Reign of Night (The Thorne Hill Series Book 7) Read online

  Reign of Night

  The Thorne Hill Series: Book Seven

  Emily Goodwin

  Reign of Night

  Book Seven in the Thorne Hill Series

  Copyright 2020

  Emily Goodwin

  Cover photography by Braadyn Penrod

  Cover art by Covers by Christian

  Editing by Contagious Edits

  Proof reading by Edits By Jessica

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events or places is purely coincidental.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Thank you

  About the Author

  Also By Emily Goodwin

  Chapter 1

  I suck in a breath full of cold night air and look at the dead archangel on the ground before me. The entire forest is silent, and I look up, tearing my eyes away from Remiel’s body and meeting Lucas’s gaze. His brows are furrowed and lips parted, too shocked to even say anything.

  “What do we do, brother?” Lucifer repeats, face twisted in sadness and fear.

  Michael, who’s been standing unmoving, takes a few steps forward and sinks down onto his knees next to Remiel. For a moment I think he’s going to heal him, and for a moment I panic. Remiel knows about me. He knows Michael is my father.

  And he’s not going to let it go.

  He’s going to turn us both in, come back with an army of warriors who will apprehend my father, and kill me. And Lucifer…I don’t know what they’ll do to him, but for some reason I think sending him back down to Hell would be too merciful.

  Michael holds his hand over Remiel, but instead of healing him, he picks up the dagger. Straightening up, his great, white wings disappear, and a small trickle of blood drips down his shoulder.

  “I had to protect her,” he says out loud to himself as he stands with Remiel’s weapon in his hand. He closes his fingers around the hilt, and it disappears. “I had to protect you,” he tells me with tears in his eyes. “I promised your mother I would do whatever it took to keep you safe.”

  Suddenly trembling, I nod as my own eyes fill with tears. So much happened in the last few moments. I can’t process it. Can’t think about it. Now isn’t the time to break down.

  But I also can’t escape it, and in the back of my mind I know I’m in deep shit, deeper than anything I’ve been in before. Bael came to earth with the intention of possessing me and using me to rule Hell. If he knows about me, other demons do, too, and it’s only a matter of time before more come knocking, figuring out the loophole just like Bael. I’m a sitting duck no matter what I do, and as long as I’m alive, I’m going to be in the same constant danger.

  My very existence shouldn’t even be, and as much as I don’t want to die—especially now that I’m carrying my own child—I can’t help but think a swift death the moment I was born would have been for the greater good.

  How many innocent people have gotten caught up in my mess? How many more will die at the hands of demons in their desperate attempt to get to me? I know it’s not my fault. I know I can’t blame myself. Demons will kill, just like they always have, and I need to remind myself I’ve saved far more people from the hands of demons than demons have killed trying to get to me.

  I blink, and tears roll down my cheeks. Michael crosses the yard and comes to me, wrapping me in his arms. “I will continue to do whatever it takes to protect you,” he whispers and kisses the top of my head. “You are my daughter.”

  Still too stunned to move, I stand rooted to the spot, heart hammering away in my chest. I close my eyes and open my mouth to say something, but Michael spreads his wings and holds me tight before I even get the chance, flying me out of Thorne Hill.

  The world spins around me, but the side effects of being flown to the other side of the world last only a second this time. I’m getting used to it, just like Julian said I would. Blindingly bright sunlight shines down upon us, and I close my eyes. I don’t have to look around to know where I am, though. I can hear the gentle crashing of waves on the shore and can tell I’m standing in sand.

  This is the beach Michael took me to when he told me the truth about who I am. It’s where I learned I wasn’t a Martin and where he confirmed what I’d been thinking for a while…that the blue-eyed man was indeed my father.

  “What are we doing here?” I ask, stepping away from Michael as I squint my eyes open. Next time he flies me to a beach, I’m requesting sunglasses. There are people on the shore, talking, laughing, and playing in the water. Like last time, they didn’t seem to notice us suddenly appearing or the fact that Michael’s wings are stretched out behind him.

  “I wanted to get you away,” Michael says as his wings fold and disappear from sight. He looks out at the ocean, and the clear blue sky matches his eyes.

  “Why? Was I in danger? Lucas and Kristy are still—”

  “They will be fine,” Michael says in a voice so calm I almost believe him. “My brother is still with them.”

  “Lucifer,” I shoot back. “You mean Lucifer is still with them.” I pull my arms in around myself, swallowing hard. “You…you trust him?”

  “No,” Michael replies right away. “I do not, but I do trust that he will not hurt you.”

  “I’m not following,” I say as I shake my head and let out a breath. “I just want to go home, back to Lucas. Please, take me home. I’m scared,” I admit.

