End of Days: The Complete Trilogy (Books 1-3 + Novella)

By Meg Collett

*This set contains the complete End of Days trilogy, plus the first novella in the Days of New collection!*

What readers are saying about the End of Days series ...

“The Hunted One is one of the most adventurous, exciting, emotional, and yes, even humorous books I've ever read ... You will not regret picking it up.”

“The Hunted One is an exciting and enchanting first novel in a fresh New Adult fantasy/paranormal series ...”

“When you get ready to start this book, be sure you have cleared your schedule ... Once you start reading, you’re not going to want to put it down.”

A betrayed and wingless Archangel.

A civil war in Heaven.

And an eternal love that crosses the line between holy and fallen.

The End of Days trilogy is a sweeping story that spans Heaven, Hell, and Earth. When souls spill over into the sky and the holy angels are the bad guys, one disgraced and broken Archangel must save the world.

Start the End of Days trilogy now and lose yourself in an angel uprising that will rattle the gates of Heaven.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Meg Collett
• Release date: Apr 30, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310734724

Book preview

Book One

End of Days

The fallen have trespassed into Heaven for the first time in eternity. Prepared for battle, Michaela and her Archangels open Heaven’s gates to confront the fallen. Only, Michaela’s Archangels—her brothers and sisters in Heaven—betray her. And when the fallen attack the sanctuary in the skies through the gates Michaela inadvertently left open, the holy angels accuse Michaela of planning the invasion.

One simple mistake with a thousand consequences.

Dragged to Earth by an Archangel turned fallen, Michaela will do anything to return to Heaven and save it. In her fervor, she kills the Archangel—something no angel has ever done before. Wingless, without any hope, Michaela welcomes death when an unlikely human ally, Clark, finds her. With the help of Clark and Gabriel, an innocent Archangel whose friendship deepens into something far more torrid and unexpected on Earth, Michaela must prove the holy angels have their own plan for Heaven, and it is one that may prove to be the End of the Days.

It may be too late to save herself, but Michaela is the only one who knows the truth about the holy angels. If she fails, she may never be able to return to Heaven. But even that may be a hopeless dream.

Dedication

To my grandmothers – Margaret and Reva.

You both were in my heart as I wrote this novel.

&

And to Mom and Dad.

You taught me to always dream big.

This book is my big dream.

1

Heaven was a grave, and Michaela knew it was meant for her.

The Archangel didn’t deny it was a beautiful grave. The hallowed city sat, tucked away, in a fold of the universe, far, far above Earth and space. Set against a sky cast in the undulating colors of a perpetual twilight, glass-like towers jutted from a thick bank of blush-colored clouds. Graceful spires reflected beams of bright light back into the illuminated sky.

Michaela stepped through the crystal wall of the highest spire, her vaporous body easily passing through the thick pseudo-barrier to the outside air where she hovered. The wind twisted around the sharp edges of the structures and blew straight through her with an unsettling, tickling sensation. This high up in the crystal city, Michaela’s body was boundless. The molecules of herself were tethered together only by the whispering intent of her soul. If she were to fly beyond the reach of the spires into the highest part of Heaven, she would be nothing but a speck of light.

But she couldn’t afford to disappear right now. Times were uneasy. The choirs of angels were looking to Heaven’s General, Michaela, to lead them.

The legion of holy angels consisted of nine choirs. Michaela and her fellow Archangels were the highest ranking choir as the governors of Heaven, which meant they had the most power and authority. But every angel served a purpose and was assigned special duties. The responsibilities were tiring sometimes. Many angels wavered, and more than a few fell.

But all the angels, no matter their choir, looked to Michaela for leadership as the General. She was the one who saw them through the hardest battles, the toughest decisions. She bore the weight of Heaven on her back and never faltered beneath the load.

She may never have faltered, but she did worry at times. Now was one of those times, and no matter how much she reassured the holy angels, they knew something was wrong.

Michaela angled downward, ready to move before the anxiety took hold. As she did, she caught a glimpse of her reflection. She wasn’t much more than a blur with dark hair and searing blue eyes, giving her the impression of a ghost or an illusion. With a single beat of her invisible wings, she shot through the air, streaking down the side of the spire, reducing her reflection to a smudged blur.

Michaela wanted to enjoy the speed and the thrill, but as she flew into the metropolis of the city, where hordes of angels wove through and around the towers, she sensed the tension. The unease seeping from the other angels created an unnatural amount of dew in the air. The moisture leaked into her mouth like salty tears as she cut through the mist, weaving through the narrow openings between the towers. Angels parted for her with brief smiles and a nod, but no one looked her directly in the eyes. Their fear smelled of ash settling like soot in the back of her throat.

Without pause, Michaela swept through the puffy clouds surrounding the base of the city. As she entered the lowest part of Heaven, she slowed drastically; her body was already changing from her angel form to her more human-like one. Over time, Michaela had learned the transitioning was easier if she relaxed and took her time, allowing her body to morph one part at a time.

A tingling started in her toes and spanned to the tips of her hair before turning into a maddening itch as her skin thickened. Remembering to breathe, she drew in some air and forced it down the tightening confines in her throat. But even deep breathing didn’t help the building ache in her back where her wings grew heavy and entirely visible. She stretched them out, catching the air just right to prepare for landing.

When she touched down on the slightly dusty opal tiled floor, she settled heavily, adjusting to her new weight. Around her, hundreds of huge marble columns reached into the clouds, supporting the crystal city. A sickeningly sweet perfume permeated the air from the endless blood-red petals that poured from the Tree of Knowledge in the center of the courtyard. The petals never grew dirty from the dust storms of Purgatory as they detached from their stems and floated, drifting in the air before settling on the grimy tile and disappearing. Michaela cringed away as one petal almost touched her arm. She had always been wary of their dripping, brutal color.

Michaela walked farther away, threading through the large columns. She probed her skin, unsure of being encased in a true form. If she stayed on the first level much longer she would grow a heart to pump gold blood through new veins.

Just then, the breeze shifted, bringing with it the musty smell of Purgatory and something else Michaela couldn’t identify. Frowning, she stopped walking and looked around, letting her sensitive sense of smell test the air. She remained still for a long moment until her feathers ruffled in the breeze, sending a shiver down her spine and goose bumps across her fresh skin.

