Yawning I stretched as I opened my eyes I felt like hell but I could feel that my power had returned to normal.
Sitting up I looked around to find Kail asleep in the couch he had repositioned to sit beside my bed. What the fuck was he doing here.
Grabbing the pillow I threw it at him startled he fell off the couch landing awkwardly on his wing.
"Ow what the fuck Reece?"
I couldn't answer I was laughing too hard stopping only when Kail threw the pillow back at my head.
"Funny was it?"
"Hilarious you should've seen the look on your face."
He bent his knees with a cheeky grin on his face preparing to pounce.
"Don't you dare."
He dared landing on the bed he started tickling me til my eyes started watering.
"Ok ok enough I give up you win."
He lay back in the bed next to me
"Glad to see your finally awake."
"How long was I out."
He shrugged
"A week."
I jumped out of bed
"A week what the hell why didn't anyone try wake me?"
"We did you wouldn't wake up you had entered meda sleep."
I sighed meda sleep was when an angel had used too much power so their body put them in a deep sleep to restore strength to the mind and soul.
Then I remembered the reason for needing meda sleep. Sitting back down on the bed I asked
"How is Azrael and has Michael agreed to the exchange?"
Kail shook his head
"Azraels in bad shape he's not healing like he should we don't know what's wrong and there's been no word from Michael."
"There has now."
Both our heads snapped to the doorway where Lucifer stood smiling.
"Very smart plan my dear avoid a war by means of and exchange I commend you."
I scowled
"We both know you will still have your war I will have no choice when I have sworn my oath."
"How right you are my dear but for now my end of the deal will be for filled tomorrow night. Michael sent word that he will agree to an exchange. Dantalis in exchange for Azrael we will met him in the clearing."
I nodded
"Surely it can't be that easy Michael must be planing something."
I mused lucifer raised an eyebrow
"Thinking like a general already I approve."
"General?"
"Why of corse once you are with us fully I plan on making you a general of my army."
I stared at him shocked. What the hell I didn't know anything about leading an army.
"Are you sure that's wise father?"
"But of corse Reece is only new to her wings but in taking down an archangel she has more then proven herself in battle. I believe with guidance she will only become more powerful and well suited to a leadership role."
Despite that fact that I did not trust his intentions I found myself smiling at the praise. Kail stared at his father suspiciously quickly hiding it when I faced him but I saw it none the less.
"Come for a walk we have some things to discuss."
Kail held me back when I moved to follow.
"She still hasn't fully recovered."
"Nonsense Kail she is fine."
Lucifer looked to me for confirmation I nodded smiling to Kail
"I'll be fine stop worrying about me I'm stronger then I look."
I winked at him as I followed Lucifer out the door leaving Kails concerned look behind.
We walked in silence until he lead me through a misted glass door that opened up to the most beautiful garden I had ever seen. There were roses everywhere of all different colours it was beautiful. Who knew that there was such a place in the underworld.
"I thought you might like to see this after everything you had been through lately."
I smiled Finding myself relaxing for the first time since I had got my wings.
"It's beautiful lucifer how do they even survive down here?"
He laughed
"Persistence my dear I come here everyday to look after them. It is the one thing that's makes this dreadful place bare able."
I stopped to smell a rare black rose with red tips like my own wings. It smelled so nice. Lucifer reaches past me to pick it placing it in my hand.
"A rare beauty you have good taste."
Everyone knew of lucifers misdeeds yet I couldn't help thinking maybe he was just misunderstood. Someone who could take care of these flowers so lovingly had to have some good in their heart but I did not trust easily nor was I naive enough to think he wasn't trying to play me.
"What do you want from me lucifer?"
He chuckled
"You are wise to distrust me Reece my goal is no secret I want the city of angels. I want to return to my rightful home and if I have to use your power to do that then I will."
I scowled at his words
"If you ever doubt the decision to join me just remember what they did to your father, remember what they have done to your mother and what they are still doing to Dantalis let the hatred for them fuel your resolve. At the moment your power is unpredictable uncontrolled imagine what you could accomplish if you could gain control. You could use that power to ensure that no one else is taken from you. Let me help you use your power to protect everyone you love, let me help you gain control before it controls you."
His words brought sadness to my eyes for the father I had lost not even getting to say goodbye and the mother I had never even laid eyes on. He was being brutally honest yes I had power but if I could not control it I would end up hurting someone I love without meaning to. Plus my power had its limits he could make me stronger. Strong enough that I wouldn't have to loose anyone else.
Something still troubled me though as it did before if I let him teach me what he knew would I loose that which made me, me. Would taking this path change who I was.
Lucifer took my hand cupping it in both of his
"Think about it there is no rush just concentrate on our meeting with Michael tomorrow."
I nodded I had forgot about that. tomorrow I would get Dantalis back. Finally we would be together again.
