Page 47 of Absolved In Death

“Let me say thank you…” I rasped as I worked my hand up and down our lengths. Every stroke brought us closer to the edge, to falling off it together.

Desmond’s breathing picked up as he bucked his hips and thrust into my hand. I felt him tense before he flipped us over again.

“I appreciate the sentiment, Az, but the best way to thank me is for your hole to clench around my dick when you climax. Spread your cheeks. I want to get you ready.”

I mentally shook my mind out of the gutter. This wasn’t the time to reminisce about Desmond fucking my brains out in my new favorite place. A profound shame clouded my conscience. Despite my earlier promise, I lied to Diana. I saw her vision in its entirety, as clearly as if I was watching a movie on a big screen. Michael was the only person who’d understand my reasons for holding back.

He was already there by the time I reached the door. I let us in, making sure to sound-proof the room with a silencing spell. His magic fortified mine, weaving around it.

“I casted a repulsion spell. Anyone tempted to come in here will suddenly think of something more important to do. Is she asleep?” he asked. The worried expression on his face gave me a clue that he already knew why I called him here.

“Yes. I’m sorry Michael. I wouldn’t have lied unless I absolutely had to…” I averted my gaze to the floor, because I knew what I did was wrong.

“I know. Who was in her vision…” he hedged.

I told him everything I saw, and when I got to the prophecy, his jaw dropped.

“Are you sure it was their voice?”

“Yes. It’s been a while, but I’d recognize them anywhere.” It was true. God sounded like every voice combined into one.

“But they never get involved in earthly matters…” Michael ran his hand through his short blond hair, pacing a few steps in thought.

“Rafe said God ordered him to infiltrate the Princeps Council. It seems like they’re getting involved,” I commented.

“This war is a pivotal point that will change the shape of our world. I think God is working in the background, trying to nudge us in the right direction,” Michael said.

“Or it’s a warning…”

I thought back to the original prophecy I had about Diana, hundreds of years ago. The one I told her and the guys about when I met them in Las Vegas. A witch-hybrid child would grow up and either save or destroy the world. In most of the visions I’ve had about Diana and this war, I saw the five of us fighting by her side…but in one vision, I caught a glimpse of her fighting Red alone. At the time, I thought it was an incomplete vision. But maybe it showed a final battle between the two of them.

I replayed God’s words from Diana’s vision…

Many will battle, but two will fight

Both are dark, and neither is light

Righteousness doesn’t always prevail

Sometimes in victory we fail

Wickedness is within us all

Sometimes the mighty must take the fall

“What did they mean by ‘Sometimes the mighty must take the fall’?” I asked him. “I won’t let Diana fall or fail. She won’t give her life for this.”

Michael sighed as he sat on my pillow. “That was my first thought too, but you know prophecies and visions aren’t etched in stone. They’re subject to change, mysterious by nature to the point they can sometimes be misleading.”

“My gut tells me otherwise, and it’s never been wrong about Diana. I knew before she even arrived on earth she was destinedto change it. I think this is God’s way of telling us what to expect so we can prepare her. Like a lamb for the slaughter.”

I checked the urge to tell God exactly what I thought about their prophecy. It was pointless, and I couldn’t make contact anyway, because I was disgraced.

Michael’s jaw tensed as his ice blue eyes darkened to a stormy blue.

“I lost you because I let Heaven’s laws take their course. I gave up twenty one years of being with my daughter because I thought it would keep her safe, even though every bone in my body told me it was the wrong decision. I suffered being parted from the loves of my life because I couldn’t imagine another option aside from being an Archangel—I thought sacrificing my own happiness was worth it for the greater good. When I took a hiatus from upstairs, I did it for Diana, to guide her and be the father she deserved. As her father, Azazel, I promise I won’t let her fail. I won’t let her fall. I just got her back, and I sure as fuck won’t give her up. We’ll rewrite the future if that’s what it takes.”

Michael was like a father to me before I fell from grace. I didn’t truly realize how much I missed having him in my corner until now. His words gave me hope and renewed my determination. We would fight for Diana’s life, no matter what.

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