Hello? Her voice echoed across the empty level, bouncing between the columns. No one answered.

Heaven’s courtyard stretched empty and quiet around her. She tried to reason away the chill that grew along the edges of her wings, but the sensation lingered. The sky darkened, and the juncture of her wings tightened.

Michaela! She jerked at the shout. Asmodeus, another Archangel, jogged up to her. What are you doing down here?

I came to welcome Gabriel and the others back, Michaela said. She found it impossible to remain in the spires when she knew he was coming home. She needed to see him, and she couldn’t focus until she did.

Are you okay? His eyes were on her hand. She was gripping the jeweled hilt of the sword at her hip without realizing she’d reached for it.

I sense something, Asz…

I know. Let me show you. Asz motioned her to follow as he lifted into the air with hurried beats of his wings. The bright light radiating from his feathers made Michaela’s changing eyes water, forcing her to look away.

Where is Cassie? Michaela asked. She darted around a column, careful her wings didn’t bang into the marble, and caught back up to Asz.

She’s at the gates with Molloch and the twins.

Asz flew so fast, tucking his wings and diving around the columns, Michaela didn’t have a chance to ask him why the other Archangels were at the gates or why he sounded so nervous. But lately all the angels, including Michaela, had been on edge, so she focused on matching his frantic pace and kept her mouth shut.

They reached the gates quickly. Michaela landed and skidded to a stop to keep from crashing into the expanse of metal. When she had transitioned into her more human body, a sheer material had formed over her skin like a loose gown, which she straightened as her eyes traveling up the towering entry.

Unlike their pearly reputation, Heaven’s doorway was not beautiful; it was menacing and slightly dusty from Purgatory’s desert that stretched beyond. The titanium poles twisted intricately, forming designs that ended in slashes and spikes. In addition to its fortitude, Michaela, as the General and the one responsible for Heaven’s safety, was one of the few angels who could open the massive structure. But from Michaela’s quick examination, the gates weren’t the cause for everyone’s concern.

Michaela looked back at the others. Asz was right, half the choir of Archangels was gathered at the gates. Cassie, Molloch, Emim, and Irin all stared expectantly at her, but no one spoke. What’s wrong?

Look, Asz said. He pointed toward Purgatory. Michaela looked along the empty stretch of desert that stirred beneath the ever-present wind. The smell from earlier was stronger here, and it burned the inside of her nose. Finally, Michaela saw the source of their attention. Her mouth went dry as she stared.

"Fallen," one of the Archangels behind her whispered.

A group of a dozen fallen angels stood shoulder to shoulder in the hazy glow of Purgatory. They were positioned at the farthest point from the gates, forcing Michaela to squint just to make out their cloaked forms. The edge’s wall, where the end of Purgatory met the upper limit of space, cast a long shadow across their backs.

What are they doing here? Michaela never looked away from the fallen. She drew her sword just to be ready.

We don’t know, Asz answered. I’ve never seen a fallen angel come this close to Heaven before.

Because they’re not supposed to be here, Michaela said. Over the course of eternity, the fallen had never come into Heaven’s territory, because Michaela had forbidden it. In exchange, the holy angels never trespassed into Hell.

You don’t think they are planning an attack, right? Cassie murmured, her eyes huge in her pale, small face. She was tiny with frail, birdlike bones and delicate features.

I’m sure it’s nothing to be worried about, Asz said.

Michaela wasn’t so sure. A very long time ago, she had been Lucifer’s best friend, his ally. She knew every corner of his soul, even where the evil had taken root and stole him away. Lucifer wouldn’t send fallen angels to Heaven’s doorstep if he didn’t mean something by it.

Have they done anything? Michaela asked.

Not yet, Molloch said. He had the face of a stocky bulldog and the attitude to match. The Archangel had caused more than his share of fights with the fallen, and he looked to be itching for another one.

How long have they been out there?

Not long. Asz shifted uncomfortably. I came for you immediately.

Michaela’s brow furrowed. Finally she looked away from the fallen and glanced at the others. They all looked fully human, more human than Michaela. She listened carefully until she heard the beat of their hearts, watched the rise and fall of their chests, tracked the flush of their skin. Their changes were much further along than hers, which meant they had been in the lower parts of Heaven for days. Their increasingly human bodies were limiting their telepathic abilities, which explained why they hadn’t alerted her the easy way.

Their corporeal changes bothered Michaela. As the governing choir, the Archangels were meant to stay in the upper spires and oversee Heaven’s operations. Michaela was annoyed even though days were like minutes to angels. She told herself to forget it and focus on the issue at hand. "Do you think they have something to do with the disappearances?" She nodded toward the fallen.

For a while now, the other holy angels had reported the diminishing ranks of Lucifer’s fallen on Earth, speculating the angels were relocating back to Hell even though most fallen angels, like Lucifer, chose to live amongst humans. Then rumors that Lucifer was planning an attack circulated, and the disappearance of his army started to feel more like preparations. The holy angels grew too scared to even journey to Earth for fear of assault. The terror spread until it was out of hand, and Michaela sent Gabriel with the other half of the Archangels to Earth in search of answers to the disappearances.

What is everyone saying about the disappearances now? Michaela asked Asz. He was the sort of angel others shared their secrets with.

The choirs heard we sent Gabriel and the others to Earth for answers. If Gabriel doesn’t return soon, and if we can’t calm everyone down, I worry the holy angels will panic and start clamoring to attack Hell before Lucifer and his fallen can attack us. They would never go against you, but their fear is growing with each day Gabriel is gone.

But what if the fallen have decided to attack while Gabriel and half our choir is gone? Cassie wrapped her thin arms around her body.

Good. Molloch leaned toward the gate, the muscles in his legs twitching.

I hope the fallen have better judgment than attacking Heaven with an army of twelve soldiers, Michaela said. Confused, she watched Molloch for a moment, sensing his growing animosity. No matter their reason for coming, we can handle it. She looked back out to Purgatory, a chill rippling down her spine.

There’re only twelve, Molloch said. We can run them off easily.

All six of the Archangels, Michaela included, turned to him in surprise.

Cassie’s eye widened even more. We can’t fight them without the others, she whispered, her voice wavering.

