Page 162 of Protected in Darkness
Down on one knee, heads bowed, were all of the angels she’d met since she had arrived, as well as many she hadn’t. The line of them curved in both directions, disappearing around the circular hallway surrounding what she assumed was a room in the center.
Acadia took her hand, holding it as she led the way around.
When they stopped in front of a closed door, Penelope’s breath locked in her throat. Clearly sensing her unease, Acadia turned to face her, took her other hand.
“When you and Obsidian emerge, you’ll be forever united with the male you love, Penelope. And stronger because of the love that binds you.”
Penelope swallowed hard, nodded.
“Remember, Obsidian needs your strength as much as you need his. It’s the reason you were chosen for him. Only your soul is strong enough to protect his.”
Her head bounced with jerky movements, mostly agreement, understanding, mixed in with more than a little trepidation.
Stygian stepped to the side, allowed Acadia to open the door. Aphrodite and Zeus sat on either side of the door, staring up at her as though they knew what was about to happen.
As soon as the door opened, there was a flutter of sound from the hallway. Penelope peered down, noticed the angels’ wings had appeared, spread wide, overlapping one another. A protective shield guarding what was behind them.
It sent a reassuring chill across her skin to know they were there even though her nerves jangled loudly.
She forced her heart to slow as she turned her attention to her destination. Just inside the room, she saw Obsidian on his knees, head hanging down. His wings were out, hanging limply behind him, shoulders slumped as though defeated.
In that moment, nothing else mattered except going to him, easing his pain however she could.
The door closed firmly behind her, sealing them inside as Penelope rushed over to Obsidian. His head lifted, eyes glowing bright. He reached for her but didn’t get to his feet, as though his weight was more than his legs could handle.
“Ayreme,” he whispered, his voice ragged and torn.
She stepped in close, cradled his head when he pressed his face against her stomach, arms circling her waist. He remained like that for the longest time, until Penelope began to worry that their time was running out.
She scanned the room, looking for a clock. There, on a small table was a vintage alarm clock. The short hand was just past the six, the long hand just past the four, which meant they were down to mere minutes. From what she’d gathered, the full moon was at 6:29 a.m. tomorrow. As it was, she was to be taking her last human breaths in the very near future.
“Obsidian. It’s almost time.” Her voice trembled, her anxiety level rising. It took everything in her not to run for the door, escape. The only thing that kept her firmly rooted in place was her love for the angel before her. She knew deep in her heart that he would keep her safe, even now. Even as he took her life to give her another.
He cleared his throat, then pushed to his feet. His wings fluttered and moved, a perfect extension of him.
Towering over her, larger than life, was the most amazing man she’d ever had the pleasure of meeting. Oddly, Penelope didn’t fear her own death. Even if she never woke, she knew the time she’d had with him—although far too short—had been worth every second. She wouldn’t have traded it for a lifetime with anyone else.
Obsidian was breathing hard, short, raspy breaths that seemed to punch out of him. His eyes raked over her face, as though he was converting it to memory.
Taking his hand, Penelope lifted it to her lips. “I love you, Obsidian. I’m not scared, and I don’t want you to be, either.”
His eyes met hers, the silver swirling, glowing brightly.
“We’ll get through this,” she promised him. “Together. When I wake, you’ll be waiting for me.”
She had no idea where her strength came from, but she got the feeling it was directly linked to this man, the one she loved with her whole heart.
A single tear fell down his cheek, making her chest burn.
She reached up, wiped it away. “This is our destiny. Remember that.”
Penelope glanced at the clock. Two minutes, which meant he needed to take that vicious knife in his hand or this would’ve all been for naught. She wasn’t keen on the idea of going through it all again next month.
Lifting the long, flowing skirt on her gown, she hurried over to the table, retrieved the knife. It was heavier than she expected it to be, but she managed to keep it in her trembling hand. The light bounced off the swirling deadly blade, and she faltered but only briefly.
“Penelope…” She could hear the plea in Obsidian’s tone. He didn’t want to do this any more than she did.
Sucking in air, she passed the knife over to him.
