Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 78259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78259 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Meanwhile, Jade’s eyes were wide open in fascination.
Raphael flew closer and stopped four feet away from us. “There is a Great Darkness coming to this world. This will have all supernatural of this Earth battling it. God requests your help.”
Fatou nodded. “I will gladly serve God.”
“Thank you, princess.” Raphael smiled. “I should tell you that one day you will get your father’s love and forgiveness.”
She blinked.
“And you will also be an amazing queen, justly serving your people.”
I eyed him. “And I will be by her side?”
“Yes.” Raphael nodded. “Her people will call you the Jolly King.”
“Jolly?” I frowned. “That doesn’t sound fierce. Why not the Demon King?”
Raphael’s chuckled. It was that same boisterous sound of several children giggling. The noise echoed around us.
Jade began to giggle with him.
The King’s men smiled.
Some joyously prayed.
Raphael beamed at Jade. “And you will be a mighty princess, little one. Your enemies will fear you, calling you, Death Bringer.”
I mumbled, “That name is much better than the Jolly King.”
Fatou frowned at me. “Azar, relax.”
I shrugged.
Raphael continued, “But now is not the time to talk about the future, when we must still survive the present.”
Fatou quirked her brows. “How do you want us to serve?”
“There is a small mountain town called Crystal Lake.” Raphael put his attention on me. “A pack of werewolves live there. Powerful ones.”
A bad taste coated my tongue. “Werewolves? I detest them.”
“Azar, you are on the path of good. One day, you must work with them to battle against a great darkness that will be coming there.”
Fatou held Jade closer to her. “What type of darkness?”
Raphael gave her a sad smile. “Even I. . .am not sure of it.”
An angel doesn’t know. That’s not a good sign.
“All I know is that God has bound many of his greatest creatures to this area.”
“The werewolf pack too?” I asked.
Raphael nodded. “And others.”
I put my arm around Fatou. “What happens once we arrive to Crystal Lake?”
“Live there and stay to yourself. There will be no need to interact with the pack until I tell you.”
Fatou spoke, “Will it be safe for my daughter?”
Raphael chuckled in that same tone.
Jade giggled again.
Raphael’s wings fluttered. “You are a good mother, Fatou, but you will discover that little Jade does not need any protection.”
I’m not sure about that. I vow to keep them both safe.
Raphael looked at me as if he could hear my words. “In fact, none of your and Azar’s children will need much protection at all.”
Children? Yes!
For a second, I suddenly began to worry. “Hold on. Lucifer may come to demand—”
“All the fallen angels now know that you killed Adae.” Raphael’s smile widened. “And they know that you were given weapons from God—the wings of victory and a holy sword of resurrection. Neither Lucifer nor Lilith will bother you. Additionally, you are no longer linked to them. Therefore, they can no longer sense you.”
That still didn’t calm me. “And if they do happen to come?”
“I will be there.” Raphael rose a little higher. “Consider me your guardian angel.”
I smirked. “Then, back to the topic of our children. How many?”
“Why ask questions when the answers will come soon?” Raphael flapped those wings. “For now, go to Crystal Lake. Go toward your destinies.”
“But—”
And then he disappeared.
The King’s men continued to pray on the ground. However, the King gazed at Fatou. Sorrowful regret covered his face.
I still wish I could have killed you.
Fatou spoke, “If you took Jade out of her room to test her, then you must have discovered that Mother gave me her men.”
The King gave her a slow nod.
Fatou glared. “Where is she?”
“She is in her bedroom with some of my guards blocking the door—”
“Damn you. I’m saying goodbye to her and then leaving this place.” Fatou stormed off.
I trailed after her.
Several minutes later, Fatou talked with her mother. Although the door was wide open, I could barely catch their hushed conversation.
Outside in the hallway, Jade studied me. Curiosity filled those pretty eyes. She smelled like warm vanilla, cinnamon, and sweet sugary milk. But. . .I could also sense the powerful darkness spinning within her.
How much control does she have of her power? I may need to train her when she gets older.
Jade gave me a shy smile. “How. . .”
I leaned my head to the side. “Yes?”
“How did you know that angel?”
“I’m a pretty interesting demon.”
She giggled.
“Seriously.”
“What was his name?”
“Raphael. He’s one of the seven angels who stand and serve before the Glory of the Lord.” I touched my chest. “But, he’s become a cool friend.”
“Wow.”
“Wow is right.”
Jade looked back at the opened door and gazed at her mother and grandmother. “And. . .you are you my mommy’s friend too?”
“I am.”
She looked back at me. “You helped her save me from the bad man?”
“I did.”
I lowered to one knee and extended my hand. “My name is Azar. Nice to meet you.”