Without mercy or hesitation Azrael engulfed the first demon's soul, bringing forth a tremendous all-consuming heat. It surged cruelly through Azrael, like the deep ocean current, invisible, surfacing with brutal ferocity. The tormented soul fought against its oppressor, sealed was its fate, destined to become nothing but a distant echo as it became one with Azrael's malevolent soul.

Dropping the dead body, neck broken he stepped over the corpse, tonight the darkness that festered within him would be mightily fed.

Dragging his gaze to the other demon – where it remained frozen. A smile kicked up at the edges of his mouth as he wrapped his fingers around the throat of its lanky human vessel.

Hearing a scream from behind, he didn't turn, his anger touching volcanic. He would deal with her later.

Lifting the vessel from the ground, relinquishing control, its feet thrashed out, flicking his hand motioned for them to freeze. "Who sent you?" he spoke to the demon within.

The waft of lower demon inside the pitiful human radiated from every open pore, this was the stench of a Drude. Demons of little use apart from carrying out the dirty work of other demons higher in the food chain. "Speak now and this will be brief."

The vessels reddened eyes bulged from their sockets, surrounding blood vessels bursting like fireworks as he tightened his hold around its throat.

Azrael knew the demon would not, could not betray his masters, it was one reason they were so useful but easily disposable, like cannon fodder.

Feet barely touching the ground he brought the demon's vessels closer to his own. Another odour caught his attention, a familiar smell graced his nostrils. "This soul of yours does not belong to you my friend."

The man's face contorted as a gurgling noise escaped his gullet, spit bubbled in the tight corners of his lips. Azrael increased the pressure, his fingers whitening.

"Not very talkative, are we?" he chuckled, knowing the demon would not bend or brake. "As you wish." He saw no further need of him, the familiar smell communicated all he needed to know – as if a GPS tracker was within. And, once he dealt with Evangeline's defiance, he would deal with those who had dared to take what was under his protection.

"Any last words?" Azrael twisted the vessel's neck. "Have it your way." A crack and one last gurgled cry escaped the vessel's lips. For good measure Azrael twisted its body partly around and with one swift movement tore away its spine as easily as removing ripened fruit from its vine. He dropped the bloodied backbone to the floor, it would be a snack for his Lupine.

Turning the body towards him again, the demon's eyes dulled. Changing hands, he held the vessel by the hair and waited.

The demon would surface.

A Drude could not stay in their dead hosts. With his free hand he forced the vessel's mouth open, snapping its jaw.

As with the first demon he had consumed moments ago, only a chill caught the surrounding air. A shimmer of mist, darkening into a thicker vapor exited the corpse's mouth. Azrael did not hesitate to inhale the blackened soul with a whooshing sound. It attempted an escape but as water slipping down a sinkhole – its fate was inevitable.

Screams of the second demon bounced inside Azrael's head before they dispersed into silence. Another wave of heat coursed through his soul, rippling throughout his vessel's body. This demon may have been low on the food chain but still its influence nourished his own, not that he needed or cared for more power.

Azrael dropped the lifeless body to feel the air shift around him.

Eva whooshed past Azrael, not daring to look at the crumpled dead body in a pool of its own blood.

Christian was her priority.

"Christian," her voice trembling as she dropped to her knees. She inhaled the sickly sweet blood as it flowed thick and sluggish through his darkened fur from the ever-deepening wound. "Please no, no, no."

The iridescent amber cord or rope or whatever the goddamn thing was, glowed brightly, slowly coiling, tightening itself around Christian's throat and chest. He didn't have much time left... if any. Her heart stopped.

She bent over; barely able to hear his breath as a sudden gurgled rattled breath exited his throat. Pulling back, she had to do something, anything... hooking her fingers under the cord she pulled with every ounce of strength.

Nothing - It tightened further. "No, no, no." Her fingers burned, pushing past the pain, she attempted to roll his heavy wolf form over to his side, hoping to find an end to this thing. Her hands now covered in the blood of her best friend... her boyfriend.

Attempting to pull at the cord once again, the smell of burning skin mingled with the thick aroma of blood turned her stomach.

"Fuck," she cried out breathlessly. Nothing's working.

Releasing the grip of the cord, helplessness strangled her throat.

Magic... a spell? She desperately searched the depths of her mind, but help was not forthcoming. "Fuck!"

Tears stung as she rubbed them away in her left eye, smearing Christian's blood across her face. Eva shuffled closer to him, hoping he would know she was here with him. "Please don't die, please don't die." Her voice broke, barely about a whisper.

