Page 62 of Indecent

Chaol hummed. “I think that’s something you’ll have to decide for yourself. I didn’t know Daniel for very long before he transformed. I don’t think he cares any less about you or me or the people here, but I do think there’s a darkness in him that wasn’t there before—or maybe it was there and the transformation just amplified it.”

To his surprise, Nicolas’s mouth quirked on one side. “Darkness isn’t so bad.”

Chaol smiled, relieved, for Daniel’s sake, that his brother didn’t balk at the notion. “No, it’s not.”

He should have expected as much from the man who loved a sin eater.

When they returned inside, Menadel was standing in the middle of the room with her hands raised before her, haloed in a hazy, white-gold light. It seared Chaol’s eyes, and he turned away, realizing as he did that all the other demons were doing the same. The refugees from the guild were crowded around her, staring in awe. A few of them were on their knees, tears streaming down their faces. Chaol didn’t understand it. The only thing that made him want to get on his knees was Daniel.

After a few moments, Menadel lowered her hands, and the light faded. She turned to face them with a soft, patient smile. “It is done. This building is warded against intrusion by any of my brethren, including Ramiel.”

Across the room, Talon folded his arms. “Thanks. Why exactly are you helping us? We’re demons. Surely you don’t care whether we live or die.”

“Even if that were the case, you have humans amongst you who deserve my protection.” She gestured to Alex beside him.

“If that were the case,” Daniel pointed out. “But it’s not?” His fingers brushed Chaol’s arm. Chaol wasn’t sure he realized he was doing it.

“No. I am here to help because you are all deserving.”

“Begging your pardon, your holiness—or whatever—but I find that hard to believe,” Shadrach drawled, striding to the snack bar and reaching for a bottle of liquor.

Menadel approached slowly, laying a gentle hand on each human as she passed them. She stopped beside the snack bar, glancing around at each of them in turn. “Contrary to what much of your modern media suggests, angels and demons are not natural enemies. We both have our place in the fabric of the afterlife. The dark souls must go somewhere, just as the bright ones do. You are no more monstrous than I am. You were just born of a different place.”

“But the demons who come to Earth and kill people…” Alex began, looking conflicted, and Talon reached for him, brushing his fingers down his arm almost exactly the way Daniel had done to Chaol. Like he needed the contact.

Menadel nodded sagely. “They’re animals. They break the rules. That is why groups like yours exist.”

“Why can’t you help?” Alex asked. “Why do good people have to die? Why did my—my family have to die?”

“Yeah,” Malachi added, standing with Luke by the air hockey table. He gestured to Luke, and his red eyes flashed with quiet fury. “These humans are down here busting their asses to protect people while you do nothing. If demons are naturally weaker than angels, then you could be making their jobs a hell of a lot easier. Instead, they give their lives to the cause while you assholes sit up there on clouds and do nothing?”

She softened. “We aren’t supposed to interfere. It’s been our greatest and most sacrosanct law. Angels have no control over what happens in Hell or what its inhabitants do. The leaders of Hell don’t mind if demons come to the surface. Many of you come with no intention of killing anyone, but as you know, not all are so benevolent. They should be Hell’s responsibility.” Her golden eyes met Talon’s, then bounced from demon to demon. “Which you are in the process of correcting.”

“Holy shit,” Luke murmured.

“So this really is what’s supposed to happen,” Talon said. “We were supposed to form this group and help our humans with their demon problem.”

She smiled. “Yes. And together, you will be far more efficient than humans alone could be. They will be safer and more secure with you by their sides.”

Malachi suddenly barked out a laugh. “They already complain about not seeing any action when we patrol with them.”

Menadel inclined her head, looking amused. “That’s the way it should be.”

Talon hummed thoughtfully. “Demons policing demons. I guess it has merit.”

“We just have to deal with an angel and the rest of the guild first,” Nicolas said. “How do we do that? How do we stop Ramiel?”

Menadel sighed. Regret passed across her face. “Only one can kill him. When an angel is created, the prophecy of their death is created along with them. We cannot be killed by any other method than the one foretold.”

“And what’s the prophecy?” Talon asked, glancing at Ira, who shrugged.

“Each prophecy is closely guarded. I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to divulge it.”

Talon rolled his eyes so hard his head moved. For one begrudging moment, Chaol agreed with him. The angel wasn’t being particularly forthcoming. Was warding the Rink her only real contribution to the cause?

“Then what do we do?” Daniel asked. “Just twiddle our thumbs and wait until the prophecy is fulfilled? This guy is actively coming after us.”

“That is why I am here,” Menadel said, straightening her shoulders. “I will do what I can to help you fight him.”