Cassie’s right. We’ve never fought without all the Archangels, Michaela said.

Why not? We can take them. Molloch’s eyes held a hint of green in their wide orbs of light, and they glinted dangerously.

The others returning from Earth will have to pass through Purgatory to get back. What if those fallen try something? Asz’s eyes flickered to Cassie.

Isn’t that the problem? Molloch leveled his gaze on Michaela. Gabriel is coming back soon with the others, and they won’t be expecting fallen to be so close, and our telepathic link with them is too weak to warn them. Molloch’s eyes narrowed. And Gabriel is still healing from his last fight with a fallen.

At the mention of Gabriel’s injury, Michaela’s hands shook; the tip of her sword rattled against the tiles. Weeks ago, after a skirmish with a few fallen, Gabriel’s injury had been so bad they had to stay on Earth several days, waiting for him to heal enough to fly home. Seeing Gabriel hurt and too weak to even move had been Michaela’s personal Hell. She would do anything to keep that from happening again, but Gabriel wouldn’t want her to fight without all twelve of the Archangels.

What are we waiting for? Molloch growled. He practically foamed at the mouth. His hand wrapped around the bars of the gate, illuminating the metal beneath the fire of his touch.

Likewise, the fallen angels reacted to Molloch’s touch of the gate and took a collective, threatening step forward. Michaela jerked, not in fear but with a burgeoning rage.

Michaela bared her teeth—these fallen did not belong in Heaven, and their presence was a threat, an insult. Even though she shouldn’t fight without all the Archangels present, Michaela couldn’t allow fallen to stand between Gabriel and home. Her hand tightened over the hilt of her sword. Her duty was to protect Heaven no matter the cost; it was a desire that had her unconsciously moving toward the gate.

The Archangels sensed her agreement and shifted behind her.

Molloch lips curved into a slow, cocky smirk.

Let’s do it, she said.

2

Michaela didn’t wait until the gates were completely open before she stepped through and sprang effortlessly into the air. The others followed with a single, synchronized beat of their massive, unfurled wings. They surged through the opening, their strength barely contained.

As they flew, Purgatory stretched below them, benign and forgettable. It was a miserable place, a sharp contrast to Heaven. The small, gray moon cast an eerie, forgotten light across the desert. Their wings rustled the dirt beneath them.

What is that smell? Molloch asked.

Sulfur, Asz said quietly.

The smell wafted from the fallen angels, contaminating the air. Even the herd of souls who typically milled around Purgatory was gone, hiding in the farthest corners from the fallen. The anomaly distracted Michaela, scattered her thoughts as the sulfur stung her eyes. She shook her head to clear her mind, and when she did, something horrible occurred to her.

The gates.

She had left them open.

Panicking, her wings stuttered midair; she dipped and nearly crashed to the ground. Her breath came in hiccups and hitches as she turned around and faced the gates, which were so small, so far away. She focused on the intricate structure and pictured the gates closing.

Her body shook from the effort, her eyes bulging, but she had gone too far. From this distance the gates refused to close with her thoughts alone. She needed to fly back.

It’s okay. Asz’s hand settled on her shoulder, his quiet assurance settling her nerves.

I don’t know…

We have a bigger issue, Michaela.

Asz’s eyes were calm and reassuring, but Michaela was still worried. Okay, she said, her mind still begging the gates to close. Asz pulled her forward, and together they flew back to the other Archangels, who waited almost halfway across Purgatory.

Make this quick. Get back to the gates as soon as possible, Michaela told herself. The words did nothing to appease the alarms blaring in her mind.

Michaela flew even faster, her massive wings pumping in the air. She closed the distance to the fallen quickly. They didn’t move as she approached or even lift their heads. Michaela landed within a few paces of the group. The ground shook, and a fan of dust settled thick in her throat. Her newly formed shinbones quaked as the Archangels landed behind her.

Leave. Now. Michaela swung her sword in a clean arc, slicing the putrid air.

Instead of answering, a fallen angel, standing slightly in front of the others, lifted his head. The cloak fell back, revealing the fallen’s face. Hello, Michaela. It’s good to be home, Lucifer said in a voice like warm honey.

Michaela almost stumbled backward, before she recovered from the shock. She wished her heart would stop racing, because she was certain Lucifer could hear it. She gripped her sword tighter to keep it from shaking.

How…? All she wanted was to fly as fast as she could back to the gates and slam them shut in Lucifer’s face, but she forced her muscles to remain still. If Lucifer realized she was afraid, he would use it against her. How did you get here?

Lucifer smiled like he sensed her fear. His eyes were bright and black as he looked to the open gates in the distance. His face was delicate, fine-boned, and beautiful even with the sinister twist of his lips. He was tall and slim, his body foreign without the shadows of wings at his back.

Michaela stepped in front of Lucifer, blocking his view of the open gates. She had never been scared of Lucifer before, but she was terrified standing between him and the open gates. She prayed her voice sounded strong when she said, How dare you defy an order from the General and return to this place?

I’ve never cared much for your orders, Michaela, Lucifer said. Because one day, this all will be mine. His eyes swept along the tall wall that separated Heaven from Purgatory.

Cassie, go close the gates, Michaela said through her thoughts. Cassie didn’t move, and Michaela began to panic. You have one last chance to leave, Lucifer, before I cut you down.

Lucifer laughed. Always so proud, Michaela. Always so certain. You need to watch your back better. His eyes flickered over her shoulder.

Silence.

Comprehension engulfed her like a panic attack—she recognized the quiet moment before betrayal strikes. Her Archangels hadn’t pulled their swords from their sheaths when they had landed, and now they stood quiet and unmoving at her back.

In her stunned grief, she paused. Her mistake was a purely human reaction. An angel never paused. An angel turned and fought with no hesitation. Instead, Michaela couldn’t find the strength to pull her sword on her brothers and sisters. The realization of her weakness was almost more shocking than her very best friends turning against her. She was the General first and a warrior second, leaving no room to be emotional. Yet she was. Her heart formed just in time to break.

"No, Michaela said, her voice cracking. She looked at Lucifer. Please don’t do this to me."

He stepped forward, leaving the wall of fallen. He took her face in his hands, his lips inches from hers. Michaela, my sweet Michaela, you deserve it. He nodded to the Archangels behind her. Take her down.

