Seraphim's Lament: Infernum: Seraphim's Lament

By Layla J. Omorose

FALL INTO RUIN...
SEDUCE YOUR DEMONS...

The Gates of Hell are Open

 

For as long as she can remember, Syrna Reynolds has been haunted by visions of horrifying demons. When she finds herself thrust into a nightmarish landscape she believed only existed in her dreams, she will learn some questions are better left unanswered and some doors left closed.

Betrayal Knows His Name

As the general of Seraphim's greatest army, Dominick has betrayed his Lord once before. Past transgressions have taught him the meaning of suffering. But, when he's offered a chance at redemption, he knows a second offense will cost him what remains of his life. Still, he's willing to gamble with his eternal damnation if it means protecting Syrna from the darkest of family secrets.

Sin is in the Blood

The ties that bind are strong, and none more so than blood. When the truth knocks at Syrna's door, will she risk it all for a chance at revenge or will she sacrifice the most important part of her to save those that she loves?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Layla J. Omorose
• Release date: Jan 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215286821

Book preview

COPYRIGHT

SERAPHIM’S LAMENT

INFERNUM

Copyright 2023

All Rights Reserved

Copyright © 2023 by Layla J. Omorose

Cover Design by Dark Imaginarium Art & Design

Proofreading by Tia Silverthorne Bach

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

MORE BOOKS BY LAYLA J. OMOROSE

Hound Series

Eternal Fire

Eternal Earth

Eternal Light

Faye Princess

DarKnight: Ancient Bloodlines

DarKnight: Dawn of the Red Sun

Fairytales

Seducing the Black Prince

To those who continue to support me…

Thank you.

- Layla

Table of Contents

Copyright

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Epilogue

Seraphim’s Lament:

Infernum

Chapter 1

Mondays were a bitch, and Syrna Reynolds hated them as much as she hated the soggy sandwiches the company’s cafeteria served on a daily basis. And it seemed that she disliked this particular Monday more than usual. It was only noon, and her overbearing boss had already gotten on her last nerve. The moment Syrna had walked into Zeeker & Colman’s Jewelry, the miserable shop she’d been working at for the last three years, Mitch Colman had been breathing down her neck. Constantly berating her, he barked orders at her to call this client and schedule this appointment. He made her want to crawl back into her bed.

Not like I’ll get any sleep, Syrna grumbled as she stared at the sloppy sandwich in front of her.

She was sleep deprived and could count on one hand how many hours of rest she’d gotten over the last several days. Barely enough sleep to keep her eyes open and damn sure not enough to deal with Mitch’s antics.

I should quit. The thought caused Syrna to crack a bitter smile as she poked at the food on her plate. Quit, and then what? It wasn’t like her work history was clean. Syrna grudgingly admitted that she’d been fired more times than she’d quit. Not to mention it had taken her more than a year to get her current position. She was barely holding on as it was, and her low bank accounts were proof of that.

A sudden yawn escaped Syrna as the weight of fatigue began to bear down on her. Rubbing her face to keep herself from falling face first into her plate, she mumbled, A weeks’ worth of sleep would be great.

If only she didn’t dream.

Another tired groan escaped Syrna, and she glanced at the clock on the wall over the double doors of the cafeteria exit.

12:15pm. Forty-five minutes. That was more than enough time for her to recharge. Pushing her unwanted food to the side, Syrna rested her head against the table.

Forty-five minutes. She repeated, releasing a relaxing breath as her eyes closed. It didn’t take long for the hustle and bustle of the workplace to fade, and she drifted into what she prayed was a restful slumber. Before her subconscious could fully submerge itself in peaceful solitude an all- too terrifyingly familiar voice echoed in her head.

Syrna. It called to her from the darkness. "Come to me. Embrace me."

Fear slithered its way through Syrna’s body, quickening her heart rate.

Come to me. The sinister entity repeated. "Be mine."

No! her mind screamed. No!

Syrna struggled to wake, yet her subconscious remained trapped within the darkness.

I will find you… you are mine. The presence drew closer, its malignant force growing stronger with each passing moment until it wrapped around Syrna and threatened to suffocate her. Cold seeped into her back, and she suddenly felt a clammy touch on her shoulder.

