Ignite: The Archangels Chronicles

Not even the gorgeous demon walking next to her could distract Azreal from the memories that bombarded her. By the look of the cobweb covered bones lining the caves and the dried flakes of blood splattered on the walls, Azreal knew the inside of the castle would be the same. No one had wanted to incur the wrath of the False King by entering the old monarchs home so the bones could properly be laid to rest.

Azreals fist clenched tight as she tried to keep her breathing steady, knowing that everyone would be watching her for a reaction, that her emotions would go barreling down the bond if she even released one once of emotion.

She kept forward, marching right up the steps to the hidden servants entrance. Though, Belial must be getting something through the bond, because he just kept getting closer the more Azreal pretended everything was fine. Until they reached the final step and he dragged her into an alcove right off the stair landing. Nadie and Minx following as Belial spun her around to look him right in his emerald green eyes. Those shockingly vibrant eyes penetrated her defenses as he looked into her mind and found how terrified and completely nauseous she was.

"Let a few of us go in first" He practically begged her.

"No, I need to see them. I need to put her to rest." The deep fissure of sadness and desolation yawned wider in Azreal's heart.

"Azreal is right, her family deserves better, and now that the world knows she is alive, and with magic..." Nadie pondered "This is a good message to send to the people."

"F.u.c.k the people." Belial growled, "This place has laid a haze over us, we should keep moving."

Minx let out a pointed cough from his place against the wall. His face cast in shadows as he said "I don't think 'F.u.c.k the people' is a very good political stance for someone who wants to govern those very same people.."

"Oh, cut the dramatics Minx, you don't give a damn. So just stand there and look pretty while the grown ups talk." Belial snapped.

Minx's face darkened as he ground out "Why don't you quit acting like a bitch, and respect your mates decision," Minx turned to look at Azreal and said "The right choice, by the way." Swinging his head back to Belial continuing, "Your acting like an a.s.s and everyone thinks so."

Belial crossed his arms and looked around the room waiting for someone to disagree with him, before settling his eyes on Azreal.

She didn't like the hurt she found there. She knew he just wanted to protect her, even from sadness, but this was unavoidable.

Belial shook his head, "Fine," he turned to Azreal "If this is what you want i will march into that castle by your side, but if your not ready... We can make camp deeper in the cave system, we don't have to stay in the castle."

Azreal sighed, "I wish I could avoid this, but my sister deserves better than rotting away in some forgotten castle." Tears welled up in Azreals eyes, and Belial stepped in to wrap her in a tight embrace.

Everyone was waiting patiently for her to collect herself, and prepare for what she was about to see. Taking a deep breath to center herself, Azreal wiped her eyes and stepped onto that same path she had taken almost eight years ago, back towards those vaulted ceilings and polished stone rooms.

Only when she stepped into the once grand ballroom did she see the true destruction that was wrought that night. The Pewter silk dr.a.p.es were shredded and stained with shimmering crimson Angels blood and the vile black blood of a warlock. Only two of the twelve giant pillars that used to line the room were left. Moss and a foul stench covered everything. Azreal noticed there was not a single rotted out corpse laying around and paused, slowly she reached over her shoulder to the plain broad sword she had pulled off a dead body back in Langu. Belial and Minx did the same. Azreal held her hand out to stop Nadie but a quick glance over her shoulder told her Nadie had never entered the room.

"Nadie?" Azreal whispered.

The old women looked more pale than ever before as she whispered back "Naga"

The three of them slowly retreated, back to Nadie and the safety of the sunlight.

"You mean to tell me there is a Naga in there?" Minx whispered harshly, his silver hair reflecting the sun.

"We need to move everyone back towards the western garden. It has little to no shade and should be large enough for everyone to wait safely while we.. deal with this newfound problem." Azreal calmly stated, her eyes never leaving the dark corners of the ballroom.

Belial nodded his approval and tightened his grip on his own blade.

Minx hissed and exclaimed "Am I the only one who heard this woman say there was a f.u.c.k.i.n.g NAGA in the castle?"

Azreal blinked and Belial just looked at him confused. "Yes," Azreal replied slowly, "That's why we are moving everyone to the garden.."

Minx's frustration grew with her every word, "Of course, I'm not deaf, I heard what you said,"

Belial cut him off with, "oh, so your just scared then?" And patted his twins shoulder while giving him a patronizing look as he continued "You can hide with the rest of the hens in the garden if you can't handle it."

Minx look of frustration turned to anger as he ground out "I was just saying maybe we should think this through before just waltzing in there to 'slay the beast'."

Azreal considered this, but decided it was worth the risk. "That Naga may have already devoured my families remains. It grows in power with every day that passes, your a fool if you think it will dwell in this castle forever."

Minx anger only grew "EXACTLY!" he flung his hands out. "Who knows how powerful this thing is, and aren't you like the last of your family? Isn't the Queen supposed to stay safe?"

Belial's eyebrows went up as he considered his twins words and Nadie just pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed, knowing just how this little conversation was going to go.

"Don't you start!" Azreal pointed an accusing finger at Belial before turning her anger on Minx.