A shadow of another person dropped in front of her. "Fucking hell."

She didn't need to look up to recognise Sebastian's voice.

"What the fuck happened?" he asked, his voice tight.

Eva opened her mouth to reply but froze as she witnessed Azrael grab Sebastian by the throat.

"No, no Azrael, please, he's my friend, it's Sebastian."

Azrael said nothing but loosened his grip marginally eyeing the man before releasing him.

She returned her attention to Christian. Another rattled breath escaped his throat. "We have to help him," she shrieked.

"Look," said Eva as Christian began his transformation back to his human form. "Christian," both friends said in unison.

Eva's heart sank further, in human form he looked much worse. Her gut lurched as in the moonlight he looked ghostly pale, where there had been smooth skin was torn muscle and blood as raw as a carcass at the butchers' shop. His lips already bluish and though his eyes were closed, he didn't give the appearance of sleeping.

The cord didn't let up its hold on him, blood seeping dulling its glow.

Eva grabbed his hand as Sebastian shifted further forward, attempting to pull at the cord as Eva had done moments ago.

"It's magical or something, I couldn't loosen it. I don't know what else to do," she said.

Sebastian's hands burned too. "Fuck, we gotta get it off him... fuck!"

Tears now came thick and fast, burning her cheeks. She didn't know what to do. She looked up to Azrael, she would try anything, do anything to save Christian, beg if she had too.

Blinking away her tears, she rubbed her eyes to see him clearer. He looked angry - incensed. Jaw twitching; his blue eyes cut a stony stare. Refusing to look away; she would deal with his wrath later no doubt.

"Can you help him Azrael? Please, anything, you're powerful, you have abilities, gifts... powers?"her voice pleading.

"He's a demon for fucks sake, demons can't heal," said Sebastian sharply without looking up.

Azrael stood quiet, looking down. Covered in blood, he knew it wasn't her own. A strange unpleasant feeling crawled up his spine. He didn't want to see her cry, feel her pain.

His body rigid, hands clenched into fists, he decided. "Move aside," he instructed.

Unsure of his intention, she shook her head, leaning over Christian protectively. "What? No please, I can't leave him."

He released a deep weighted sigh, his face marginally softened. "If you want me to help him, move aside Evangeline."

She gave a hesitating nod before releasing hold of Christian's hand, shuffling backwards.

Azrael kneeled at Christian's head, lifting his gaze towards Sebastian. "You need to move, now!"

Sebastian wouldn't budge, pushing his shoulders back, clenching his fists. "Don't you fucking lay one finger on him demon, I will end you!"

Azrael remained calm, indifferent to the threat on his life from a boy. "Your friend does not have time for your stubbornness." Azrael flicked his hand unleashing a burst of pure energy pushing Sebastian away from Christian.

Sebastian's fingers clutched at the grass and dirt beneath him as he tried to resist the force. He growled as he tried to push himself forward.

Eva held out her hand, eyes imploring. "No Seb, let him help... please... he doesn't have much time."

There was no trace of tears in his eyes, they narrowed, rigid, cold. Eva was the enemy. "Please Sebastian," softly she spoke. "I can't lose him... we can't lose him."

Sebastian stopped fighting, relaxing his fists as he gave a quick flick of his head.

Azrael lay a hand over Christian's bloodied forehead, he felt cold. He moved closer, lifting his head onto his lap. Turning his attention to the enchanted cord, he touched it.

Eva's mouth dropped open as she saw its brightness fade. Reducing to nothing but dust under his touch, that caught in the wind, leaving only Christian's exposed wound.

It was deep – too deep. Her eyes flicked to Azrael's, hoping to find reassurance, hope. But he sat, eyes closed muttering words she could not hear.

Eva shut eyes tightly, her mind like a river, calm on the surface but an undercurrent swept through, doubt, despair, fear. Opening them, nothing had changed, Christian lay lifeless on the ground, his head remained propped up on Azrael. "Are we too late?" she asked, subduing a sob, unsure if she wanted the answer.

Azrael eyes opened; their colour changed. Golden irises greeted her. Growing in size his pupils consumed by its glow, his whole eye socket engulfed as it radiated outwards, she could barely see the rest of his face.

Blinking the white dots from her eyes, it drew her attention to his hand. A spark erupted, growing it spread outwards into a perfectly shaped orb, the colour of his eyes matched the colour of the sun itself.