No! Syrna screamed. Her eyes snapped opened as she jerked away from the unwanted touch. Her sudden movements caused Syrna to lose her balance. With the grace of a floundering fish, she dropped to the ground. Pain radiated up her tailbone, and another suffering groan escaped her lips.

Fuck. The hard curse flew from Syrna’s mouth before she could stop it.

Oh my God. Ronda’s concerned voice drew Syrna’s attention to the pretty woman. She looked up at the receptionist and the only co-worker she would consider a friend. Syrna. She extended a slender manicured hand. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.

Taking the hand that was offered to her, Syrna allowed Ronda to help her to her feet. Thankful that they were the only two in the cafeteria, Syrna fixed her blouse and wiped off her pants. You scared me half to death. What are you doing here anyway? Doesn’t your break start at 2:00 p.m.? It’s only noon.

Syrna. Ronda’s bewildered expression had unease building inside Syrna. It’s 2:15pm.

Shock hit Syrna, and all she could manage was a gasped, What? Her gaze jumped to the clock above her, and sure enough the machine read a quarter past two. Shit.

Tate was throwing a fit because she had to cover for you, and Mitch, well… Ronda rolled her big blue eyes, and God love her, Syrna couldn’t help but crack a smile. "He’s been screaming for you to return to the counter while threatening to fire you.

Tell me something new, Syrna thought sourly.

So, to shut him up, I came to get you. Syrna watched with amusement as Ronda flipped her blonde hair. And I’m sure you’d rather see my gorgeous face than Tate or Mitch.

Chuckling Syrna responded, And you would be right about that.

They shared a brief laugh before another unwelcome presence made itself known.

Nice to see the two of you getting along so well and enjoying yourselves. Tate’s annoyed tone filled the cafeteria a moment before the unhappy woman appeared wearing a dark-gray suit that did little to compliment her oddly shaped figure. Unlike Ronda, who only looked prim, proper, and more than a little uptight but had a warm and welcoming personality, Tata Hardwood was just as unapproachable and snooty as she appeared. She was an average-looking woman who pulled her shoulder-length black hair into a too-tight ponytail that made her forehead seem bigger than it actually was.

Dark scrutinizing eyes jumped between Syrna and Ronda before finally fixing that hate-filled gaze on Syrna. Mitch is looking for the two of you.

"Of course he is, and you just had to come and get us, Ronda drawled drawing, Tate’s gaze. Ever the faithful lap dog." Ronda shouldered past Tate.

Syrna silently watched the exchange between the two women. Tate took a step away from Ronda, glaring at her back as she walked away.

Bitch, Tate muttered after Ronda.

Bad blood simmered like rising lava around them. For the life of her, Syrna couldn’t figure out what happened with the pair to cause such animosity. While there was a part of her that wanted to pry all the juicy details from Ronda, there was a saner part of Syrna that told her to mind her business and that was the side of herself she listened to. She had enough issues with Mitch that she didn’t need to insert herself into any store drama.

Takes one to know one, Ronda replied once again, tossing her unevenly cut hair again, and then she turned to Syrna. Let’s go, Syrna. The air stinks, and I’m sure Mitch is close to busting a blood vessel. After casting one last glare at Tate, Ronda turned and made her way through the cafeteria doors with the sound of her stilettos clicking against the tile floor, echoing through the air.

Syrna shook her head, thinking, she is something else. Amused over her friend’s antics she excused herself and headed towards the cafeteria doors. Just as she’d passed Tate, Syrna felt a strong grip on her forearm.

Pausing she turned and gave a pointed look at the hand holding on to her. Would you mind letting me go? Or do you have some other business with me?

Tate’s scowl returned as she responded. You should be careful who you call friend, or you’ll be poisoned by the snake beneath that pretty mask.

It was Syrna’s turn to screw her face up. She tried to free herself, but Tate’s grip held firm.

Beware of the serpent the hides in the shadows.

Serpent… The word bounced off the walls of Syrna’s mind.

I will find you. The malicious presence returned, sending a fearful tremor down Syrna’s spine, and she snatched free of Tate’s old.

