Approaching the Abyss: The Abyss Trilogy, #2

By A.C. Ward

She thought demons were the enemy. Then the angels come to kill them all.

 

After the rebels abandon her, Aubrey doubts her abilities more than ever. She failed to close the Abyss and lost the person she was beginning to love. Desperate to prove herself, Aubrey enters the demon realm to save him, only to trigger a new disaster. She releases the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. These angels are uncompromising in their purpose; to massacre humanity.

 

Aubrey alone has an immunity to match the angels, but it isn't enough. She is faced with making a pact with a demon, or worse, the rebel leader. Aubrey must decide or lose those she cares about.

 

Will her choices prevent the apocalypse, or are they actually the steps leading to the end?

 

Approaching the Abyss is book 2 in a YA fantasy trilogy filled with complex characters and demonic powers, set in a dystopian world with a beautiful balance of hope and despair.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.C. Ward
• Release date: Aug 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201310905

A.C. Ward

A.C. Ward is a little worried that her internet search history is on some sort of watch list. For her writing she has researched demonic rituals, exorcism, and lethal stab wounds. Her next work in process is only making it worse. A.C, lives with her husband, daughter, and various pets – dog, cat, gecko, fish, and tarantula. When she’s not writing she’s watching Netflix or rereading her favorite manga. She’d love to hear from her fans. You can contact her at [e-mail].

Book preview

For Deborah, without whom I would never have time to write. Thank you for all you do, and for all the encouragement. You make a big difference in my life.

Chapter 1

---

The demons always looked surprised when their attacks didn’t work. Aubrey would have smiled, if smiling was her thing. Black blood oozed down the hilt of the knife. Wafts of smoke drifted up from the sizzling liquid. It coated the side of her hand, but she felt no pain. Her immunity encased her.

Aubrey pulled the blade out and stared into the dark eyes of the locust, empty and crumbling. Not having to clean up saved effort. The place was enough of a mess already.

The ripped-off ceiling of the former library had let in the elements. Sand coated every surface, and most of the books were singed from when the Abyss had opened. The shelving units lay collapsed in haphazard clumps, one section angled as if it were stairs to the hole above. She could picture Darion sprinting up, grabbing a passing demon, and disappearing from her life, the jerk. 

The Ganesh Group had abandoned the facility, not bothering to salvage any of the resources. Darion would be livid if he ever saw the state of his library. 

Aubrey bent down and picked up the mostly undamaged book. The corner of the hard cover had been torn, and the binding was burnt a little, but all in all it looked readable. For someone else, anyway.

Are you sure this is the right one? Aubrey asked her companion.

Sage shrugged, her shoulders shifting along the wall on which she rested. It has the title you mentioned.

Nice of you to back me up in that fight, by the way. Aubrey stared down at the sizzling knife. Another ruined.

No reason to put myself at risk. It’s not like I’ve got immunity.

A screech from above caused Aubrey’s heart to jump into her throat. She squinted against the blaze of fire that rushed past. The beast the locust rode squealed in protest as it pulled up, and the blade of its tail swung wildly in the air, missing its mark.

Aubrey glanced at Sage. A ball of swirling orange, red, and yellow hovered above her hands, brighter than the grin that followed.

See, I help. Sage released the next volley, which smashed into the beast’s side. Its eyes flashed darker as it reared.

Aubrey shifted her grip on the knife. Let it come. She hopped up on a piece of one of the broken tables to gain leverage.

The beast plunged down, its cry rising in her ears.

The air shimmered. Another scene, clean and bright, became visible in the circle that formed. A face appeared, curly black hair and brown eyes similar to her own but so different with that warmth.

The demon shifted and aimed for the more viable target.

Get down! Aubrey screamed and threw the knife.

Sage shot out a stream of fire, heating the space above Aubrey but missing the mark.

The blade didn’t miss. It embedded in the beast’s head, and the baleful eyes dulled as the beast fell.

Aubrey pushed her brother, Neil, down as she moved past. Stay out of the way.

The snout and fur were already crumbling as the demon hit the ground. Her knife clattered free, but the more human-shaped figure of the locust rose to its feet, towering above her. She’d fought hand-to-hand with one of them before and normally made it a point to kill them while they were still riding their beasts. The beasts were fast, but awkward. They did not possess the deadly grace of the creature that rode them.

Aubrey leapt for the locust, leading with a hook since her hands were empty. She forced her eyes to remain on his blazing ones, knowing a glance to her fallen weapon would telegraph what she wanted. The demon slid to the right, evading as his edged serpent tail swung for her.

Someone grabbed Aubrey from behind to pull her back. There was a strange double vision as she was pulled back. She was across the room, since Neil had used his ability to reach for her through a portal, but the demon was also directly in front of her because the portal hadn’t closed. The serpent tail was still coming, but Neil’s hands were in the path instead of her own.

