However, I remembered quickly as he released me from his wings, the plumes disappearing as soon as his feathers were behind his back. Which confirmed we were still on Earth, as most Archangels chose not to keep their wings visible in the human realm.
Of course, it would be fine here since Zebulon appeared to have truly warded his property.
He hadn’t been kidding about being unable to teleport in here.
I wasn’t even sure we could leave without his help.
His focus fell to me as I looked up toward the grand entrance to his home. He said nothing, his expression impassive. But as he glanced at Ezra, a knowing glimmer entered his dark brown gaze. “As I said, the instincts never wane. If anything, they only grow stronger with time.”
With that, he entered the home.
Ezra pressed his palm to my lower back to lead me up the stairs.
I allowed it, moving closer to him as we walked. It was my way of agreeing to this temporary alliance.
Together.
For now.
Until he makes me want to kill him again, anyway.
Ezra
Energy sizzledover my skin as we stepped through the threshold, telling me Zebulon hadn’t been upfront about a few key items.
Such as the fact that an Archdemon was currently inside his house.
“I assume Ashmedai commanded you not to tell us of his presence?” I drawled, sensing the familiar power wrapping around us like a thick cloak.
“I advised him to say as little as possible,” the Archdemon confirmed as he stepped out into the hallway in a set of royal-blue robes that complemented his navy plumes.
I arched a brow at his current state, surprised to see him in full demon mode in this realm. “Is there something I should be concerned about?” I asked, pausing midstep and pulling Kayla more firmly into my side. “Because you should know that I’m feeling rather reactive after the events of the last few days.”
It was a similar threat to the one I’d given Zebulon prior to leaving. And I wasn’t afraid to level the same one at Ashmedai now.
Because I meant it.
One false move, and I’d respond with my sword.
“As you should be,” Ashmedai said, responding to my comment about my reactive nature. “And yes, you should be concerned. But not about me.”
With that mysterious comment, he left the hallway once more.
Zebulon followed him without a glance or a single word.
My eyes narrowed, but I moved toward the room with my arm wrapped tightly around Kayla’s waist. I kept my opposite arm free in case I needed a blade.
However, as we entered, I quickly realized that a sword wouldn’t be required.
The three-story library before us had been transformed into a war strategy room, much like my own office—which was likely destroyed now, thanks to the attack on my home.
A gigantic map filled with colorful dots functioned as a curtain against the back wall of windows—something I only knew existed because of the light filtering in near the floor and ceiling.
The need for Ashmedai’s wings suddenly made sense.
Zebulon stood near a long table covered by a second map. His two mates were seated there with Daniel Gleason and a Royal Guard I didn’t recognize.
“Yaz,” Kayla breathed, stepping away from me to embrace the Royal Guard.
