Accepting the Abyss: The Abyss Trilogy, #3

By A.C. Ward

She stopped the angels and demons. But now the Devil appears with an offer she has to refuse.

 

Aubrey had never dreamed that she would feel such joy. She has a family, friends, and is falling in love. She's even mended her relationship with the rebels. Together they're changing the way abilities are viewed.

 

But then the Devil offers her a deal; to choose her own happiness over the life of an innocent. Lucifer is charming, compelling, but not to be trusted. Neither are many of those Aubrey has grown to care about.

 

Aubrey has more to lose than ever before. Will she find a path to save humanity, or do all choices lead to the end?

 

Accepting the Abyss is book 3 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: 9798201729776

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

Chapter 1

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Happiness didn’t belong in a sparring match, so Aubrey tried to stamp it out. Her mother had taught her that emotions caused mistakes. It was difficult to remember that when she was with Darion.

Their arms collided, almost wrapping together. Darion grinned at her. I saw that one coming.

Aubrey kept moving. After so many sessions, she’d gotten used to the cushioned mats that covered the school’s training floor instead of rock. She followed up with a leg sweep.

He hopped over it and danced away. You're not getting me with that again.

His blue eyes drew her, the color not found often on Amaranth. There was something about Darion that tugged at her. Someone else’s playful grin rose in her mind, and Aubrey stepped into Darion's punch to erase the image.

She miscalculated. Instead of a glancing blow, her cheek got the brunt of the impact. Dots floated in front of her eyes. Aubrey shook her head to clear them away. She had gotten what she deserved, allowing thoughts of Tony to distract her.

Darion's arms dropped to his sides. I didn't think that would connect. You okay?

Aubrey jabbed toward his stomach, and he jerked back. Don't let yourself get distracted.

His eyes narrowed, and they didn’t speak for the next few minutes. Each punch resulted in a block, each kick was brushed to the side. After so long sparring together, they knew each other's moves.

When Darion had asked to be trained to fight, Aubrey had welcomed a new partner. Sage was great to practice with, but it was important to switch things up. Nine months later, she'd sparred with both of them more than she ever had with her mother, even though they had spent the first fifteen years of her life together in the rebel camp. She had been lucky to rate some of her mother's attention, though at the end of their sessions together it hadn't felt like luck. There was no comparison to Myra Vale's abilities.

Aubrey paid for the distracting thought. Darion lunged forward and her back ended up flat on the table. His arm pressed into her chest, holding her down. 

Yield? he asked.

She remembered the helplessness of their first physical encounter. The library table had been lower than the one in the training room. Aubrey's feet skimmed the ground in her current position. Darion had been making a point back then, his eyes like ice as he warned her not to get in his way. They had been so different from the sparkle at getting the best of her now.

This is familiar. Though your hand was around my throat that time. Aubrey watched his smile fade as the memory overtook him.

Darion kept his arm against her chest, but the pressure eased. Aubrey pulled up her dangling legs and landed a solid kick. He staggered, and she slid off, taking advantage. Her next punch had the air whooshing out of him. 

Aubrey tackled him, landing on top of his chest. Her knees pinned his hands, and she pushed down hard on his shoulders. Sweat dripped down the side of her face. Her hair clung to it. Aubrey shook it back, still not comfortable with the ponytail that swished behind her. She leaned down, a smirk forming. So, how will you get out of this hold?

Darion didn't return her smile. His gaze slid away. I yield.

Oh, come on, that's too quick. She squeezed his shoulders. 

His eyes moved to hers. There was no ice there as he searched her face. Aubrey....

Her name on his lips made her realize how close their faces were. She straddled him, holding him down. Realization dawned as another scene rose in her mind. Her grip eased as she scrambled off. I'm sorry. 

Darion's hand settled on her arm. It's not that. His fingers shifted, brushing against her instead of gripping. You don't remind me of that.

Oh, Aubrey said. She still switched to sit beside him. 

And I'm the one who should apologize. I never did, after the library.

