The sludge I’ve been choking down is doing a good job of preventing my anger from getting out of hand, but if Aziel continues to push, I’ll quickly burn through it. I can’t let that happen.
My power will seep from the room, and it won’t take long for people to realize a Wrath is nearby. A powerful Wrath, at that. Mammon’s guards will be called, and I’m unsure how many of them I can realistically fight off. I’m at a disadvantage, even with Aziel by my side.
We’re outnumbered, and we can’t teleport.
“Gray and Chev are waiting for us at the border, near—”
“I’m not leaving,” I repeat.
Aziel freezes, every muscle in his body growing stiff. He’s gearing up for a fight. I am, too, and I maintain eye contact as I widen my stance. It’s been years since Aziel and I engaged in a physical fight, and this one won’t be as friendly as the others.
Neither of us seems to be in a mindset to concede.
I’m excited. I’ve been looking for an excuse to fight Aziel for years, to prove that I’m strong enough to lead Wrath. Our people will never respect a weak leader, and I’m ready to show him just how powerful I am.
It’s a shame nobody from Wrath will be here to see it.
“Don’t make me hurt you, Cassia.”
Aziel’s threat goes in one ear and out the other. He’ll never hurt me, andthat’s his weakness. He loves me too much. That’s not an emotion I’ll let stop me. I’ll break his legs and force my power-dulling sludge down his throat if I need to. I’ll leave him tied up and weak inside this room until my business with Mammon is complete.
I’m willing to do what needs to be done. He’s not.
Aziel sighs, defeat heavy in his expression. He must sense the direction of my thoughts. “Please, baby girl. Don’t do this.”
“I have to.” My voice cracks, and I clear my throat before continuing. “She killed Luca,torturedhim, and something needs to be done about it.”
Aziel takes a step back, then sits on the edge of my bed. The mattress creaks underneath his weight, and he rests his elbows on his knees before dropping his head between them. I remain where I am, watching his back expand with breath. He holds it for several seconds before slowly exhaling, his entire body deflating.
“Do you think I don’t know that?” he eventually asks. I don’t let the pain in his voice sway me. “You have no idea what Luca’s death did to us, what it did tome. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him.” Aziel drags his hands through his hair. “I havenever…” He pauses, shaking his head, before continuing. “You and your siblings are everything to me. I refuse to bring harm to any of you, and that’s exactly what retaliation against Mammon is encouraging.”
I chew at my bottom lip, unsure of what to say. I understand the risk I’m taking, and I’ve deemed that revenge is worth it. I’m willing to risk my life if it means ending Mammon’s.
“Don’t fight me, Cassia. Not on this,” Aziel continues. “I know it’s hard, but let this go.”
I shake my head, hating the way tears are filling up and pouring out of the corners of my eyes. I don’t enjoy crying, especially in front of others. There’s a slight tremor in my hand as I raise my arm and wipe at my cheeks, removing the evidence of my emotions.
“I can’t,” I admit. “I can’t let it go.”
Aziel doesn’t understand. He doesn’t understand what it’s like to live with uncontrollable rage. I’m not stronger than mywrath. I never have been, and I never will be. I physically can’t let this go.
Aziel’s gaze darts to my door. My senses are too dulled to hear anything beyond the walls of my room, but Aziel still can. He has control of his emotions, and he doesn’t have to drug himself to remain hidden inside Greed.
He can contain the power that seeps out of him. It’s a skill I may never learn.
“We don’t have time to waste,” Aziel says. “I fear I might’ve drawn attention on my way here.”
I shake my head. “I’m not leaving, butyoudefinitely should go.”
If looks could kill, I’d be long dead. Aziel appears ready to wring my neck, and I’m sure if I were anybody but one of his children, he’d be doing so right now. People don’t disobey his orders, but that’s the unspoken benefit of having a daughter. I push the limits of his patience, helping him grow as a person.
He should be thanking me.
Aziel grits out through his teeth, “Don’t make this hard, Cassia.”
I plant my feet on the ground, silently signaling I’m not backing down. I have a plan taking shape, one I’m confident will be successful.
If I give up now and return home, I’ll never forgive myself.
