Ignite: The Archangels Chronicles

The blinding morning light danced across Azreal's closed eyelids. A heavy, but warm arm was dr.a.p.ed around her ribs almost suffocating her with how tightly she was pressed against his broad c.h.e.s.t. Azreal slowly started to wiggle herself free from his grip but only succeeded in making him tighten his hold.

"Quit squirming like that." Belial's hot breath growled into her ear.

Azreal kept shimmying, a wicked little smile playing across her lips as she asked in mock innocence, "Whatever could you mean?"

Belial pressed his throbbing member into her lower back as he ground out, "It's making me a little too excited."

The devilish girl stretched out, fully exposing her neck to him as she arched her back, pressing her a.s.s right up against his hard c.o.c.k. 'I'm just trying to get comfortable." She said a little breathless.

Belial took the bait immediately, nipping at her neck then pressing kisses to the smooth skin. His hand slowly slid up her side and lightly traced the contour of her b.r.e.a.s.t.

Azreal let out a small m.o.a.n, which was answered by little feet slapping against the stone floor as Jara and Nyx raced over to their little alcove tucked in the back.

"It's about time your up!" Jara said putting a hand on her hip.

"The mystics will be doing there show any time now!" Nyx said in a panic, her long silver hair was braided in a simple pallet. Which was unusual for the shier twin, she was always hiding behind her curtain of shimmering strands.

Belial g.r.o.a.n.e.d loudly and rolled onto his back, stealing all his delicious warmth from Azreal.

Azreal wanted to snap at the twins, but took a deep breath and explained, 'It would be best to go under the cover of night, not when there are so many people in the square to see; in case things go wrong and we need to make a quick escape."

"But Minx said," Jara started

"That we were to leave immediately!" Nyx finished in a hurry.

Belial and Azreal exchanged worried looks as they hurriedly straightened themselves and ran through the hallway to the grand entrance hall that held the delicious scent of hot bread and rabbit soup.

Minx was sitting with the children listening at Nadie's feet while they ate their breakfast. Azreal and Belial were damn near at an all out sprint when they reached him. They skidded to a stop, everyone was looking at them but Minx.

"What's wrong brother?" Belial asked worriedly "Why do we need to leave now?" His quick fingers already attaching his sword belt and bal.u.s.trade. Azreal was a bit slower, still fighting with the buckle on her own belt.

Minx was sitting cross legged, still enjoying his food when he glanced over his shoulder with a knowing little smile and said, "Hmm? I never said that we had to leave immediately."

Belial clenched his jaw, so Azreal answered for him, "Nyx and Jara told us that you said we were to leave immediately."

"What I said was they needed to wake you up immediately, and that we were to have a little chat with the mystics. I never said when we were going to leave." Minx replied, his grin growing wider.

"Then why did we need to wake up immediately?" Belial ground out.

Minx smiled broadly, holding up the bowl in his hand, "Breakfast is done!"

The children giggled and Azreal could have sworn the old crone cracked a smile at the demons antics.

Belial took a very long, very deep breath and said, "You got me brother, now were even."

Minx chuckled, shrugging his shoulders, "We shall see."

Belial didn't look amused as he glowered at his twin. "What the hell does that mean?" He looked about ready to jump on his brother so Azreal gently took his hand and tugged him toward that divine smell saying, "Let's just eat."

Belial was still giving his brother dirty looks but he let her lead him away from a still smiling Minx.

Azreal was just as frustrated as her mate, still thinking about the way his calloused fingertips felt c.a.r.e.s.sing the soft skin on her ribs, what it would feel like for him to grab her with those rough hands.

Uh, day dreaming wasn't going to help. If she didn't stop Belial was going to scent her; and then she would really be in trouble. 'Get your mind out of the gutter' she mentally scolded herself.

'Ooooh, what were you thinking about?' Belial chimed excitedly down the bond as he tightened his grip on her fingers.

They stepped up to the large brass bowl someone had scavenged from the kitchens, its delectable contents still warm. Azreal looked at Belial through lowered lashes, giving him a small simpering smile that she knew would drive him crazy.

Scooping up a ladle of soup, she poured a bowl for him and then herself. Belial found them a crunchy loaf of bread to share and they went to a quiet spot against the castle wall to eat their food. Azreal hadn't realized just how hungry she was as she scarfed down her soup and bread. Luckily, Belial hadn't noticed as he was stuffing his face too.

Wiping her mouth with her sleeve, Azreal worked up the nerve to ask, "so tell me about yourself, besides being a merc for hire."

His eyes sparkled with amus.e.m.e.nt. "Is that what you think of me?" He put a hand over his heart, pretending to be hurt.

Azreal nudged him, 'Come on, I'm serious. I really don't know much about you."

