The Book of Azrael (Gods & Monsters 1)
The Book of Azrael: Chapter 23

Bounty on your head.’

‘Let me go.’

‘Never.’

‘Kaden wants his bitch back.’

‘A seat next to Kaden.’

My eyes refused to open even as I lurched into a sitting position. A wave of nausea flooded me, and I expelled the contents of my stomach. I felt someone holding me, hands gripping the back of my neck. As my body tried to slump, strong arms propped me up. Something warm washed over my lips and the side of my face before I was gently laid back down. Everything hurt, and even with my eyes closed, the world was spinning. A thick, sweet liquid filled my throat, and a pleasant coolness took away the pain as I drifted off once more. There was no more stomach ache, no more dizziness, just darkness seeping in and encompassing me once more.

MY EYES POPPED OPEN AND I FROZE. “I’m dead. I fucking know it.’

A huge golden door flanked by massive twin torches stood before me. The flames flickered and danced much higher than any I had ever seen. Ancient carvings were etched into the surface of the door, depicting a battle I was not familiar with. Through that door must be the final judgment before I was sent to Iassulyn.

I looked down and saw I still wore the white tank, dark jeans, and heels. I pulled at my shirt and peeked at my chest but saw no trace of Sophie’s attack. Weird. Well, if I was dead, at least I would be comfortable and fashionable while I haunted people.

Wait, what about Gabby? I turned, trying to find a way out. I needed to get back to Gabby. She would be alone and definitely angry if I died. What if Liam didn’t uphold his part of the bargain because we hadn’t found the book?

I stopped, distracted by the carving on the walls. They matched the door, and there were so many scenes. Some were depictions of battles, while others were of people doing everyday tasks. Torches lined the hall as far as I could see, long crimson silk curtains blowing in the wind. The area was dark except for the dim flicker of the flames.

‘Hello?’ I yelled, turning in a circle. ‘Anyone home? Do I request a final judgment, or are we all just aware I shouldn’t be here? The joke is on me. I get it now. Come out!’ To my surprise, no one answered. You would think a big place like this would be crawling with people.

Frustrated, I was about to yell obscenities to see if that got a reaction when I heard footsteps approaching from down the hall. It sounded like just one person, and they were coming in fast. Okay, well, great job, Dianna. You probably pissed off an ancient beast. I retreated, looking for a place to hide. Whoever, or whatever, was coming was in a hurry.

I kept moving backward, afraid to turn my back, my hands searching for the wall behind me. I took one last step and blinked. When I opened my eyes, a wall with deep carvings took up my vision.

Had I just walked through a wall? What was happening?

I spun, and my breath caught as I took in the expansive room. I took one step and then another, my shoes not echoing on the shiny stone floor. The absence of the sound was deafening. I stopped in the middle of the room to take it all in, my gaze catching first on the golden columns standing tall in the corners. Sheer fabric hung from the massive carved windows and danced as if blown by a soft current of air. I tipped my head back and spun in a small circle, gaping at the night sky.

Oh, shit.

I definitely was not on the mortal plane anymore. The galaxy I saw through the half missing roof was made of stars and planets that did not belong to my world. They lit up the cold sky, the colors ranging from reds to purples and a mix of blues. Meteors streaked through the empty spaces as the nebulae spun. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. No painting or image could compare.

Grunts and moans pulled me from my admiration of the extraordinary view, and I realized I was not in some fancy mausoleum but in someone’s bedroom. What prick would have a room with an open ceiling showcasing the freaking galaxy?

There was more rustling, and I crept toward the sound. A four-poster bed emerged from the darkness, fabric draped around the spiraling spires at each corner. My eyes locked on the couple, and I stopped, afraid to make my presence known. I watched as soft feminine legs were thrown over thick masculine shoulders, her ankles linking behind his head. He thrust into her, eliciting a chorus of screams and groans in both feminine and masculine tones.

Nails raked down a muscled back, leaving small pink scratches in their wake. He hissed and gathered her hands, holding them at the wrist above her head. Desire flared and coiled in me as I watched that powerful body slam into hers. She screamed a name, and the heat pooling at my core was extinguished as if someone had dumped a bucket of cold water on me.

I should have noticed sooner, given the glowing silver tattoos marking his entire body, but I had never seen him naked. I knew this scene would forever be burned into my memories. The realization came with a pang of disappointment.

Fucking Liam.

‘Please don’t stop,’ the woman groaned.

A gruff response followed, making me want to throw up.