Aubrey shrugged him off, raising an arm to take the blow. Or not take it, as her skin shimmered, her immunity blocking the strike. The force of the failed impact pushed her into Neil and tumbled them both to the ground. The portal closed, blocking the demon from taking further advantage.

Sage threw a fireball at the demon to add a distraction to the mix.

What were you trying to do? Aubrey scrambled to her feet.

Neil groaned as her hand shoved off his stomach. Protect you.

I don’t need protecting. Immune, remember? Unlike you. Aubrey scanned for the dropped weapon. Stay here.

But I could—

Stay! Aubrey sprinted forward. She tried to shake off her building temper. Emotion had no place in the fight. Her mother had taught her that. No anger, no love, just a steady stoicism. Aubrey had never been able to pull it off during their sparring sessions and had always lost.

Sage let loose with a fireball, but it slammed into Aubrey. She flew forward the last few meters to land at the demon’s feet.

Aubrey bit her cheek hard to hold in the snarl. Her hand reached for the knife as she turned her fall into a roll, if an inelegant one. She arced out with the blade, trying to slice into the demon, but it was too fast.

Nothing should have that speed, especially with slithering grace that was more creepy than beautiful. Its dark shape blurred at the edge of her vision, circling out of reach. Aubrey slashed again, but it was another miss. She whirled and watched it streak away from her as she gave chase.

Sage threw a stream of flame, forcing Aubrey to lurch to the side to avoid it.

Aim! Aubrey shouted at her as she picked up speed. The library was big but not that big, and there was only one target the demon was after. Her chest squeezed too tight, and she lost all breath. She wouldn’t reach him in time.

A portal opened, and she charged through, suddenly facing the demon head on. She forced the disorientation down and led with the knife. The locust’s eyes flickered with disdain as she connected, and the rest of his face started to crumble.

Aubrey turned to check on Neil. The last of the portal faded, and his cheeky grin appeared behind it.

See, I knew I would come in handy, he said.

It could have killed you. The words fell between them with no heat. Aubrey’s pulse pounded in her throat. The dark blood on the knife blade sizzled, the symbols beneath that she couldn’t read glowing through.

Ah, worried about me, sis? Neil slung an arm over her shoulders.

The term and the gesture made her eyes burn. It was hard to wrap her head around the fact that she had a half-brother. There were very few siblings in their generation because of the single-child ruling. Besides, Aubrey was used to being alone. Her mother’s last words as she left her to die rang in her ears. After being useless for so many years, I’m glad you had a purpose in the end.

Aubrey pulled away from his touch. You shouldn’t have come here.

You shouldn’t have ditched me, he countered, gesturing at the broken-down school. I could have portaled you both here quicker than that stupid shuttle you took.

He has a point. Sage pushed herself off the wall.

Don’t start. Aubrey bent to scrape blood off her weapon on the edge of what used to be a bookshelf. What was that back there, anyway? Too bored to try very hard?

Sage bit her lip, but then her mouth firmed. You can handle it. It’s not like my ability hurt you.

My immunity is not in question here. You’re more skilled than that. Learn to aim.

I was aiming! Sage crossed her arms, looking away. You were absorbing a lot of power. It was worth a shot.

Wait, you were trying to hit her? Neil laughed. I knew you didn’t like her, but can’t you find a better time to act on it than during a fight with one of those things? He gestured, but there wasn’t much to point at. Even the residue was flaking away.

That’s not why. Sage’s arms tightened as she frowned at the hole above the ceiling.

Aubrey sighed, remembering. The Abyss had taken up most of the sky, locusts pouring through. The dim sepia shadow of the other world was so different from their own, which had two suns blazing in the sky. The memory of Abaddon’s voice made her shiver. She’d been a tool, the key to the Abyss, with no control over the energy draining out of her and powering the portal to the demon realm. Darion, the mark of the Maker gleaming on his forehead, had thrown himself into the portal, saving them all.

You’re wasting your time. It doesn’t matter how much energy I absorb, the Abyss isn’t opening again. Aubrey looked away from the sky. We’re not bringing Darion back that way.

It’s been months! We’re not bringing him back at all. Sage slid down to her haunches, her arms wrapped around herself.

Hey, don’t say that. Neil crossed to her and squatted to nudge her shoulder. We’ll come up with something. And Darion is tough. If anyone can make it in that realm, it’s him.

Aubrey met Neil’s eyes, reading the pain there. Darion’s ability had drawn others to him like shadows drew cave spiders. But that was gone, and they still cared.

Aubrey remembered Darion’s last words to her, encouragement and a promise to protect her. And then he’d left. As her mother had left, and Tony, and Camren. It was what people did.

Aubrey crossed the library and reached down for the book she had discarded during the fight. It still wasn’t pristine but didn’t seem any worse for wear. Maybe this will have something in it.

