Angels didn’t proclaim their love for each other and it was best not to share any information with your enemy.
“I meant her team. Family. Whatever. The point is …” Gorgo halted, keeping his distance from Victus and the girl. “Her motives are different than the OA.”
A growl echoed in the room and out the door, so loud that Nadira covered her ears. Victus’s eyes softened and stroked the little girl’s hair as if to apologize.
“Don’t ever say that filthy name.” Victus shuddered, the veins around the eyes protruding and slithering like the vines inside the mausoleum.
How dare he disrespect the Order of Angels. I should be the one demanding Gorgo to never say Victus’s name—for he was the one who had slaughtered my people.
He should be on his knees and begging for my forgiveness. I inhaled deep breaths, trying to calm down enough to play my part.
Gorgo bowed, his head continuously bobbing as he apologized. “If I can get through to Levia to help me find a way into Asmodeus’s castle, then she will free Zander. Then they can help us kill the king, and Levia will be all yours.”
Victus stopped caressing Nadira’s hair. “I don’t like your plan. I can enter Asmodeus’s castle on my own, though he wouldn’t hand over Levia so easily. Find another way. And get that disgusting feather being out of my palace before I rip your head off.”
Such hateful words. I’d thought being called an angel bitch by a demon was humiliating enough. But he couldn’t even identify me as an angel. No wonder Gorgo told me not to mention my status.
Victus held Nadira’s hand and headed toward the door. He stopped and twisted slightly at the waist. “The feather girl leaves with you now. If my protection means anything to you, you’ll take action.” Then he left.
Gorgo looked at me and let out a heavy sigh. His shoulders turned inward and he shook his head. “I’m sorry to do this to you, but I promise you’ll thank me later … maybe much later. I need Victus to take me seriously. I swear no harm will fall to Tank and Otis.”
I clutched his arm and squeezed hard. He grimaced and his tall slender body froze.
“What are you talking about?” I ground out.
He disregarded my question and said, “But if things don’t go as I hoped, I’m so sorry. Just know that I’m not a traitor and this is the only way.”
I shoved him back as shock rendered me speechless. I opened my wings halfway, preparing for battle or flight.
Gorgo looked toward where Victus and Nadira passed the door and shouted, “This is Evangeline! The one who escaped from the prison. Our deal is done. I’ve brought you a Seraphim.”