‘I have died, and this is my punishment. This is worse than the Iassulyn.’ I threw my hands up and looked away from the erotic thrust of his hips. I didn’t know how I had ended up in Liam’s memories. It was impossible unless—

I paused as the realization of what was happening hit me. I was in a fucking blooddream! My hands went to my face, covering my eyes as I shook my head. ‘No, no, no, no.’

I dropped my hands, looking at my palm where I had cut it. A small thin scar ran parallel to the lines in my palm. Liam had one to match after that stupid blood deal. But if that were the cause, I would have dreamed sooner, especially since I’d napped on the convoy. Unless he’d fed me? My chest tightened. Had I been so close to death that he’d been afraid I would die? Had he fed me to keep me alive?

‘You idiot.’ I kicked the bed where he and whoever this mystery woman was were currently switching positions. ‘Why would you do that?’ I said, choking out the words.

It was a drawback of being what I was. If I drank too much or ate somebody, fragments of their memories would bleed into mine. I couldn’t control the blooddreams, and I hated the images and emotions that came with them. That, among other reasons, was why I tried not to consume blood. Fortunately, the dreams rarely lasted long, and with the sounds coming from the bed, I was pretty sure they would finish soon.

I looked around, wondering why the memory was important to him. I got that he was a guy, but typically the memories I saw in blooddreams had affected the being profoundly. Usually, what I saw were acts or feelings of such emotional impact they had become a part of what made the individual who they were. Maybe it was because of this mystery woman? Was she a long –lost love, a fling, or maybe an ex –wife? Liam didn’t carry the mark of the Ritual of Dhihsin on his hands, just those silver rings, so I knew he wasn’t mated.

I felt my chest tighten at the thought of Liam being bound, but before I could process the emotion, the large doors behind me burst open, and a tall man strode into the room. I knew this man. His long, braided hair was decorated with bright jewels. I had become accustomed to the blue lines that ran along his arms and neck to pool like indigo flames in his eyes. Every member of The Hand had that same shine. Logan wore what reminded me of a mix between a tunic and battle armor, one side of his chest exposed.

‘Samkiel! My apologies, but your father fast approaches,’ Logan said, closing the door and striding straight through me as if I were a ghost.

Logan tossed the sheer curtains around the bed aside as the woman gasped, surprised by the intrusion. I tore my gaze away from the bed as Logan’s words sank in. Liam’s father was headed this way. I knew I was in a blooddream, but the thought of seeing him filled me with unease. Kaden had told us stories about how powerful and cruel the gods were. One touch could turn a being into dust, and their anger could make the very stars tremble. Their weapons carried more power than the sun, and they were more than happy to turn them on us.

‘You were supposed to distract him, Nephry,’ Liam said, his voice husky. So, Nephry was Logan’s real name.

Liam climbed off the bed, wrapping a sheet around his hips, but not before Logan and I got a good look at all his assets. Why was I not surprised that he wasn’t lacking in that department, either? Why couldn’t it be small and not practically a third leg?

I studied him openly, deciding that I would take the opportunity to look my fill. He was gorgeous, after all. The Liam of the blooddream was different. He wasn’t the Liam I knew. He seemed happier and less irritable, but still with that cocky attitude. The Liam of Rashearim was younger and unbroken, with an aura that reeked of arrogance.

Unlike when I’d first met him, only a dark stubble shadowed the perfect line of Liam’s jaw, no sign of that ghastly beard he had arrived with. His dark hair lay in heavy waves on his massive shoulders. Health, youth, and vitality emanated from him. His eyes burned molten mercury, and every time he moved, the silvery glow seemed to gild his skin. It was as if his power was looking for a way out. I understood now why I could sense him anytime he was in my vicinity. He wasn’t just powerful. His was power.

Liam took a step toward Logan, but his gaze was focused on the door. ‘How long before he arrives?’

Maybe it was because I hadn’t had sex in a month, but Liam naked was a work of fucking art. I would never tell him, but seeing him even half-naked made my mouth water, my nipples tighten, and my core clench. I couldn’t deny my physical responses to him, but it changed nothing. He was still a prick.

‘I did as much as I could. I even got the nymphs to play a little song,’ Logan said, waving toward the closed door behind him.

Liam patted his friend on the shoulder as he strode past him to the table. He poured something into a golden cup. ‘I missed another coronation, so it is without question he will be ill-tempered.’

‘Another coronation, Samkiel?’ the woman said, her voice still husky with pleasure.

