Darkness Falls (Dark Angels 7)

“Precisely,” Hunter all but purred. “And we all know what your decision will be given what such a death would do to his sister.”

In that she was right. “Where is he?”

“In a secure depot just outside Melbourne.” She gave us the address. “I suggest you go, reaper. Jenson’s situation is somewhat precarious.”

She didn’t explain what she meant, and I didn’t ask. I simply swung around and gave Azriel a hug. Be careful. This barrier might well be set to kill both you and Rhoan.

Undoubtedly, he replied, unfazed. But your uncle and aunt are already on the way to that location, and between the three of us, we shall unpick the trap. Then I will return to help you.

She won’t let you return. I forced myself to step away from him, though all I wanted to do was cling tight. I’d see him again. I had to believe that, if nothing else.

She will undoubtedly ban me from her offices, but she is not in her office. She is deep underground, where she believes she is safe from me.

And she is. You can’t track a soul underground unless they are due for death.

Perhaps, but I can find you. Out loud, he added, “Hunter, if anything happens to her, my vengeance will be brutal.”

“Reaper, we both know that murder is beyond the realm of your charter here on Earth, so do not—”

“It has nothing to do with my orders and everything to do with desire. Trust me, neither your flesh nor your soul will enjoy the spoils of your kill for long if you decide to take that path.”

And with that warning lingering in the air, he left.

Hunter’s laugh was low and soft. “I never knew reapers could be so overly dramatic. But then, he has been associating with you for a while now.” The huge double doors on the other side of the room silently began to open. “Risa, please, do come in.”

Said the spider to the fly. I flexed my fingers and resisted the urge to draw Amaya. Hunter hadn’t actually mentioned her yet, and I wasn’t about to remind her—though I very much doubted she’d actually forgotten her.

I walked around the table and warily entered the large room beyond it. A large black desk dominated the room, with several comfortable-looking chairs in front of it and a wall of windows behind it. There was very little else in the room; no wall art and nothing personal.

Hunter, as Azriel had said, wasn’t here.

“What game are you playing now, Director?” I stopped in the middle of the room and looked around. Though there didn’t appear to be any other exits, there obviously had to be. Whether they were concealed by magic or simply brilliant workmanship was the question.

Magic here, Amaya said. Active not.

I frowned. If there was magic here, why wasn’t it active? What was she waiting for?

Even as those questions crossed my mind, Hunter said, “I’ve just received word that your reaper, Quinn, and Riley have all appeared at the depot. Time to ensure none of them can interfere with our little tête-à-tête.”

Energy surged through the room, a short, sharp caress that was both electronic and magical in feel.

Now active, Amaya said, rather unnecessarily.

“I’m afraid it’s just you and me now. The barrier that is now in place will repel any sort of energy being entry. Unfortunately for you, it will also prevent your becoming Aedh.” Hunter’s tones were smug. “Please, come on down to my true office, and let’s discuss this key matter.”

“More than happy to,” I said easily, despite the fact that I wanted to flee so badly that the Aedh magic surged unasked, causing my extremities to fade in and out of being without actually progressing to a full change.

“Excellent.” There was a slight hiss of air—like that of an airlock being released. Then one section of the wall moved forward and slid to the left, while a second door stepped back and retreated to the right. Beyond it was a small black elevator. “The elevator will bring you down to me. Oh, I believe you have an invisible sword—leave it behind. And I want to hear it hitting the floor—no faking.”

“No.” Silently, I added, Amaya, make a lot of noise but remain invisible, and get into my flesh, fast.

And then I crossed mental fingers that Myer hadn’t reported this trick to Hunter.

She sighed. “Do I really have to kill your aunt and uncle?”

“Fine,” I said, through gritted teeth. I made a show of drawing Amaya from her sheath, then released her. She hit the ground hard, her steel tip smacking against the leg of the nearby chair, the sound ringing across the silence. But almost immediately, she bounced up to my chest. I crossed my arms, holding her in place as her steel melted into my body and became one with me once more.

“Excellent,” Hunter purred. “Now the key. Hold it up so I can be sure you have it.”