  “Don’t be.”

  “How can you say that? There is a dead angel in my yard. I’m fucking terrified!” I throw my hands out right as a mom and her two young children walk by, giving me the side-eye. I close my eyes and tip my head up, trying to compose myself. “Aren’t you?”

  Michael stops walking, shoulders sagging just a bit before he turns around to face me.

  “I am sorry, Callie. But trust that it won’t always be like this.”

  “How else will it be?”

  Michael looks out at the ocean again, not answering. I slowly inhale, as his silence is telling. There is no other way. I was born from light and dark. My life shouldn’t be, and the fact that I was even born is a miracle in itself…which feels like a slap in the fucking face. Miracles are supposed to be good. A gift from God. Yet here I am, a world away from those I love, unsure of what lies ahead o
f me.

  “This isn’t what your mother would have envisioned, that’s for sure.” He turns back and looks at me, blue eyes clouded with sadness. “We would sit and talk for hours…your mother and I,” he starts, trailing off as emotion threatens to take over. “We’d talk about you and how we were excited to see you grow up. Your mother knew you’d have powers just like her. Her familiar took the form of a cat, you know.”

  More tears spring to my eyes, and my throat tightens. “Really?”

  “Really.” Michael holds out his hand. “Walk with me, daughter?”

  “Will you tell me more about my mother?”

  “Of course.”

  I extend my hand and curl my fingers around Michael’s. We head down the shore, and it’s only then I realize I’m getting weird looks. But it’s not because Michael and I suddenly appeared on the beach, but because I’m dressed for a Midwest winter, not a day on the beach in western Australia. I unzip my coat as we walk, and I look out at the crystal-clear ocean, wishing I could come back here with Lucas—only, he won’t be able to walk along the sunny shore with me.

  “She loved you,” Michael assures me. “From the moment we found out she was expecting. There was nothing she wanted more than to be your mother.”

  “And because of me, that didn’t happen.”

  “Don’t blame yourself, Callie. Your mother knew from the start there were risks. And yet she chose you.”

  One hand lands on my stomach on its own accord. My own baby was the last thing I ever expected. Lucas wasn’t supposed to be able to get me pregnant, yet here I am, and I already feel so strongly for this little life growing inside of me. I’d give up my own life for our child with no hesitation. But would Lucas let me? I’m not sure…and making him choose between his wife and his child…I don’t even want to think about it.

  “Did she know?” I start, words coming out strangled. “At the end…did she know she wasn’t going to make it?”

  Michael’s eyes fill with sorrow. “She did. And I tried, Callie, believe me, I tried everything. I loved your mother, don’t ever doubt that.”

  “I…I don’t,” I say honestly. There’s no question of the pain in Michael’s eyes. “And I think—I mean, I know—she loved you, too.”

  A small smile plays on his lips. “I like to think so, though I want you to know, I didn’t feel worthy of her love.” He looks back out at the horizon again. “The world wasn’t worthy of her,” he says softly, and I’m not sure if he’s talking to me or himself.

  “How…how did you meet her?” I ask, heart beating faster and faster. We left so much behind, literally running away from our problems, leaving the cold night behind to come here, to this beautiful beach.

  Michael smiles, blue eyes shimmering. “I’ve wanted to tell you this for so long. We—”

  All of the sudden, Lucifer appears, wings spread behind him. His eyes are wide and his face is strained. My breath leaves me, and my nerves prickle once again.

  Lucas.

  He’s back in Thorne Hill, back standing in the woods with Kristy, watching and waiting and not sure at all what happened to me. Lucifer was supposed to stay there and protect them in case other angels showed up.

  “Seriously?” Lucifer spits out, brows furrowed as he looks upon the beach. “Of all the beaches in all the world, you chose one that requires clothing.” He dramatically sighs and shakes his head. “I happen to be very fond of a particular beach in France where clothing is optional and most decide to go without—”

  “Silence, brother!” Michael booms, eyes flashing bright blue.

  “Ohhh, saucy,” Lucifer coos, putting a hand on his hip. “I like this side of you, brother. You’re a little reckless and remind me of, well, me. No wonder I find it so attractive.”

  “This isn’t a joke,” Michael snarls.

  “Trust me,” Lucifer says, holding up his hands. “I know.” His lips press into a forced smile, and he flicks his eyes to me for half a second before he starts to roll up his sleeves. “It’s quite toasty here. Reminds me of home.”

  “This isn’t a joke,” Michael repeats.

  “I know,” Lucifer agrees, being quite somber. “You killed our brother.”

  “I did what I had to do,” Michael retorts.

  Lucifer’s eyes shift to me. “Apparently so, but know I’m done cleaning up your messes. Get back there and deal with it yourself…unlike last time.”

