Devil's Return Read online

The angel turned from the railing overlooking the city below. He saw Zadkiel, his loyal confidant, standing behind him. Pyriel reached for the champagne glass resting on the railing and took a sip.

  “And who’s come to beg my indulgence now?” he asked with a groan.

  Zadkiel stepped closer. “I think this is someone you definitely want to meet with. Though I suggest doing so in private. His appearance here has already startled many of the guests. If we don’t see what he wants and soon, I’m afraid whispers will start to spread.”

  Pyriel finished the last of the champagne and tossed the empty glass over the railing. It shattered into dust the second it hit the dimensional barrier between Eden and the skies over Chicago.

  “Very well, send him up.”

  Pyriel unfurled his wings and they carried him from the main balcony up to his own private office. A balcony with no railing welcomed him and Pyriel’s feet gently touched down. He took a deep breath and walked over to the unmanned bar to pour himself another glass of champagne. Two large chairs sat on the balcony and Pyriel stood by one of them, watching the stairwell and waiting for Zadkiel to arrive.

  A moment later he did. And behind him was a man that Pyriel had never expected would dare enter Eden. The man was dressed in a white suit and had short, black hair and a beard resting against his brown skin. His eyes held a yellow glow and Pyriel narrowed his own blue ones.

  “I think we should have a talk with security, Zadkiel,” said Pyriel. “Clearly we have a cockroach infestation.”

  The yellow-eyed guest chuckled. It seemed he was expecting just such a reception. “Pleasure to meet you as well, Pyriel. I’m—”

  “I know who you are, Iblis,” said Pyriel. “The better question is just how stupid do you have to be to think I’d welcome you into my domain?”

  “Not very sporting of you.” Iblis moved from Zadkiel’s side and over to the bar.

  “I don’t remember offering you a drink.”

  “No, and that’s my point. You’re far from the most gracious of hosts.” Iblis procured a bottle of bourbon from the bar and poured it into a cocktail glass. He added sweet vermouth and bitters, then stirred it. “Unfortunately you don’t seem to have my usual, but I’ll make do.”

  “Why are you here, demon?” asked Pyriel.

  Iblis took a sip of his Manhattan and walked over to Pyriel. “I’m the bearer of good news, my feathered friend. There’s a certain half-breed who’s been a problem of yours for some time, correct?”

  Pyriel took a sip of his champagne. Iblis knew more than he should and that made the angel suspicious. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Luther Cross,” said Iblis. “Son of Abraxas, Lord of Hell, all-around pain-in-the-ass. Any of this ringing any bells?”

  Pyriel gave a chuckle. “I don’t know why you think anything involving Luther Cross would pose the slightest concern to me. Raziel had a relationship with him, but I prefer to associate with a better class of people.”

  “I’m sure you do. But I do know a few things. Or rather, I’ve pieced together a few things,” said Iblis. “For instance, I know that Cross and Asmodeus went to Purgatory with the intent of finding the soul of Joseph Luxton for Raziel. I know Cross came back, but Asmodeus was left behind. And I know that shortly after Cross returned, Raziel disappeared. With Luxton’s soul.”

  Pyriel rolled his eyes. “I’m having a hard time determining just how this involves me. Would you mind getting to the point sometime in the next century?”

  “My point is Luxton knew something valuable. He worked for the angel who impregnated Dakota Reed and could identify him. Raziel wanted this information for himself and he was working with not only Asmodeus, but also two others.”

  Iblis smiled and paused for effect as he sipped his drink. He pointed at Pyriel and then Zadkiel.

  “There was a meeting before the Purgatory incident,” Iblis continued. “Cross didn’t know about this. The only ones who did know were the ones in attendance. That included Asmodeus. And he, in turn, told me.”

  Pyriel looked past Iblis and saw Zadkiel’s features already beginning to contort into rage. He could see the soulfire starting to spark around his partner’s outstretched hands. But Pyriel’s eyes gave a quick flash, a signal for Zadkiel to calm himself. Iblis may not have been a Hell Lord or an archdemon, but he was very intelligent and very conniving. If he knew something, killing him would only make things worse. No doubt he would have made arrangements to have the information released upon his death.