Strands of long raven hair slipped over her face, and Belial gently tucked them behind her ear.

"What would you like to know?" His eyes were so intent on her face, voice so sincere, she knew he would tell her even his darkest secrets.

"Everything," she whispered, looking into his emerald eyes.

He chuckled softly, "Well my full name is, Belial Kasai Akuma."

Azreal's eye's widened, "Wait, your the Akuma twins?" She felt dazed.

Azreal had known they were both skilled fighters, but twins were invaluable in the demon and angel societies. The Akuma twins being the most widely known for being captains of their own divisions. They were two of the most elite warriors in the Black Guard.

"Why did you come to Rellium?" Azreal asked, a bit shocked.

Belial blew out a breath, "When Berahima Quatar took over, the Black Guard caved in on itself. Only a few of us dispersed, refusing to serve under the false kings command, the rest stayed. Minx and I couldn't exactly stay on Phanes if we wanted to live, so at first we went to Arne. It is a beautiful land, but it is covered in blood now. The survivors live in fear of the next attack. All the shops were boarded up and there was really no money to be made. We were barley able to get work, our reputation for violence not helping, when we found a merchant sailing to Rellium. He was carrying a rather large shipment and was worried about looters out on the water. He needed protection and we needed a ride. After docking at the Port, we got hired right away for a couple jobs in Langu."

"Yes, slavery seems to be a hot commodity here." Her jaw tightened and she closed her eyes, but kept talking. " I suppose after years of constant training and battles, it would only make sense for you two to end up in the fighting pits."

Belial trailed a soft c.a.r.e.s.s over her arm, she looked at him and said, "I wish I could have seen it before everything that's happened." Azreal looked away from those gorgeous slanted eyes ringed in thick black lashes.

"Arne? You never went to see your cousins?" Belial puzzled.

"I was supposed to go three years ago, but the downfall happened and I never got a chance." Azreal had never left Rellium. The Sacris bloodline was very protective of its kin. Anyone of the bloodline couldn't leave their ruling continent until the age of sixteen. The Dragori family doing the same in Arne.

"If anything about what those witches said was true, you might be able too just yet." His hand had moved from her arm to glide across her forehead, tucking her silky strands behind an ear.

"I have no idea what she looks like, or if she's even going to be willing to help." Azreal sighed, Leaning into his touch as Belial wrapped his arms around her.

"Okay, okay! That's enough. Children are present." Minx scolded, coming around the pillar they were hiding behind.

Cameron was standing behind him, fists clenched, staring daggers at Belial.

Azreal's eyes narrowed on Minx as she scowled right up into his face, he knew what he was doing.

Belial's eyes were fixed on Cameron's white knuckles as he slowly stood up. "The only children I see are the two standing in front of me."

Minx scoffed, "Hardly, brother."

"Stop it, Minx. Ive had enough of your games." Azreal was not blind to the fact that Minx made sure to confront them just as Cameron was walking past.

Belial c.o.c.ked his head at Cameron, "Is there something you want to say, boy?"

Azreals face flushed as she silently prayed that Cameron just shut the hell up and walked away.

Minx swiveled around so he could see Cameron's reaction.

"Of course not." He said tersely, looking more than pissed off as he looked at Azreal adding, "Just disappointed." Then turned to step away.

"In what?" Belial growled.

"F.u.c.k off, Cameron." Azreal interjected. Cameron was starting to get on her nerves, or maybe it was just how tense Belial had become. He'd gone still, a predator tracking it's prey. Luckily, Cameron kept walking.

Minx chuckled, "lovers quarrel so soon?"

Azreal felt her power shift inside her, like a coiling snake ready to strike she hissed at Minx.

That got Belial's attention as the pressure of her aura expanded with power. Azreal's canines had enlongated and her eyes began to glow.

Belial shook off his rage as he turned to Azreal, grabbing her arms and forcing her to look at him. "Ignore him, he's a fool."

Minx was still smirking, "Looks like you two could use a cold shower." And laughed as he walked away.

Azreal wanted nothing more than to bite his head off at that very moment. Belial's nostrils flared as he gave her a stern look asking, "Were you and Cameron together?"

The question made her want to laugh as she pushed out of his hold, with a hand on his c.h.e.s.t saying, "Absolutely not, I'm a v.i.r.g.i.n." She sneered into his face.

He caught her hand as she pulled it back, raising an eyebrow he asked "A v.i.r.g.i.n?" His smirk crawling up the side of his face.

Azreal turned beat red as she realized what she had just said, "Yes, now get off me." Her voice had thankfully come out even as she tried to yank her hand from his grip. He held on a second longer, just staring at her before letting go.

Azreal turned on her heel and walked towards Nadie purposefully with her head held high. Some of the girls had picked a few plants and mashed them up to use as oil's while bathing. Wanting to clear head she asked Nadie for some.