  Michael whirls around, great white wings appearing behind him. “Do not talk about her that way,” he sneers, nostrils flaring.

  Lucifer rolls his eyes and continues to mess with the sleeves of his designer suit. “I found a button, and I’m going to push it.”

  Michael tips his head, not following.

  “He means he’s going to annoy you,” I blurt. It’s hot, and I’m wearing knee-high leather boots and a jacket over my clothes. Yet I know the sweat that’s breaking out along my back and between my breasts has more to do with nerves than anything else.

  “Yes,” Lucifer snaps. “I’m going to do that. Exactly that.”

  “And what will that accomplish?” Michael rounds on him, blue eyes flashing.

  “Apparently nothing,” Lucifer snarls, eyes glowing like red coals in the night. “Well, nothing other than remind me of old times. I let you win then, but I won’t be so gracious now.” He pushes his shoulders back and his large wings appear behind him. “Do I need to remind you she was mine first?”

  “She was never yours.” Michael’s eyes glow brighter and brighter as anger surges through him. “She never belonged to anyone.” Michael thrusts his hand forward, sending a jolt of blue light at Lucifer. It hits him square in the chest, singeing his designer suit and making him stumble back a few steps.

  “That’s how it’s going to be?” Lucifer dusts off his jacket. “Hurt me but leave the Kiton alone.”

  Michael’s eyes narrow, and he looks at Lucifer in question for half a second before becoming stoic again. He has no idea that Kiton is a designer who makes ridiculously expensive suits. I only know because Lucas has a few of them hanging in his closet, and I just about spit out my drink—all over said expensive suits—when he casually mentioned spending ten grand on just one of them.

  A string of blue energy, much like the magic I can conjure, sizzles around Michael’s fingers. It’s as bright as the sun and probably just as hot.

  “Don’t make me fight fire with fire,” Lucifer says, holding up his hand and summoning a ball of hellfire. Both my father and my uncle raise their hands, ready to unleash cosmic forces on each other. My heart jumps into my throat, and I move between them, holding up my hands.

  “Stop it!” I yell, but it’s too late. Both the string of blue magic and the hellfire come hurtling at me. Instinct takes over, and I close my eyes, knowing there’s going to be a blinding flash. I duck at the last second, and the two forces of energy collide, raining sparks and flames down on me. They hit the exposed skin on my hands, but instead of burning me, it absorbs into my skin, giving me an instant jolt.

  Tingles make their way down my spine, and I look up, confused and alarmed by what just happened. Michael rushes to me, resting a hand on my shoulder.

  “Callie,” he breathes, turning me so I’m looking at him. “Are you all right?”

  “I…I think so,” I say, aware my own eyes are emitting a soft blue glow.

  “Well, that was unexpected,” Lucifer notes, sand shifting under his shoes as he comes over as well.

  Letting my eyes fall shut, I slowly inhale, aware more than ever before of everything around me. The sound of the waves. The heat of the sun warming the sand. The happy chatter of everyone around us. Time slows and the chatter gets louder and louder in my ears, and suddenly it’s like a dozen people standing around me all talking at the same time, and through the voices I hear the thumping of hearts and can feel their wants. Their needs.

  Their fears.

  The world starts to close in on me while spinning at the same time. I can’t disti
nguish what anyone is saying, but they’re all clamoring for my attention, begging for something. Michael’s hand is still on my shoulder, and he says something, but his voice is a distant echo amongst the others.

  Forcing myself to breathe, I deeply inhale and open my eyes. Light glints off the ocean, and one voice suddenly becomes clearer than the other. Help me, please help me! I blink and I’m looking up at the sky from under the water.

  Blinking a few times, I turn to my father. “Someone is drowning. Out there.” I raise a shaky hand and point to the line where the sky meets the sea. “I…I don’t know how I know. I, um, I heard them calling for help.”

  Michael and Lucifer look at each other, and Lucifer frowns. “The Kiton is already ruined.” He disappears in a rustle of feathers. I stare out at the water, and the voices fade until they're gone. The buzz I felt from absorbing the remnants of hellfire and whatever it is Michael conjured is just a slight vibration in my whole body.

  Only a moment later, Lucifer is back, standing in knee-deep water, holding up a teenage boy, who’s limp and unmoving.

  “Hello, lifeguard,” Lucifer yells, taking one hand off the boy and waving. “You missed one!” He effortlessly lifts up the boy and brings him to the shore, laying him down on dry sand. The boy’s face is blue, and his chest isn’t rising and falling. Wide-eyed, I stare, too stunned to move. Michael kneels down over him, holding his hands over the boy’s chest.