He was definitely a fruitcake. He had to be, because taunting the Directorate was stupid and dangerous.
"So where do I come into the picture?" I knew where well enough. I'd defied him on the fields, threatened him, marked him. For someone who obviously considered himself beyond the Directorate's reach, that had to be galling.
"You intrigued me, huntress. You, and the one who guards you both. I have not come across your likes before."
A chill ran through me. How the hell could he know about Azriel? "I'm not sure what you mean—"
He tsked. "Come, huntress, let's not play this particular game."
I swallowed heavily. If he knew about Azriel, then he probably also knew how to stop him. My reaper might not be of this place, but he could be blocked and killed here. That might be in this madman's plan. After all, what bigger buzz could there be for someone as sick as Taylor than killing a celestial guide?
God, this situation was getting worse and worse.
"How do you know about him? Few can see him."
"He did do a good job of concealing himself, but the astral plane is my world, not his, and there are few there who can hide themselves from me."
Markel. He was talking about Markel, not Azriel. Thank god.
"What does it matter who I have following me around? This is between you and me."
"Oh, the end battle will be, for sure, but that does not dampen my wish to see just what your guardian can do."
Markel couldn't do half of what Azriel could, but that didn't make him any less dangerous. Not that Markel would actually be getting involved—not unless it was absolutely necessary. Especially when Azriel could project any human form he desired.
"So," I said in a flat voice, "you wish to challenge us. How do you plan to do that this time?"
"Oh, the game hasn't changed; the stakes are just a little higher."