Deidre's Death

"What the fuck would Darkyn want with Erik's soul?" Rhyn asked angrily. "He's not Sasha. Sasha was fucked up. Erik was just … stubborn."

"I don't know why either."

"He took out four demons and still didn't summon me before the fifth took off his fucking head."

Gabriel said nothing, sensing the half-demon's explosive temper was close to the surface. He looked around to make sure he hadn't missed anything else that might give him a sign as to what Darkyn was doing by killing off an Ancient Immortal.

"He had to know I'd come!" Rhyn added and stood.

"This isn't your fault, Rhyn. Don't start down that path."

"Easy to say when you're not fucking up everything."

"But I am," Gabriel said, laughing.

Rhyn snorted.

"If nothing else, keep an eye on your brothers, I'd say."

"Maybe Darkyn is still pissed at me for breaking into Hell to rescue our friends a few months ago."

"Maybe," Gabriel said. "There's no telling with that sadistic bastard."

"I've gotta do something about the kids, Gabe." Rhyn's voice was hushed. "We're tracking the demons now but not fast enough."

"You're not thinking of a deal with Darkyn."

"I am."

"You're a brother to me, Rhyn, but let Andre negotiate, if you do that," Gabriel advised. "I don't think it's wise at all. You've got Andre. Let him help you. You'll catch up."

"How many more die before we stop him?" Rhyn asked. "Gabe … I've got a hatchling on the way. All I can think about is what I would do if something ever happened to her. Darkyn tried to grab Katie already to get to her."

"Darkyn preys on the desperate, Rhyn. Remember that," Gabriel cautioned his friend.

"I know it. I also know I'm feeling desperate right about now. Will you let me know if you find Erik's soul?" As he spoke, Rhyn fingered the black necklace he wore. On it was one soul, that of his brother Kris, who had given up his life to get Katie out of Death's underworld.

"Yeah."

"I'll issue an alert to the Immortals. Except Tamer. Darkyn would be doing me a favor if he took out that jackass."

Gabriel said nothing. Rhyn and Tamer were similar enough in temperaments that nothing would make them get along.

"I'm headed to see him next," Gabriel said casually. "I'll let him know."

"Whatever."

"You want Erik's body taken to the basement at the castle?"

Rhyn considered. Gabriel knew how sensitive the crypt in the basement was. It had been where Wynn, the father of all the Immortals on the Council, had lain for hundreds of years before being dragged out by Sasha, the son who betrayed them all to Darkyn.