She swung her legs off the side of the bed and stood. Her skin an ivory hue and her gorgeous, long blonde hair swayed over her shoulders as she moved, the strands that fell forward barely concealing the lush curves of her breasts. I had witnessed their wild play, but not one shiny strand was out of place.

I threw my hands up and said out loud, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me. Is everyone here perfect?’

It only got worse when she turned and walked with elegant grace to a chair, picking up a long embroidered dress. Her every move was poetry in motion, the soft light streaming through the broken ceiling caressing her lean feminine curves. The glowing lines of color that traced her delicate form matched Logan’s. I was surprised that she was a celestial because she was everything a goddess should be, stunning from head to toe.

‘Hello, Imogen. Looking ravishing as always,’ Logan said, winking at her.

‘No more ravishing for me, thanks. Samkiel has taken care of that aplenty.’ She smiled, clasping the dress together at the back.

‘I’m sure he has.’ Logan smirked, looking at his friend.

Liam shrugged mid-sip, his eyes filled with smug male satisfaction. He finished his drink before giving Imogen a devastating smile. ‘Do you blame me?’

Oh, gods. I was going to be sick if I had to watch Liam flirt. Before I had a chance to find a way out or force myself to wake up, the air in the room shifted. Logan and Imogen straightened, and Liam’s expression turned sullen. I felt the power coming our way even in the blooddream and fought the urge to flee. I heard what sounded like a small army approaching as Logan went to stand by Imogen.

The door opened, and several guards entered. They spread out, standing against the walls in pockets of shadows. A man, much taller than Liam but built almost identically, strolled in. His hair was nearly the same length as Liam’s, but instead of falling in waves, it was coiled in a mass of long thick curls that draped down his back. A few standards were twisted with golden bands that shone against the starlight spilling in. The shine of the encrusted jewels was a beautiful contrast to his rich brown skin. A dark beard lined his jaw, adding to its strength instead of concealing it. I now knew where Liam received his devastating good looks.

He gripped a long gold spear in his right hand. The shaft glowed, a golden light pulsing near the bladed tip. The staff was engraved with what I recognized as the language of the gods, and the same runic letters were etched deep into his battle armor. They circled the three-headed lion on his breastplate and pulsed gold on every metal piece he wore, including the skirt that met the tops of his leather boots.

The power he emanated reminded me of Liam’s, except his seemed to take up the entire room. Even in the dream, with my senses dulled, I could feel it. It was as if I had opened the door to be greeted by the sun. I backed away, feeling the hairs on my arms rise. The Ig’Morruthen in me whipped and coiled, sensing danger and clawing to escape. My every instinct knew he was a threat, and I knew who he was.

The God Unir.

Imogen and Logan knelt, their heads bowing as he entered.

‘Father,’ Liam said simply, meeting his father’s gaze.

‘Where were you?’ Unir asked, the words making the room vibrate.

‘If you are here, you need not ask,’ Liam sniped coldly.

He took one look around the room, motioning for Logan and Imogen to stand up. ‘Leave us.’

Imogen looked once more at Liam before a vibrant blue light encased the two of them. My gaze followed them as they shot through the open ceiling and into the sky. My heart twisted as I remembered how Zekiel had done the same in his death. I took a deep breath and returned my gaze to the stare –off that was happening between father and son.

‘That means all of you!’ Unir bellowed, driving the butt of the staff against the stone floor.

The room shook, the power inside of him roiling. I backed up, my instincts screaming at me to run as the entire room threatened to explode. Liam didn’t even flinch, unphased by his father’s display of anger.

The guards quickly dispersed, closing the door behind them. Unir sighed and shook his head before taking a seat and leaning the staff against the wall. He stretched his legs out in front of him and propped his elbow on the arm of the chair. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, and I smiled, having seen Liam do the same many times. It was obvious where he had picked up the habit.

‘Would you like some, Father?’ Liam asked, pouring another cup of the golden liquid.

‘No,’ Unir retorted sharply. Now I knew where Liam had gotten that from, too. Unir’s eyes were still closed as if the god had a headache. ‘You drive me mad, my son. A simple task is what I ask of you, and you still cannot complete that.’

‘I hardly see how it is of major importance, Father. It was a coronation service for celestials who survived a battle a mere child could have won.’

‘It is of great importance that their king shows his face. Instead, you hide it between a woman’s thighs.’

Liam pointed to his father with a single finger. ‘To be fair, I’d accomplished that task well before the coronation began.’

‘Samkiel.’

‘We keep training our warriors for a threat that may never come,’ Liam said, taking another sip.

‘It is better to be prepared for war than for war to come, and you are not,’ Unir said, meeting Liam’s gaze.

