Time slowed as the bone-typed angel covered the distance between us. I don't know why. Perhaps somewhere deep inside I knew that I couldn't stop him.

However, I raised my sword. Whatever I believed, I wasn't gonna lie down and wait to be captured. They'll have to talk me unconscious and banged up.

A shadow passed over me and knocked Joshua the way he'd come into Eistibus.

Armaros' black and red wing swung back, outstretched to its full length.

I turned around. "Armaros, what the hell are you-"

She grabbed my shirt, balling it in her fists and pulling me close enough to feel her breath fan my face.

Even in my grey world, she was breathtaking. Her multicolored eyes were, for the first time, nearly the same color. Her hair, a beautiful mess, her face covered in ash and soot yet still stunning. Perfect.

"You need to g-go." Her voice cracking from the weight of her words. "Even if you somehow defeat Joshua, you won't be able to defeat all of us."

She drew in a haggard breath. "You need to go to Hell. You need to find him. Find the only celestial being that will be able to help you against us. Help you find answers. Find Lucifer."

And she pushed me into the hole and, ultimately, Hell.

Authors note

Welcome to the end...

Of book 1 that is. The sequel will be coming to pick up where Nine fell so no need to worry. Until then, read my other books or those other books you have but don't forget about me!!!!

The sequel, Rankless : TBD

Thank you for reading, Unranked.