Demon War: Shadowguard Academy Book 4 Read online

  “It was an ambush,” she tells me with dark clouds swirling in her pretty eyes. “When the allies answered the call for help, they were intercepted by a powerful spell bordering Belial’s property. There, they were captured by Azazel’s demons while Belial and the other guards were distracted by Beelzebub.”

  I’m dumbfounded. “What kind of spell could intercept them like that?”

  “Something your grandfather made, I imagine,” Teresa says. For the first time, I hear resentment in her voice.

  Cold, bitter shame consumes me.

  I was wrong to want anything to do with my grandfather. I was wrong to trust him. What I don’t understand, is how Fabian had so many others fooled?

  Victor, Gabe, Belial… they all trusted the warlock.

  How could Fabian weasel his way into the confidence of so many influential demons?

  Did any of them have an inkling about the warlock’s conflicting loyalty? Or were they all just as blindsided as me?

  “How did you guys find me?”

  “Your adoptive mother told Belial of Fabian’s involvement. It didn’t take long before he found a way to track the warlock. Though,” she adds as an afterthought, “it took much longer than he would’ve liked.”

  “Vivian is free?” I’d never asked Fabian about her. I’d been too scared—too cowardly—to know if she was being kept against her will as well.

  “She is,” Teresa tells me kindly. “And she’s well. Healing from injuries sustained during your abduction, but well.”

  I close my eyes in relief.

  Then, I’m compelled to ask, “And Belial? Was he hurt during the attack?” Inside, I brace myself. No matter what she says, I remind myself Belial is alive. He’s here, somewhere, and he’s all right.

  Instead of answering, Teresa gives me a curious look. Almost like I’m a puzzle she can’t quite work out. “It’s already too late, isn’t it?”

  I don’t understand the question.

  I frown. “Too late for what?”

  “For you and Logan.”

  Understanding dawns.

  I expect to see judgement in Teresa’s stare, but her eyes are filled only with understanding and compassion.

  “What—” I lick my lips. “What do you mean?”

  With kindness, Teresa murmurs, “Your heart… it’s already made its choice. Hasn’t it?”

  Her words give me goosebumps, and I shiver as tingles race up and down my spine.

  I should’ve recognized what the feelings meant, but I was too distracted by Teresa’s question to sense the delightfully familiar sensation I’d gone without for days.

  “There you are, little mountain.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Time slows even as my heartbeat quickens.

  Before I can truly process what I am doing, I’m racing across the room and flinging myself into Belial’s chest.

  His arms wrap around me, holding my weight easily. He buries his head into my neck, breathing deep. I’m so relieved, I don’t even care that I probably smell.

  “Aspen,” he sighs my name, and it feels like a million butterflies take flight in my stomach.

  “I was so worried,” I begin to ramble, unable to control myself. “When you didn’t come for me, I thought the worst. I didn’t know what to do. He took my powers. He used Naamah’s blood to take my powers—”

  “Shh, shh,” Belial soothes. “It’s all right. I’m all right. I’m here now. We’ll figure everything else out.” One of his hands runs over the back of my head, and I’m not ashamed to admit how comforted the simple gesture makes me feel.

  I breathe deep, inhaling Belial’s signature scent, too grateful for his presence to be embarrassed by the animalistic act.

  I forget all the reasons I shouldn’t seek comfort from an original demon. To Hell with them all. I’m done denying it: my feelings for Belial aren’t going anywhere.

  A voice clears awkwardly.

  I look up and see Teresa watching us. The confident Guardian shuffles her feet. I tap Belial’s shoulder, and he sets me on my feet.

  Over my head, Belial looks at Teresa. “Thank you for finding her.”

  Surprise flickers over her face. I bet she never thought she’d be thanked by an original demon for anything. After a moment of stunned hesitation, Teresa dips her chin. “I’m happy to help.”

  He returns her nod, and then his gaze is back on me. Violet eyes scan me, and I see concern mix with rage as he takes in my state.

