Rising Darkness (Game of Shadows #1)(78)

Approaching the battlefield at a stroll was a black diamond man. Mary wanted to vomit out this reality but she was helpless to stop what she witnessed.

Then the black diamond man bent over the radiant one, and Michael was taken.

Chapter Twenty-six

SHE LEAPED UPRIGHT. Her bleeding feet grew wings as she raced back toward the cabin. The decision was no longer based on a question of intelligence versus stupidity, or doing what she was told, or even based on some fragile hope for survival. She knew she was running back to her death, or something much worse. But she ran anyway, because she couldn’t do anything else.

The kestrel dove at her head, shrieking, and Nicholas stood in the path as if he would bar her way. She waved an arm at the bird and ran through Nicholas’s insubstantial form.

As she passed through him, for a moment she felt intense warmth. A knife flashed at the edge of her/his vision, quick as a striking snake. It sliced across her/his throat. Blood spilled down her/his front, and she/he fell to the ground.

Then she stumbled out the other side, gasping, and left both the ghost and the vision of his death behind her.

She didn’t have time to marvel at another weird experience, or mourn what had happened. Regaining her balance, she raced down the path.

Before she could make it halfway back to the clearing, the black diamond man began to emit a strange humming noise, a harsh discordant vibration that made her want to claw at her ears. The noise grew louder and intensified. It tore a rent through the psychic realm, and Michael’s vibrant, powerful energy began to keen with strain, like crystal about to shatter.

Her existence narrowed to a screaming denial.

WAIT! She hurled the word with the full force of her terror.

It was a horror. It was a miracle. The black diamond man hesitated before destroying Michael utterly.

There you are, Mary. The man’s voice was creamy with satisfaction. Didn’t I say you might have been happier to leave all of this alone?

Demented with fear, she said, You wanted me once. Do you still want me?

The black diamond man laughed. How do you know I won’t have you after Michael’s been destroyed?

You won’t get me again that easily, you son of a bitch, she said. Let him go and I’ll walk back. I swear it.

And if I don’t?

Panic had her scrambling for scraps of supposition and guesswork that were so insubstantial it felt like she tried to clutch at dust motes dancing in the air. Make no mistake, together Astra and I are more than strong enough to bring you down.

That’s assuming you can get free to join her.

She lifted her gun and clawed at the safety catch, transmitting everything she did down the telepathic link. Then she put the muzzle to her mouth. I can stay free of you, one way or another. I’m going to count to three. Then I’m pulling the trigger, and you know I’ll be back.

Years from now? His chuckle was a darkness that crawled around in her brain. I think I’ll concern myself with that when it happens. Right now I’m going to enjoy destroying your twin. He’s been such a pain in my ass. This is the first time I have EVER had him pinned to the mat. I’ll deal with you after he’s gone.

She flung everything she had into one insane bluff. I’m healed, and I have all my memories back. And I remember how much I loathe you. Destroying you will be the only reason for me to continue existing.

Funny, he said. We haven’t answered one vital question. Are you sure you CAN exist when Michael’s gone?

He and I have existed without each other for nine centuries, remember? Bitterness burned at the back of her throat.

No, Mary. You and he haven’t SEEN each other in nine centuries. Existing in the universe without his energy to complement and balance yours is something I don’t think you’ve learned how to do. Ariel and Uriel hadn’t learned it. Neither had Gabriel and Raphael. I would destroy one twin, and the other just . . . unraveled. Both times it was kind of like pulling a snag in a knitted sweater.

Destroying Michael won’t unravel me. You saw to that. She projected as much conviction as she could. You altered my spirit. You changed me.

I didn’t change you enough, he said slowly. I didn’t have enough time to completely break your spirit and reform you. If I had, you would have been totally bent to my will.

She shuddered. Was that a touch of doubt she heard in his mental voice? No, you failed at that. I may not be what I once was, but I am stronger than I’ve ever been. I’m starting to count. One.

Okay, I won’t destroy him, he said. Not yet. I’ll hold on to him until you walk into the clearing.

Her laugh was raw and animalistic, more like a snarl. The gun’s metallic muzzle rattled against her teeth. Let him go or it’s no deal. Two.

Slow down. You’re counting too fast. There are things to consider here. How do I know you’ll keep your word? His mental voice was a silken obscenity. After all, right now I do have such a pretty bird in the hand.

Can he walk on his own if you let him go? Her shaking legs wouldn’t support her any longer, and she sank to her knees.

There was a thoughtful pause. I don’t think so. I’m not sure. I don’t want to loosen my hold on him to find out until you and I have a deal.

Her eyes stung with sweat. She pulled the muzzle away from her mouth and mopped at them. Have two of your men help him. I’ll walk in as they walk him out. When you see me, you’ll tell them to leave him and come back to you. I’ll know if you do.