Page 79 of The Angel's Kiss
Darius turned to Monique. “I’m sorry for all that you have gone through tonight. I apologize that I can’t let you in, but you will be protected. Our young Guardian here knows the perfect place for you.”
I did? Oh shit...yeah, I did!
“The Magic Shop,” I said.
Darius turned and smiled at me, then he nodded. “No demon can enter there to cause harm. There is no place where she will be the safest. Also, you’ll need the backroom of the Magic Shop to get to Satan’s cell.”
“Is that the only way to find it?” I asked, because I wasn’t sure if that creepy Owner was going to be reasonable. Or what would he ask for to gain access to that backroom?
“No,” Darius said. “But it will be the fastest way for you to get there. It’s located in the space between Heaven and Hades and both demons and angels can get there, but it’s not easy... unless one goes through the portal in the Magic Shop.”
“That’s good enough for me, then. Do I need to give him anything for access?” I asked.
“He will tell you his price... if there is one,” Darius said.
“Are you coming? I mean, this is Satan we’re talking about.”
“I can’t, and even if I take the other route, I won’t get there in time. It will take me at least three days,” Darius said.
“Why can’t we go together?” I asked.
“Only one can enter for a specific span of time. You will have to be merged with Azazel when you do,” Darius said.
I didn’t like the idea of going alone.
“You’re not alone,” Azazel said.
“You won’t be alone, Rai,” Darius said, and I wondered if he’d read my mind.
“But—”
“You’ll have your Champion with you.” Darius smiled. “Have faith.”
“I do, but the last time a Guardian tussled with Satan...” I let my voice trail off because that Guardian died to lock Satan away. And he was a Divine Weapon, too.
“He also wasn’t bonded to the most powerful demon Knight in existence, Rai,” Darius said.
“I’m starting to like him,” Azazel said.
I’ve always liked Darius and the way he said that made me feel special, as if he wanted me to know that I was always meant to be different. He wanted me to take pride in the fact that I wasn’t like the others. All of the bullying I’d endured that made me feel less than others should no longer hold any power over me. I felt my chest swell as a heavy weight was lifted from my soul.
“Thank you, Darius,” I said because I had needed the boost in both faith and confidence.
“One more thing, and this is important,” Darius said.
“What?” I waited.
“Now that you are a Divine Weapon, if you die, so does your Champion and vice-versa. Before, if you were just bonded, if one died, the other could still live. But no more,” Darius said.
“Well, that’s good to know, but I wasn’t planning on dying anyway,” I said.
Darius smiled and nodded. “Now, go... save the girl and the world. It’s the destiny of every Guardian.”
“Taking on Satan is one hell of a mission right out of the Guild, though,” I half joked, because it was true. I mean, damn.
Darius nodded. “I will get everyone ready if you need backup.”
“Meaning?” I needed to know if he meant if I died.