  “Continue,” said Pyriel.

  “Obviously Asmodeus couldn’t have been responsible for Raziel’s disappearance. And it stands to reason Raziel would come to his remaining confederates once he got Luxton’s soul,” said Iblis. “I wonder, did Raziel learn you were behind this before you captured him? Or was that when he figured it out?”

  Pyriel finished his champagne and went to the bar to pour himself a fresh glass. “Zadkiel, would you mind excusing us for a few minutes?”

  Zadkiel looked surprised at the request. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Iblis and I need to have a little chat, and I think your presence is making him slightly uncomfortable.”

  “Are you certain?”

  Pyriel nodded and waved Zadkiel off. The angel paused, almost as if he wasn’t sure if he should obey. But finally, he went down the steps and back to the club. Once Zadkiel was gone, Pyriel gestured to the chairs and sat in one himself. Iblis came and sat in the empty chair, his body sinking into the soft, white leather.

  “Not bad. I think I’ll get some of these for Lust once I take it over again.”

  “I know your reputation, Iblis. You wouldn’t have chosen such a direct route unless you had a contingency plan.”

  “That’s absolutely correct,” said Iblis. “I’ve written down what I know and sent it to several of my associates all across the world. They’ve been instructed to release it to interested parties if I don’t check in at regular intervals.”

  “Seems a bit pedestrian for someone like you.”

  “Maybe, but it works.”

  “What do you want and what do you have to offer?”

  “Before we get to that, maybe we should recap,” said Iblis. “Dakota Reed’s child is just the start. Your plan is to build a nephilim army in order to trigger a new war. And these nephilim will be your nukes. The last stroke of vengeance against the Fallen for daring to rebel.”

  “You’re quite perceptive.”

  “And then what?”

  Pyriel raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

  “What happens after this second war?” asked Iblis. “Say you win. Say you eliminate Lucifer, the Fallen, and every last soul in Hell. What then? Do you really want to share Heaven with…humanity?”

  Iblis’ face contorted in disgust and he stuck out his tongue after he spoke that last word.

  “It’s not exactly something I’m looking forward to,” said Pyriel.

  “Exactly, why would you?” asked Iblis. “So you’ll need somewhere to keep those souls. And I don’t just mean the corrupted ones, I mean all of them. You still need a Hell, Pyriel. And you still need someone in charge of it.”

  Pyriel smiled and rubbed his chin. “An interesting proposition. And you think you can be the new Satan?”

  “Who better to rule over the souls of humanity than someone who was once human himself?” asked Iblis.

  Pyriel hadn’t expected Iblis to be so brash. The demon had some brass ones on him. And Pyriel could use Iblis’ ambition and his complete lack of loyalty to his advantage.

  “How about this,” said Pyriel. “If your information proves valuable, I’ll agree to your terms.”

  Iblis smiled. “I thought you’d see it my way.”

  “So, tell me what you’ve learned,” said Pyriel.

  “Asmodeus is gone. Luther somehow got his hands on a Cocytus blade and stabbed him with it. So at least you won’t have to worry about him any more,” said Iblis. “And as for Luthe
r himself, before Asmodeus was transported to his new home, he delivered a killing blow.”

  The glass slipped from Pyriel’s grasp and shattered on the white floor. “Cross is dead?”

  Iblis nodded and took another sip. “That’s right, my friend. That means Dakota Reed’s only protection is an old bookworm and a human woman who’s good with guns. Hardly the kind of thing that would pose much of a threat to you.”

  “There’s still the issue of locating her,” said Pyriel. “I’ve been scouring the planet for her but with no luck.”

  “I saw the whole thing. She was there when Asmodeus and Cross had their final battle. An island in the Philippines.”

  With a location, Pyriel would be able to narrow his focus, direct his operatives to finding Dakota and her child. Iblis gave him exactly what he needed to locate his wayward son.

  “So what do you think?” asked Iblis. “Did I live up to my end of the bargain?”

