Ascension of Evil (Battle for Souls Book 3) by Ciara Knight Read Free Book Online

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    The angels were outnumbered twenty to one. Demonic creatures swatted them down with ease. But the angels fought back, stomping them like pesky bugs, only to have the creatures rise and fight again.
    More and more of Hell’s minions rose to join the fray even as the angels’ numbers dwindled. The ground turned ruby red with the blood of the fallen, the skies black as though even the sun had given up.
    The image flickered twice as the crevasse sealed, leaving the grass beneath her feet unmarked. The moon broke through the darkness and the smell of the pine and Magnolia blossoms returned.
    She fell to her knees, clutching her head. “Is this what’s to come?” she cried into the night, but no answer came. “We’ll be out-numbered. Why would you send us to our death?” She rocked on her knees, begging to the surrounding night. “Mother, please. Tell me what to do. I know you wouldn’t abandon me here on Earth.”
    Join your enemies , a whisper floated in the air.
    She shot up and looked around. She sensed no aura nor did any demonic creature come crashing through the woods. Warmth bathed her skin in a golden glow. The smell of lilac perfume tickled her nose as a sense of weightlessness lightened her heavy heart. “Mother?”
    Common enemies should become your allies. Forras, you need him.
    “Gabby!” Alexander’s voice broke the trance. Her mother’s scent faded, overpowered by the smell of trees and grass. Someday she’d have her close again, for more than a few seconds.
    She pushed to stand, her legs barely supporting her weighted soul.
    Alexander clutched her shoulders. “Are you okay? What happened?” He looked her up and down, his eyebrows raised with concern. She knew he checked her for wounds.
    “I’m fine.”
    Boon and Sammy stood near the tree line, poised to attack.
    “It’s okay. No demons around tonight.” She sighed at the irony of her father back inside fighting his own demon.
    Boon and Sammy clasped hands and exchanged a loving look. Her stomach tightened with need. She wanted to experience that with Alexander.
    Still alert, Boon searched the area as he approached. “I sense a demonic presence. Are you sure?”
    “Yes. Well, there was a demonic presence. I think Hell sent me a warning that we don’t stand a chance. We’re doomed to lose the war.”
    Boon’s eyebrows furrowed. “Don’t let them mess with you. Remember, you are their biggest threat.”
    Threat ? She shook off the self-doubt and focused on what needed to be done. “It wasn’t just the demonic propaganda. I also saw my mother. Well, not saw, but felt, heard, and smelled her. Okay, that sounds crazy, but you know what I mean. She came to help me.” Her heart fluttered at the realization her mother still watched over her.
    They exchanged concerned glances. Alexander raised one eyebrow with that I-can’t-believe-she-fell-for-that look.
    “It’s true.”
    “Gabby.” Boon paused, and she knew he was searching for the right words, ones that wouldn’t tick her off. No one wanted to make an out-of-control, slightly imbalanced, weapon-of-destruction mad. “Demons manipulate and trick us. It’s part of how they fought the last war. They make people believe things. Twist their emotions, so people will react and do crazy things. Remember when the Prim—”
    “But this is my mother were talking about. I know last time the Prim twisted my thoughts, but the principal isn’t here anymore. I know it was my mother, and she told me to befriend my enemies. They will even the numbers for the war.”
    Boon’s eyes grew wide as did the others. “Gabby, we—”
    “It wasn’t a trick. It was my mother. I know it.”
    They all stood in silence, trying to keep their doubt from showing on their faces. Her body shook with frustration.
    Alexander wrapped his arms around her and kissed her head. “You know I love you. I will fight by your side, die to protect you.” He pulled her tighter, and she lost herself in his