I would say I’m sorry, but that would be a lie, Molloch said, his words hot against the back of her neck. A knife pierced the juncture of her wings—the only vulnerable place on a heavenly angel’s body. Her legs gave way, and she sagged in instant paralysis. An arm, like a band of steel around her chest, caught her before she hit the dirt. The knife stayed perfectly steady in her back. Molloch yanked her hair so she was forced to see what she already guessed was coming.

Purgatory was quiet for only a moment. She didn’t hear the fallen angels’ approach, but suddenly all she saw was a wall of black eyes and glinting, raven wings flying straight at her. The fallen spilled forth from the darkness of space where they had hidden. Their numbers were far beyond counting as they hit the ground, brewing a dust storm that stifled the silent cries in her throat. Some flew, some ran, but all surged past—headed straight for the gates of Heaven.

The gates she had carelessly left open.

The holy angels inside Heaven’s walls would have no protectors, no warning. She had left them defenseless. There would be no forgiveness for this. Tears welled in Michaela’s unblinking eyes, spilling down her cheeks.

From inside the gates, all was silent at first. Michaela imagined the holy angels’ initial confusion…almost heard their uncertain breaths. Then the first screams reached her. The sounds of the fight became loud and clashing. The once-pink sky above Heaven turned a horrible blood red of churning clouds and flashing scarlet light, and sounds of slashing metal cut the air as angels collided sword to sword. The sounds of the screams would haunt her the rest of her days. She had failed as Heaven’s protector. It was a failure worth death if only angels could die.

Say goodbye, Michaela, Molloch whispered against her ear. He dragged her closer to the edge’s wall. Frigid air rushed across her back as Molloch lifted her onto the low marble barrier. Pulling her tight against him, he nuzzled his face to hers. She wanted to cringe away; instead, she only stared across the lonely stretch of desert to the gates standing open so far away.

He stepped back from the edge’s wall and pulled her with him. Michaela’s final view of Heaven was limited due to the tall, massive walls that separated Heaven from Purgatory. The scene was almost too still for all the noises of war and her fellow angels’ terror spilling through the open gates. The hollow, horrifying scene was one burned into the deepest corners of her mind, never to be forgotten.

And then they were falling.

Locked in Molloch’s arms, Michaela understood disgrace for the first time in her existence as she watched the last tinges of Heaven’s burning red sky disappear. Her disgrace hung like a weight around her neck, pulling them down faster through the air.

As they dropped farther from Heaven, Michaela saw the development of space, and the raging storms in vicious colors raced past. Frozen drops of water stung her skin and stuck to the strands of her hair. The air rushing past her ears was deafening, pressing against her eardrums with a pressure that threatened to pop them. They were going too fast. Her body was changing too quickly for her to adjust. Michaela’s lack of control was a sickening, dropping feeling in her freshly formed stomach.

Molloch spun them in a dizzying, spiraling nosedive as they streaked through space. His cruel laughter bubbled hot into her ear. He twisted the slender golden dagger spitefully in the tender juncture of her massive, paralyzed wings. The knife hit freshly created bone. The pain—another sign of her body becoming more human as the distance flew past her—lashed like a hot flash of white in the developing cosmos that raced by.

What will everyone think? She barely heard him above the whipping wind that cut through her as they fell. But his smile spread across his features like a disease. Manic excitement filled his black eyes as he watched the grief form on her face when she realized everyone would assume she had let the fallen in through the gates she opened.

The clouds parted, and the earth, draped in a blanket of darkness, came into view. Molloch’s laugh carried easily through the warm atmosphere.

They were a comet streaking through the night sky, crashing straight to the ground that formed solid beneath them.

They had arrived.

3

Michaela woke to dread washing over her, pressing in and clenching her throat. What had happened back in Heaven couldn’t be undone.

She groaned in pain and regret. She opened her eyes too soon; the world slanted, and her vision erupted with a dizzying fireworks display of flashing red and white lights from deep within her skull. Hot, burning saliva pooled in her mouth before her chest convulsed, and in a human and ungraceful manner, she vomited.

When the heaving stopped, Michaela weakly dragged herself to a clean spot of cold, rocky ground to rest her head. She dully registered the sound of water rushing in the distance above the consuming, bone-deep pain in her back where Molloch had stabbed her. The air’s dampness congested in her nose, mixed with the smell of wet earth. Her ribs ached, and bile ran down the side of her cheek.

She pushed her fingers through her sticky, clumped hair until she found the sore spot. A thick gold metallic liquid covered her hand. She was in human form, but her blood was still angel’s blood, which meant she had an angel’s strength and healing abilities. She also still had some of her telepathic abilities, but after the transition and Molloch’s wild ride to Earth, she was too weak to reach Gabriel.

Tentatively, she looked around; she was in a massive underground cave. All around her, huge rocks stretched high into the farthest, darkest depths of the ceiling, where thousands of clear, slender straws suspended in clusters, forming dangerous ice chandeliers. Finger-like stalagmites reached from the ground. Somewhere far above, a massive waterfall plummeted to a small pool and fed into a narrow, inky stream running the length of the floor, past Michaela, and into the shadows.

Flickering lights from old lanterns illuminated the cave, with a group of lights specifically shining against the wall behind the waterfall. Her eyes settled on an odd pattern of letters carved into the rock. Thousands of letters looped around and over each other, covering the entire wall.

She slowly got up. Her legs were watery and weak, and the cut in her back bit painfully down to her spine. The wound burned like a brand had been pressed against her skin, which meant Molloch had probably used a golden dagger, gold weakened angels—especially Archangels. Michaela shivered as blood trickled from the hole down her back.

Ignoring the pain, Michaela walked closer to the wall, gritting her teeth and using the rocks for support. As she drew nearer, the hairs on her arms stood on end; her body flushed hot then cold, but she never looked away from the letters. She pressed on, teeth clattering, forcing her feet forward, even though something was very wrong.

When Michaela was close enough to make out some of the ancient words, she only read a few before jerking away. The gist of the message and what it meant turned her spine to ice. For the first time, she realized where she stood. She had been here thousands of years before, and it was a place she hoped never to return.