"And you! How dare you insult me in such a way!" Azreal spit on the ground before continuing. "Angels have ruled this realm since its birth into existence, not just because we are the 'rightful heirs to the throne', but because we are the most powerful beings." She was holding the true anger at bay, knowing Minx wasn't the real reason for her heightened emotions, but let her aura fill with her magic. "Archangels have lead every war ever waged on this continent. Both Kings and Queens ride into battle amongst their people. For me to do any less would be disgracing everything my bloodline ever stood for."

Nadie interjected before Azreal could really lose her temper saying, "Yes, yes, that's enough. We are waisting precious daylight squabbling amongst each other."

This little old hunchback crone shoved in between three of the most powerful beings on the continent and waved them aside like it was nothing.

"Naga's are powerful creatures on their own, but if what were dreading is true and the Naga has devoured all the corpses in the castle then its power will be insurmountable. It's just unheard of for a Naga to be in such a large space let alone with access to Angel remains. I fear the only way to stop it is if all three of you use elemental magic on it. Of course it would be best if there was four of you, but we will have to make due."

After constructing a loose plan Azreal, Belial, and Minx set out to find the Naga. Nadie had given them a basic run down of what naga's do and where it would possibly go to make its nest.

Azreal slowly entered the ballroom again, this time more prepared. At least she wouldn't have to find her sisters broken body laying in her bed, blood covering her sheets. No she just had to find the monstrous serpent creature that devoured her bones. Azreal swallowed the bile that was forcing its way up her throat. She wanted to run from the hideous stench wafting through the castle halls, but Nadie said to follow the stench, find its feeding grounds, find... it.

Azreal had a small ball of fire in her palm as they walked through the unlit passageways. The obnoxious smell seemed to be leading them to the sitting throne room. Azreal swallowed thickly.

Minx snickered and she knew he wanted to make a snide remark about her wanting to turn back, but they were all a little nervous to face this engorged creature and didn't want to lose their chance at a surprise ambush.

Everything was torn to pieces, bits of stone and pieces of bodies everywhere. Long strips of flesh were thrown in amongst foul rotted bodies, and picked clean bones. Obviously this Naga has been extremely busy.

Azreal knelt down next to one of the bloody strips to examine it. "these pieces of skin look fresh, this Naga has already left the castle. A few times by the look of it." Azreal whispered as she surveyed the room.

Belial was about to reply when a pile of bodies to their right shifted a bit. All three of them going completely silent, their instincts kicking in and stilling their bodies. Adrenaline pumped through their veins as the pile of bodies kept moving and shifting growing larger and larger, the pile so much deeper than Azreal had originally thought it was. Unveiling the demon serpent, its putrid yellow eyes opened lazily as the last of the bodies dropped to the ground. It's thick bulbous head was peeling and flaking off rotted skin to uncover the raw bloody skin of the Naga. As it feeds on the innards of its prey it peels the skin off gently to cover its oozing body. Azreal felt the magic radiating from the demons on either side of her and Azreal let loose her fire magic in a brilliant stream of golden light.

The Naga dodged it easily but it lost more of its skins in its haste to get away and let out an enraged hiss. Azreal tried following the creature with her blast of fire, but the room started to shake and crumble. The second Azreal let off, the Naga struck. Spitting out its paralyzing venom, and almost hitting Azreal in the arm as she dove to safety.

Belial loosed a war cry and charged the creature his sword covered in flame. the Naga reared back hissing and spiting out its venom, but Belial dodged its deadly saliva and gathered all his strength to his legs as he pushed off the ground jumping high in the air as he dragged his sword up the middle of the beasts reared body. Not a killing blow, but it will definitely slow the creature. The Naga lashed out with its tail at Belial in a rage, knocking him down and flinging his sword out of his hand. The Naga wasting no time, struck with its head. Just before its fangs pierced Belial's back, Azreal screamed rocking the whole castle with her words as she threw up a shield of hard air; stoping the Naga's killing blow to her mate.

Azreals breath was caught in her c.h.e.s.t, she lifted her other hand to attack the Naga when Minx's lithe, muscled form appeared in the air above the Nagas head. His infamous long blade held high above his head as his eyes flashed red. Before Azreal lost her grip on the air shield Minx brought down his weapon, cutting the Naga's head clean off.

The massive serpent body flailed in the air, blood spurting all over the walls and ceiling. The scent of rot and decay became so strong Azreal couldn't take it anymore and threw up right on top of the piles of body parts they were wading through.

Strong arms grabbed her by her shoulders and helped her up.

"Are you okay?" Belial griped her chin lightly, the look of worry so evident in his eyes.

"Yeah, I'm okay. You?" She searched his face for any sign of discomfort.

He chuckled lightly, "Yeah, I'm okay." And smiled down at her.

"I'm great too! Thanks for asking!" Minx stated with his hands on his h.i.p.s.

Belial rolled his eyes "drama queen."

Minx feigned indignation as he said "Oh, your welcome for saving your life dear brother. I simply don't know what you would do with out me." And placed a hand over his heart.

