Page 151 of A House of Gold
I look at Croesus. Through our binding, I feel his conflict. His terror at the thought of me connected to all of them. His jealousy. His possessiveness.
But also his desperation. His bone-deep fear that without this, I'll die.
"There's no other way?" I ask.
"No," Caspian says flatly. "The treaty prevents us from fighting Heaven. This loophole is the only option. Either you become our weapon, or you face the archangel alone."
"Which means you die," Kael adds bluntly.
I look around at the seven of them. Seven deadly sins. Seven fallen angels who are all, for different reasons, willing to bind themselves to me. To give me access to their power. To become connected in ways that might be permanent.
Seraph, who hates everyone and trusts no one. Kael, who barely tolerates his fellow angels. Lysander, who sees everything as a game. Dorian, Idris, Caspian, all of them looking at me with varying degrees of reluctance and resolve.
And Croesus, standing beside me, his terror and love bleeding through our bond.
"This is insane," I say.
"Yes," Seraph agrees.
"I could die trying to channel that much power."
"Yes," Kael confirms.
"And if I survive, I'll be permanently connected to all of you."
"Probably," Lysander says cheerfully.
I close my eyes and try to think.
But there's nothing to think about. They're right, facing an archangel alone means death. Trying to fight with only Croesus's power might not be enough. And if I don't do something, Heaven will keep sending assassins until one succeeds. And then who can fight, uncover why the souls were being taken from these angels? The bigger issue. Luna? Would they try to kill Lunafor it? Not risk her having knowledge or power because of her connection through me?
This is my only chance.
"Do it," I say, opening my eyes. "Create the bonds."
"Raven,,," Croesus starts.
"Do it," I repeat firmly. "I'm not dying because of ancient politics and treaties I had no part in negotiating. I’m not risking them going after Luna once I’m dead, either. If this is my only option, then I'm taking it."
The angels exchange glances.
Then, surprisingly, it's Seraph who speaks. "You understand what you're agreeing to? The intimacy involved? The loss of privacy? We'll feel your emotions. You'll feel ours. Every fear, every desire, every moment of weakness, exposed."
"I understand."
"And you're certain?"
"I'm certain that I want to survive, that I want to protect my sister." I meet his mirror eyes without flinching. "So yes. I'm certain."
Seraph studies me for a long moment. Then he inclines his head. "Very well. We'll perform the ritual tonight."
"Tonight?" My voice cracks slightly.
"The archangel will come soon," Dorian says gently. "We need you prepared before they arrive. The battle will likely be tomorrow at dawn, that's when Heaven prefers to strike. Symbolic."
"So we have hours," I say.
"Hours," Croesus confirms. His hand finds mine, squeezes. "Are you sure about this?"
