Lacrimosa by Christine Fonseca Page B

cannot defeat him. He is not your target. You are to track his movements only. Keep your true identity hidden from him. Once he knows what you are, he will try to persuade you to join him. Azza has been known to be very persuasive in the past. You can not risk falling to his words.” Mikayel’s expression relaxes and his voice lowers.
    “Report in often. Let me deal with the Dark One. Not you. Am I clear?” His voice cracks.
    “Yes, Sir.” I ignore my swirling emotions—fear, anguish, and shame—and leave the chamber, suffocating under the weight of Mikayel’s words.
    And his expectations.
    “So, do they know?” Cass whispers.
    “They suspect.”
    “Are you sure?” she asks.
    “Yes. Mikayel said if I didn't finish this in three days, he would come himself.”
    “That’s not good.” Zane's voice is barely audible.
    “I know.”
    “So, what are you going to do?” Zane asks
    “My job.” I ball my hands into fists, desperate to leave the shrinking chamber.
    “But can you?” Cass asks. Her words sound more like an accusation than a question.
    “I’m not willing to risk everything because of my stupid emotions, human or angelic. I learned to control these feelings once, I just have to do it again. A Sentinal never gives in to feelings. Not ever.”
    “Cassiel and Zanethios, please come in now.” Gabriel’s request holds none of the malice of Mikayel’s demand. They are obviously not in trouble.
    “But you are no ordinary angel.” Cass whispers as she starts through the doors.
    “I am what I’ve trained to be—a Sentinal.”

 
    Chapter 16 – Answers Revealed
     
    Nesy
     
    I walk to the libraries of Celestium, my mind full of Mikayel’s threat and my failures. I have to find a way to finish this. I won’t disappoint my master, not after everything he’s done for me.
    The archives are housed in a remote chamber, far away from the Council. I walk to the center of the small space flanked with private nooks. It looks empty. Perfect. I doubt my brethren would understand my need to know what happened so many centuries ago.
    “Harahel, I know you’re here. You’re always here.” I wait for a response, wondering where the archivist could have gone. Harahel is the master of the libraries of Celestium. If there is anything to discover about Aydan, this is the place to find it. I pace across the floor, begging the documents to materialize in front of me. A pointless act. Only Harahel has the key. There is no way to gain access without his approval.
    I just hope he’ll grant it.
    I call for Harahel again, my confidence waning as the moments continue to click by. Mikayel’s words trickle through my thoughts again.
    Three more days. Finish this or I will come and do it myself…
    Mikayel never makes idle threats. If I fail again, I’ll be the one going to the Abyss.
    Not going to happen.
    I picture Aydan; see myself vanquish him as he burns in the eternal flames. The images tear through my heart and cripple me. Waves of nausea buffet against my body and my legs tremble. I grab the corner of the lone counter in front of me. Relax. Breathe . I attempt to start my breathing mantra, but it’s no use. Something about Aydan prevents me from doing what I must. Even thinking about hurting him fills me with an uninvited pain, as if I will die too.
    I have to understand why. Now.
    “Harahel,” I call again. “I need you.” My voice echoes through the empty chamber. The ground begins to shake, rattling the few adornments on the walls. Navy blue light floods the dark room.
    Finally.
    The azure light coalesces in front of me. Harahel steps forward and tips his head slightly. He’s tall, like most of the angels in Celestium. His deep set eyes match the navy color of his robes. His hair hangs in a wavy mass of dark brown around his shoulders. He looks far younger than he should, considering his existence predates that of the Council.
    I nod, ready to make my request. “I’ve come—”
    “I know why you