Blinking several times, Tate started, Wha—

Don’t —Syrna’s fear quickly turned into rage and disgust as she spoke— ever touch me again. With that, Syrna turned on her heels and hurried out of the cafeteria, refusing to turn around to look at Tate. Her intuition told her that if she turned back, it wouldn’t be Tate that she saw, but one of the vile creatures from her nightmares watching her.

I’m losing my mind. Syrna quickly made her way through the back corridors of the store and through the double doors that put her into the employee locker room. She paused momentarily by their lockers and glanced into the dirty mirror hanging beside the metal cabinets. Her haggard appearance didn’t surprise her, but she admitted she looked much better before lunch. Dark circles rested too comfortably under her eyes. Although she normally wore her hair in a messy bun, it was a neat type of messy. Her hair sat on top of her head in a disheveled mess. Tired and dull brown eyes stared back at her, and her cheeks lacked their normal red flush.

A few more hours, Syrna told herself and then proceeded to manage her unruly hair and force some color back into her face. Once she was satisfied with her presentation, Syrna made her way back out to the floor.

Zeeker & Colman’s Jewelry was a large and overly expensive jewelry store. Had it not been for the fact that she worked there, Syrna would have never stepped into the place. Its red marbled floors were polished to perfection. Cleaned so well in fact that Syrna could see her reflection staring back at her. The walls were painted a deep black that brought out the glamorous hues of the floor. Expensive and original pieces of art hung around the store in various sizes as well as priceless statues, most of which came from Mr. Zeekerman’s personal collection. But the true beauty of the store were the three large brass display cases that called the center of the store home and the smaller cases that circled the store.

Walking back towards the center of the store, Syrna’s touched the cool glass encasing the luxurious jewelry. The display’s glass was clear, and the diamonds sparkled mesmerizingly against the cream-colored velvet. As Syrna stared at the precious gems, she couldn’t deny there was a piece of her that yearned to own one of the thousand-dollar items. It wasn’t that she was into expensive jewelry, in fact she thought spending such money on a rock was meaningless. Yet, if she were able to walk into the store and purchase what she wanted, it would mean that her days of scraping by were long past her and she could finally breathe.

Keep dreaming, Syrna mumbled as she walked behind the front counter. Her life wasn’t one of comforts and glamor, it never had been. Reality was that she lived in a small two-bedroom apartment with her best friend in a shitty neighborhood, surviving off the minimal hours of sleep thanks to her increasing nightmares.

Syrna! Mitch’s grating voice filled the air, and Syrna cringed, suddenly tired of hearing her name called.

Quickly grabbing one of the rings left for cleaning and the polishing cloth, Syrna pretended to be engrossed in her task. If she were lucky, Mitch would see that she was working and would leave her alone. Unfortunately, her life seldom played out the way she wanted, and Mitch made his way over to the counter. She peeked from under her lashes and almost groaned when she saw his fat face puffed up with rage.

Where the hell have you been? he screamed. Thankfully, the store was empty, except for the associates.

Still focusing more on the ruby ring in her hand than her angry boss, Syrna replied, I was taking a break.

For over an hour. Again, he hollered as if his loud tone would make her more receptive. It didn’t. All his outrageousness did was cause Syrna dislike for him to grow stronger.

I wasn’t feeling well. She lifted the ring in front of her, blocking out Mitch’s face as she examined the flawless stone.

God damn it, Syrna! He slammed a puggy hand down on the countertop, and Syrna jumped, surprised that he would risk damaging his precious products, especially when he droned on and on about how much every item in the store cost. I’m getting tired of your bullshit. He grabbed her tightly by the wrist, his anger getting the better of him. Look at me when I’m talking to you.

Let go of me. Syrna snatched her hand free and finally met his stare. Beady blue eyes stared at her. Touch me like that again, and I will report your sorry ass.

A sly smirk spread across his face, making him seem more like a grotesque monster than a person. And who are you going to tell? I own this place.

As much as Syrna hated to admit it, he was right. Of course, she could go to the police, but she doubted that would do anything. Not in the uppity area she worked at. The police office would take one look at her, note the dark hue of her skin compared to her wealthy boss, and dismiss her complaint without a second thought.