More research. Sage rose to her feet. She brushed dirt off her jumpsuit and adjusted her red ponytail. Where’s a demon when you need one?

Aubrey’s lip quirked up as the girl caught her eye. Will you actually help fight this time?

Sage grinned and shrugged. I thought you needed the practice. It’d go down quicker if I jumped in.

All you two do anymore is spar and take down demons. Neil stood, navigating over debris. Seems like too much effort to me.

Everything is too much effort for you, Sage said, rolling her eyes. That’s why your ability is perfect. Portals are the ultimate laziness.

You’re just jealous. Ask me nicely, and I might have you home in time for dinner.

Their joint laughter was tempting. That camaraderie came easily to them. It felt safe and warm and was a lie.

Aubrey turned away. I’ll take the shuttle.

Sage said nothing.

Neil scrambled over a destroyed table and one of the chairs they had sat in together, before the world tried to end. Hey, don’t be like that. We’ve proven that my portals work on you. It’s the only thing not absorbed by your immunity. He grabbed her hand. Come with us.

Take a hint. I ditched you for a reason. Aubrey jerked free. I don’t want you around.

Look at me when you say that.

Aubrey couldn’t force herself to turn. She stalked out of the room, his hurt gaze piercing her the whole way.

Chapter 2

---

Darion ducked. He didn’t know why he bothered. It was a waste of energy to avoid the demons. If he let them connect, they would disintegrate, but there was something about letting them that rubbed him the wrong way, especially the umpteenth time. 

You’re getting quicker, Lilith mused from her perch on the balcony above. It was sepia-toned, like everything else in the damn realm. He’d trudged to the nearest city, hoping to change the number of demons following him. The buildings offered some cover, both for him and the demons.

The creature in front of him had long claws tinged a deep black from the blood of other demons. Darion rolled out of the way as it slashed at him. Sand coated the sweat along the side of his face. He swiped at it with an arm as he kept moving, his sleeve so grimy the addition wasn’t even noticeable.

This could all end, you know, Lilith said, her voice silky and smooth as she draped her arms over the railing. Once you’re in contract with me, the others will fade.

No deal, Darion ground out, dodging again. The edge of the claws nicked his shirt, reaching in to the skin beneath. Darion closed his eyes as the mark on his forehead flashed. There was no pain from the claws or the light, but Darion had learned the hard way that flakes of demon stung his eyes.

What a waste. Lilith rested her chin on top of her hands. The young ones never learn.

Young? Darion rubbed black dust off the edge of his lips. That thing was bigger than me.

Lilith’s smile slithered across her face. It’s not all about size, my pet.

Darion glared. I’m not your pet. I haven’t agreed to your terms.

She straightened on her perch. And it’s such a shame. Her hands curved as they drifted down her torso, accentuating the bare breasts that weren’t quite hidden under the cover of her dark, long hair. Her skirts swayed around her as she laughed, the gossamer material barely covering her flesh. It’s not as if you don’t like what you see. What’s the harm in a little fun?

Darion’s eyes slid away, and he shook his head. You’ve got the wrong guy.

Lilith hummed in her throat. I don’t think I do. She leapt over the metal railing, her body flipping in the air to land on her feet. The smile she maintained held a promise.

Darion shifted on the sand, granules sliding between his toes. He’d lost his shoes days before but being barefoot wasn’t new. His twin sister had loved the feel of sand beneath her feet, the coolness of rock. During their scavenging days, shoes had been the last thing on their minds. It had all been about food and water, the essentials on a planet that had very little to live off of. Amaranth provided the Ganesh Group the expensive minerals they desired but had never supported life. The Ganesh Group offered all that was needed as long as their rules were accepted, but for anyone outside of that society there was nothing. So, they stole to feed themselves.

Darion’s jaw firmed as he met Lilith’s gaze. He would make it back to Izzy.

The demon reached for him.

Darion flinched, avoiding her touch. I can’t give you what you want.

Lilith’s smile remained. You mean you won’t.

He didn’t bother answering; she never listened. A gust of wind blew sand over the wall edging the city. He lifted his hand to protect his eyes, moving forward to peer ahead. One building stood alone, surrounded by sand. Spires rose on either side, with cherubim statues perched on top. Above the door, chipped and broken, were the remains of a cross.

Lilith moved next to him and rested her hands on the wall. With my ability, I haven’t often been denied. You remember what it was like, yes?

Darion clenched his teeth against the flood of memories. The influence her possession gave him hadn’t always been something he could control. I remember.

I consider it a challenge, to convince you that you’re mine. Her hair shifted over her chest as she looked behind them. Shadows danced closer. It occurs to me that I’ve been wrong in my approach. What would life be without foreplay? Her eyes sparkled as she tilted her head toward the creatures emerging. We will fight them together.

Darion watched the mass advance. It was more than he could handle himself, though not more than the Maker could handle. I’m not agreeing to anything.

"I