Rathiel shook his head, a bemused smile playing at his lips.But then his gaze shifted, and he froze, his eyes widening as he spotted Vol.The imp stood on the living room windowsill, his beady eyes narrowed on Rathiel.
“What in the nine hells is that?”Rathiel asked, his voice a mix of shock and incredulity.
“That’s Vol.He’s an imp,” was all I said.
The creature in question crouched and snarled, baring his tiny fangs.Rathiel quirked a brow.Then, as if to assert dominance, snarled back, flashing his own vampiric fangs, which were far larger and more menacing than the imp’s.Vol’s eyes widened, but instead of cowering, he puffed up his little chest, looking more like a ruffled pigeon than a threat.
Before I could react, Vol shot off the windowsill and darted toward Rathiel.In a blur of movement, the imp scurried up Rathiel’s body, using his clothes as a makeshift ladder, until he perched precariously on Rathiel’s shoulder.
Vol grabbed Rathiel’s nose with both hands, turning his head left and right as if examining a piece of fruit at the market.Finally, with a look of intense concentration, he lifted Rathiel’s top lip and peered at his fangs.
“Oh, for crying out loud,” I muttered, trying to suppress a laugh.“Vol, would you leave him alone?”
But the little pest ignored me, his dark eyes narrowing as he poked one of Rathiel’s fangs.Rathiel’s expression was a mix of annoyance and disbelief, his body rigid as he tolerated my imp’s antics.
“What is he doing?”Rathiel asked around Vol’s fingers.
“Inspecting you, apparently,” I said, unable to hold back a chuckle.
Vol gave a satisfied nod before patting Rathiel on the cheek.“Welcome to the club, Meat Sack.”
Rathiel jerked, as though stunned Vol could speak, and shot me a wide-eyed stare.
I just shrugged.
Vol scurried down Rathiel and hopped back up onto the windowsill.Something had caught his interest out there, and I had no idea what it was.So long as his attention was no longer on us, I was happy.
Rathiel rubbed his nose, his brow furrowed.“I’ve faced legions of hellspawn, but that was a first.”
I shrugged, still grinning.“Welcome to my life.”
He shook his head, a bemused smile returning to his lips.“And what an interesting one you have here, Lily.”
“Yeah, well, Vol definitely keeps me on my toes,” I replied.
The imp in question glanced our way and preened like a smug little bird.
“Well, now that we’ve dispensed with the pleasantries,” I said, crossing my arms, “let’s get down to business.”
Rathiel’s deep chuckle rumbled through the apartment.“No offer to sit first?”
I muttered something sharp under my breath and gestured vaguely toward the couch.“Fine.Sit.Stand.Lounge on the floor, if you want.I don’t care.Just start talking, and if you don’t, I’m going to kick your sorry ass out onto the curb, and you can sleep in the freezing cold snow.But not before I stab you a few times just for dramatic effect.Okay?”
“Fair enough,” he said, daring to stride into my living room, completely unfazed by my threat.“But if stabbing is on the table, perhaps I should remain standing?”
“Oh, ha-ha,” I snapped.“Now, what are these so-calledreasonsof yours?”I demanded.
Rathiel circled my living room, as though searching the best spot to sit.“Well, as you know, your father gave the order to kill you.”
I impatiently tapped a foot.
“What you don’t know,” Rathiel continued, “is who he gave that order to.”
My mouth twisted.“Are you serious?That’syour big reveal?”I tipped my head back and blew out a frustrated breath.“My father controls all of Hell and the spawn he creates.I think I have a good idea who he delivered that order to.Deidre didn’t say she was here to kill me, but if he’s sent one Hellspawn through, then I’m sure he’ll?—”
“He gave the order to the other fallen,” Rathiel cut in, his voice low and steady.
Annnnd…boom.His words hit me like a punch to the chest.I froze, my thoughts grinding to a halt as my entire body went cold.My mouth dried, and I couldn’t find enough air.It felt like the floor had vanished beneath me, like I was falling through a void.I reached out, my hands brushing the nearest wall to steady myself as my legs threatened to buckle.
