Page 27 of Gargoyle Reaper

“We're not friends,” Ezekiel spat, his wings rustling with agitation.

Cassiel took another step closer, her gait odd, her eyes glimmering in an otherworldly glow - not a deep amber, but a cloudy, putrid orange rot. “Ezekiel, the world is changing.” Her voice deepened. “The balance between light and dark... it’s shifting. We can't keep fighting.”

She raised her arms, but they no longer showed a feminine line. Instead, they thickened, dark hair covering the pale muscled limb like a dusting of soot. Ezekiel’s heart jumped into his throat.

“It can’t be…”

Lysander burst into laughter. “Oh yes, it most certainly can.” His lips curled up in a hideous grin. “Goodbye, Ezekiel.”

* * * *

Archer paced the large, rectangular carpet at the entrance to the lair. Ezekiel had only been gone ten minutes or so but it felt like an hour. Darius sat at attention on the very bench where he’d been healed by Ezekiel a few days ago.

“Don’t be afraid, Archer. I’m completely recovered. I’ll be able to protect you should it come to that.”

Archer came to a halt and crossed his arms. “That’s why you think I’m stressing out over here?” He huffed. “I’m worried about Ezekiel charging in to save the day without any help!”

Darius raised an eyebrow, his stoic expression softening slightly. “Ezekiel is one of our most capable warriors. He's faced far worse odds and came out victorious.”

Archer resumed his pacing, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “I know, I know. It's just... something feels off about this whole situation. Why would Cassiel leave without telling anyone? And who’s this Lysander character Ezekiel doesn't trust?”

Darius's brow furrowed. “Lysander? The rogue demons turned him, but his strength of character ultimately gave him the strength to resist. He returned to us about a year ago and provided us with some valuable info. Quiet fellow, keeps to himself. Why do you ask?”

“Ezekiel mentioned not trusting him, said Cassiel told him something about him the other night." Archer ran a handthrough his hair, frustrated. “But he didn't have time to explain before rushing off.”

A loud yawn sounded behind them. “I said what to who now?” Cassiel stretched her arms above her head. “What’s all the racket out here? Can’t a girl get her beauty sleep?”

Archer gasped and Darius shot to his feet, crying out, “Where’s Lysander?”

Cassiel’s eyes went wide. “Iknewit!” Her eyes flashed with fury as she lunged forward, grabbing Archer’ arm. “Where’s Ezekiel?” she demanded, her voice laced with panic.

Archer stumbled back, his blood seeming to drain from his body. "He…he left to help you! He said he received a message from you, that you were in trouble.”

“It seems that fucker has some new tricks up his sleeve,” Cassiel growled, releasing Archer and whirling to face Darius. “Lysander. That treacherous bastard. I knew he was up to something.”

Darius’ face paled. “But how? He passed all our tests, provided us with valuable information.”

“A long con,” Cassiel spat. “I've suspected for weeks, but I couldn't prove anything. I confronted Ezekiel about my suspicions the other night, but...” Cassiel's face hardened, her amber eyes flashing with determination. “We need to move. Now.” She strode toward the lair's exit, calling behind her. “Darius, alert the others. We have a traitor in our midst, and Ezekiel's walking into a trap.”

Archer rushed after her. “I’m coming with you!”

Darius jumped in his path, blocking his way. “Ezekiel will have yours and my ass if you leave this lair.” He glanced over his shoulder at Cassiel. “I’ve sent the emergency alarm. I’ll stay here and stand guard.”

Fuck. If he was part angel, why didn’t he have wings? Then he’d bust out of there and save the man he loved his owndamn self. Archer covered his mouth with both hands. Without warning, he’d fallen hard and fast for the most amazing being he’d ever met.

But would he lose him just as quickly?

Chapter Ten

Ezekiel shot into the sky like a rocket, his only hope to keep from being mauled to pieces by the traitorous Lysander, Raziel, and the shadow creatures. The moment he realized he’d been fooled, he’d sent out a cry for help. However, he couldn’t be sure it was received. If the rogue demons had discovered how to mimic a Slayer, then perhaps they had other hidden abilities he wasn’t aware of.

The frigid wind skated across the thick, leathery skin of his wings as he rose higher into the night sky. Ezekiel's heart pounded, adrenaline surging through his veins as he desperately sought an escape route. Below him, the shadow gargoyles swarmed, their inky forms blending with the darkness as they pursued him relentlessly.

Lysander’s mocking laughter echoed through the air. “You can't outrun us forever, Ezekiel! You forget, I know all your tricks!”

Ezekiel gritted his teeth, pushing himself to fly faster. His mind raced, trying to formulate a plan. He couldn't lead these creatures back to the lair, back to Archer. Even if Lysander knew the location of the lair, he refused to go anywhere near the cathedral where his precious mate was waiting for him. The thought of Archer in danger shot a wave of terror through his body.

A searing pain tore through his left wing. Ezekiel cried out, nearly plummeting as he struggled to maintain altitude. He glanced back to see a shadow gargoyle’s claws embedded in his wing membrane, the creature’s weight dragging him down.

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