Fae Animus by Connie Wood
sensual paranormal romance novella
approx. 22,000 words
Cover art by Valerie Tibbs
ISBN# 978-1-938257-13-1

Daray’s world was torn asunder when the original Fallen Angel, Lucifer, killed his wife. Now Daray would risk not only his immortal soul to save her from eternal damnation, but also the balance of good and evil.

Halia knew only love in the arms of her husband; now she awakens in the Realm of the Dead with Lucifer wanting her for his own. Her magical powers gone, Halia must use different means to escape her dark fate.

Will Daray risk destroying the fabric of the realms, plunging everyone in danger to find his wife? And can Halia make it back to her husband before darkness consumes her?

Has their fate already been sealed?

Purchase direct from Pink Petal Books

EXCERPT

“The angels still in favor with the Father do not come to assist their fallen brethren.” Daray kicked at the fire sending embers flying into the air before their light extinguished on the soft dewy grass.

“Michael came to our aid if you recall,” Shae quietly reminded his friend.

“Speak not to me of Michael. It was he who stopped my blade from slaying Lucifer.”

“As happy as I would be if that occurred, Lucifer’s death would have been the end of us all.” Shae stepped back from the fire, his arms once crossed against his chest.

“A price gladly given,” Daray spat venomously.

“Words you do not mean,” Shae sighed.

Anger, so quick and profound once again seared Daray’s blood. Unable to contain it, he lashed out, his feelings too intense to manage. The fire crackled, flames shot high into the night sky, its roar deafening in the quiet night. A sword materialized in his hand, the cold metal against the heat of his palm cooled his heart, his blood turning icy.

“My words are spoken in truth. I would see us all demise to have my wife at my side and Lucifer’s cold dead heart in my hand.”

“Ease your tempter brother,” Shae’s words held caution. “I have known you too long not to know your true heart.”

Shae uncrossed his arms, holding them outward and open toward his brother. He stood before him, ignoring the raised sword.

“’Tis pain you speak with, not malice. Call upon Azrael, he will come. Since our recent battle with Lucifer, you hold the strength of my magic as well as your own, he cannot deny you audience.”

Daray’s hard gaze softened, shame at his actions mixing with his turmoil emotions. The sword disappeared from his grasp as quickly as it had appeared. The Fae’s emotions ran deep and powerful, at times consuming all rational.

Shae nodded, turned and walked from the glade without another word.

Exhaustion ripped through his body, taking with it the final remnants of the alcohol he consumed this eve. He fell to his knees beside the fire as it extinguished its final glow. The soft light of dawn worked its way from the horizon and through the thin veil of the realm. Halia’s favorite time of day, the breaking of a new time, new possibilities.

Daray clenched his jaw and rose to his feet; he stood steady and strong. He opened his heart and harnessed his powers and called to the heavens.

“Archangel Azrael, I request audience with you.” The force of his words sent a bolt of electricity through him, contracting all his muscles, but he stood his ground.

The charge of energy sent shock waves through the glade. In a flash of pure yellow light Azrael appeared before him.

“You called Fae,” Azrael’s voice echoed through the clearing and Daray’s mind. He stood with his back to the rising sun, his white feathered wings outstretched and glowing.

“Did you take Halia back to the heavens after Lucifer claimed her life?” Daray swallowed harshly, even the words too painful to speak.

“No.”

“What do you mean, ‘no’? Do not play games with me angel. Did her leaf not fall from the throne of God? Even the Fae have that from the creation of life.”

“Aye, her leaf fell.” Azrael paused a moment, the ivory light in his eyes dulling slightly. “However, I cannot collect her soul, even though I heard the song of the passing.”

Anger mingled with confusion and started to rise within him once more. He clamped his jaw hard to stop himself lashing out at the angels cryptic words. He needed Azrael, he needed to know how Halia faired.

“Why were you unable to claim her soul?” Daray bit out through clenched jaw.

“Because it was taken by Lucifer.”

White hot fire blistered through him. Energy surged from his body, unable to withstand it, it blasted around the clearing. Azrael flew back on the wave on energy, hitting the ground hard. Trees on the edge of the glade bent with the force, leaves tore from the branches, fluttering to the ground like green snow.

Daray felt anger heat his eyes, making them glow. Red heat flowed through him, his muscles tensing, wanting action. He launched himself toward the angel sprawled on the ground and wrapped his hand around his throat. Daray squeezed, harnessed his strength and hoisted Azrael up to his feet.

“You allowed that animal to possess my wife’s soul,” he snarled, tightening his grip.

“I allowed nothing,” Azrael said, his voice gravely and broken. “He took her before I could perform my duties.”

“I want my wife back. I will not allow the Lord of Darkness to possess her.” Daray squeezed as his hand began to burn and blister as Azrael’s energy started to fight his own.

“I can do no more,” Azrael ground out.

A wave of regret hit Daray as the angels emotions broke through his own anger and he realized the truth of Azrael’s repentance. He released his hand and stood back.

“I can see in your eyes the actions you wish to take.” Azrael rubbed at his throat. “I will tell you now, Uriel will not allow you access to his part of the realm.”

“The archangel will allow it, and if he will not heed me, I will take my own liberties.”

Azrael stepped forward, stretched his iridescent white feathered wings until they almost engulfed the area where both he and Daray stood. Daray raised his defenses, readying himself for action.

“I am the taker of souls,” Azrael said, his voice echoing with power once more. “I have seen much grief, however the agony in your soul destroys you. I recall both you and Halia of old when you both held position in heaven, your connection unique even then. You both belong together, though I am unable to assist you. I wish you well fallen brother.”

Archangel Azrael vanished from the realm leaving behind him a wave of grief and despair. Daray clenched his fists at his sides. He would not allow himself to fall into the darkness as he had done since his wife was slain. His Halia was with Lucifer and the dark angel would pay with his damned life.