Aubrey shook his head. Don't worry about that. It seems like forever ago. Tony's face flooded her mind, the expression it held when he said goodbye. So much does.

Darion trailed his hand down until he circled her wrist. He tugged her to her feet. Another match. I promise not to get distracted.

That was hardest for me, too. Aubrey swung her wrists and flexed her ankles in a small bounce. Myra forced me to concentrate. She frowned at the mat. She taught me emotion doesn't belong in a fight. Frustration and anger lead to mistakes.

I don't think she was right. Darion tapped her chin. 

Aubrey jerked her head up. His smile was almost angelic, the one she often captured on paper. Or what she’d imagined angels were like from stories of Earth That Was, not the real demons of light they’d encountered. When he had seen her drawing, he'd torn it up, saying it didn't resemble him at all, so she kept later sketches of him in a drawer, for her eyes only.

I prefer your method, Darion was saying. You channel your protectiveness during a fight. It gives you an edge that's hard to top.

Aubrey shook her head. For all the time we spend together, you don't know me at all.

Darion raised his hands as he eased into his stance. You just don't understand yourself. He crooked his fingers to motion her forward. Come on. I'm going to focus on Izzy this round.

Aubrey laughed. Your sister keeps asking to join our sparring sessions.

No distractions. Darion eyed her feet. I'm not giving in to that.

We'll see. Aubrey led with a jab, and they engaged. He’d picked up on her habits. It was a challenge to come up with new ones. She admired his mind. No one absorbed information like Darion, except maybe his sister.

The door to the training room jerked open, and Aubrey pressed forward. Darion pulled out of reach, but his foot placement was awkward. Aubrey hit his chest with her palm and knocked him onto his back.

Oh, good. Sage tossed a towel over a nearby chair. My turn.

Darion sighed. She's tough to beat today.

Sage eyed the floor. I hate talking to a floating voice. I thought you were figuring out this whole invisibility thing.

It was hard for Aubrey to remember that not everyone could see Darion, not after the demon Glass gave him a new ability. She could see him all the time—another reason to be grateful to her immunity.

You're right. A wrinkle formed on his brow as his eyes squinted in concentration. Better?

Much. Sage cocked her head to the side. She worked you over.

Doesn't she always? Darion shoved himself to a sitting position and scooted against the wall. Not like you escape unscathed.

I'm going to beat her today. She grinned.

Aubrey shook her head. You say that every time.

Sage shrugged. My day is coming. She waved her hand at Darion. If I could see him the whole time, I'd learn more from watching your matches. All that fading in and out is horrible. Gives me a headache trying to keep up.

Staying visible takes concentration. I get a little distracted while sparring. Darion frowned at his hand, which became opaque before solidifying again.

I'll bet, Sage said with another smile and a singsong tone.

Darion's eyes snapped to her, and he scowled.

Aubrey didn't want to deal with the pending fight. You ready to do this?

Sage swung around, her teeth bared. Bring it on. Fire flared to life above her hand.

They stalked toward each other. Aubrey felt Darion's warm gaze settle on her. She ducked a fireball that came out of nowhere and shoved her awareness of him down. No distractions, she reminded herself as she rushed forward.

Chapter 2

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Darion should have been researching. The book lay open on his lap, images of demons staring at him, but the words weren’t compelling.

They used to be. Books had been the only constant in his life while his family had remained hidden. His father had shared them with him from an early age. A link, a memory. Every time he opened one, he missed his parents. It was no longer a sharp pain but instead a soft yearning.

His drew his focus, curled around Aubrey's ankle. Such a simple touch. It was something they did all the time, ever since Glass had given him his gift and curse. Visibility was easier when he touched her. He could do it on his own, but...

Aubrey shifted on the bed above him, and Darion's fingers tightened. Izzy lay next to her, also wanting her presence. It was the same but different for his sister. Aubrey's immunity kept the thoughts of others, the ones Izzy could read so easily, at bay. 

In the beginning, they had both urged him to sit on the bed. He'd resisted, made excuses, and eventually they had stopped, to Darion's relief. 