Azreal laughed brazenly and started walking back towards the entrance to the throne room.

"Shut up you two, and help me burn this room to ashes."

————-

After going through the whole castle burning each and every room tainted by blood and gore; Nadie, Belial, Minx, Azreal, and her thirteen all met up for an inner circle meeting.

"Why don't we stay here and make this our strong hold?" Cameron was arguing.

"Because these people don't want to be dragged into this war, they were promised freedom in the Eternal Gardens with the monks." Nadie replied

"No one asked to be here!" Quinn shouted at Cameron.

Everyone was bickering back and forth and Azreal was getting a headache. Looking around the room everyone was deep in conversation with one another.

"Well, what do you think?" Belial said looking to Azreal, the room falling quiet.

"I think, we cant possibly think we can wage a war form a crumbling castle that has already been infiltrated." Azreal said without even bothering to look up.

"There is no way were going to be able to move this many people through the mountain passages." Minx argued.

"We can get passage on a ship." Belial countered

Cameron scoffed, "How? Last i checked the royal coffers weren't exactly full."

That got Azreals attention. "We will find a way." She ground out.

Belial shook his head "I don't like your tone, boy" and glared daggers at Cameron.

"Come off it Belial, Cameron has a point." Lucia spat.

"who asked you, wench?" Belial flung right back at her.

"And your done." Azreal interjected putting her hand on Belial c.h.e.s.t. "You really need to calm down."

A muscle feathered in his jaw, but he said nothing as he turned on his heel and walked out into the hallway.

Minx sighed, "I'll go after him. And we.."

Azreal cut him off, as she tossed over her shoulder "I'll be right back.", heading in the direction Belial went.

The hallway was empty..

There was only two ways for him to go so fast, either he doubled back and is in the lower caves, or he went up the spiral stairs leading to a small watchtower.

Azreal quickly climbed the steps, suddenly needing to know that he's alright. Her arms pumped as she raced up the stairs at a record speed. She stopped a few steps to the top and slowly looked for him.

Moss had covered most of the ground and climbed heavily up the sides of the tower. At this height you could look left and make out the Port of Illium and its massive sh.i.p.s docked in its harbor. To the right was nothing but desert coastline as far as the eye can see.

As her boot scuffed the last step she spotted him looking out over the coast with his back to her. She could smell him, like smoke and cedar wood. His black tunic stretched snugly across his muscled back. Azreals eyes traveled down the length of his body, enjoying the view herself.

"I'm sorry that I've dragged you into all this. I know its unfair for me to ask you to stay and risk your life ay after day. If you want out, Ill understand.." Azreal said aloud, but Belial replied mentally, "I don't care about any of it. I would fight a thousand battles for a handful of moments with you. I just don't want you getting hurt"

Azreal started to protest and Belial turned around and his gaze stripped her b.a.r.e.

"I have only just found you. I can't stand the thought of losing you before I have even had a chance to be with you." the look on his ruggedly handsome face was so bleak, it broke her heart.

Azreal slowly closed the distance to him. "Your the one running away." And kissed him softly.

Belial took this as a green light to scoop her up and perch her on the lip of the moss covered ledge while kissing her stupid. Azreal let out a low m.o.a.n as Belial cupped her a.s.s and ground himself against her. One of her hands slipped into the silky strands of his hair while the other wrapped tightly around his shoulders.

His c.o.c.k was throbbing and Azreal could feel how long and thick he was as he gripped Azreal's t.h.i.g.hs, thrusting it against her c.l.i.t. She bit his bottom lip as she felt herself climax. Belial nostrils flared scenting what had just happened and his face turned dark, as he let out a low growl and ripped Azreal b.r.e.a.s.ts free of her bandeau.

"Hey" she shouted "I don't have many of those you know."

Belial didn't stop to apologize as he fervently attacked her b.r.e.a.s.ts. Covering her n.i.p.p.l.es with his spit as his tongue licked circles around her tender b.r.e.a.s.ts.

Belial g.r.o.a.n.e.d out "I wish I could f.u.c.k you right here."

Azreal panted loving every touch and the blissful distraction it created. "Why can't you?" She murmured into his ear before forcing his mouth back up to hers kissing him tenderly.

He m.o.a.n.e.d a deep rumble that had Azreal curling her toes and so close to pleading for him not to stop.

"I won't take you for the first time like this." Then pressed his forehead against hers.

"Well then allow me to do something for you.' She said As she flipped him around so he was the one pressed up against the wall.

Azreal slowly lowered herself to her knees in front of him biting her lip.

Belial gently dug his fingers in her hair as he said "You don't have to do this."

Azreal blushed but kept her focus "maybe, i want to." She lightly slid her hand up his pant leg to the zipper of his trousers.

A pointed cough came from a few flights down, "Are you two done up there yet? We still have some pressing matters to attend."

Azreals head whipped to the stair case while Belial growled.

Cameron and a very annoyed looking Minx came stomping up the stairs.

Azreal hurriedly fixed her tunic and stood up, as they reached the top steps Azreal and Belial looked completely composed.

"Whatever matters do you mean?" Azreal replied innocently.