Devastation covers these lands. Smoke fills the air as ash rains down around us all.
So much death.
Yet I wouldn’t change a thing.
The battle lasted an age, but the war between Angels and Demons is still yet to have a victor. We, the fallen, took a stand as the Demon hoards pillaged the lands. Destroying life as it was known upon the earth. I could not bear to watch from my perch within Avalon any more than my General, Leviathan, could.
And, so we, along with our legion, fell.
To save the earth.
To save the humans.
But it was not enough.
We were not enough.
When Leviathan created the Hunters, it shifted the balance, the scales tipped in our favor. Until the Demons realized what had happened. That is when they birthed the Dracul. With magic bearers on our side, our numbers amassed, as they brought their cursed creatures, their enemies turned protectors, with them into battle.
We fought hard, and the loss of life has been great. But the Demon scourge has been pushed back, and despite their new creations, they will not rise again in such a way for a long time. It threatens to break my heart, all that the humans have lost, even more so now that we confirm we cannot return to Avalon, the realm of Angels.
He strides towards me, through the smoke and ash, the crimson blood-soaked ground. His dark hair flies around him in the harsh winds, his wings tucked back. Every inch of him screams warrior.
“Amantara, we must leave. We need to find somewhere to make our home with our brethren, until Avalon can be persuaded to let us back.” His voice, soft like silk, wraps around me. I nod and step toward him with a smile. He wraps his arms around me, and I know that no matter where we are, right here, in his arms, this is home.
We turn to leave when I notice a man in the distance, bow nocked and drawn. The arrow flies through the air, and I turn behind to see nothing when I spot the shimmer from the arrow, headed straight for the heart of the man I love.
Without a second thought, I push him to the ground, seconds before the arrow hits.
I did not notice the second one until it was too late. Now buried in my chest.
“Amantara, what the–” his head whips up and he spots the fleeing man, before his roar shakes the ground I lie on. My ears ring, but I watch as those who fought alongside us, take off at a run, chasing the man with the bow, while Leviathan kneels beside me.
I have accepted my fate, and I would do it all over again to save him. The Angel glass that pierces my heart, a sentence of death. But at least it was not him.
“Why, why would you do this?” His voice is strangled as he looks down upon me, his eyes glassy.
“For the same reason you would have done it for me.” I sigh, blood dribbling from my mouth. “Leviathan, do not let it be in vain. Conquer this evil, help these people, love this earth as if it were home. Know that I will be with you always.”
I close my eyes as he takes me in his arms, calling out to the chamber of Angels for help, his pleas unheard.
I did not expect to die today, or ever. But to die for the man I love, to have my last moments in his arms. I would change nothing.
Chapter One
Remy
Holy shit I’m flying.
Not just flying but carried by an Angel. A literal Angel that just saved my life. Not exactly how I pictured today going when the Hunters dragged me out of my cell. My heart thuds in my chest as we move silently through the night sky. The air is so cold but looking down on everything is exhilarating. It’s beautiful.
“Woah,” I gasp as we move seamlessly through the sky. I hold onto my savior tightly. Leviathan, General of the Death Dealers. Archangel of War, and the creator of Hunters just saved my life.
Holy shit.
I’m sure I should be afraid, but I feel safe with him, even all the way up here.
I squeak as we move quickly, plummeting back towards the ground, before his wings extend and we glide onto the roof of my apartment building. We land, and he places me on my feet, creating distance between us. I can’t help but take in every inch of him, from his