Aeron wrapped his fist in Nick’s shirt and pulled him closer as those pale eyes showed every ounce of furious horror that lived inside the ancient being. “But as a fellow brother in the deathly arts, I’m telling you now, boyo, don’t give in to that hatred. Remember what I told you. Save yourself while you’re able. Don’t lose your soul for vengeance. Think of your Nekoda and let her pull you back from your violent ways, and if there’s killing to be done, let me have it. I’m already damned and lost. There’s still hope for you, lad.”

Aeron released him and stepped back. He clapped a hand against Nick’s cheek. “Better?”

Not quite sure, but definitely intimidated by the war-god, Nick nodded and took a second to get ahold of his emotions.

Finally, he had enough control to use Menyara’s spells to see what had happened and to let it play out. Yes, his anger wanted control, but he kept a tight leash on it and refused to give in to it.

He would not be his father.

I am the Ambrose Malachai. And he would walk his own path. Right or wrong.

With a deep, fortifying breath, he looked at Aeron, then Nashira. “They’re at Caleb’s.”

And they were under one bloody, bad attack.

Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

“We can’t hold them! They’re busting through!” Kody shouted a warning to Simi, who was holed up in Caleb’s bedroom with his body and Cherise’s.

Demons, crows, insects—you name it, Noir was throwing it at them.

Kody hadn’t seen anything like this since she’d been in battle against Ambrose, centuries from now. They were losing, and she was terrified.

After Noir had taken possession of Zavid, Dagon had bought them enough time to gather Cherise and retreat with her here, out of his reach.

But that hadn’t lasted long.

Noir had found them. Now they were fighting again.

Suddenly, a bright flash lit the foyer below. Livia appeared in her demon form. Holding her head high, she surveyed the combatants smugly.

“Give up, Nekoda!” she shrieked from the bottom of the stairs. “Nick is dead. I’m the new Malachai!” She held his sword above her head as proof of her bold declaration.

From the balcony above, Nekoda froze as those words hit her like a fist to her heart. No! It wasn’t true. It couldn’t be true!

Tears choked and blinded her as she nocked another arrow on her mother’s bow. “You lie! I don’t believe you! You’re not powerful enough to take down Nick.” Kody let fly the arrow at Livia’s head.

She ducked and sent a blast toward her.

It missed and shattered the window over Kody’s head. “Whose blood do you think covers me?” Livia asked. “I cut his throat with his own sword!”