First you’re late for your shift, Mitch continued, and then you go on an extended lunch without my permission. His gaze narrowed. You’re walking on thin ice, Syrna. Keep it up and you’ll find yourself without a job.

Syrna remained silent but held Mitch’s stare, refusing to be intimidated despite the fact she knew she needed her job.

Am I understood?

Syrna nodded. The satisfaction she saw spread across Mitch’s face sparked her fury. A menacing and dark sensation washed over her, and Syrna had the sudden urge to viciously lash out at the shop owner. All she had to do was reach out, grab him by the back of his flabby neck, and bash his head against the glass. She imagined with stark clarity the way his blood would stain the pristine glass, tainting its surface a deep crimson. And then she’d introduce his face to the display several more times before watching the life drain from his repugnant features.

Come… to me… The dark voice was back in her head and so was its presence. Emerging from deep inside her, the voice attempted to coax her into making her fantasy a reality.

Syrna! Again, it was Mitch’s voice that pulled her back to reality. Did you hear me?

Blinking several times to push back the haze of her mind, Syrna replied, What?

Mitch let out a stale-smelling breath before responding, Mr. Tolson is here, and he’s requested your presence. He’s our best client, so make sure you tend to his needs.

Tired from her lack of sleep and drained from Mitch’s presence, Syrna whispered, Of course.

Good. I’ll leave you to it. With that, Mitch ended their conversation.

Numb, Syrna watched Mitch’s lumpy form make its way over to the side of the store were Tate stood glaring across the room.

Syrna let out a tired sigh— thinking, a few more hours —and then she took a deep breath as she prepared to take on another headache. She took her time putting the scattered jewelry pieces back in their cases.

Now! Mitch’s voice echoed from across the store.

Yeah, yeah, Syrna thought as she locked the display case and then headed towards the secluded section of the store reserved for their special customers. Despite the heat of Mitch’s glare on her back, Syrna kept her deliberately slow pace in spite.

When she finally sauntered her way into the back room used exclusively for VIP clientele, she found Nathaniel Tolson in front of the floor-length mirror admiring himself. For a brief moment she paused in the doorway, admiring the outline of the male form in front of her. Despite the fact that he was a full head shorter than her, he had broad shoulders and a strong back that tapered to a narrowed waist and a nice ass. As per usual, his navy suit was tailored to his body and made him appear taller than he actual was.

Like the view? His voice was the kind of smooth British voice that seduced anyone who heard it. He raised his gaze over the gold rim of his glasses to meet Syrna’s eyes through the mirror.

It’s alright, Syrna replied as she moved away from the doorway. The heavy black drapes fell behind her, secluding them from the rest of the store. Although it looks like you’re enjoying the view more than me.

He smiled then, saying, I enjoy looking at you.

Heat rushed to Syrna’s cheeks, and she looked away from him needing to focus on something other than the temptation before her. It had been a long time since she’d felt the strong hands of a man against her skin, not to mention she was nearing her cycle. Heat was building inside Syrna, burning hotter than normal, and it was making a man she wasn’t attracted to more appealing than he should be.

Get it together, she told herself.

Look at you, He turned around, and she looked back at him, her composure regained. Blushing so easily. Now, if only I could get you to smile as easily.

Ignoring his flirtation, Syrna approached Tolson and gave a pointed stare to the platinum wedding band on his ring finger. Your wife’s smile is the only one that should concern you. He might have been wrapped in a neat package, but there was no denying the type of man he truly was— a liar and a cheater who had more than his fair share of women at his beck and call.

Syrna had no intention of becoming part of his harem.

Oh, he raised an arched eyebrow. But right now, I’d rather see yours.

Syrna tried not to breathe in his scent as he casually walked towards her. Nathaniel’s looks were a little above average, but his true draw lay in the way he carried himself. From head to toe, he was perfectly groomed; his black hair was cut short and wavy, and his beard was always cleaned and trimmed. His strides were strong and confident, those of a man who always got what he wanted. Each time Tolson spoke, he held Syrna’s gaze. Every time his eyes focused on her, it felt like he could see into her soul.

You don’t look too well. He reached to touch her cheek.

Syrna instantly stepped away.

Is that how you feel? You don’t want me to touch you?