  Pyriel chuckled. “I’d say so.” He rose from his chair and held out his hand. “Thank you, Iblis. This has been a very productive meeting.”

  Iblis rose and shook the angel’s hand. “So what happens now?”

  “Now I’ll find Dakota through my own means. And after that, I’ll be in touch.”

  Iblis nodded and took his leave. Pyriel looked down at the shattered glass and spilled champagne. With a snap of his fingers, it was like the event had never happened. As he poured himself a fresh glass, Zadkiel came up the steps.

  “Well?” he asked.

  “Seems not all demons are completely useless. Iblis just provided us with the last-known location of Dakota Reed,” said Pyriel. “A country that’s ninety percent Christian. Raziel was an idiot to keep her there.”

  “Or smart. Hiding in plain sight with plenty of operatives he himself could manipulate,” said Zadkiel.

  “True, but he’s not around anymore. And what’s more, Cross is dead.”

  “Interesting…”

  “Dakota Reed is without significant protection in a country where almost every single person can be our eyes and ears,” said Pyriel. “I’m starting to like our odds more and more, brother.”

  “What did he want in return?” asked Zadkiel.

  “To rule over what remains of Hell once we finish our task.”

  Zadkiel laughed. “So he doesn’t know?”

  “Of course not. But he’ll learn eventually. And when he does, we’ll let him live just long enough to realize what a tragic mistake he’s made.” Pyriel poured a second glass of champagne. “Who says demons are the only ones capable of deception?”

  He took both glasses over to Zadkiel and handed one to him. The angels toasted and then shared a laugh.

  5

  Dakota stood on the deck of the ferry, leaning against the railing and looking out over the ocean. I was by her side, wondering if she had any idea a ghost was standing next to her. Seemed like she felt my presence just once. But since then, she gave no indication she knew I was there.

  I hated this. Trapped between worlds, unable to do anything to affect my situation. I felt about as useful as an asshole on an elbow. I only hoped this babaylan Shelly knew about could help them. They were running on borrowed time right now.

  “Wish you could hear me, kid,” I told her. “Whatever happens, I’ll be right here with you. I’ll do what I can to help—assuming I’m even able to do anything, that is. But I can promise you that I’ll try.”

  Both Alistair and Charon had warned me about these wraiths. Never heard about them in the past, but maybe that’s because the research I’d done had only focused on the things I was dealing with at that time. Wraiths seemed to only be a problem for ghosts, and the amount of research I’d done on the veil was pretty sparse.

  So where were they? The way I’d heard them described made it sound like they were the veil’s immune system. Here I was, an invading organism, but they hadn’t shown themselves yet. Maybe they overstated the threat or maybe I was just lucky. I didn’t expect that luck to last too long, though. If they were out there, they’d come for me eventually.

  The other thing that had me thinking was what Alistair said. That he and Tessa would try to bring me back. I had no idea how they’d accomplish that particular miracle. Every single resurrection spell I’d ever heard about was just necromancy under a different word. A true resurrection, nothing like that had ever been performed. At least not that I knew of.

  “What’ve you gotten yourself into, old man…” I muttered to myself.

  I looked at Dakota, the wind blowing through her blond hair. Her expression was determined. She didn’t seem to let much get to her these days. A far cry from the scared girl I found on my couch last year. That was a good thing. Malcolm would need someone strong looking out for him if he was going to get through this. That kid had a hard life in his future, especially if his father ever found him.

  Speak of the devil, just as I finished my thought, I saw Shelly approach Dakota, holding the baby in her arms. Dakota looked at the two of them and smiled. She made cooing sounds at Malcolm, who smiled back at her and she took him from Shelly.

  “He just woke up, thought he would like to see his mom,” said Shelly.

  “Thanks.” Dakota held the baby in front of her and made noises at him. He giggled in response and reached his arms for her. She held him close to her chest and rested a hand on the back of his head. “How’s Charles?”

  “He’s okay. The painkillers are helping,” said Shelly. “I didn’t want to say anything in front of him, but there’s something you should know.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Basilan isn’t exactly one of the safest areas of the country,” said Shelly. “A terrorist organization is based there.”

