Page 14 of Gargoyle Reaper

Archer regarded him with suspicion. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“I assure you. They’re safe and unharmed. We can discuss details later.” Ezekiel clanged the iron door knocker against the thick door. “We must get the relic inside where it’s protected.”

Archer nodded, his grip tightening on the box beneath his jacket. “Right, priorities. But don't think I'm letting this go.”

The heavy door creaked open, revealing a cavernous chamber bathed in soft, golden light. Ezekiel ushered Archer inside, his hand still protectively at the small of the doctor's back. As they entered, several figures emerged from the shadows, their faces a mix of curiosity and wariness.

“Welcome back, Ezekiel,” a tall, broad-shouldered man with piercing blue eyes stepped forward. “Glad you both made it here safely.”

“Malachi,” Ezekiel smiled in greeting. “This is Dr. Archer Blackwood. He's... well, he's more than just the key to finding the relic.”

The corner of Malachi’s mouth quirked in a smile. “So I’ve heard. Congrats on finding more than one treasure today.” His gaze shifted to Archer, a mix of curiosity and reverence in his eyes. “And welcome, Nephilim. You've done well to bring the relic here safely.”

Archer tensed and Ezekiel moved closer to his nervous mate. "I... thank you? I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of this.”

“I’m sure it must be difficult. When things calm down a bit, perhaps you can meet up with Amir, a recently mated Nephilim.This was all very startling and new to him as well. As a matter of fact, Ezekiel was the one who delivered his —“

Ezekiel coughed loudly. “So we should get this underway.” He locked eyes with Malchi in an intense stare. “I was just telling Archer that I wouldexplaineverything to him after we dealt with the relic. You know, since he hasno ideawhat it means to have a fated mate.”

Malachi’s eyes widened. “Gotcha.” He cleared his throat. “On that note, Michael is waiting for us in the conference room.”

They followed Maclahi down the hall, with the other Slayers trailing behind them. Beyond the use of the angelic wards, the beefed-up security was obvious. Once they entered the room, the other Slayers stood at the entrance, guarding the way.

“Ezekiel, Archer. Welcome,” said Michael. “I won’t waste time on pleasantries. Protocol demands verification of the artifact, and only the Nephilim who recovered the relic may open the box,"

Michael stepped back as if to allow Archer his moment.

“Right. No pressure then,” Archer quipped as he cracked his knuckles.

Ezekiel leaned in and whispered, “I’m so proud of you, angel.”

Archer tensed at the words, his jaw going a bit slack. He regarded Ezekiel with a tilt of his head, wonder crossing his features. “You mean that?”

“Of course.” Ezekiel’s heart ached for his mate, further cementing his resolve to care for him always. “You've been thrust into an unbelievable situation yet handled it with remarkable courage.”

Archer’s cheeks flushed. He took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders as he approached the ornate table at the center of the room. With trembling hands, he placed the box on the polished surface and carefully opened the lid.

A soft gasp escaped Malachi and Michael’s lips as Archer revealed the contents of the box. Nestled on a bed of faded red velvet lay an intricately crafted amulet, its golden surface adorned with swirling patterns engraved deeply into the precious metal. At the center was a symbol Ezekiel wasn’t familiar with.

“The Amulet of Mary Magdalene,” Michael breathed, his eyes wide with reverence. “It hasn’t been seen since the early three-hundreds. I have to wonder who this man was that you the key, Archer.”

Archer appeared startled by the contents of the box. He couldn’t keep still and was rubbing his chin.

“I’m wondering the same. When he came to me for a hip replacement, I’ll admit his referral was from a doctor I didn’t know. But that’s not terribly unusual.” Archer shook his head. “He must’ve known that I’m…” Archer raked his fingers through his hair. “This is so wild.”

Michael arched his eyebrows. “Indeed. Well, we’ll attempt to solve the mystery of your patient later. In the meantime, taking the amulet to be verified and sealed away is all that matters.”

Ezekiel pointed to the symbol on the amulet. “I’ve never seen this before. What does it mean?”

Michael gave Ezekiel the side eye. “Not well-versed in ancient Aramaic, it would seem. That’s the symbol for love, but in a universal sense.”

Ezekiel smirked. “I apologize for not keeping up with a language I haven’t had the occasion to use in almost two centuries.”

Michael gave him a wry smile. “Apology accepted.”

Malachi cleared his throat. “Shouldn’t we get going?”

With a nod, Michael turned to Archer. “Do you freely offer this amulet to the council for protection?”

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