Free Before the Fall by L.G. Castillo Page B

was the sweet innocence that he had fallen in love with. He would avenge her even if it meant that he would be struck down by Michael himself for his evil doing.
    ***
    R aphael dashed through the city gates. Lucifer was too smart to stay behind. He must have known that Raphael would hunt him down as soon as he discovered what he had done. But maybe he could get information from someone as to his whereabouts.
    He rushed to the inn and banged on the door. A young woman opened it. Startled pale blue eyes looked at him. “Yes?”
    “I am looking for the innkeeper.”
    “That would be my husband, Gideon. I am his wife, Esther. Do you seek a room for the night?”
    “I’m looking for someone. He was here earlier today with the governor.”
    “Ah, yes. Lucifer. He is a charming fellow.”
    Raphael cringed at the remark. Despite his loathing of humans, Lucifer made sure that he charmed people wherever he went. All of his deceptions were for his quest to seek power.
    “Yes, Lucifer. Is he still here?
    “I’m afraid not. He left the city this morning, soon after his meeting with the governor.”
    “Did he leave alone?”
    “I am not sure. Gideon!” she called out.
    A tall slender man with dark wavy hair walked into the room. When he saw Raphael, his eyes lit up. “You must be Raphael.”
    “I don’t believe we’ve met,” Raphael said.
    “No we haven’t, but word of you is well-known in the city. You managed to take hold of something that Baka wanted and still live.” He chuckled. “That is quite an accomplishment. Baka is not the type of man to give up anything he wants. Tell me how you managed to do that? Are you from wealth?”
    Raphael scowled.
    “Gideon, mind your tongue,” Esther said and turned to Raphael. “Women may be known to dwell on idle gossip but men do so even more.”
    “What is the harm? I am curious,” Gideon said.
    “He is searching for Lucifer. Do you know of his whereabouts?”
    Gideon ran a hand over his chin, stroking his dark beard. “He didn’t say but he left with Baka. Perhaps he knows.”
    “Thank you,” Raphael said as he placed a gold coin into Esther’s hand.
    She pushed his hand away, making him take back the coin. “I will not hear of it. Be careful with Baka. I have known him for a long time. He only gives when it is to his benefit.”
    ***
    R aphael stepped out of the inn. He dreaded the thought of going to Baka’s home. He would have to face Baka’s pregnant wife Jael and their son, Saleos. He did not wish to fight Baka, and his presence there would more than likely come to that, unless he used his mind manipulation gift again.
    He swallowed the guilt that threatened to emerge and held onto the thought of Lucifer’s hands all over Rebecca’s body. Fury engulfed him again and propelled him forward with determination.
    “Where is the ring?” A voice growled in the darkness.
    Raphael ran to the sound of Baka’s voice. He paused when he saw Baka with an older man, his fist clutching the man by the lapel of his tunic.
    Raphael marched to Baka. Grabbing his forearm, he jerked it from the man’s clothing. The man stumbled to the ground.
    “How dare you?” Baka growled at Raphael.
    Without a word, Raphael squeezed his arm while Baka howled in pain. He only stopped when he heard the subtle sound of bone cracking.
    Raphael looked down at the man on the ground. “Leave us.”
    The man nodded frantically and ran away.
    When he was gone, Raphael smashed Baka to the wall of the building. “Where is Lucifer?”
    Baka’s eyes turned into thin slits. “I do not fear you.”
    Raphael gave him a cold stare and then with a flick of his wrist, Baka’s arm snapped.
    Baka howled in pain.
    Placing a hand over Baka’s mouth, Raphael leaned in, his voice low and melodic. “Where is Lucifer?”
    Baka’s eyes darkened and then became blank. His voice was monotone as he spoke. “I know not. He has left the city.”
    “When will he return?”
    “When the seed has