Council Elders. They rise as I enter the chamber, cold and detached. All except for Mikayel, whose anger is almost palpable. He glares at me, slicing through my mask and into my soul. There is little I will be able to hide from him.
Blazes.
“Good, you’re here,” Gabriel says, directing me to sit.
“I came as soon as Raphael requested.”
“But the question is why didn’t you come earlier? Why did I have to send someone for you?” Mikayel frowns, his voice hard.
“I don’t think I understand.”
“Then I’ll clarify.” Mikayel looms in front of me. “Why haven’t you reported? Why does your assignment remain unfinished? And why didn’t you report your encounter with the Dark One?”
I clench my jaw and force myself to focus. “You know about Azzaziel?”
“Of course I know,” Mikayel bellows “The point is you should have been the one to tell me.”
Guilt covers me. I hate seeing my master so enraged, hate knowing I’m the reason for it. “I just thought—” The words die on my tongue. How could I possibly explain this away?
Gabriel stands, placing a hand on Mikayel. “I think what concerns us, Nesayiel, is that you have never once broken protocol.”
I feel Gabriel push into my thoughts. Feel them all enter my mind. I can’t resist. I must grant them access or face their wrath.
“When you failed to report Azzaziel’s presence, failed to secure the UnHoly on two separate occasions, we became...concerned.” Gabriel waits for me to respond. His gentle, relentless eyes lock with mine.
The Council examines my thoughts, searches my feelings.
My heart beats once, twice, three times before my mind becomes my own. I wait, breath held, for someone to say something. Anything. Some hint that my weakness, my shame, remains undiscovered.
“Perhaps it is best to send another team back with you.” Sariel looks to Mikayel.
They know.
“What do you think, brother?” Gabriel stares through me. “Shall we send another team? Just to make sure she can handle this.”
“That won’t be necessary.” I choke on my own words. Of course it’s necessary. I’m broken. “I can handle the UnHoly. I will finish this. I just need another chance.” I’ve never failed. And I refuse to start now. I won’t admit defeat. Not to the likes of that UnHoly.
Mikayel examines me with his gaze, questioning my abilities. “Two humans have died since you arrived. Not exactly confidence-inspiring.”
Raphael stands and joins Mikayel, both of them glowering at me. Nothing like being scrutinized.
“You’re ability to vanquish Aydan is not in question, Nesayiel. But with Azzaziel now part of the equation, additional help would be most prudent, would it not?” Raphael looks at my now-healed scar. “Especially given Aydan’s ability to find your weakness.”
“What weakness?” I don’t have any weaknesses. That is, if you ignore the whole I-can’t-control-my-feelings-around-Aydan thing.
“With your armor. Did he not burn your skin with his sword?” Raphael already knows the answer.
“He did.”
“Then he has somehow figured out how to evade your defenses. Perhaps a second team would—”
“Would not understand him as I do.” The words pour out of my mouth too fast. “I know how he fights. I know how to beat him, armor-penetrating sword or not.”
“And Azzaziel? What will you do if he discovers your presence? Engage him? Prove yourself by trying to defeat him?” Gabriel’s questions sear me with their truth.
I hate it when he does that.
I stare at the floor, my silence screaming every word I can not bear to say.
“You have three days. No more.” Mikayel stands next to me. “If Zanethios has not reported that you have completed your task, I will come myself. Regardless of the reasons for your failure. Do you understand?”
Mikayel’s threat steals the air from my lungs. He never comes unless an angel has committed a crime.
“Yes, Sir,” I manage to say.
“As for Azzaziel, you
Caisey Quinn, Elizabeth Lee