Lucifer lead me back to my room saying goodbye at the door. I stood there more confused then ever. Opening my door i stepped inside to find Kail pacing.
"What are you doing?"
"Reece! Thank god did he hurt you? Are you ok? What did he want?"
Kail looked me up and down checking for any kind of wound. I gently pushed him away
"Kail stop it I'm fine it's like he said he just wanted to talk to me."
"Reece whatever he said it's a lie you must not trust him he only wants to use you."
"That's what he said."
Kail retracted
"What?"
"He told me I shouldn't trust him and that he would use me to take the city of angels."
"I don't understand."
He started pacing again mumbling all I picked up was
"Must be a trick"
"He's planing something."
I stopped Kails pacing placing my hands on his face.
"Kail stop freaking out he just wants to help me control my power and become stronger."
Realisation entered his eyes he grabbed my shoulders hard.
"Reece you can't do it I've seen what his training did to Dantalis it changed him. Nothing good can come of it you can't let him in Reece he destroys your soul til there's nothing left but what he has created."
I waved him off
"Stop being so dramatic Kail I haven't decided anything yet."
"Your considering it? Reece you can't be serious he's a monster. I told you I would help you control it you don't need his help."
"Omg Kail will you just drop it we have bigger things to worry about then this."
"You don't even realise what he's doing do you?"
I laughed
"Paranoid much. Seriously can we just get through tomorrow night first I promise I will listen after we get Dantalis back. deal?"
I held out my hand reluctantly he took it.
"Fine but the second we get back you will start taking this seriously."
I crossed my heart
"Promise."
We spent the next few hours going over what could happen tomorrow. By the time we had finished going through everything that could go wrong it was close to midnight.
I yawned
"I'm going to bed or I'm going to be too tired to fight if it goes sideways tomorrow."
Kail nodded
"Me too good night reece."
I stopped him
"You can sleep on the couch if you want."
He stared at me in surprise
"Are you sure?"
"Of corse I think after everything we can at least be friends don't you?"
He nodded then smirked
"With benefits?"
I punched him in the arm
"Don't push it or I'll take it back."
He laughed heading towards the couch while I got into my bed.
"Good night Reece."
"Night Kail."
We waited in the clearing for Michael to arrive Azrael was hidden out of sight til the exchange was made. My mind flashback to when I'd seen him for the first time after I had well for lack of a better word blown him up.
He was covered in burns that bleed constantly he had not woken since it happened no one in the underworld knew how to heal him or what was happening to him. The guilt I felt almost shattered me Kail who since that day had some how become someone I could count on had held my hand as Azrael was carried to the surface.
Lucifer stood in front insisting on helping with the exchange. I agreed if only to have his power and influence to hopefully rattle Michael into making a mistake.
Soon we could see ten angels flying in. five of who I knew from my heritage the other five were nameless.
Landing before us stood micheal, Raphael, uriel, Gabriel and Dantalis who was bond in chains.
My eyes looked onto Dantalis it seemed like so long since I had seen him. He was shirtless his body riddled with scars some white with age some new still red these I knew Michael had caused. My fist clenched with anger. He stared right back an Erie smile spread on his face.
"Hello Lucifer I'm surprised to see you here."
"But of corse Reece is under my protection I'm here to insure you keep your end of the bargain."
Michael scoffed
"Protection indeed."
Turning to face me Michaels smile sent chills down my spine.
"Ah Reece finally we meet you are quite the rebellious fledgling."
I spoke through gritted teeth trying to hold back my anger.
"I would say it's a pleasure to meet you but we both know it would be a lie."
He laughed at this
"Your daughter is quick at humour Gabriel too bad that will do nothing to help her."
"He is not my father you killed my father."
Micheal raised his eyebrows
"That I did be reassured his death was a regrettable one and one of honour despite his crimes."
"How Noble of you."
"enough talk Michael lets get this over with?"
"As you wish Gabriel."
I stared at my birth father he revealed nothing
"Where is Azrael?"
"Hidden considering my last encounter with your kind I didn't not trust you to keep your word."
"Wise fledgling very wise for one so young peter raised you well. So what is your plan how do I know that Azrael is even still alive?"
Lucifer signalled to one of his demons, minutes later laviathon landed with Azrael in his arms.
Michael summoned his sword
"What have you done to him you she devil?!"
I shrugged
"It was an accident."
I smirked, let him think I enjoyed it I needed him to fear me. To fear the unknown power inside me.
Dantalis stared wide eyed at Azraels body but remained oddly silent.
Michael went to step forward
"Tsk tsk tsk not so fast Michael in this state it would be easy to end his life."
Michael huffed but put away his sword.
"I will allow Gabriel to bring Dantalis and once Dantalis is safe he can leave with Azrael."
Michael nodded.