Offering the most polite and professional smile she could, Syrna reminded him that physical contact outside of what was necessary for work was not allowed. "Even as a VIP client, that rule applies to you, Mr. Tolson. Harmless flirting and flattery is one thing, but unwanted touching is not allowed. Also, I’m sure the last thing you want is for another scandal concerning you in the media. Especially with a frumpy jewelry clerk like me. Right?"

His hand fell to the side as he seemed to contemplate her words. After several long minutes of silence, he nodded and said, That is true, but— his expression turned serious— I can’t ignore the fact that something is bothering you.

She wished he would ignore it.

Syrna. His voice softened, and his accent became thicker, turning harmless words into a sensual caress to her hearing. You can talk to me, Syrna.

Such nice words, she thought, eyeing him suspiciously. How about you talk to me and tell me what I can help you with today? She smiled then, feeling more drained than she did when she first walked in the room. Buying something for the missus? Or another lucky young lady?

Nathaniel eyed her once more before he shook his head and gave a light chuckle. What if I say it’s both? Would you scorn me?

Walking up to him, Syrna closed the small distance between them and reached for his tie.

Doesn’t this count as physical contact? he asked her.

I’m only helping you keep your appearance. Fixing the article of clothing, she looked down at him nonchalantly. As for your earlier question. What you do in your personal life has nothing to do with me. After straightening his tie, she stepped back and offered her most professional smile. What would you like to see first?

Seemingly unfazed by her constant rejection, Nathaniel adjusted his sleeves. My wife said she wanted some new diamond earrings, so you can bring me the best out of your selection. And then, I’d like to see your women’s tennis bracelets.

Not a problem Mr. Tolson. She bowed, excusing herself as she did so. I’ll be back momentarily.

Turning from her, he said, I’ll be here.

I know, Syrna thought bitterly as she made her way back out to the main room. No sooner had she emerged than the store manager, Leonard Timpleton, called out to her. Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she turned her attention to the man approaching her.

Another handsome man that was too full of himself, Leonard was tall with a tawny complexion and green eyes that made him seem more attractive than he actually was. Because of women constantly complimenting his looks, he had one of the worst personalities Syrna had ever encountered aside from Mitch. He was arrogant, and a little too ignorant for Syrna to be around him for more than five minutes, so she tried her best to avoid him in the office. Unfortunately, he had a knack for catching her off guard.

Yes, Leonard, how can I help you? Syrna didn’t bother hiding her displeasure as she spoke to him. Yet she was mindful not to piss him off too much in fear of losing her job.

Is that Mr. Tolson in the VIP room? He stood in front of her, peering over her shoulder to look at the velvet curtain to the room.

Yes. Syrna prayed for the patience to deal with Leonard and his asinine questions. It was obvious by the way he’d rushed over to her that he already knew the answer. Do you need him for something?

Timpleton fell silent, and Syrna let out a tired breath. Her energy was waning. Fatigue had latched onto her and was attempting to pull her down into its dark depths. Rubbing the bridge of her nose to try and drive off her incoming headache, Syrna repeated, Is there something you need from Mr. Tolson? If so, I can pass a message along for you.

As if she’d offended him with her offer, Leonard puffed up his chest and narrowed his gaze at her. If I wanted to talk to him, I wouldn’t need your help. Don’t forget…

Syrna groaned as the rest of his words faded. Look, she said not caring if she interrupted him or not, I’m not in the mood. She started past him. I have a client to attend to. Don’t you have someone else to bother?

You know… he called after her.  Syrna didn’t bother to turn around, already knowing what he was about to say. The only reason he requests you is because he is trying to get into your pants.

Asshole. Syrna continued to ignore Leonard’s jab at her and made her way over to the shop’s selections of earrings. She opened the display, picked out a pair of 18-karat white-gold diamond teardrop earrings, 14-karat yellow-gold ruby-drop earrings, and lastly a pair of blinding platinum chandelier earring with flawless cut diamonds and a price tag that made Syrna’s heart stop. Next, she moved across the room to the tennis bracelets, where the interlocked rows of various colored gold held perfectly formed white diamonds. Just as she had with the earrings, Syrna picked out several outstanding, lavish pieces of jewelry.