The princess finally decided to wake up. I didn’t even get to the kissing-you-awake part.

Michaela’s surprised flinch sent waves of fire shooting down her back. Refusing to let her pain show, she turned to face Molloch. But Molloch wasn’t alone. Cassie, Asz, and the twins stood behind him. Asz tucked Cassie under his arm, but his face was tortured when he looked at Michaela.

Molloch stepped in front of Michaela. He wore jeans, but his chest was bare. His wings were molting, his white feathers shedding off as new, black feathers grew in to take their place. Soon his wings would be solid black, the trademark of the fallen.

Michaela looked around him. The others’ wings had tints of black, some more than others. She sagged against the rock, her body suddenly too heavy to hold up. She rubbed the skin above her heart again, certain the organ was broken. Why did you bring me here? she whispered.

Molloch grinned, his voice mischievous. Seriously, Michaela, you didn’t think I brought you to just any old cave, did you? He had to speak loudly over the noise of the falling water.

I asked you why!

Cassie shoved out from under Asz’s arm. You don’t get to talk to us like that anymore! she yelled. Asz reached for her hand, pulling her back to him. Cassie trembled with anger, her eyes scorching Michaela’s skin with obvious hatred.

Molloch went on like no one had interrupted him. I’ve always secretly wanted to come here, you know…I wanted to see where you buried the almighty Watchers alive. He grinned wickedly. We are standing above them right now, he whispered dramatically, eyes wide.

The Watchers. The words alone sent nausea bubbling in Michaela’s stomach. Once upon a time, the Watchers were angels of a high choir, powerful with their magic and secrets. They were responsible for helping the humans, to watch over them and the progress they made. But they watched forbidden things too, for too long, and the watching aroused them and failed to satisfy them.

The human women made the angels lustful. In time, the Watchers came to Earth with twisted intentions. They lay with the women, taught humans their magic, and even showed them how to make gleaming weapons. Worst of all, the women bore the children of the Watchers. The babies emerged, slimy and twisting, with red blood smeared across their angry, pink skin. They were called the Nephilim—half human, half angel. They were abominations.

The Watchers lost their chance for forgiveness the moment they chose a different path than what was planned for them, Michaela finally answered, her voice devoid of an ounce of sympathy.

That’s a little harsh, Michaela, even for you. I mean, it’s just lust! Who could begrudge us a little desire in our miserable lives? So what if Watchers slept with some humans?

We are holy angels! Michaela paused, understanding her mistake. Molloch smirked at her, but Asz looked sick, refusing to meet her eyes. We were held to a higher standard. We were meant to be more, to help the humans, to give them more than this earth can. We were not meant to interfere.

Molloch laughed, his eyes dancing as they roamed over her body. For the first time, Michaela realized she was naked. Beneath the leer of Molloch’s slinky black eyes, she swept her waist-length hair to fall across her shoulders and cover her exposed body.

Ah, don’t be shy. That’s the best part about having you around down here even if you are so damn self-righteous, Molloch taunted with a burgeoning evil that came all too easily for him. Seeing the darkness seep into his eyes, clouding over the bright light that once filled them, broke Michaela’s heart.

What have you done, Molloch? she asked shakily.

A sharp sting spread fire across the side of her face. Her knees buckled, and she hit the ground, tasting blood and seeing stars. Her eyes narrowed at Molloch, who already paced away from her, rubbing the palm of his hand.

Molloch whirled back around, and she covered her cheek protectively.

Don’t hurt her! Asz’s loud voice echoed in the cave.

Hit her again! Cassie’s shrill voice screeched across the rock walls.

"What have I done?" Molloch shouted. A wild fever coursed through him. For an angel coming to Earth, the change from celestial to corporeal was a hard, unstable transition to endure, especially when it was taken too fast. Dizzy and weak, Michaela’s breathing chugged shallowly at the top of her throat. Yet she was used to the change, and her body would quickly recover. Molloch was more heavily affected than she was, and in these moments, he was incapable of controlling himself.

"What have I done?" he yelled even louder, the words hurting Michaela’s ears.

More rocks, larger ones, fell around them. Molloch stalked toward her, his finger raised and shaking at her like she was an errant child. "You literally open the front door for us and then you ask me what I did? You have got to be kidding me." He shoved his hands in his hair and yanked, letting out a long scream of frustration that died down to hysterical, bubbling laughter.

Molloch! Calm down, Asz said. Michaela looked at Asz. He shook his head at her, and she saw the apology in his eyes before he pressed them shut, bowing his forehead down to touch Cassie’s. The twins, Irin and Emim, stood behind Asz, watching Michaela with entertained grins, like she was an ant beneath their magnifying glass.

Then why? Michaela asked, getting back up so she looked Molloch in the eye again.

Where do I even start? Molloch paced in front of her. Everyone has someone but me! You and Gabe. Zarachiel and Uriel. Cassie and Asz. Emim and Irin. Why can’t I have someone?

Raphael, Simiel, and Ophaniel don’t have—

Exactly! Why the hell not? It’s not fair!

Gabriel and I were created together. We share a special bond, like Uriel and Zarachiel, Cassie and Asz, and the twins. You and the others were created alone. It’s not about ‘having’ anyone, Molloch. That is not a part of our purpose.

Molloch stopped, sneering at her with dark eyes pinned to her body. You mean to tell me you and Gabriel haven’t had some fun? You two are so obvious. We all see how you look at each other. You tell me that’s not lust? So why can’t we get any, huh? He kicked a rock, sending it catapulting to the other side of the cavern where Michaela heard it smash. "You keep us so pent up all the time, telling us how good we have it.

"Sex? No! We can’t even look or touch lest we end up like the Watchers. A day off? Forget about it! The freedom to walk around on Earth? That’s only for the humans! If we did that we are no better than the fallen angels and of course we don’t want to be fallen! Who would want to be free, to have sex, to do as they pleased without being judged all the damn time?"

That’s not––

And why did I never get to come here? You sent everyone else but me! Why couldn’t I come here before?

Some angels can’t handle the transitioning, Molloch. It’s not that easy––

I’m strong enough! What’s wrong with me? Look, I did it! I could have handled it. You were always excluding me…on purpose!