"Enough for two?" the troublesome old women asked.

Azreal gawked and just grabbed the offered herbs from her outstretched hand, huffing a frustrated, "No!"

Gods these people were insufferable.

Azreal nearly ran from the room, knowing all the twists and turns of the hallways. A lot of it had sear marks from the fire and a few crumpled walls, but for the most part everything was still in tact.

There was a large communal bathing chamber that had a few women and their children bathing in the lazy waters that slowly drifted through the room.

This was where servants and guests not of noble blood would bathe. One of the fire benders must have heated the chilled waters. Azreal walked past, taking extra care to stay away from the royal wing and instead took a staircase leading down into the tunnels where she knew the hidden hot springs awaited. Closing in on the steaming pools she shucked off her tunic, the dye from the berries they had used to color their clothes had left purple stains on Azreal's skin. Stepping into the delicious heat Azreal let out a little m.o.a.n. The warmth was just what she needed, the quiet of the cavern surrounding her. Even as a child this place had always put her at ease. Letting out a deep sigh, Azreal tried to push out the thoughts of what that damn seer might say. Taking a large scoop of whatever Nadie had given her; she scrubbed at the colorful splotches as if they were her one and only enemy.

Hissing, Azreal lowered her raw t.h.i.g.hs into the water. Next, she attacked her hair; combing out each strand. By the time Azreal was fully scrubbed clean and glowing, her head felt leveled and clear. There was a little part of her that wished Belial had followed her into the steamy waters. It was probably for the best, though she did have to squeeze her t.h.i.g.hs together at the thought.

'The heat was driving her mad, that's it.' She tried to ration with herself.

After re dressing, Azreal decided to do a little patrol of the grounds herself, not really wanting to face her destiny just yet.

The long stalks of grass came up past her calf, swaying in the breeze. Azreal had always loved coming here, even the rigorous training her father had put Azreal and her sister though, as long as they were outside it didn't matter.

The smell of the Ocean mixing with the fresh fruit hanging in the trees surrounding the garden made her feel energized. A small stream lay just over the border of pine trees separating the castle from the surrounding forest. Azreal was looking between the pine tree's when she heard a bunch of shouting, and branches braking. Turning towards the sound she put a hand on the hilt of her sword as she tried to get a glimps at what was barreling towards her.

Pulling her blade she took a defensive stance and began pulling her power from her core, unsure of what threat had found them.

Silver hair caught in the sunlight for just a split second, as the noise got louder Azreal faltered, losing the grip on her magic, she called out "Minx?" Uncertainly.

The trashing and crashing through the forest continued, just as Minx shining head broke the tree line. He was running at full speed towards her with a bundle of something cradled in his arms. Azreal sheathed her sword and ran towards him. Minx slammed to a stop upon seeing her, a big grin spread from ear to ear, "I truly couldn't have planned this better," He panted out of breath, "What a pleasent surprise that you just happened to be wondering past.

A loud roar echoed through the forest, the hair on the back of Azreal's neck stood up. "What the hell was that?" She exclaimed looking back at Minx, "What the hell is going on?" She demanded hand on her sword.

"Here take this and stay right here." Minx tossed the bundle to her and her reflexes caught it before she could think twice. Minx dashed off with a quick "Thank me later!" Over his shoulder.

Azreal was dumb struck as she looked from Minx's fleeing back to the tree line where the roaring had come from.

There was rustling between the trees and Azreal stood in shock as a very angry, very n.a.k.e.d Belial stomped out into the tall grasses.

Azreal looked down to the bundle Minx had thrown at her. It was his clothes.

As he got closer she could see each of his muscles shift as he prowled closer to her. She tried to open her mouth to say something, but nothing came out, and she was left standing there with her mouth gaping open as Belial finally came to a stop in front of her. Droplets of water still fell from his hair as he said, "If you wanted to see me n.a.k.e.d all you had to do was ask."

Reaching for his clothes he smirked, "You didn't have to steal my clothes."

Azreal stammered, "I, it, um, I didn't" a furious blush was burning across her checks as she followed one of the droplets down his neck.

"Sure you didn't" he grinned at her leaning in.

Azreal swallowed thickly, parting her lips. She didn't care who saw, she would f.u.c.k him right there if he moved one more inch. Every animalistic instinct was roaring at her to jump him.

Stifled giggling brought her back to her senses as her head snapped toward the sound. Nyx and Jara quickly ducked back behind the castle wall.

Azreal turned back to Belial, but he was almost completely dressed already. Before she could realize what she was doing she made a pouty face at him.

He chuckled, "We have a little meeting to hold." threading his fingers through hers, "Then we can play." He said as he lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it softly.

Azreal blushed biting her lip, "Then we better get this out of the way."