Darker (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #6)(16)

“I hope so.” I smiled, fearing just a little that he’d see right through my human exterior to the monster within. “I came to ask about getting an item blessed.”

I withdrew the cross from my shoulder bag, hesitant to hand it over. He accepted it with a raised brow.

“Fascinating.” He turned the cross over in his hands, studying it closely. “This looks very old. It must be quite valuable to you.”

“Sentimental, mostly.”

“May I ask why you’re seeking a blessing?” Curiosity shone in his eyes.

How much should I tell him? Could I trust this man? He was a stranger to me but a stranger who just might believe me if I told the truth.

“I’m experiencing a dark time in my life. Dark forces,” I offered. “I could use a touch of light.” I cringed inwardly. The same light I sought was supposed to live inside me, but all I felt these days was Arys’s darkness.

The priest’s face lit up in a gentle smile that radiated kindness. “I’m Father Andrew. Would you like to sit down and talk?”

He sat down on the pew, and I reluctantly joined him. In the grand building, I couldn’t shake the expectation of bursting into flames. I sat awkwardly beside him as he said a prayer over the aged necklace. It struck me then that it might be all that I had left of Kale, and hot tears pricked the back of my eyes.

After passing the cross back to me, Father Andrew sat quietly. “Are you all right? Anything you say will be completely confidential. If you’re in trouble or something…”

“Oh, Father. I’m not sure you’d even believe me if I told you.”

“Try me.”

For a moment, I was tempted to take him up on that. Instinct demanded that I keep my mouth shut, so instead I mumbled my thanks and rose to leave. Father Andrew’s hand snaked out to grab my arm. I turned quickly, defenses ready. My gaze fell to where his shirtsleeve had ridden up a few inches, exposing the tip of a dragon tail. A dragon tail that perfectly matched the one I also bore.

I met Father Andrew’s eyes and saw the knowing glint within. Jerking my arm from his grasp, I stepped back and gathered my power. I was ready to use it, man of the cloth or not.

“You’re one of Shya’s corrupt priests,” I hissed. “I should have known. Is there any place in this city that he hasn’t tainted?”

I walked backwards down the aisle between the pews. Killing a priest was something I’d rather not do. If he insisted on giving chase, I’d do whatever I had to.

“Alexa, wait!” He called, advancing on me slowly, hands held up in surrender. “It’s not what you think. I got sucked into his games. Just like you. I’m a victim.”

The truth of his words was undeniable. I slowed my pace, glancing around suspiciously. Could Shya pop into a place like this? I’d seen him in a church before, but it hadn’t felt the way this one did.

“How do you know him? What do you know about me?” I demanded. Was there anyone in this damn town that Shya wasn’t after?

“I know you’re a Hound of God. A creature meant to combat evil.” His voice echoed throughout the church. “Rare and absolutely vital.”

“I don’t want to talk about that.” My voice wavered. “Tell me why you have Shya’s mark.”

Father Andrew stopped several feet away. Guilt and confusion curved his features into a frown. He tugged the sleeve back down over the dragon’s tail.

“I made a deal with him to save a friend,” he said bitterly. “But, I was too late. The demon was already inside his head. He took his own life.”

“I’m sorry. That was very selfless of you. Something a true friend would do.” It was something I had also done for a friend. Taking Shya’s mark to save Kale had done neither of us any good. I had done it so Shya would spare his life, but he was dead anyway.

I gave myself a shake and fought back another threatening surge of tears. Crying blood in front of the priest was hardly going to fit his expectations for a Hound of God. I didn’t ever want to let myself cry over Kale; then I’d have to admit he was gone. That it was real.

“It didn’t save him though.” Father Andrew shook his head; the weariness in the hunch of his shoulders conveyed more than any words.

“What is it that Shya hopes to gain by making a deal with you? I know he doesn’t do anything unless it benefits him.”

There was a moment of quiet while the man gathered himself. He looked so forlorn and frustrated when he forced out, “Access to a relic meant for no demon. Something secret that needs to stay that way. Powerful and deadly. That’s what Shya wants from me.”

“Holy shit. Sorry,” I added, suddenly self-conscious of my potty mouth. “Do you know where it is? Or, what it does?”

“There is plenty of speculation about what it does. Nobody seems to know for sure. If a demon wants it, it can’t be good. It’s here somewhere, in the city, hidden. I have no intention of helping him find it. I’ll let him kill me first.” Father Andrew shrugged, resigned to his fate.

My mind raced. “He wants something from me, too. But why? What’s he up to?”

“He’s building an army to serve him. People like you are his link to the human world. If he controls you, he controls it. Watch out for him and the fallen angel.” His tone became pleading. “Don’t let them corrupt you. You’re a Hound. One of the last.”