Page 145 of Architecti
“Don’t touch her.”
He backs off, raising his hands.“Fine.There was a break-in.The Societas.I think we’re in imminent danger.”
“Where?”I ask.
“My office.They stole a bone.”
“A break-in is awful, but why do you care so much about a bone?Just source a new one,” Lucy says.
“I can’t.”
“Why?”I ask.
“Because it isn’t just any bone.It’s angelic.It’s Architecti’s finger, and it’s one of the only weapons in existence that can kill a demon.”
I frown.“I thought demons were immortal…” But there’s more, something niggling at the edges of my mind.
“We are to mortals.But angels have the power to kill us.You have to be protected,” Ignatius says and stalks to the windows, checking the latches.
“Why?Because if I die, Architecti is released?”Lucy says.
He stills.
A thick pause hangs in the air.
“I’m sorry,” he says, and Lucy’s lips part, a gasp escaping.
I’m not sure if it’s the truth that’s hitting her or the fact Ignatius actually apologised.
And that’s when it hits me.I used Architecti’s scythe in the Severance Rite.
“Oh my gods, she’s here… isn’t she?”I whisper.
Ignatius glowers at me.I brace myself, expecting a fight.
“Yes,” he says.
One word and everything falls into place.
Midnight, Midnight, Midnight.
That voice, that whisper and scream.It was never the campus.
“Who is where?”Lucy says, her eyes switching between us.
Ignatius sags.“Architecti.I trapped her here.”
Which means I never made a deal with the campus.I made it with Architecti.A fallen angel.One who wants Lucy’s soul.
Oh gods, what did I do?What will she do if I don’t reap Lucy?
“I take it you’ve unlocked your contract?”Ignatius says.
Lucy nods.
Ignatius moves towards Lucy.“Which means… have you told her?Are you in love?”
Lucy shakes her head, her eyes glassy as she covers her mouth with her hand.