  “How bad is it?”

  “Not that bad. They’ve made a few attacks, captured some people, but most of the serious incidents tend to be isolated. Still, they operate outside the cities in the more remote areas. The problem is—”

  “We’ll have to travel through those areas to reach the babaylan,” said Dakota.

  Shelly nodded. “That’s right. So, I think once we arrive as Isabela City, we should get a hotel and you and Charles should stay with Malcolm. I’ll go find the babaylan and meet him alone.”

  I frowned when I heard Shelly’s idea. No part of me wanted Dakota without protection, but if staying with Shelly meant Dakota had to go into potential danger zones, that might be even worse. Pretty blond women no doubt made a good target for kidnapping out here. Great way to get your organization featured on CNN.

  No matter which way you looked at it, there didn’t seem to be a good solution.

  “Charles will stay behind. I’m not too comfortable with the idea of him traveling so much. We’ll see about having a doctor look at him, too,” said Dakota. “But as far as you going alone? That’s out of the question. I’m going with you.”

  “You’re taking a risk, Dakota. And Raziel charged me with your protection.”

  “Then you’d better see to it that nothing happens to me,” said Dakota. “I’m not scared of terrorists, Shelly. I’d rather go up against them by your side than face angels or demons without any protection.”

  Girl’s logic was sound. If any of the angel’s foot soldiers came after her, she’d be helpless without Shelly. And that nun was able to hold her own against Iblis, so that was enough to convince me she could take on any nutcases who thought they had the divine on their side.

  “I understand, but what about Malcolm?” asked Shelly.

  Dakota kissed her son’s head. “He’s coming, too. Not only does Charles need to rest, but Malcolm would be in danger without us—or more specifically, without you. And that’s my top priority. Besides, maybe this babaylan can have a look at him, tell me if there’s anything we should know.”

  Shelly didn’t look too excited about the plan. Couldn’t blame her. Taking a baby and a new mother into potentially dangerous territory with nothing but a few guns as protection would give ev
en the hardest bastard pause. To her credit, she took it in stride.

  “Okay, you’re the boss,” said Shelly. “But when we arrive at Isabela, I want you to keep yourself covered at all times. We want to blend in as much as possible. Make sure you don’t look like an attractive target.”

  Dakota nodded. So that’s how this was going to go down. I wasn’t completely onboard with this plan, but what choice did I have? Unless I figured out how to change my situation, how to affect the world around me just like some of the ghosts I’d dealt with, I wouldn’t be able to do a thing about it.

  That’s when I noticed Malcolm was staring right at me. His violet eyes with their soft shimmer were focused on me. I looked over my shoulder, thinking there must have been someone standing behind me, or maybe he was staring at a bird flying over the ocean. But there was nothing.

  I looked back at him and his eyes didn’t waver. He just kept staring right at me. I stepped closer and held out my hand. He reached for it and smiled at me.

  “So you can see me, huh?” I muttered. “Too bad you can’t talk, little man. Would be nice to have someone to act as a go-between. Nephilim are supposed to be crazy powerful, so why don’t you magic up the ability to speak?”

  He laughed and gurgled. Great, first I was stabbed to death, then I found out I’m a useless ghost, and to top it all off, I was being mocked by a baby. This had been a good day.

  The ferry took about two hours before we docked at the port in Isabela City. Shelly was first to disembark, with Dakota following behind. As per Shelly’s orders, Dakota had covered her head with a hijab. Basilan was one of the majority Muslim regions of the Philippines, so she fit right in. She also covered up Malcolm as much as possible, putting a small hat on his head and tiny sunglasses over his eyes. Morrison was last off the boat, still limping a little.

  Being intangible and invisible had its advantages. I didn’t have to wait in line with everyone else to get off, I could just walk right through them. Once the others stepped off the plank, Shelly led us through the city.

  They’d told Morrison the plan before docking. He obviously wasn’t too happy about it, but he agreed to go along. Plus, not much he could do that would stop them anyway.