  I try to distract him. “Can you transport us out of here?” I can’t wait to get out from between these stone walls.

  “No,” Belial huffs. “This place is surrounded by wards I’ve never seen—curtesy of your grandfather. We have to get out the old-fashioned way.”

  Of course.

  Mention of Fabian makes me remember the rest of what I’ve experienced.

  “Azazel has prisoners here. We have to help them. Ladros... he—” I choke, unable to reveal the true horror of what I witnessed. “They hurt him.”

  “We will come back for the others,” he reassures me, resting both hands on my shoulders. “But first, we have to get you out of here.”

  I’m too worn down to object.

  Sensing my submission, Belial gently takes ahold of my hand and begins walking. I lace our fingers together, not wanting any chance of us being torn from each other. Never again.

  Teresa falls in step behind us without a word.

  We must be far away from the workroom. Belial doesn’t bother checking the corners as we walk. He strolls through the underground facility like he owns the place.

  “Shouldn’t there be guards or something?” I ask no one in particular.

  “Azazel keeps minimal forces at this location,” Belial reveals. “It’s part of what made him so difficult to find.”

  “I thought you tracked Fabian.”

  “I did, but I had to get close enough before I could sense him, and I’ve spent the past two days searching locations where Azazel’s minions have been spotted. This facility was on the bottom of the list.” An edge of frustration accompanies the last sentence.

  I squeeze his hand. “You’re here now. That’s what matters.”

  Belial gives me an appreciative glance.

  “Who else is here?” I ask, both eager and fearful to learn which of my friends escaped the ambush at the safe house and which did not.

  “Gabe, Master Osei, Charles and Logan.”

  My stomach falls. “That’s all?”

  “The others you don’t know by name.” His thumb brushes over the back of my hand. “Don’t worry. We have a formidable force here. You’re safe.”

  I nod, accepting his reassurance. “What about Lex and Cortney? What happened after Vivian and I walked into Fabian’s trap?”

  “They were found shortly after Beelzebub was dealt with. They are safe. Unfortunately, you and Vivian had left mere moments before.”

  What crappy, crappy timing.

  I relieved to hear Lex and the other students are safe and not prisoners in Azazel’s twisted lab.

  “Azazel and Fabian have been experimenting on demons.” I tell Belial about the clear caskets lining the wall.

  “Is that what those were?” Teresa asks with a shudder. “I couldn’t tell from far away. That’s so creepy.”

  “They’re trying to create a weapon that neutralizes a demon’s power. They…” I swallow, unsure what to expect when I reveal the rest. “They used my blood to do it.”

  Belial stumbles. That reaction unnerves me more than anything else ever could.

  “Your blood?” He questions.

  My throat constricts. I can only nod and choke out, “Y-yes.”

  “Shit.” I don’t know if I ever heard Belial cuss.

  My demon picks up the pace, practically dragging me after him as he taps into a little of his demon speed. Teresa’s boots smack against the concrete floor as she runs to keep up.

  “Belial?”

  “We need to ge
t out of here. Before they figure out you are missing.”

  Um, yeah. I thought that was always the plan.

  We crash through a set of double doors, entering a space as tall and wide as a high school gymnasium. Unopened boxes are stacked along the walls except for the wall which looks like a massive garage door.

  “What’s going on?” I try to tug Belial to slow down. It doesn’t work. “Belial?”

  “If Azazel has your blood, you are much easier to track. The moment he finds out you’re gone he will be able to locate you in seconds. We need to leave the facility and transport you somewhere safe before that happens.”

  “Very clever, brother,” Azazel’s voice makes an appearance before he materializes in the middle of the large space. His smile is positively gleeful. “But, alas, you are too late.”

  ***

  I don’t even have time to blink before a shimmering lavender barrier clicks into place around me. I glance at Teresa, relieved to see she is also encompassed within Belial’s protection. Her face is a little pale as she stares at Azazel, but she doesn’t tremble. Not like me.

  “You are delusional, brother, if you think your barrier will stop me.”

