Page 24 of When Monsters Rise
RUE
Ididn’t like being past the red door.Notlike this.NotwithoutShem.Mygut was in knots.Themetal grill ceiling was coming up, and after that, we’d be at the steps leading to the long tunnel that ran past the arch that was covered in runes to keep the devolved at bay.
I’dhad my fair share of these tunnels for the day. “Howmuch farther?”
Michaelstopped and scanned the ceiling, looking for whatever cracks he might have noticed on the way in.Thenhe stepped back with a sigh. “Herewill do.”
Thestone walls looked fine to me. “Idon’t see any cracks.”
“I’msorry,” he said.
Icegripped my nape. “What?”
“Ididn’t want to lie to you.Ihave no choice.You’llbe safe here.I’llcome back for you when it’s over.”Hebegan to back up toward the red door, which was several meters away.
“Michael, what are you doing?”Beedemanded.
Shetook a step forward, andMichaelheld up his hand. “Stop.Idon’t want to hurt you, butIwill do so to protect you.”
Energyemanated off him, and the lethal glint in his eyes warned that he wasn’t messing around.
Myheart sank. “Whathave you done?”
“Whatneeds to be done.Thesentinels have been summoned and will be with us shortly.You’llbe safe here.They’llcome through the mall, cutting a path through the earth.”
No… “You…you used the sword somehow…”
Beeshook her head. “Youwouldn’t.You’rea good guy.”Hervoice trembled.
Michaelturned his attention to her, his sapphire gaze softening, almost pleading. “Yes,Bee.Iam.EventhoughImight seem like a monster to you right now.You’llunderstand soon enough.Iwon’t let any harm come to you.Eitherof you.”
Hewas betraying us.Hewas working for theDominion.
Nausearolled in my belly. “Youcame with us so you could find our hideout.Youwanted the relics.”
Hisgaze flicked to me. “Therelics would have been a bonus, butIdon’t need them.AllIneed is to eliminateShemand his watchers.Tosquash his tiny rebellion.”
Hetalked about killingShemand the watchers so calmly as if he was telling us he liked taking long walks.
Abubble of fear and anger expanded in my chest. “Youbastard.Youfucking bastard.”
Hisjaw hardened, eyes darkening with anger. “Callme whatever you want.Itmakes no difference.IfIcould spareShemand his watchers their fate so that they could revel in the glory to come, thenIwould.It’sunfortunate that they will not survive to see it, but you can.Youcan both be a part of my new world.”
“Michael,Idon’t understand,”Beesaid quickly. “Ithought you wanted to help us free the humans.Tostop theDominionand return to heaven.”Hertone was soft and tremulous, a contrast to my harsh, abrasive one.
Michaeltore his gaze from me and fixed his attention onBee.Icaught movement at her hip, her fingers flicking back and forth in amove itgesture.
Wait…Shewas distracting him soIcould attempt to get past him and to the door.IfIcould get through,Icould lock him in here withBee.Hewouldn’t hurt her.ThatmuchIwas sure of, but it would give me time to alertShem.
“I’msorry,Bee,”Michaelsaid. “Ineed you to understand that this isn’t personal.”
Iinched closer to him while his attention was on my friend.
“Ofcourse,Iknow that,”Beecontinued. “Yousaved my life.Youprotected us.You’restill protecting us, but you said you wanted to help fix theMorningstar.Whatchanged?Whatdid theDominionoffer you?”
Hesighed. “TheDominionaren’t my concern.I’llbe dealing with them in due course.”
“Idon’t understand,”Beepleaded. “Helpme to understand.”
