Page 30 of Gargoyle Sentinel

Danny grinned. “Excellent.”

Chapter Nine

Malachi’s healing session with Ezekiel had been far less intense than the previous one. Since his fellow Slayers had already been nearby and on alert, they were able to arrive quickly, and their foes had been fewer in number than usual.

Danny sat next to him at the long table in the dining room of the Aspen safe house, leaning against Malachi’s arm with his eyes closed. They’d be spending the night there, but in the morning, Malachi would bring Danny to their temporary home in the Rockies lair. Michael still hadn’t given him the location of their final home, but he hoped that if Danny had a preference, Michael would take that into consideration.

Everyone from the day’s battle was chatting with one another, but not about the fight. They had endured plenty of battles that, when they had the chance to interact away from the chaos, they focused on more pleasant topics.

“Hey, Mal.” Ezekiel leaned closer to him. “Are you allowed to share the source of Danny’s lineage yet?”

“Is that what you guys have been gabbing about?” Malachi shook his head. “I would, but Michael hasn’t told us.”

Danny yawned, his eyelids fluttering open as he straightened in his chair. “It’s so annoying.” He stretched his arms above his head while yawning even wider. “I’d like to know the reason behind all this mayhem. It’sexhausting.”

Michael chose that moment to sweep into the dining room. It wasn’t as if he had pulled up in a Mercedes and then come through the front door. However, he loved making a grand entrance. Therefore, materializing somewhere else in the houseand then strolling into the room as if from nowhere was his preferred way of appearing.

“Good evening, everyone.” Michael took a seat at the head of the table. “I trust you’ve all recovered from this afternoon’s melee?” The room murmured and nodded in response. “Good,” Micahel continued. “I apologize for taking so long to arrive. I was seeing Lucifer off on his journey back to hell with his new resident.”

Danny grunted. “Sorry I missed that show.”

Malachi draped an arm over Danny’s shoulders. His poor baby would need him more than ever while he recovered from the treachery of his family.

Michael regarded Danny. “It pains me that you had to endure your sister’s horrific betrayal. She sprouted from the basest life forms, so her destiny was always going to result in damnation.”

Danny smirked. “Not sure that’s how genetics work, but okay.” He frowned. “I still can't believe she was willing to trade me for a rock. I mean, she was always the worst, even before she was crawling with demons. However, I think social media is what finally plummeted her into true darkness.”

Michael’s lips quirked in what might have been amusement, an expression so fleeting Malachi almost missed it.

“Your family’s unique character makes more sense now that I've confirmed your lineage.” Michael folded his hands on the table. “I believe you’re now ready to learn of your celestial heritage.”

Everyone at the table leaned forward slightly, even Cassiel, who typically feigned disinterest in Michael’s pronouncements.

“Danny Rutherford,” Michael began, his voice taking on a resonant quality that made the crystal glasses on the table vibrate slightly, “you are a direct descendant of Gabriel, the Messenger.”

Michael’s words were met with complete silence. Danny’s jaw fell open, and even Cassiel’s usual snark seemed to have abandoned her as she stared at Danny with wide eyes. Malachi wasn’t sure what to think.

“I’m sorry, what now?” Danny's voice came out as a squeak. “Gabriel? As in,theGabriel? Horn-blowing, announcement-making, Mary-visiting Gabriel?”

Michael nodded solemnly. “The very same. He’s the mouthpiece of the Divine Spark. He doesn’t get out much, but the one time he did, he made it count. Your bloodline traces back through centuries, his powerful angelic essence lying dormant within you until the time was right for it to awaken.” Michael turned his palms upward. “But as we know, where there is light, so must there be dark.”

Danny gasped. “Emma.”

Michael dipped his chin. “I’m afraid so.”

“Of course,” Cassiel breathed. “No wonder the shadows were so desperate to get him. Gabriel’s blood amplified by the grail would’ve given them power over—”

“Everything,” Michael finished grimly. “The rogues and shadows would have gained dominion over both realms, heaven and earth.” Michael's eyes locked with Malachi’s. “Your mate carries the most potent celestial bloodline since the Nephilim of old.”

Malachi gave Danny a squeeze, his mate still staring wide-eyed, undoubtedly in shock from the startling revelation.

“So…” Danny blinked repeatedly. “Is that like royalty?”

“In a manner of speaking.” Michael offered Danny a smile, something he rarely graced anyone with. “Gabriel's essence grants you certain abilities that will manifest as your connection to your heritage strengthens.”

“Abilities?” Danny perked up. “Like what? Trumpet playing? I’ve always wanted to learn an instrument.” A collectivegroan sounded from everyone. Danny glanced around the room, his brow wrinkled. “What? I was being serious.”

Michael’s lips twitched. “Your gifts will be more aligned with Gabriel’s nature. Communication, revelation, clarity of vision. Already, you possess an extraordinary capacity for perceiving truth. Have you not always been able to see through deception?”

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