They were running straight into the enemy. Larah led the charge, and with every passing second, she increased her speed. If not for his powers, Dean would never have been able to keep up.
Ezra and Voltra saw them coming, yet neither moved. Nor did the army of ghouls behind them.
Suddenly, a flock of birds filled the sky. Their number could still be counted, but for just two people, it was more than enough.
Just as they swooped in, a deafening roar echoed through the air. Dean grinned and pushed harder, overtaking Larah. He didn’t slow, even as the birds approached. It seemed like he would crash right into them.
The sky ignited. A tower of flame thundered down, and from within, Seraphina burst forth, spear in hand. She struck, unleashing fire that carved a burning path through the enemy lines.
Dean skidded to a halt while Larah stormed past, not even glancing at Seraphina.
“Mother, you’re okay!”
“It’s strange to still be called that. Your girlfriend—she’s sinking deeper into the dark.”
“Yes, but with you here, we’ll end this fast.”
“I doubt it. I can barely take my first form. And we have another problem. Look up.”
A rift cracked open in the sky. Within it, two looming figures appeared. Their mere breath froze Dean in place—until Seraphina slapped his back.
“Man up. Our only hope is to fight through and destroy the altar. Let’s go!”
Larah clashed with the first wave of ghouls. She slashed through them without pause, soon surrounded by both normal and towering giants. Dean and Seraphina fought to reach her. Dean even tapped into his angelic powers—but they wouldn’t make it in time.
A gate opened above Larah. Reinforcements burst forth, slamming into the enemy line.
—
The ground shook with a massive impact. Dae, Rayshel, Sarah, Rick, Michael, Nade, and Emilia emerged, cutting down the ghouls around them. Larah paid them no mind. She sprinted deeper into the enemy horde.
“Is she your ex?” Rayshel asked, catching Dae watching Larah.
“No. My brother... might still have feelings for her. But... the way she moves, her aura—I don’t know her like that.”
Dean and Seraphina caught up.
“Dean, you’re black?”
“And you’ve got white hair!”
“Boys,” Seraphina snapped. “Yes, you’re both sons of an angel and a demon. Focus!”
“You’re right,” Sarah said, supporting Nade, who had regained some strength. “The U.S. President was a demon. A traitor. Before he died, he launched every nuclear warhead on Earth. We don’t know how long we’ve got—but I need to reach the White House.”
Larah’s voice rang out. Ezra stood in her way.
“Damn, you’re sexy,” he said. “I like this version of you.”
“Move, Ezra.”
“No hug? No kiss? Cold. But I can warm you up. I trained under Voltra now—” Yellow lightning coursed over his arms. “—and he taught me things.”
Voltra sat before the White House, watching.
“If you don’t move, you die,” Larah warned.
“Try me.”
One swing. That’s all it took. Too fast to follow—Ezra’s head rolled.
The ghouls attacked her instantly. Larah’s blade danced through them, her body soaked in blood, more red than skin.
—
Further back, the group pressed on. Nade managed to walk, staying near the rear.
“Did you meet Abbadon?” Seraphina asked Dae.
“Yes. He’s fighting someone called Temphael. Long story, but I don’t think he’ll lose.”
“He won’t,” Seraphina confirmed. “Listen up! I’ll burn a path. Dean, Dae, and the president—you head to the White House. The rest of you defend it from being overrun. Got it?”
They nodded.
Voltra had remained calm—even after Ezra’s death. His eyes locked on Larah, watching her fight her way toward him.
“This could be interesting,” he muttered—and vanished into the White House.
“It’s now or never!” Seraphina shouted. A beam of flame tore through the enemy line. She raised her arms, splitting the blaze in two and forming a path between walls of fire.
The group surged forward.
By the time they reached the White House, Larah was already inside. Dean, Dae, and Sarah followed her in. The others stayed behind—the last line of defense—as the ghouls began extinguishing the flames.
Somewhere else
The soldiers had pulled back after their victory, sheltering from the clash between Nicole and Bellrion.
The sky bled with black fire. Bellrion stood amidst a sea of blood, wielding a massive dark silver blade. Before him, Nicole knelt, coughing.
“What’s your name, woman?”
“Nicole. Current commander.”
“Nicole… a fine name for a fine warrior. I take it back—you’re one of the best I’ve fought. Go. Save your kind.”
“You’re letting me go? I plan to stop your kind from being summoned!”
“So be it. I only care for strength. And my kind… they’re weak now. Yes, some individuals could challenge me, but once there were many more. Ever wonder why they want to invade Earth?”
“No. Why?”
“They say the war between demons and angels destroyed their worlds. Lies. They once challenged the gods—and were crushed. The gods were on another level. When they died, demons and angels had no one left to hate. So… they turned to humans.”
“Wait. Are we their offspring?”
“Not in the literal sense. But you were created by the gods. Some of you were even favored. Demons and angels believe the gods might return through you. Since the gods’ deaths were never confirmed… they try to stop it. By enslaving humans. By eliminating the chance.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“You gave me a good fight. It’s my gift.”
“So… the gods might return?”
“Maybe. I wouldn’t mind. They’re strong. And I live for strong opponents.” Bellrion’s body began dissolving.
“Seems my time’s up. Just know—this isn’t over. If the gods return, they’ll be worse than demons or angels. They’re crueler. That’s why they went extinct. Ask yourself: why did they create humans? What’s your true purpose?”
“Tell me!”
“That would ruin the fun, wouldn’t it? Till next time... maybe.”7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpi8Mf60VF
And he vanished.7Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlxp8FjVb4
