A Crown Of Shadows And Secrets - Sloane Murphy Page 0,26

to try and wake him. He stills again and goes silent, sweat running down his body.

What the actual fuck is this?

“This, is what happens when Angels come into the Demon realm uninvited,” a voice says from further in the forest, but I can’t see anyone. Roman and Kain still, going on edge, while Creek moves to my back.

“Who’s there?” I call out, my voice is firm, sounding as pissed off as I feel. No-one fucks with my guys and gets away with it. I place Levi down and stand, pulling a dagger from my boot as I do so.

“Now then, that’s no way to greet the leader of the Shadow Realm is it?” A man steps forward, revealing himself. He looks just like every preppy jock turned business type I’ve ever come across, except for his eyes, which are just pitch-black pools.

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re not the leader of the Shadow Realm then isn’t it?” I say through gritted teeth, walking towards him, dagger in hand.

“Ah-ah. Now then, no need to get violent.” He waves his hand and Levi stirs behind me. Creek kneels down to him, then nods at me. I watch as Levi’s eyes open, and then he shoots up, wings unfurled, and the storm inside him rolls off of him in waves, his power bleeding out, static electricity filling the space.

He moves like the wind, and has the Demon by the throat and lifted from the floor before I can even blink. The Demon starts to laugh, until Levi squeezes tighter. The Demon’s eyes go wide as storm clouds roll in over us, and starts clawing at Levi’s hand while trying to draw in breath and failing.

“Maybe you should check which Angel it is you’re fucking with before you start with your stupid tricks, Phoenix.” Ferry appears next to me, and I try not to be too shocked at her sudden appearance.

“You should probably ask your Angel to let him down if you want to leave this place. Phoenix dies, the level locks down. You do not want to be stuck here, trust me. I should’ve mentioned, never enter the forest. Sorry,” Ferry apologizes, flicking her hair over her shoulder.

I move forward and put my hand on Levi’s straining bicep. “Levi, come on. He’s not worth it. We’ve got more important things to deal with.”

His stormy eyes look down at me, and I can see my words filter through to him. His power pulls in and he growls as he drops the Demon. He takes my hand and kisses my palm before closing his eyes. The storm clouds disappear, as does the static in the air.

“You’re welcome,” Ferry says to me with a wink. “Phoenix, don’t be a dick. I know it goes against your nature, but you’re really not as badass as you think. Just let them pass through asshole.” She waves her fingers at me again and disappears from sight.

“What the…”

“Fucking Fae,” Phoenix says, his voice scratchy as he stands back up on wobbly knees. “Apologies, I didn’t know you were with Ferry. You want into the next level?” He asks, rubbing his neck, which is bruised. Huh, didn’t know Demons could bruise. Learn something new every day.

“We do,” I tell him jutting out my chin, still holding Levi’s hand in mine, and I feel as the others reach us and flank us.

“Well then,” he says, his voice still scratchy, but he waves his hand and another doorway appears. “Usually, you’d need access via my tower in the center of the city, but that’s still a week’s walk from here, and all things considered, I really don’t want to piss the fairy off,” he says wincing, looking back to Levi, and I can almost taste his fear. Another good thing to know, Demons, even higher Demons can fear something. I tuck that away for later, ‘cause we’re going to need it. I just hope this guy isn’t a complete wet noodle of a Demon.

“This had better not be a trick,” I say to Phoenix and he shakes his head.

“Not worth the hassle it would cause. Anyway, that’s more the Fae’s bag, I’m more about the torture.” Phoenix shrugs. I watch him, searching for any hint of a lie, but I find nothing, so I walk to the doorway.

“I’d say it’s been a pleasure, but…” I shrug and grasp the door handle. More mist.

Awesome.

Chapter Eight

Colt

Remy and the guys disappear in front of my eyes, and I shake my head, because this shit is still