Look at you. The change has already made you–– She caught his hand cleanly in the air an inch away from her cheek. In the semi-darkness, Michaela’s strength was returning from her transition. Her vision cleared. The dizziness lifted. An angry wrinkle formed on Molloch’s forehead when he realized it too. —Insane, she finished.

She released his hand. He took a deep and shaky, uneven breath and shook his head. This time his laugh sounded normal.

I guess you are right. I do feel a little crazy. His eyes cut back to her, like he was going to tell her a secret. I snuck down here a couple of times. Did you know that? When Asz told me how good it could be, how different things could be for us, I had to see for myself.

You did this? Asz shifted nervously at Michaela’s shocked tone. His hand clenched Cassie’s arm, but she shook it off.

No. I did. Cassie lifted her chin, her two-tone eyes sparking with anger. The souls weren’t safe anymore. I had to protect them from you.

What are you talking about? I would never threaten the souls. Cassie, you know that.

Liar! Cassie screamed. Her little voice barely echoed. Asz shushed her, tried to calm her.

Michaela, please. We’re so sorry, Asz said so quietly Michaela barely heard him over the noise of the waterfall. At his words, Cassie thrashed against him, but Asz held her tightly. Her frustrated screams were muffled against his chest. Michaela realized then it was Cassie who had decided to leave Heaven. Asz only fell because he would never part with Cassie.

We plotted behind your back, and you had no clue. No clue! We had to stay down in the lowest parts of Heaven and even fly close to Earth a few times so our bodies stayed more human. You never sensed our intentions. We tricked you! The great Michaela was made a fool, Molloch said.

Michaela shook her head. Even Lucifer’s betrayal had not stung as much as the Archangels’. She couldn’t listen anymore. She needed to get back. There was still time to fix this.

Let me pass, Molloch, and I won’t hurt you.

Molloch rolled his eyes. I can’t believe we bought your crap for so long. I wish we’d done this sooner. I feel so free! Molloch sprang into the air. He landed within a foot of her.

If his intention was to scare her, it didn’t work.

He smirked. This anger and evil had to have been growing inside him for a long time—long before he had made the decision to forsake his creation—and she hadn’t noticed the difference. After she had lost Lucifer to the very same disease, Michaela promised herself she would never let another angel lose himself to the battle for his soul. She had failed again.

Molloch must have read her thoughts, because he said, You got so caught up in everything else that you didn’t even see your Archangels slipping from your grip. It’s kind of funny actually. You try so hard to be perfect, and you’re not even close.

Her eyes danced to the water cascading down the far wall. She shook her head. In a way, Molloch was right. Nothing tilted or swayed beneath her except her faith in herself. But why? Why did you choose Lucifer over me? Michaela asked.

Come on, Molloch. We need to leave before he gets here, Asz said, but Molloch ignored him.

We plotted against you. You’re so good at running a tight ship back upstairs, but you trusted us too much and took our loyalty for granted. Lucifer had been waiting for an opportunity a long time. With us on his side, he had one.

Her anger rose from a place buried deep inside; it was an old anger, cold and bone-deep. Chill bumps spread down her arms. She regretted what had happened with Lucifer, but she still hated him for the sin and pain he’d brought upon them all.

Molloch, stop. Asz’s words were a hiss. He stepped forward like he wanted to intervene, but once again Molloch ignored him.

We set the whole thing up. A mass fall of angels, including Heaven’s very own Michaela The Great. It’s fantastic really. Everyone thinks you’re fallen. All the Archangels are implicated, even if they didn’t fall. They will all be hunted like the dogs they are by your precious fellow holy angels wanting justice, and Heaven will be left in chaos.

No one will believe that. You have no idea what you have done.

We need to go, Asz said, trying again. He will be here soon.

Shut up! Molloch shouted at Asz. He looked back at Michaela. I know exactly what I’ve done. His eyes grew angry again as he rode a new emotional wave.

You will never win, Michaela said calmly. The words were a balm on Michaela’s hurt heart. She was right. Honor and duty always won in the battle of Heaven and Hell.

More strength came with her resolve even though a part of her brain whispered Asz’s words over and over in her ear. He is coming. He is coming.

You’re delusional! The words snarled over Molloch’s twisted anger. Even with five of the strongest Archangels on our side? How many more angels of other choirs will come to us once they hear Heaven is in free fall with no more Archangels left to run the place? No one can hide from this.

It will take a lot more than five fallen Archangels to take Heaven. Heaven will hold until I get back.

Molloch threw back his head and laughed. Michaela stayed quiet and still.

Who is left? She forced her voice to sound level, but in her renewed strength she found a single fault line. If he told her Gabriel had fallen, she might crack.

They don’t matter. Relief shuddered through Michaela. Gabriel and the others hadn’t fallen. Everything wasn’t lost. Like I said, they are all dead. But you don’t have to be one of them, Michaela. Lucifer wants you. I can’t understand why, but he does. I mean, yes, this female human form is quite…enticing. You look good, baby. You would be quite handy for other things, rather than bossing us around. So what do you say? Join us?

Molloch arched his eyebrow. He smiled with an evil tilt to his lips. His eyes roamed over her exposed body, making her skin crawl. Her strength was back, and the ground at her feet grew hot, glowing ever so slightly. Her feathers hummed against her back. The air eddied around her, making her messy hair drift about her face. Michaela smiled back, because her human body was finally angel strong.

I’m shocked you even have to ask.

4

A lewd smile played at the corners of Molloch’s lips, and all Michaela could think was that he looked like a caricature of his former self, an animal stuffed long after its vitality was gone. I hope you’re this easy with other aspects. He stared at her body, and from the gleam in his eye he wasn’t talking about allegiances.

Molloch! Leave her alone! Asz snapped.

Michaela stretched her wings out fully behind her. Her hands curled into tight fists; her knuckles popped with tension. She spoke low and deliberately. Of course not, Molloch. I’ll never consider joining the fallen. I was created Michaela, Heaven’s General, and I’ll fight to the very end as such.

Molloch’s smile dropped. Fine. Frankly, I was sick of you anyway. Kind of a shame though.

You’re still adjusting to the transition into your human form. You can’t win against me, Molloch. Just let me pass, and you won’t get hurt.

