Iniquity (The Premonition, #5)(91)

“Now tell it dat ye need it ta cling ta ye and ta stay put. Da best place ta carry it is over yer left shoulder because ye’re right handed.” He moves behind me.

I speak to the hammer. “Hang on to me until I need you.”

I reach over my shoulder and place it under my left wing. It rests against my back. When I let go of the handle, it doesn’t succumb to gravity. It grips me. I hardly notice it because it feels like it weighs nothing at all.

“Now grasp da hilt and tink of a command when ye do, but do na say it aloud,” Brennus orders.

I do. I reach for the handle, finding it, I think, Let go and grow. The hammer lets go of me and as I swing it back in front of me, it has become full-sized once more.

“Now, wield it like da fellas taught ye when ye lived wi’ us in Ireland,” Brennus orders. I do, whipping the long-handled axe-hammer through the air like a bo staff warrior. “Ye’re lethal,” Brennus says proudly.

I’ve caught the attention of every single being in the room. Everyone has gathered their weapons and has them in packs on their backs. Finn comes close to me. “If ye’re ready, we’ll go and join yer army now. I have charmed da revolving door jus dere.” Finn motions to the round turnstile door. “All we need ta do is make da trip.”

“I’m ready.” But I’m not, so I have to fake it. If any of the Gancanagh senses weakness or fear, I’m dead before it even begins.

Zephyr and Reed join me, taking up positions on the other side of me. “You are ready, Zephyr says, giving me a nod of approval. “You are the second best fighter that I’ve ever seen.”

“Who’s the first?” I ask.

He blinks. “Me,” he states, as if I should’ve known that.

I try to suppress my grin, saying, “You are, Zee.” Buns and Brownie elbow their way next to me, linking their arms with mine, they escort me toward the revolving doors.

“Let’s go beat the Fallen,” Brownie says, as if we’re going to a field hockey game and facing the Kappas.

“I will set them up for you,” Buns advises, talking strategy, “and you can knock them back to Sheol. They’ll fall like dominos.”

“When it gets bad, Buns, run,” I warn her. “I need you here when this is all over.”

The fellas move to the revolving door. They enter it so fast it blurs and whirls.

“We know what to do, sweetie.” Buns lets go of me and enters the portal.

It’s Brownie’s turn next. “See you on the other side,” she says. She disappears in a swirl of copper-colored butterfly wings.

Reed places his hand in mine and whispers in my ear, “As one?”

I squeeze his hand and reply, “Always,” before we disappear together into the whirling dervish of the portal.





It’s a wild Matterhorn ride to the other side of the portal. Arriving on the snow-covered grounds of Crestwood, I manage to land on my feet with Reed’s help. Distant lightning sends thunderclaps rolling in, threatening the already darkening skies. Cold air blows my hair, but my armor keeps me warm. The campus is the same, except it’s not. Not really. My head leans to one side. Now there are undead faeries everywhere, hanging off the bronze statues of the founders and pretending to do lewd acts to them.

“Most of da fellas are disciplined,” Brennus mutters behind me. “Dere are only a few left who do na know how ta conduct demselves. I will kill dem later should dey survive.” I let go of Reed’s hand and stop to face Brennus. He’s so close to me that I’m looking at the center of his massive, black armor-clad chest. His ebony wings only add to his height as I look up at his face. He’s always gorgeous in a tailored suit, but his combat attire is even more impressive. Whereas his suits are elegant, this shows just how powerfully built he is. My cheeks redden and I hope it can be attributed to the cold wind.

Whatever I was going to say to him eludes me now. I look away from my dark, handsome king, catching sight of the irreverent fellas hanging on the statues once more. I raise my hand to them. Casting a spell, the gyrating Gancanagh soldiers are knocked off the pedestals and into the snow. I raise my eyebrow to Brennus. “I’ve taken care of the problem. They’ve learned their lesson. Now you don’t have to kill them.”

“Ye still know little of how tings work.” Brennus sighs. “Showin’ no mercy is how ye lead.”

“Power and mercy are two different things, Brennus.” I want to change the subject to more pressing matters. “Are there any signs of divine angels?” I ask, holding my breath.

“Na yet,” Brennus admits. His beautiful lips turn down. I feel almost devastated by what he says. What if they don’t come? What if Xavier and Tau were made to abandon me again? Brennus reads my look. “Dey’re na as fleet as a Faerie army, Genevieve. Dey can na charm dere way here.”

“You think that’s it? That they’re just more cumbersome than Faeries?” I can’t hide the hopeful lilt in my voice.

“Ye know me. I do na trust divine aingeals ta join our side in dis fight.”

We’ve been transported to the area in front of Central Hall. It’s dark inside the building, as if no one is there. “Where are all the students and staff?” I ask. At this time of day, there would normally be a lively crowd walking to and from classes.