Eva wanted to reach out and touch it as her face bathed in the warmth of the conjured sun, drying her tear stained cheeks.

Azrael's hand glided over Christian's throat, his open wound bathed in the glow, the blood receding as it healed, skin knitted together seamlessly.

Hope flooded Eva's chest as she glanced at Sebastian whose wild glare fixed on the sight before him.

Azrael shifted his hand lower, resting over the gaping wound on his chest. The light discharged downwards, extending across Christian's chest, around him, illuminating the very ground beneath him.

"Look," said Eva as Christian's hand twitched. She didn't falter, taking his hand in hers. "Christian." His hand burned in hers. The wound now almost healed on his chest.

Sebastian scuttled forward, lifting Christian's other hand, bringing it to his lips, kissing it gently.

Azrael threw his head back, feeling something shift inside him, a darkness lifting. He hadn't prevented death for millennia. Lowering his head, the golden orb faded, flickering out. His eyes returned to their glacial blue as Eva came into focus. A tightness spread across his chest as her eyes reflected happiness and gratitude, her smile disarming.

Christian gasped as his eyes flew open. Confusion his first sensation as he stared into the eyes of Azrael. He attempted to form words, but they failed to materialise. Blinking, he felt both his hands being gripped securely. He lifted his head to see Sebastian on one side and Eva on the other.

"Eva..." his voice was barely above a whisper. "What the– "

"Shush... don't," said Eva placing her hand on his forehead, moist under her touch.

"You fucking scared me to death, don't your fucking dare do that to me again, yeah, you hear me?" said Sebastian.

Christian swallowed his gaze focusing on Sebastian. His mind attempting to piece together the events. Flashes of what happened taunted him. "Eva, you're okay?"

Eva nodded, swiping a stray tear. "Yes, yes I'm good, thanks to Azrael and Zuul." Looking over her shoulder she watched him chew down on remains of the demon, he looked like a dog munching on his bone. Her stomach turned for the umpteenth time.

Turning her attention back to Azrael, she hesitatingly smiled at him. "Thank you."

Azrael's entire demeanour stiffened; his brows furrowed. Here it comes... She didn't care, she would take whatever punishment he saw fit.

Sebastian scooped Christian up as if he weighed nothing, his face now pressed tightly against his bare chest. "I thought I'd lost you. Do you know how that felt?" he whispered into Christian ear.

Azrael lifted from the ground. He needed to move quickly, those who had sent these demons would expect them back, he didn't have long.

Eva heard a muffled noise. It was Christian attempting to speak against the wall of chest. She grinned watching her friends, happy that he was alive, they were both alive. And apparently both naked, she blushed.

Sebastian released his grip, as Christian let out a breath. "What are you doing man, I can't breathe."

Sebastian allowed himself a smile, it had scared him half to death to see Christian lying lifeless on the floor, knowing he hadn't been there for him. "I almost lost you, if I wanna hug you, then I'm damn well gonna hug you."

Christian craned his neck to see Azrael standing now a few feet away. As much as it pained him to thank a demon, he did just that. "Thanks... for saving my life... and Eva's," he muttered.

"How did you do that?" asked Sebastian, directing his question to Azrael.

A blank stare challenged him.

"Heal him. Demons- " He paused.

Azrael stole a glance at Eva.

"Demons can't heal – they only take lives," stated Sebastian.

Eva didn't have a clue if what Sebastian said was true or not, she was just grateful that he saved Christian. And if her punishment was to be his personal slave for the next ten years she would happily oblige.

"You are a demon... aren't you?" she asked.

Azrael let out another frustrated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. It had not been his intention to show her any of his abilities – especially those linked to his former self – his angelic self. "It is of no consequence. I assisted and that is the end of the conversation."

Eva bit back her words, perhaps she would use her banked question later to ask him again. Or perhaps... she remembered the prank she would use on Christian. But would it work on him?

Christian sat up as Sebastian helped him, steadying him. "Wow, you almost died, slow down." He ran his hand down his cheek. "Let's get you back home, into your bed, where you should have been."

Eva refused to let this opportunity go to waste. "Can I go with them, make sure they get home safely. I promise to return as soon as I know he'll be okay?" And pick up the magic potion in my bedroom.