Staring at the sparkling diamonds there was a part of Syrna that was jealous of the women in Tolson’s life. The man may have crawled out of a gutter, but he lavished affection on those close to him.

He’s a real piece of work, Syrna whispered to herself as she arranged the pieces on the wooden tray and prepared them for presentation. Happy with their arrangement, she made her way back to the VIP room where Tolson awaited her. Much to her delight, she didn’t run into any more of her co-workers. Giving a silent prayer of thanks, Syrna pushed the weighty curtain aside and entered the room, where she found Tolson sitting on the black leather sofa, his attention glued to his phone.

Without looking up from the electric device, he asked, What took you so long?

The manager wanted to speak with me. She sat down beside him.

Oh, Timpleton, huh? he said as he finished his text and stuck his phone back into his pocket. When he turned to her, Syrna swore she caught a hint of anger reflected in his gaze. Is your boyfriend jealous?

Syrna scoffed, her professionalism slipping at the absurd idea. Please. He’s more interested in you than he is me. But that’s neither here nor there. She held out the tray full of priceless items. I picked the earrings out based off what I know about Mrs. Tolson. She paused, feeling the intense heat of his stare as she showed him the earrings.

His infatuation was unnerving. His desire for her called to something dark that had been growing inside her over the last few months. Strange and unwanted feelings were stirring at the core of her being, and she didn’t like it.

And here are the bracelets for… Her voice trailed off as she met his gaze. Nathaniel’s face was dangerously close to hers, and she had half the mind to steal a kiss.

A kiss? What the hell am I thinking!

Had she completely lost her mind? Mr. Tolson was married man with a mistress. A deplorable human being with tabloid scandals that would put many to shame, who Syrna had been rejecting since she first met him over a year ago. Her attraction to him should be waning, not growing.

I must need to get laid or something. That was the only explanation she could think of for her out-of-whack hormones and Tolson’s appeal.

So… The warmth of his breath caressed her cheek. Which of these bracelets do you suggest?

He touched her hand. It was a light caress with the tips of his fingers against her knuckles. Still, it sent a heated jolt of desire through her. Pushing the unwanted and unexpected feelings to the side, Syrna picked up one of the tennis bracelets. It was a heavy piece of jewelry and one of her favorites within the store. With a price tag that made a mockery of her yearly salary.

This one is my favorite. It’s our custom princess-cut platinum bracelet set with eleven-carat diamonds.

It’s a beauty. He took her hand, slipping the bracelet from her as he did so. Let’s see how it looks on a person’s wrist.

Syrna started to snatch her hand away but stopped, remembering that she had over two hundred thousand dollars’ worth of jewelry in her lap. The last thing she needed, or could afford, was to damage or lose an earring or bracelet. Calming her nerves, Syrna sat in tense silence as Tolson put the bracelet on her wrist. As he pulled back, he once again gently brushed the tips of his fingers against her skin.

She shivered.

Just as I expected. Nathaniel’s voice was low and dangerous to Syrna’s tired mental state. It’s an exquisite piece of jewelry. He inched closer to her until their shoulders and knees touched. For an equally beautiful woman.

Mr. Tolson, I’ve… Syrna swayed, suddenly lightheaded. Her vision darkened, and a cold numbness began to seep into her body.

Syrna!

She was vaguely aware of Nathaniel’s panicked shout.

All she knew was the hard pounding of her heart and a voice in the back of her mind warning her to stay away from the darkness. But it was too late. She’d already succumbed to the void and was drowning in its darkness.

Chapter 2

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed in his ears drawing him from a pain-induced slumber. Rousing, Dominick, former Grand General of Gula’s largest demonic regiment, listened to the light steps making their way towards his cell. He groaned as his mangled limbs came to life.

There wasn’t a part of his body that didn’t scream in agony. Back when he’d rained down the judgement of his dark prince, he’d enjoyed the suffering, the pain earned from hard-fought battles. Often he found pleasure in not only his torment, but his prisoners’ as well. Those were the golden days before his fall from favor. And then his pleasure from torture turned into a vicious turmoil inflicted upon him from a Dungeon Master of the lowest caliber.