  Belial widens his stance. “Let us pass, Az. I do not want to kill you.”

  “Ha!” The blond immortal tips back his head and laughs. “Yes, you do. I can see it in your eyes. You want nothing more than to rip me limb from limb for daring to touch your precious one.”

  Belial’s fingers curl. “And yet, you touched her anyway.” His voice is dark and full of the promise of death. Oddly enough, it’s a reassuring sound.

  “I had to.” All humor fades from Azazel’s expression. “You know I did. She is the key to unlocking Hell, and she is also the key to so much more. She will be our salvation in this life. We will no longer need to hide away in the dark. We will be unstoppable.”

  “We are already unstoppable,” Belial points out. “You are just hungry for power. You want to rule this world like Lucifer.”

  “Lucifer is a fool,” Azazel spits with venom. “He’s spent the last millennium content in his kingdom, leaving us, his sons and daughters, to fend for ourselves against God’s warriors. It is our time to rule this land. It is time we get what we are owed.”

  During their exchange, I hold my breath, careful not to make a sound. But his last statements rip a surprised gasp right out of my throat.

  All this time, I thought Azazel was working with Lucifer. Now, it seems like the opposite.

  The barrier around me hums with power. I don’t know we have company until Teresa exhales in relief, “Thank God.”

  I turn to the Guardian and follow her gaze. There, at the end of the room, stands no less than ten Guardians and lycans. I recognize Gabe’s handsome face, but his yellow eyes hold none of his usual mirth. He’s dressed in brown and green camouflage and combat boots. I can picture him creeping through a forest unseen. His brethren wear the same clothing.

  I also recognize Logan and Charles. The men are strapped with silver daggers and each holds a blazing sword, encompassed by blue holy fire. I’ve never seen my foster father dressed for battle. He looks intimidating. When his crystal blue eyes fine mine, relief flickers, but he quickly tucks that emotion away and focuses on the scene in front of him.

  Azazel’s releases a slow, mocking laugh. “Brother, do you truly think these half breeds and Guardians can do anything to stop me?” He shakes his head with a smirk. “Give up now, Belial, and I promise the girl will live. I’ll even make you a deal, swear a blood oath that I can visit whenever I want to harvest her blood, and I will let the two of you walk out of here together. She will never know harm from me again.”

  Fear jolts through me, and my eyes snap to Belial. I can see the side of his face, but I don’t know what he’s thinking. I pray to God he isn’t seriously considering Azazel’s offer. I may have deep, undeniable feelings for the original demon, but I will never forgive him if betrays the world in order to keep me safe.

  Belial turns to me. His eyes swirl with emotion. I’m surprised to recognize one is humor. “Relax, little one. I can hear your thoughts. I will not disappoint you.”

  I bite my lip and nod. I refuse to consider which of my thoughts he was able to interpret. My feelings? Or the one about his potential betrayal?

  The glint in his eye makes me think it was both.

  “Well, brother?” Azazel’s voice draws Belial’s attention away. “What say you? Do we have a deal?”

  Belial doesn’t hesitate. “No, Az. We don’t.”

  Azazel makes a show of slumping in disappointment. “That’s a shame. You were always my favorite sibling, but oh well.” The original demon snaps his fingers. “You’ve made your choice.”

  A group of tall, broad mundane demons appear behind his left shoulder. In front of them stands Naamah with my grandfather, Fabian.

  Azazel’s brought his army, and I fear ours is outmatched.

  “Sister, brothers,” Azazel addresses his entourage, already wearing a victorious expression. “Take care of our visitors but bring the girl to me… alive.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Naamah and Fabian stay in place while the mundane demons advance. I feel the air charge with magic behind me. I turn to see the lycans have shifted. Camouflage clothes and boots are shredded on the floor.

  I gasp, taking in the monstrously tall and wide creatures. Their snouts are as long as my entire torso, and their legs are easily my height or taller. I’ve never seen a shifted lycan before, and now I know why. They are terrifying. I’m thankful they’re on our side of this fight.

