Cracking her neck from side to side, Mom turns back to the house. She takes a step toward the door and freezes, every muscle in her body turning rigid.

I gasp, knowing that particular movement all too well. Mom was hit with greater demon aura, and that means one thing. Armageddon is here.

The King of Hell steps out of the line of trees. “Good morning, Camilla. I’ve come for Xavier.” I fight the urge to jump into the dreamscape and kick the crap out of him, or at least try to. Get off my lawn, asshole.

Mom spins about slowly, her face still as stone. She meets Armageddon’s gaze head-on. “You can’t have him.”

The King of Hell strolls up the walk to our house, pausing at the foot of the steps. His wide mouth twists with a sneer as he eyes her from head to toe. He says one word in a rumbling voice: “Xavier.”

The archangel steps out the front door and stands beside Mom.

She grips his hand. “Don’t do it, Xavier. Just get out of here.” The archangel shoots her a sad smile. After that, he slowly walks to Armageddon’s side.

My body stiffens with shock and rage. This can’t be happening.

The King of Hell sets his three-knuckled hand on Xavier’s shoulder. “Let’s see those wings you hid from everyone for so long.”

Xavier stands stoic and still.

Armageddon’s long red tongue flickers over his smooth black lips. “Perhaps if you were in a little more pain, it would break up your concentration.” He grips Xavier’s arm and snaps it with a loud CRACK. The archangel’s face writhes with pain; his golden wings appear.

My anger hits the breaking point. Verus and her dreamscapes can kiss my ass; I’m not standing by. My tail arcs over my shoulder; my body snaps into battle stance. I race toward dreamscape, the warm sand sliding beneath my bare feet, my gaze locked on Armageddon. You are so going down, buddy.

I get within a few feet of the King of Hell when my body slams into what feels like a brick wall. It’s some kind of force field, keeping the past away from the present. My back teeth lock. All I’ve accomplished is to give myself a better view of Armageddon’s gloating smile and Xavier’s overwhelming agony.

“Ah, I remember those wings.” Armageddon chuckles. “You showed them when you rallied the angels and drove my army from Heaven.” The King of Hell rounds on Mom. “Does it pain you to watch me hurt him?”

Mom glares at Armageddon, her arms folded over her chest.

I press my palms against the invisible wall. Every cell in my body wants to break through and stand beside her. Stay strong, Mom.