Azrael muscles tightened at the thought of her out of sight. Tonight, had been a close call, one he did not want a repeat of. But It would give him the opportunity to deal with those who had entered his domain and try to seize what was his. He glanced towards his Lupine; his decision made. "I will agree, but Zuul will accompany you and wait outside to teleport you back to my home. Do not remain longer than needed Angel. I will not allow you to deceive me twice in one night."

Eva pushed up from her knees, stepping towards him, flinging her arms around his waist. Azrael stiffened, then relaxed. "Thank you, I promise I won't go against your wishes again."

>>

Throwing back the bed covers, Eva shifted sideward to allow Sebastian to lower Christian to his bed. Relieved he was safe, and they hadn't bumped into her father, or Mrs Bates as explaining why she had been walking through the house with her two naked friends would have been quite a conversation.

She looked down where he now lay, attempting to push himself further up the bed. Stop staring, pervert. Her cheeks flushed as she covered him. It's not like you haven't seen it before...

Sebastian lifted Christian head and added another pillow. "Good?"

Christian's eyes flicked to Eva's. "Like what you see princess?"

She noted the croak in his voice, which didn't surprise her as only twenty minutes ago his throat had mirrored a scene from a slasher movie. Lowering her gaze, taking a step back, a pain shot through the back of her throat... guilt was what she swallowed. This is my fault, they had wanted me.

"I'll take it from here," said Sebastian, placing his hand on Christian's forehead.

A tightness spread across her chest; she could feel Sebastian's anger. "Okay, well I need to get back before-"

"Yes, excellent idea," said Sebastian, cutting her short.

Eva nodded. "Look after him." she briefly smiled at Christian, marginally happier that some colour had returned to his face.

Christian watched her turn to leave, pushing himself up to feel Sebastian's hand on his chest. "Eva, wait."

She stopped, twisting her head to the side.

"Don't trust Azrael. Something's not right with him, I can feel it."

"He saved your life Christian, he didn't have to, but he did." She wanted to say more but bit her tongue. "Look after him Sebastian, and I'm sorry." She left the room.

>>

Eva rummaged through the drawer where she had hidden her magic concoction, in a vial ready when needed. There you are!

Shaking it, she watched it swirl around, its particles catching the light. She would only need to blow it in Azrael's direction when distracted. She knew the words to the spell by heart, knowing they needn't be said out loud.

Aperire animo tuo revelare et ænigmata (unspoken truths reveal what thy mind hides.)

Happy she had everything she needed; she gripped the vial tightly before turning to inhale sharply.

"Mr Gibbons?" Her father's gardener stood before her... in her bedroom. What the? She took a step back, the vanity unit pressed into her butt.

"Is everything okay, are you lost Mr Gibbons?" He was at least seventy years old, if a day.

He didn't answer.

Eva peered into his glazed eyes. It surprised her he wasn't wearing his glasses. "Let me help you Mr Gibbons, you must have taken a wrong turn Sir." Unsure why he would be inside the house, she reached to take his elbow. Sudden jerky movements made it a little difficult to turn him in her small bathroom as she noticed he felt hot to the touch.

Fully turned she slowly walked beside him, guiding him past her bed. "I'll help you back downstairs." She hoped he would remember his way from there, not wanting to risk bumping into anyone – it would lead to too many questions.

Mr Gibbons abruptly stopped as if something had nailed his feet to the floor. Eva tried to get him to take another step, he wouldn't budge.

"Is everything okay Mr Gibbons?" Squeezing his elbow gently she dropped her hand as he bent forwards and began fitting. He was having a seizure, jerking, twitching as a strangled sound exited his thin dry lips.

Eva took a step back, panic rising. This wasn't good, not good at all.

"Mr Gibbons..."

Eyes wide, mouth open all sounds ceased. Eva held her breath. His mouth twitched as his jaw dropped further, widening, unnaturally it grew as if something was stretching forcefully. His eyes rolled sinking into the back of his head.

He was changing... transforming. She didn't know how she knew that.

"Holy Shit!" she said as Mr Gibbons body shook again, violently this time. His normal white hair fluffed up, turning black and woolly... his pale skin darkened as he lengthened in height. The clothes he wore dropped from his body and his flat chest pushed outwards, the skin darkened here too... the man she knew was disappearing.

Gulping, ...she recognised the face that took shape.

Move Eva, Dumbass!

Turning to run, she made it only three steps before being hoisted into the air and flung onto the bed. The vial slipped from her grasp as she bounced onto the mattress.

"Ah, ah, ah." The demon waggled its finger.

Eva attempted to scream, but nothing... silence.