  The lycans move in front of the Guardians and meet the charging demons head on. Teeth gnash and talons swipe. The confrontation quickly turns bloody, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget the vicious sounds for the rest of my life.

  “Lower the barrier,” Teresa shouts above the noise. I look and see her pressing desperately against the purple power. “Let me go fight.”

  “No,” Belial radiates calm despite the chaos of our situation. “I need you to stay here and protect Aspen if the barrier falls.”

  I spin around and grab onto Belial’s arm. “Where are you going?”

  His face is grim. “To deal with Azazel.”

  “No.” Suddenly, I’m desperate to never be parted from him again. “Don’t. Stay here with me. Please.”

  His gaze softens. “Little mountain,” he cups my cheek. “I must protect you.”

  “Protect me in here.”

  “What about our allies?” He motions toward the bloodbath erupting between the mundanes and lycans. “They need help.”

  I wince but shake my head. I can’t shake the gnawing feeling in my gut that something bad will happen if Belial leaves his barrier. I’d ignored the feeling back at the tunnels. I don’t want to make the same mistake again.

  “Aspen.” Belial’s thumb caresses my cheek. “I must go.”

  “No,” I croak. “Don’t.”

  His eyes squeeze in pain. But when they open, they are filled with determination. “I will come back. Nothing in this world can keep me away from you.”

  I open my mouth to object, but my words are silenced when Belial leans forward and presses his lips to mine.

  The kiss is short and sweet, but nowhere near what my soul years for.

  I try to wrap my arms around his neck to hold him in place, but Belial is already outside the barrier before my mind can process he’s gone.

  He spares me an apologetic glance before turning and joining the fray. His purple power makes quick work of the two demons in front of him, but then he’s surrounded by three more. I look and see more and more demons appearing out of thin air from Azazel’s command. I’m not worried about Belial, he can handle mundane demons, but what happens when Azazel and Naamah decide to enter the fight? Right now, both originals stand on the outskirts, content to watch their underlings do their dirty work, but the dynamic of the fight changes the moment they decide to enga
ge.

  Belial will be forced to deal with them, leaving the rest of our allies to defend themselves against the hoard of demons filling the room.

  I watch as a lycan’s leg is swept out from beneath him by a mundane’s inky black talon.

  “We have to do something,” I mutter. I see Fabian, still standing with Naamah, watching the scene before him unfold with indifference. I’ve never struck an old man before, but he will be my first.

  “We can’t do shit while your boyfriend has us barricaded in here.” Teresa hits the purple barrier in frustration.

  I wince. “Yeah. Sorry. He’s overprotective.”

  “I’ve noticed,” Teresa speaks to me, but her eyes are locked on the battle in front of us. Specifically, they’re locked on Logan. He and Charles fight back to back, and they’re holding their own, but both she and I know they can’t last forever. If they don’t get reinforcements, they’re doomed.

  “Are there other allies somewhere in the building.”

  “No,” Teresa groans. “This mission was intended to be covert. The allies didn’t want to send in too many of us and risk detection. The only reason the lycans are here is because they are excellent trackers, otherwise, it would’ve just been the Guardians and Belial.”

  I thank Fate that the lycans are here. Otherwise, this fight would probably already be over. There’s only so much a stylus and sigils can do against an enemy of this size.

  “We need an escape plan.” But how will we get out of here without the ability to transport. If the wards are blocking Belial, I imagine they’re blocking the Guardians as well.

  That doesn’t stop me from asking, “You can’t transport out of here, can you?”

  “No.” But based on the look on Teresa’s face, I’m not sure she would leave even if she could. Logan might say there are no romantic feelings between him and Teresa, but that’s clearly not the case on her end. She watches Logan fight with a mix of fear and awe. If I had to bet on it, I’d say she views him as more than just a friend.

  Naamah’s shriek reverberates against the stone walls, shaking the one which looks like a garage door, and interrupting my thoughts.