Page 159 of Dark Haven Omegaverse

Together we were a flurry of blades, claws, and fangs, tearing through the hundreds of demons that remained.

By the time we were finished, it smelled like smoke and blood, the shadows receding now that the slaughter was over.

“Are you all right, little human?” I demanded, rushing over to Harlow and letting my shadows fall away as I ran my hands over her. She was covered in blood, and I needed proof it wasn’t from her.

“I’m fine.” She smiled up at me, smelling of crisp, fresh berries and snowfall. It was the same smile that had been my undoing.

I may have protected her out of duty once. Yet, ever since she discovered what I was and embraced it, things had changed.

She was more to me than just a tool for Hel to use, or someone thatbelongedto me.

In truth, she owned me more than I had ever owned her.

I haven’t told her yet but even feeding was no longer the same. She did that without trying, every time we fought, fucked, or spoke she was fueling me with power. It was an unconscious constant thing that made me stronger than I’d ever been.

Another thing Hel could never know.

Even if I lost my command and the world descended into chaos, I wouldn’t change a fucking thing. I would fight by Harlow’s side. My mate was my true purpose.

Hel was raising the stakes and we would meet them blade for blade until this was over. Until we’d won. Losing was no longer an option. I might not have cared about anything but duty and power before.

Now I had everything to lose.

Harlow

Friday Morning

Dark Haven Cafeteria

The first wave of demons escaped during breakfast. Even from the cafeteria we could hear the roar of the gargoyles. It shook the building, plates and silverware rattling for a moment until the room fell into silence.

By the time Drake dragged Roman and me to the rooftops, it was pure chaos.

Demons had spilled into the human world like never before. Cars were crashing together, and smoke was billowing in the air from fires nearby.

I couldn’t imagine the damage they would do in days if this was mere minutes.

“What do we do?” I asked, my voice breaking with tears.

This meant the gargoyles had not only failed their post, but I had failed as well.

Hel had told me it was my job to close the portal, and here I was witnessing what was likely the downfall of humanity.

Even the portal responded, fracturing even further so more demons were pouring out. They must have known some had gained their freedom or had been wearing us down so they could move as one.

“There’s not much we can do. I have no idea what to tell you, Harlow. The gargoyles can’t leave the grounds, and Ivar and I can’t just go slaughtering these motherfuckers in the streets. Only Hel herself can drag them back to Helheim, and it seems she’s not willing to do that.” Drake was ranting now, pacing back and forth while he threw his hands up in frustration.

I froze at his words.

“Is it really that easy?” I asked. Anger flared within me, and I clenched my fists so hard my nails were digging into the soft flesh of my palms. “She can just fucking drag them back and she’s allowing this?!”

Drake shrugged. “I don’t know but she sure as hell isn’t doing anything to stop it.”

I could see the frustration on his face and the bond was full of all of our panic and anger.

Roman stood to the side, peering out into the chaos unfolding below. Even now, more smoke was flowing out of several more buildings in the distance. I had a strong feeling there would be riots by nightfall.

“Ivar’s here,” Drake said. The ground below filled with shadows, swallowing half of the demons and giving the powerback to the gargoyles. They worked with impressive efficiency to take back control.

---