Free Eban by Allison Merritt

get help from Heaven or Hell, but you’re not staying inside her.”
    â€œThis one is bold. She does not fear.”
    The tip of Eliakim’s sword pointed at the ceiling, but he didn’t look as though he planned to attack.
    â€œWhat do I have to fear? I was born in Hell. I served my master with honor until he no longer needed me and cast me away. I spent eons in that place, saw horrors you can’t imagine, suffered torture that would drive you mad, and I came out unscathed.” Rosemar stood straight, unflinching at the sight of Eliakim’s weapon. “I made my deal with the Gray Side and per the treaty, you can’t harm me.”
    Eban’s heart dropped to his feet. “There’s a treaty between Heaven and the Gray Side? Even though she’s clearly violating some kind of rule by occupying a human body?”
    Between the hatchet and the sword, he was sweating. They both probably sensed his unease, but there was little he could do about his fear. It surprised him that Tell hadn’t come running if all this power was swinging around the way he warned it would.
    â€œShe violates nothing if she was instructed to use the human.”
    â€œAs I’ve said all along.” Rosemar ran her thumb across the hatchet blade. She smiled at Eliakim. “You don’t even need to ask Eban to release you. You came because he called, but you’re walking around as boldly as Prince Seere ever does.”
    The angel’s eyes narrowed at Seere’s name.
    She turned to Eban. “Don’t be surprised if this one decides to remain. You should’ve bound him, but now he can do whatever he wants. Big man with a sword—well, he’s liable to slaughter the entire town.”
    â€œThe town is at peace with the Gray Side. Heaven is in a treaty with them, so I’m not worried.” He was, but he wouldn’t admit it out loud.
    â€œI wonder what would happen if I let Tell’s name slip? I bet our new friend would put him down like a rabid dog.” Her smile grew and the hatchet gleamed with golden light from the lamp outside the door. “Har—”
    He moved forward, hand raised to hit her if it came to that. “Stop it.”
    â€œYou’re really no fun. Couldn’t even bed Beryl when she threw herself at you. I wonder what Seere thinks he’s going to get out of you?” She twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “Well, if you don’t need anything else, I’m going out.”
    He forgot about his anger at Eliakim. “You made Beryl do that.”
    She smiled, but didn’t answer.
    â€œYou can’t keep visiting the saloon. Tell told me what happened last time you were there.” He ignored the angel and the fact that he’d brought this down on himself.
    Rosemar snarled. “I need blood to keep this body looking like it does. Otherwise, she’ll rot. I know you don’t want that.”
    â€œYou could get it without going to the saloon. No one knows you’re a demon except us and Heng. You’re supposed to be a human, remember?”
    â€œPeace. I will accompany her.” Eliakim slid his sword into its scabbard.
    Eban spun to face him. “Don’t you have angel things to do? You can’t walk around town like you belong here.”
    â€œSeere does.” Rosemar smirked.
    â€œSeere’s not an angel that I conjured.” His head throbbed. “Wystan will be home tomorrow, Tell already told me I’d better not break open the Pit, and you swore you wouldn’t do any harm, but I know you’re thinking about it.”
    â€œPoor Eban.” Rosemar moved forward, running the back of her cool hand down his face. “I could take your mind off all your troubles for a while.”
    â€œI’ll bet you could.” He drew away. On the off chance something he tried wouldn’t blow up in his face, he looked at the angel. “Eliakim, I release you. You