He had but one person to blame for his current situation, and the being was currently standing before his cell bars dressed in a hooded black cloak.

Angel, Dominick croaked out, his throat still sore from the knotting of newly healed skin. To what do I owe this unwelcomed visit? Haven’t you caused me enough suffering?

And more was still to come. For the rest of his days, because of his betrayal of his Lord, Dominick would be tormented, his body mangled, skin ripped from flesh and bone broken for all of eternity or until his lord and master had deemed his punishment enough. Understanding the monster that his master was, Dominick knew without a shadow of a doubt that he would never have freedom. Even if his physical form deteriorated in his cage, his soul would be torn apart until his very existence was erased.

I have caused you nothing, demon. The voice that spoke to him was calm, almost soothing, and it fanned the flames of Dominick’s deep-rooted anger. The choice you made that night, your actions, were of your own accord, and you knew the consequences. And yet you still choose to lie to your master. Do not blame me for your folly, creature. The blame is all on you.

The angel spoke the truth. Dominick knew that; still, that didn’t mean he was solely to blame. For more than a decade, he’d replayed that night’s events in his mind. For each lashing he received he recalled the dark eyes of the young girl he let slip from his grasp. The fear he’d seen in her eyes haunted him more with each passing day.

Why had he cared for her tears? Why had he hesitated in taking her? Not only letting her go but sealing her powers and hiding her in the human world as well. After all the time that had passed, the pain he endured, he still couldn’t answer the questions that plagued him.

How could I betray the Lord of Flies?

Dominick turned his attention back to the fallen angel outside his cell. Anger flared inside him as he told her, You were a fool for running off. He growled, the sound bouncing off the stone dungeon walls. Did you really think you could escape? With his seed in your bell? You were lucky he didn’t find you sooner and tear the child from your womb. Another wave of fury rose inside Dominick. The only reason you were given reprieve was because war distracted him.

Although he couldn’t see her face from under the hood, Dominick sensed he’d hit a nerve, and that knowledge offered him a momentary burst of satisfaction.

After a moment of tense silence passed between, them the creature let out a tired sigh before responding, That may be so. Black clawed hands appeared from under the cloak and pulled down the hood to reveal the face of the fallen angel that had managed to steal his Lord’s vile heart and strip Dominick of his position in one swell swoop.

A mane of shimmering white hair, a stark contrast to the rich flawless black of her skin, tumbled over her shoulders. Red eyes watched him with unwavering resolve. The longer she remained in his presence, the more her sinister beauty became hard to ignore and he saw the glow of the former angel she used to be. The lines of her face were cut at a defining angle that tapered into a strong jawline. Her eyebrows were as perfectly white as her hair and arched elegantly over her forehead. A twin pair of curved devil horns grew from her head and were coated gold. In fact, intricate gold markings covered her entire body. Except for her face, hands, and feet. The only reason Dominick knew this was because the sight of her morphing into her demonic form had been branded into his memory. When he’d returned with the angel and no seedling, his lord and master had made it a point to make the entire Eastern providence of Hell watch as he humiliated and tormented the former angel before imprisoning her in an impenetrable tower. And then it had been Dominick’s turn to be made an example of.

You are responsible for your actions, she continued, drawing Dominick from his darkening thoughts.

A bitter and feral sound escaped him, Why are you here, Evangeline? How did you get past the Dungeon Master?

She stepped closer to the cage bars. "You know why I am here, General. She paused. The time has come, and the seal has begun to break. Soon the hounds of hell will come for my daughter. I can already feel her power awakening. I hear the dark voices whispering for her to come and join them. The Lord of Files has condemned me to the tower—"

And yet you managed to make it here. Dominick interrupted her.

Red eyes narrowed on him, and when he spoke, she sounded more like the demon she’d become. Do you think I would have wasted my time and energy coming to you if I had the ability to escape from the tower and leave this cursed place for more than a few passing moments? Sadness flashed across her face but as soon as it came it was gone. Eve whispered, My wings are clipped. I cannot save her alone.

Upon hearing her words, slow snaking dread made its way through Dominick. So? he responded. "Your wings are of no concern to me. I’ve paid my debt to you and am in chains for it.