Michaela, you don’t have to fight! Asz acted like he wanted to separate Michaela and Molloch, but Cassie’s slight weight was his anchor. Her hand in his grounded him.

Yes. She will, Molloch said.

Gabriel, Michaela thought. She sent his name out like a beacon even though their mental connection was still weak. Michaela didn’t know if she had reached him or if she could, but she tried again. Gabriel something bad has happened. Something is wrong.

Are you talking to him? Molloch shouted. I see it in your eyes that you’re talking to him!

Michaela flinched, but her voice was steady. She looked at everyone when she spoke. It’s time for me to go and fix this horrible thing you have done.

I hope you told him goodbye. Molloch’s words were a growl, and he looked at her like he wanted to hurt her.

Stop! Asz screamed. Don’t fight!

Molloch’s wings snapped behind him. He gathered his legs in a crouch and sprang from the earth, soaring into the air with a menacing glower of hatred.

Reacting only a breath after him, Michaela pushed off the ground, channeling all her strength into her injured back. The ground buckled beneath the force of her propulsion and caved downwards into a rush of crumbling, sliding rock. With a loud crack, she collided with him midair.

They pounded into one another’s flesh, landing kicks and punches that only accelerated them toward the wall of the cave. Michaela twisted her legs around his waist, pinning his wings to his back. She fit in one harder jab to his face with her elbow before their bodies slammed into the other wall. His ribs popped beneath her legs.

Michaela’s hold jarred loose on impact, giving Molloch the opportunity to slam his fist into her face. The first punch shattered her nose, the second cracked a cheekbone, and the third broke her jaw. Shards of teeth scrapped down her throat when she gasped for air.

She fell a few feet, stunned, locked in Molloch’s combative embrace. The moisture from the waterfall weighed heavily on her wings and slicked across their skin. Blood poured from her face. Desperation flooded her body, coursing through her veins in a race against the adrenaline.

Before she caught her breath, his powerful hands wrapped tight and hard around her neck. She panicked. Brilliant spots of light lit her vision. Her windpipe contracted, crushed beneath his grip. Her eyes slid back and met his.

Michaela didn’t have to see the hate there, he expressed it clearly enough with his hands. She tried to break his grip, but he was locked on tight. His brow wrinkled in concentration, and his tongue traced the line of his upper lip

Don’t hurt her, Molloch! Someone screamed from far below. Michaela barely registered their words. He wanted her awake!

They fell ten or fifteen more feet in free fall. Molloch focused only on strangling her and didn’t bother keeping them aloft. With her last ounce of strength, Michaela flung her wings out as far as they reached and wrapped them around Molloch’s body.

Before they hit the ground, blood spurted from Michaela’s mouth onto Molloch’s face. The brilliant gold looked like paint against his pale, determined expression. He looked wild, crazed, and Michaela felt the first lick of fear, because, for once, she didn’t know what to expect of her enemy.

Their weight and momentum met the cavern’s floor with a deafening boom. Only her back broke their fall. The junction where her wings spanned out was crushed. A horrible, wrong numbness spread through her wings that were still tightly, but uselessly, wrapped around Molloch. She meant to scream in pain, but the sound came out a gurgle in her destroyed throat.

Molloch’s hands fell away from her neck. The weight of his body settled heavy and solid on top of her. She looked into his eyes, waiting for his next attack, knowing she was defenseless without the use of her wings.

No attack came. His eyes were wide and unstaring as she searched for any sign of life. She pushed Molloch off, and as his body rolled to the side, she heard a sucking, pulling sound when her wingtip slid free from his back.

What…what happened? Michaela rose to her feet and looked down at Molloch. Her throat opened, allowing her to draw in small breaths.

What did you do? Cassie’s screams were wild, manic in the small space. You killed him!

No! He’s okay. He’s going to be okay. Michaela willed Molloch to move.

The other Archangels came closer. Cassie sobbed into Asz’s chest as he held her close. His eyes were wide and disbelieving when he looked away from Molloch’s body to Michaela. But we can’t die, he said.

He’s not dead! The trembling started in Michaela’s fingers and spread until her whole body quaked.

One of the twins knelt beside Molloch’s body, probing a finger along the unmoving angel’s neck. The motion stilled. He couldn’t find a pulse. Yes. He is. Without looking at Michaela, the twins, heads bowed together, left the cave without a backwards glance.

You killed him. You killed him. You killed him.

No! Michaela screamed, sinking to the ground beside Molloch’s body. No! No! No, no, no. Please, don’t be dead.

Michaela, Asz said, struggling with the words. His arms clung to Cassie’s shaking body. Her cries filled the cavern. Michaela, I have to get her out of here.

Michaela looked up at Asz. You can’t leave me here with him! Her voice was high-pitched, foreign. Her teeth clattered.

Michaela, I’m so sorry. But I have to leave now.

Why? Who’s coming? Michaela asked, but Asz was already gone.

Michaela sat there, staring at Molloch, her body numb, her tears silent. The power that once filled Molloch only made him broken and hollow now. The dark color of his eyes slowly seeped away until nothing was left but clear, uncolored, empty orbs. His skin faded from pale to opaque.

And then she looked straight through him. She saw the empty air inside him and then the ground below him. The feathers of his wings slowly released from their bindings, floating in the air. Their blackened hue leaked to a ghostly white.

She reached out to touch one, but it slipped straight through, undisturbed on its journey upwards. More and more released until all she saw were feathers rising.

The blinding, bright remnants of Molloch’s once great wings clouded the air above with their ethereal luminance. Kneeling so close, her eyes stung, watering from their brilliance. Blindly, her hands scraped across the rough rock ground as she searched for Molloch’s body.

A sob caught in her throat, loud and choking. Her vision slowly cleared as the brightness dulled. Blinking rapidly, her eyes caught a shiny, black object on the cave’s floor. Her hand wrapped around something like a cold cylinder that writhed within her grip.

Michaela furrowed her brow as she groped along the object. Then, the feathers evaporated, revealing what was in her hand.

There was nothing to do. The gleaming, black cobra reared back, fangs flashing, and dove straight for the crook of her arm. Michaela screamed, falling backwards.

She yanked at the snake, but its fangs only sank deeper, slicing through her skin and latching on. The venom emptied into her bloodstream, scalding its way up her arm, leaving a path of numb, blackened blood vessels from the middle of her bicep down to the arch of her forearm.