It was a gamble to be sure but out of all the archangels present I knew from the look in Gabriel eyes he was the one less likely to try anything.
Gabriel stepped forward grabbing Dantalis pulling him forward by the chains that held him.
Once close enough Kail grabbed Dantalis as Gabriel bent to pick up Azraels burned body.
Turning to face me he paused
"Gabriel do not waste time Azrael needs help."
Bowing his head he returned to michaels side. Sending two of the unknown angels ahead with instructions to get him to a healer.
"Well you have what you wanted too bad your victory will be short lived."
With that he and the rest left the way they had come. We waited until they were out of sight before we relaxed.
Turning to Dantalis i couldn't help myself I threw my arms around him. My lips clashed with his as he instantly responded. It only took a second before I knew something was very wrong.
looking into his eyes as fire flashed in them. I stepped back in horror I knew with all my heart this was not Dantalis.
"Reece? What's wrong?"
Kail followed my eyes. Instantly he pulled me behind him. Dantalis laughed sending chills down my spine.
"It is good to finally be home."
Lucifer approached Dantalis
"Well I did not expect this."
He turned to where Michael had disappeared
"Well played, well played indeed."
I pushed Kail out of the way
"I don't understand what did he do?"
Lucifer turned to face me
"He has stripped Dantalis of his oath and in doing so has allowed Soneillon to be released."
"Lucifer my old friend I was beginning to think I would be caged forever."
Dantalis, well the demon inside Dantalis embraced Lucifer.
"Soneillon I am sorry I did not expect my son would defy me and join heaven."
The demon called soneillon waved him off
"It was nothing what is a few hundred years to a demon."
I stared in disbelief Had Lucifer willing given this demon his sons body to possess.
"You broke our oath!"
I screamed at lucifer
"You promised you would keep him safe."
"And I did is he not safe?"
"He is not Dantalis at all!"
"Oh he's in here little fledgling trust me he's screaming at me this very second."
My mind could not comprehend what was happening to finally get Dantalis back only to loose him again. I sank to me knees as Kail wrapped his arms around me whispering
"There's nothing to be done Reece Dantalis is trapped inside his own mind. That is no longer Dantalis that body now belongs to Soneillon."
"Hey it's not so bad fledgling we can still be mates if your willing."
He devoured me with is eyes I almost threw up
"Go to hell you dick."
He laughed turning to Lucifer
"Feisty ain't she just what I like in a female."
I couldn't take it any more I stood up and spreading my wings I took to the skies I needed to get away from them from the sound of their laughter from all of it. I flew til i reached the cliffs over looking the beach.
Tears formed in my eyes why did this keep happening to me? Everyone I care about gets ripped away from me and for what reason? Why am I being punished like this?
"Reece?"
"Go away Kail I'm poison everything I touch turns to ash."
"Don't say that this is Michaels doing not yours."
"It doesn't matter who did it the result is still the same! Stay away from me before you suffer the same fate."
He sat next to me pulling me into his arms I struggled but my heart wasn't in it. In the end I just cried into his shoulder as he stroked my hair. He held me all night until my tears had dried up.
"Come back Reece."
I shook my head
"I can't look at him and not see Dantalis it will be torture."
I adjusted myself into a more comfortable position when I felt something in my pocket. Curious I took out a piece of paper.
"What's that?"
"I don't know I don't remember putting it in my pocket."
Unfolding it I was surprised to find a letter from Gabriel.
"Gabriel must have slipped it into my pocket when he paused."
My dearest daughter Reece
I know that by now you will have realised what Michael has done to Dantalis. I am sorry I could not stop it however I can help you to undo what has been done. Azrael has told me that you know Raziel is in the underworld but he didn't know where. I can give you this information on the back of this letter is a map that will lead you to him. He will have the answers you seek to save Dantalis. Please keep this map safe in the wrong hands it could prove fatal.
I must also be honest with you about something else I did not kill your mother she is alive and well however she has been a captive of Michaels ever since you were born. I would have told you that night but your mother begged me not too she feared that you would retaliate. I on the other hand know that whatever decision you make will be the right one and of your own choosing. Please stay safe and I hope we see each other again.
I love you with all my heart
Your father
Gabriel
I stared at the latter for so long not knowing what to say. Everything I knew about my father was wrong he hadn't killed my mother he had kept her save. She was locked up but safe none the less it finally all made sense.
Passing Kail the letter he read it with shock on his face.
"If Raziel can save Dantalis then I will help you."
I stared into his eyes not wanting to get my hopes up that there was a way.
"If Raziel even knows a way,"
Kail shrugged
"Who could say but my father planted Soneillon inside Dantalis so there must be a way to untangle the roots he's buried."
I knew I shouldn't hope but if there was a way I had to try. Kail smiled and it made me realise he had become a true friend.