‘I am prepared, just like the rest of the celestials. I formed The Hand, and they train day in and day out. Besides, we have you and the other gods. No one would dare invade Rashearim.’ Liam smirked and set his glass down.

‘Do you hear yourself? When you speak, your words drip with pride, self-righteousness, and arrogance.’ Unir’s eyes flashed with irritation, and I had to agree with his dad on that one.

‘Perhaps. Or perhaps, I just do not see the importance.’ Liam shrugged, and before I registered what was happening, Unir was across the room, knocking the glasses and wine off the table.

‘You do not see! How could you? All you see are your own selfish desires. The many lovers, the liquor, the gatherings you attend with your friends. They are not your friends! We did not make them for that purpose. Their purpose is to serve, obey, and fight when we war!’ Unir bellowed.

Normal people backed down when someone that massive and full of power advanced or raised their voice, but not Liam. He didn’t move as he watched his father. ‘You speak to me as if I am not your son. I know the ancient laws. You’ve made me eat them, forcing them down my throat on a daily basis since I was an infant, and I know of my friends. They are sentient beings, and they feel just as I do. If they are given a purpose they believe in, they will follow. Why do you think they left the other gods? It is because I do not see them as objects to control.’

Unir ran his hand over his face and nodded. ‘The other gods see this. They see it and fear a rebellion within our ranks.’

‘A rebellion? From who?’

‘You.’

‘How?’

‘The weapon of Oblivion you carry. You have ended worlds, and now you gather their soldiers to fight for you. Thoughts of an uprising tease their minds.’

Weapon of Oblivion? What did that mean?

‘I would never. I do not even wish to lead. That is your dream, not mine. I was born into this and had no choice.’

He tilted his head back as if he was truly exhausted. ‘There must always be one ruler. You know this. Otherwise, the realms would tear themselves apart. There has to be one constant, one king who puts their own selfish desire aside for the greater good. A god must not be selfish. That is the utmost law.’

Liam sat on the steps that led to the dais where his massive bed rested. He ran his thumb along the rim of the golden chalice he still held. ‘But why does it have to be me? Give it to Nismera. She is next in line.’

‘She was until your birth. Now the crown falls to you. You are my only child.’ Unir looked up, meeting Liam’s gaze. Emotion, nearly violent in its intensity, flashed across his face. ‘I will bear no more.’

‘Why?’

‘You know why.’

‘Because of what happened to madre? You are afraid of what could happen to another?’

‘No.’ Unir took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck, the action almost mortal. He looked away as a hint of sadness danced across his features. ‘I loved your mother, and I will never love another. You know our relationship was secret at first. Eventually, the truth came out, and I had to defend that which I held dear.’

‘Like you do with me?’

Unir smiled and said, ‘Similar, yes. The gods do not like sharing their gifts, even if the ones before us and the ones before them handed them down. So, yes, I understand why you care for your friends. You see them for what they are, not what they were made for, the same way I did with her. It is truly a gift, Samkiel. I do not wish you to lose that, but they will never accept it. Wars have been fought over simpler things than a title. My visions have gotten worse recently. I see worlds burning, realms ripped apart, and battles in which far too many die. So yes, I fear war.’

Liam nodded as he glanced up. ‘Very well. What shall you have me do now, Father?’

‘First?’ His eyes roamed around the room. ‘Clean up this mess, get dressed, and let us try to salvage some part of this day. Meet me in the main hall.’

Unir picked up the golden staff and strode toward the door.

‘Why did you not bring her back?’ Liam called to his father’s back. Unir froze and bowed his head but did not turn around. ‘You could. It is one of your gifts.’

‘When she passed, I would have pulled the entire universe apart to bring her back, but I knew it was wrong. Resurrection, no matter the circumstances, is forbidden. You do not gain something so precious as a life without paying a hefty price. There are some things that even we cannot afford,’ he said before opening the doors. The guards waiting outside stood at attention. Without looking back, he quietly closed the doors behind him.

I watched as Liam stared at the door. He had lost his mother. I could relate to that pain more than I liked to admit. He hung his head, letting the cup he held fall from his hands. It rolled down the steps and spun in a slow circle on the floor. A part of me felt sorry for him, while another remembered the predator beneath that pleasantly taut skin. He was the World Ender in every sense of the word. It was like I was seeing the real him, not the short-tempered, rude asshole I had come to know. What else had happened to him to cause such a drastic change?

I stepped toward him, not sure what I was going to do, but before I could find out, the room swayed and started to dissolve.

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