Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

375. Ansel - Asa III

When I decided to help Andy, the boy destined to be Olivia's guardian, I understood the implications that Samael, the most powerful and strongest of the Nephilims would be no more. I stopped being the general of Ophyr's army the moment I followed Erelah into this world. Pandora's protection around this world stripped me of my immortality, leaving my body similar to those of humans. Maybe weaker, as I was quickly deteriorating, and by the time Andy turned five, I was an old man.

I still remember the day Andy and I became one. How it happened is a haze in my mind, as the pain was unbearable. If not for Ladybug, I would not be here today. She found me in time and nursed me back to life. Once I was well, with infinite patience, she taught me about Olivia. It wasn't necessary, as I had both Andy and Samael's memories, but listening about Pandora's heir made me fall deeply in love with her.

Asa stands in the doorframe, blocking our way out. I spread my wings wide, letting him know that I will fight him.

How on Earth did Asa get in here? Next to him, Spencer looks at us with a happy expression. I thought he was sleeping.

What disturbed his sleep?

The doorbell.

We all ignore it, but it must have woken up Spencer, who let Asa in. I should have thought that something like this would happen, but I was so worried that I'd lose my family that I wasn't thinking straight. Before Olivia and my blood-brothers, I never had a family. Never knew the joy of being with the woman I love.

The people in this room are what I fight for.

I take a step forward. "I am not Samael anymore. Nor Andy. I am Ansel, bonded and guardian of Olivia. Blood-brother of Rueben, Tyson, Mose, and Jasper." Father to Spencer and the baby growing inside Olivia. I don't mention them, not wanting Asa to try to control me by harming them.

before

reply. Holding my head high, I say,

coming from my blood-brothers show me how fragile human relationships are. Over the years, I have thought about what would happen if the truth about me ever came to light. I thought I was ready

a threat anymore, I will

or because I wanted to end her, but because I was obsessed with her. She was a mystery that

blood-brothers don't know what to say. It's not every day they learn that one of them is

Asa's wings spring forth.

is a Nephilim custom. The one who has the biggest and

radiates from him. He is

doesn't seem to notice, but I know him better than anyone. Better than Ophyr. I can't say the exact amount of years the two of us fought side by side, as time was irrelevant to us. During those times, Asa was the closest thing to a friend. Trusting has been my biggest mistake. But if not for him, I would

might not be a Nephilim anymore, but there was one thing I still have divine power. It might not be enough

Spencer, who is too little to understand the danger he is in. "No

get it, as he says, "You involved us when you tricked us into believing you were one of

curl

Asa smiles.

My demon snarls. No.