“Perhaps the extent of my power isn’t understood,” Sylous said, walking down the aisle, eyes on me. “I am the principality who was sent to save you from hell. I chose you, gave you true sight, and called you to live in the protection of my kingdom. And all I asked in return is that you confess your loyalty to God and heed his laws. Was it too much to ask? It appears you would rather suffer the fate of all who refuse to confess their sin to God.”

“You should have listened to me,” Bobbie sneered. Her gaze condemned me. “I would have saved you. Now you’ll pay.”

Sylous reached the stage, took the steps in one long stride, and unceremoniously wrapped his hand around my neck. Then he hauled me down off the stage as if I were a doll. He stopped at the front of the main aisle, fingers gripping the back of my neck like a vise.

“I don’t have time for games,” Sylous hissed. “For ten years I’ve kept you safe from the Fury. Five days ago, this poor wretch sold her soul to the boy who came to deceive you all. Eli is dead, but his spirit lives on in the one he’s possessed. She must now suffer the same fate as the boy. Anything less and I will be powerless to protect you from the Fury you yourselves witnessed when the boy came. The choice is yours.”

Frantic, I clawed at his fingers. He only squeezed my throat harder, and I cried out.

He lifted me off the ground so the tips of my shoes barely touched the floor, then tossed me forward. I crashed to the floor on my knees and elbows, gasping for fresh air. I heard a click followed by several gasps, and I twisted back to where he stood.

Sylous’s arm was extended toward me. In his hand he held a gun.

It was pointed at my head.

Chapter
Thirty-Five

JAMIE WATCHED AS SYLOUS CALMLY PULLED THE GUN from behind his back, cocked it and pointed it at his sister. Part of him wanted to rush forward and save her, but his better discretion held him in place. She was poisoned; there was nothing he could do for her now. Really, she wasn’t his sister anymore. She was only one more soul destined for eternal hell.

He’d hoped having the blood of their mother on her hands would bring her back to the law, but it seemed to have no effect. She was completely lost.