Aubrey slapped her book closed. I swear I've looked through this one a hundred times. There's nothing new.

Well, no. Izzy tilted the singed cover of her own book, fingering the frayed binding. All the writing is old.

You know what I mean. Aubrey sat up and scooted to the edge of the bed. 

Darion let his hand fall away, his shoulder brushing her leg instead. You can't get impatient.

It's been nine months. Aubrey twisted the ring on her finger as she stared at her hands. We're never going to rescue him.

And there it was. Darion bit his tongue. Tony. It was always about Tony.

At least you know he's safe. Izzy rested a hand on her shoulder and gave a soft squeeze.

Safe. Aubrey’s face twisted. With that demon.

That's what he told you, though, isn't it? Darion kept his tone neutral. The last time you went after him. When he wouldn't go with you.

He's being an idiot. Aubrey stood and began to pace.

Izzy opened her book again. Her fingers traced the etched picture there. Everything I've read says the same. An agreement with a demon cannot be broken if entered willingly. Not without the Maker. 

Right, Aubrey muttered. The Maker.

Darion heard his father’s voice in his mind, urging him to defend the Maker, but he wasn’t a hypocrite. He still believed in His existence, but not in His love. He tilted his head back as Izzy glanced at him. The timing was a twin thing. She bit her lip and looked away. His journey back in time had erased the former past from her mind. She didn’t know why he’d lost his faith, how she’d been taken by the angels but not in a good way. By fiery oblivion. The Maker had allowed that.

Aubrey tossed herself on the bed beside him. I don’t get it. If the Maker was so hell-bent on the end of days, why stop? For this long? She opened the book next to her hip, flipping pages. We have to be missing something.

Izzy rested her hand over Aubrey’s, stopping the motion. We’ll figure it out.

Aubrey didn’t answer. She focused on the page in front of her. It was one they’d looked at together before—Devatas, half-naked, cavorting with men.

Darion was glad he’d avoided that fate. He shivered when he pictured Lilith’s hands on him, or anyone’s. His gaze drifted to Aubrey’s hand, resting on the book. Well, almost anyone’s.

A void opening up just above the floor caught their attention. Aubrey’s half-brother Neil stepped into the room, the portal closing behind him. Hey, sis. Did you forget?

Oh, right. Aubrey scrambled off the bed. She brushed Darion’s shoulder as she passed.

Darion shoved his own book away. What’s up?

Neil didn’t look his way.

Myra asked me to meet with her, Aubrey said.

Darion stood. I’ll come with you.

Neil pinned him with his gaze. We’ve got this.

Aubrey glanced up at her brother with a frown.

It’s her mother. Darion didn’t think the reminder needed to be said.

Neil placed his hand on Aubrey’s shoulder. And I’ll get her out of there, if it comes to that.

I think it’ll be okay, Aubrey said. The edge of her lips tilted, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes. She’s been different since Tony was taken. Nothing’s happened in a long time. She stepped closer to Neil. We can handle it.

Darion’s chest tightened.

Besides, Izzy said, grabbing his hand. I’ve got a project for us. She raised an eyebrow at him.

Darion remembered, but he stared back at Aubrey. I don’t think—

She could have a lead on Tony. Hope filled Aubrey’s voice, and her smile became more natural. Let’s go.

Neil opened a portal with a pointed look at Darion. They walked through, and the portal closed.

Sure. The breath he pulled in only increased the ache beneath his ribs. Go without me.

Izzy winced as she rubbed her fingers over his clenched knuckles. It’s hard to be left behind, isn’t it?

He turned her hand in his. It doesn’t matter.

She tugged him forward. Come on, there’s something else we can do for Aubrey. She opened the door to her room, a deeper crease forming on her forehead as she led him out. I miss Aubrey when she’s gone. I wish she was our sister. Triplets!

Darion snorted. I don’t think so. He imagined the smooth skin of her ankle beneath his fingers. Another sister doesn’t sound like a good idea at all.

Izzy playfully punched his shoulder, and they headed toward the school together.

Chapter 3

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