Read Lacrimosa for Free Online Page A

says.
    “We didn't mean to interrupt anything.” Aydan’s friend from school looks curiously at me, a smile spreading across his face.
    I study him closely as a sense of dread laces through my senses. Just like earlier. Goth boy’s black hair hangs in a ponytail down his back. He has a strong jaw and chiseled features most girls would find attractive. He wears a t-shirt that reveals something I hadn’t noticed before, a series of Celtic tattoos covering his neck and jaw, eventually disappearing under the confines of his shirt.
    The marks of the Beast.
    He takes a step toward me, extending his hand. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure.” His voice is as cool as ice. And just as unyielding. “I’m Azza.”
    My heart pounds against my ribs as the adrenaline rushes through me. Our gaze meets and I understand everything. Black with no hint of pupils. The eyes of unspeakable evil.
    The Dark One himself.
    Azzaziel.
    How did I not notice him before now? What’s wrong with me?
    I step out of his reach. I can’t let him touch me, see me. Not here, alone, with a mob of dark creatures ready to feast on me.
    Azryel’s Wings, how did I ever let this happen?
    “Nice to meet you,” I say, taking another step away from him. I look at Aydan and stow every emotion. His eyes dart from Azza to me and back. His expression is hard, angry.
    And desperate.
    “I should go,” I say to Aydan as I back away, eying both Azza and his friends.
    “Don't leave on our account.” Azza slithers closer. “I’m sure we could get some others to join us and make a party of it.”
    The air stands still around me, stopping time. One…two…three seconds pass before the words will form. “No, really, it’s okay,” I finally say, stepping into the shadows. “I’m already late. My mother will be worrying about me.” I continue to back away, keenly aware of Azza’s stare. His thoughts reach out to mine. I shield my identity, making sure he senses nothing more than the scared musings of a normal human girl.
    Leave her alone , I hear Aydan say to his master. She’s mine . His words chill me to the bone.
    Azza’s laughter fills the air as I finally reach the stone stairwell that leads to the upper terrace and duck into the darkness, cursing my mistakes.
    Again.
    Why couldn’t I just vanquish that UnHoly already? If I had just finished my task, Aydan would be in the Abyss.
    And Azza’s whereabouts would be…
    A mystery.
    My mind slows. Azzaziel. The Dark One himself. Hanging out in high school. Why? It doesn’t make any sense.
    My heart continues to pound too fast in my chest. I’ve never let myself get this close to blowing it this big. I should have felt Azzaziel’s presence, should have sensed him coming. Mikayel will never accept these mistakes. Unless…
    Maybe if I can figure out why Azzaziel is here, what he’s up to, maybe then Mikayel will ignore my little failings.
    Who am I kidding? Mikayel won’t let any of this pass. None of the Council will.
    Nor should they.

 
    Chapter 9 - Succumb
     
    Aydan
     
    I never intended to serve Azza. No one ever does. But it sure beats burning in the eternal flames of the Abyss.
    At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
    Truthfully, most days I obsess about killing my master. I used to think being his apprentice, binding myself to him and learning the secrets of the Dark Ones, would give me the strength I needed to end his reign.
    Not any more.
    Now I know the truth, becoming the Beast will only tie me to him for an eternity. None will be able to kill me. Any honor will be forever gone. And I will be nothing more than a slave to my master…
    Forever.
    “Why are you here, Azza? I almost had her.” My voice bounces off the stone walls surrounding the courtyard.
    “No, young apprentice, she almost had you.” The disdain in his voice is palpable.
    I’ve disappointed him. Again.
    An unintended growl escapes my throat. “You don’t think I can handle her?”
    “I don’t trust