Michaela heard Molloch’s laughter in the back of her mind as the snake faded. Its slithering presence grew inside her as if she had drank water too quickly, swelling and straining her belly. The snake completely disappeared, and she held nothing but air in her hand. A thick spider web of dark lines curled out from two huge black bite marks.

Tears rolled down her face. She rocked back and forth, cradling her arm and chewing on the saltiness of her lip. This wasn’t supposed to happen. She had only wanted to leave, so she might try to restore order back in Heaven. She hadn’t meant to kill Molloch.

No matter what, angels were not killers. It went against the terms of their creation. Her eyes skittered to where Molloch had fallen. Her whimpering filled the cavern.

She was the first to take a life.

Her arm pulsed. It drew her attention in the same way someone tapping her on the shoulder might. Deep within, she saw a dark stain on her soul. That mark, borne of a single second, an unconscious decision, an accident, rid her of her purity. Her actions were solely self defense, and she had never meant to kill Molloch. But no matter her intentions or the amount of guilt she felt, Molloch was still dead. The snake seemed to have found a new resting place inside her. It nestled around her spine and slithered its tail against her gut.

Another sob broke loose. She didn’t know who she cried for: Molloch or herself. She looked up at the cave’s dark ceiling and tried to imagine Heaven beyond the cavern—but she couldn’t. Now, more than ever, she needed to remember she was the Archangel Michaela, General of Heaven, and she knew how to fix this.

But she didn’t feel like herself anymore. She opened her mouth to pray for forgiveness, but the words never came.

5

Oh, how the mighty fall. But I have to say, it was interesting to watch.

Michaela whirled around, springing to her feet with barely a hint of pain from her injuries, which were already healing. Her first thought was to hide Molloch’s body—until she remembered it was impossible to hide what had already disappeared. Her shoulders slumped, her overtired body sagging back to the floor.

Lucifer stepped out from the shadows of the cave. Michaela wasn’t surprised to see him. One of his fallen, one of her Archangels, had just died. She stared at him, feeling as empty and hollow as Molloch had looked lying on the ground. Lucifer’s black eyes gleamed at her.

What was that? Michaela asked. She trembled. Her eyes settled on her arm that still throbbed painfully despite the healing in other parts of her body.

I honestly don’t know. I’ve never seen that before. Lucifer drummed his fingers on his square chin. The snake must have been the darkness of Molloch’s soul. He may have died, but his soul lives on inside you, unfortunately. Everything has to go somewhere, right? Nothing can ever really disappear. Of course, this is all wild speculation, because an angel has never died before.

The snake slithered inside her, flicking its tongue at the base of her spine. Michaela cringed.

Nothing to say? I understand. Lucifer clucked his tongue in false sympathy. Your first murder can be straining.

It wasn’t murder! She surprised herself. The words came before she stopped them. The tears continued to fall. She had no right to justify her actions, but the words spilled out anyway. It was an accident.

There, there, Michaela. Everything will be okay. You just saved me some trouble down the road.

She blinked at him, spilling more tears down her pale cheeks. How can you say that?

Please. It’s me, Lucifer. Of course I can say that. It’s who I am, who I was created to be. I was made to bring evil into this world. Save your breath.

Michaela opened her mouth, but instead of words coming out, tears dripped in. Lucifer sighed heavily and ran his hand lightly over his perfectly styled, dark hair, smoothing imaginary strays back into place. A few gray hairs were sprinkled above his ears.

That’s what I thought. How can you go home after all you’ve done? Do you really think they will allow you to come back as a murderer? The one you killed was an Archangel, Michaela. Granted, not a very good one, but still, you killed your own. Think of the darkness that stains your soul.

Michaela wrapped her scrapped arms around her shaking body. She thought nothing of forgiveness or Heaven, only of her soul. Lucifer was right. She had fallen into darkness, far from grace.

Oh, Gabe, she thought. Gabe, I’m so sorry. I’ve failed you.

Lucifer walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. Before, his very presence had sickened her, yet now she didn’t even shy away from his touch. His hands massaged her aching shoulders. She closed her eyes and let the tears fall freely.

Do you know who will win this silly war between your holy angels and my fallen? I didn’t know either. Until now. I will. Do you want to know who is going to win this for me, Michaela? Not you. Not your fallen archangels. Not all the fallen angels in the world. None of you. The humans will win this war. They will be my army. I will take your Earth and your Heaven from you. Everything will finally be mine… His voice trailed off wistfully.

Brushing her hair away from the mangle of her healing wings, Lucifer ran his hand down the center of her back to the broken junction of her wings. One wing sat limp and useless at her side, the other tucked awkwardly beneath her feet. The pain hummed in her bones, building and building.

Do you remember the day you cast me out of Heaven? I do. I’ll never forget. It’s not the fall to earth that haunts my dreams. No, it’s the moment you held me over the edge of Heaven. Do you remember? You had my wings in both hands like this. Lucifer picked up her wings, one in each hand. She cried out. The bones of her wings went deep into her back, grinding and scraping together as Lucifer adjusted his grip.

I dangled over the edge, half in Heaven, half in space. You stood above me, like this. He eased her forward until all she saw was her reflection in the stream.

There was a stranger staring back, blinking dull eyes at her.

And then you placed your foot in the center of my back. He pulled her wings tight as he put his booted foot on the most broken part of her. Her body bowed, and her head lolled back to once again stare at the missing sky. The pain exploded in her bones, searing her insides raw until she was freezing cold. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut and bit her lip to keep the screams inside. She couldn’t stop the tears that leaked through or stop her mind from begging for Gabriel. In the most painful moment of her life, all she wanted was him, and it made the pain even harder to endure.

You whispered something to me. Do you remember what you said, Michaela? He leaned so her ear grazed his mouth. "You said, ‘you will never belong.’ And then my body split in half as you tore my wings from my back. Half of me went over the edge of Heaven, and my better half, my wings, stayed in your hands. I didn’t understand what you meant at first. Then I realized. Our wings are our only connection to our fellow angels, to Heaven. Without them, I couldn’t sense anyone. It was a permanent telepathic block. I was completely alone, which I