September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)

“You certainly are. It could be anything. A person, a holy object, Lilah’s scroll. Where there is an angelic guard there is something in need of guarding.” Willow took on a wistful tone. It made my heart hurt for him.

“Shya’s got to be doing the same thing,” Shaz mused. “Or maybe he already has. Would he be using humans to access the places his demons can’t go?”

“It’s possible,” Willow said, inclining his head in a half nod. “Demons are manipulative liars. They’re very good at what they do. It wouldn’t take much to convince the weak of faith to do his bidding.”

As I drove, I listened to the two of them discuss the situation. It was overwhelming, to say the least. Shya could have any number of people out there hunting for this thing. I had very few. I really did need to touch base with Kale, at least to find out where he’d already looked.

The next few places also proved to be a waste of time. Then, we pulled up in front of a building I recognized. I had been here not so long ago. The church was massive. Huge white pillars bordered the entrance. We ascended the white stairs leading up to the double doors and an uneasy sensation took hold in my gut.

Willow reached for the door and froze mid-action. “I can’t go inside. Which means you have to.”

“The priest here has the same dragon as me,” I whispered, suddenly afraid. “He said Shya was trying to force him to help find the scroll.”

Shaz raised a brow in curiosity.

A light filled Willow’s eyes, and he seemed almost relieved. “Then I’d say we’re on the right track by being here.” He gave me a gentle shove toward the door. “Go on. I’ll wait right here.”

Exchanging a look of uncertainty with Shaz, I reached for the door and pushed it open. I was surprised to find it unlocked after dark.

It blew my mind to think that there was an angel here with us, unseen yet very much present. Somehow, it was also reassuring, despite my unease, which grew with every step.

I paused in the entryway, letting my gaze sweep over the impressive ceiling. It was like a giant dome, covered with paintings. Candles burned on the altar at the front. I saw no one, but I felt the human presence within.

“Hello?” I called out. My voice echoed in the silence. “Father Andrew?”

A moment later he emerged from a back room. He wore an expression of disbelief. “Welcome,” he said, spreading his hands in an open gesture that matched his greeting. “It’s wonderful to see you again, Alexa. What can I do for you?”

“Honestly, Father, I don’t have a clue.” I made my way down the aisle between the pews with Shaz at my side. “I’m looking for the scroll. The one Shya seeks. I need to find it first.”

With his grey hair brushed neatly into place and brown eyes shining with an inner joy I couldn’t fathom, Father Andrew reached to shake each of our hands in turn. I couldn’t help but look for the dragon he bore despite it being hidden by the long sleeves of his shirt.

“You certainly do, my dear,” he agreed. “I wish I could point you in the right direction. I do not know where the scroll is nor do I wish to. But I will help you in any way I can.”

Shaz gazed around the vast interior, and I could almost see what he was thinking. If the scroll wasn’t here, then what was the church’s angel protecting?

“Shya’s running out of time to find it,” I explained. “He’s resorted to desperate attempts. I’m afraid of what he might do.”

“It’s been several months since he’s paid me a visit. Not that I mind of course. I long for the day his reign of terror is over.” Father Andrew began to put out the candles using an elaborately decorated candlesnuffer. “I can make some calls, reach out to my fellow brethren, those I know are still trustworthy.”

The scent of candles tickled my nose. I held back a sneeze. “That means a lot to me. Thank you.”

“I wish there was more I could do.” Father Andrew paused, then added as if it were an afterthought, “Your vampire friend came by not so long ago. He said he was the one you took the demon mark for. I can’t imagine what would make a Hound of God willing to pay the price for a vampire, but whatever it is, it must be special.”

Awkward. I suddenly couldn’t bring myself to meet Shaz’s gaze. I cleared my throat and managed to squeak out, “Nobody deserves to be marked by Shya.”

Before I could change the subject, there was a loud bang, as if something had hit the front door. Hard. The sound of angry muffled voices was audible.

I was off and running through the church to throw open the door. Willow was on the front step, and he wasn’t alone. Brook stood there smirking, his black wings flared wide. So one of Shya’s demons had found us already. Fantastic.

Brook’s black gaze landed on me and a devilish smile crossed his face. He watched me emerge from the church with open satisfaction.

“Well isn’t this interesting?” He taunted. “Shya is going to be thrilled to hear I found you here.”