Fall Into Darkness Read Online Free PDF Page B

heavy sacks and plopped them on the kitchen floor. With that chore done, she was finally able to tuck the snowmobile away and head inside. The timing couldn’t have been better since the wind kicked up and began swirling snow in mini white tornados. Soon, she wouldn’t be able to see her hand in front of her face.
    After making a bowl of tomato soup and a grilled cheese, she headed for bed. Too tired to even shower, she’d finish unpacking tomorrow. With her flannel PJ’s on, she crawled into bed and sleep found her before her head hit the pillow.
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    E li had been tracking Gabriel for weeks, and somehow the angel remained one step ahead of him. He’d gone from one end of the globe to the other and his frustration, along with his patience, was wearing thin.
    “Are you sure you don’t want my help?” Tegan taunted.
    Eli threw a dagger at the target of an angel at the far end of the field and hit dead center in the heart. “I don’t need your help,” he growled. His commander found great entertainment at his expense. “I will find him. I just need more time.”
    Tegan sighed and grabbed his own dagger, tossing it at the target. He’d added a spin for show and still hit deep into the heart. “Look at that,” he exclaimed.
    “Nice trick. Shall I give you a treat and pat you on the head?”
    His commander ignored the comment. “Have you found any clues to help us understand why so many are falling?” Tegan asked.
    “Nothing solid. I still think it has something to do with the Maker. Where the hell is she and why is she ignoring us?” Eli was completely baffled by the sudden silence.
    Tegan gave him a hard look. “I’m going to be honest. I can’t feel her anymore either, but you’re the only one I’ve told.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and dropped his gaze to the ground. “What the hell can happen to a god that they suddenly vanish? I’m sure others have felt her absence as well, but no one has spoken of it.”
    Eli felt his jaw drop. “I was hoping it was only me. You’re the first to mention a total disconnect.” He rubbed the stubble on his jaw. He’d been thinking it was the reason he felt the darkness swirling around him and, if those who were weaker had felt the same, it was possible they gave into temptation. Truth be told; none of them were perfect. At times, the only difference between them and the humans they protected was their immortality and gifts. Angels liked to have a good time as much as anyone. Had they pushed their limit and the Maker had grown disappointed in them? His gut said that wasn’t the case. Something else was wrong.
    “I’d like to say those who are falling are the ones who’ve had little moral values to begin with. Except Gabriel doesn’t fit that picture. Actually none of them do.” Tegan started toward the target to retrieve his daggers and Eli followed.
    “We should call a meeting. More heads are better than just the two of us. Maybe someone has come across something they didn’t think was important.” Eli pulled his dagger free and held it up to be absorbed by his magic.
    “Tonight. We’ll meet at our usual place,” Tegan replied, then stretched his golden wings and flew off. Eli watched his long-time friend and leader become a speck in the universe and fear sank its icy talons into his skin, striking bone. He was a hunter and, even when chasing his mortal enemies, he’d never known fear. He laughed in the face of it, but now he worried. For his brethren and himself. Too many had fallen, and the darkness slithered around his ankles like a boa constrictor. It threatened to crush him, and he didn’t know why or how much longer he could stave it off. Every time he went out to hunt, the urge struck him to welcome it. Embrace it like a lost lover. He swore at times he could almost feel the sharp points replacing his flat teeth. He wanted to drink a soul and feel the power it brought with it.
    He turned away from the target and ran, working his