Shackled (The Lord Series) by Carlos
380. Jasper - Darkness II

Leaders are always responsible for when something goes wrong during a mission. This situation is not different from when we receive an order from the Elders. Actually, it is worse now, as Olivia's well-being is at stake. Tyson has Jon and Khloe's address on Google Maps and we head there. We run fast, fear fueling us.

I finally concentrate on my bond with Olivia. I expect sadness, but I'm almost knocked to the ground when anger, like I've never felt before, floods my entire body. Something must have happened for Olivia to feel like this. Halfway to the house, the street lamps go off, leaving us in complete darkness.

Unable to see where we are going, Tyson and I stop. My hand goes to the back of my waistband. Jon had a few handguns in his house, and we took them with us when we got out of there. Despite being pressed against my skin, the part exposed to the air is cold, calming my nerves.

"I don't like this," Tyson says as he turns on his phone's flashlight.

A cold chill runs down my spine. "Me either."

We continue to advance, slower this time, keeping an eye on the surroundings, not wanting to run into trouble before we find Olivia and the others. I'm so nervous that sweat rolls down my back.

By the time we reach the house, my clothes are damp.

The darkness here is more intense, making me think it is not natural. My thoughts go to Olivia. She explained that her power is neither good nor evil; it's how she needs it to be. Good thing she is on our side, else we would be screwed. Tendrils of darkness wrap around Tyson and me, tugging us toward the entrance. The hair on the back of my neck stands up, and I prepare to fight, but something about the entire thing comforts me.

Tyson's voice is low as he says, "Olivia needs us." He turns off the flashlight, letting the darkness envelop us completely.

We move as silently as possible, the darkness taking us to the living room. It's the only part of the house that is illuminated. Olivia is there, a sword in her left hand, her entire body glowing brightly as she fights with Asa. Cuts cover her arms, blood dripping on the floor.

Bile rises to my throat. It reminds me of the time she cut herself, wanting to end her life. Tyson is as scared as me, his body trembling next to mine.

Asa and Olivia don't seem to notice us.

I want to rush to her, to help her, but her power prevents Tyson and me from entering and makes us watch silently as the battle progresses.

If Olivia needs us, why is her power stopping us?

I try to move but it's like I am a statue.

Asa is much stronger than Olivia, but she is also faster and seems to be more skilled with the sword. He tries to slash Olivia, but she quickly blocks his attack.

"No matter how much you try, you will never win," Asa hisses.

Olivia rolls her eyes. "Sorry to break it to you, but I already won."

Her statement makes Asa mock her. "You couldn't save your home world. You won't save this one either."

When Wasp mentioned multiple Universes, all created by God, I didn't understand why he needed to create so many. But looking at Olivia, at how glorious she is, I finally understand. From the corner of my eye, I see some movement.

I squint my eyes, trying to see what's lurking in the shadows.

Olivia moves around the room. When she gets closer to the door, the light coming from her is enough to let me see Mose dragging a pass out Ansel across the floor. Olivia is only fighting Asa to give Mose time to get Ansel out.

"I don't need to save it, just make sure assholes like you are not around to destroy it," Olivia says.

"You couldn't stop the Nephilims when you were an archangel. You think you can as a human?" Asa keeps questioning Olivia as he moves slowly, tracking her.

"I might be a human," Olivia agrees, "but I am not alone." That's the only thing she says, refusing to reveal anything else. She must know Tyson and I are here.

Those like Asa will never understand what Olivia meant by that. Humans might not be as strong as Nephilims, but we are clever and resilient. We also have the daggers, and they can kill demons and angels. Once we get rid of Azael, we can concentrate on stopping Ophyr and the Nephilim army. If Ansel is willing to reveal any weakness the enemy has, we will most definitely have a chance against them.

Mose and Ansel disappear down the hall, shadows concealing them.

Asa starts a strong attack, which Olivia keeps dodging and blocking. "You are alone now," he says. He even stops fighting her as if to demonstrate that he's in control.

Olivia's eyes glimmer. Her darkness releases Tyson and me, returning to Olivia as she dives for Asa's legs, swinging the sword hard. "I am more than capable of sending you back from where you came from."

Asa snorts before he realizes her intention. He turns his sword around, the tip pointing to Olivia's back.

Tyson and I bolt at the same time, but I know we won't make it in time.

Olivia cuts deep into his flesh as his sword sinks into her back until it protrudes from her stomach.

A deafening roar comes from behind me.

**Sorry for the delay but I ended up relaxing a lot more than I expected while on the vacation. I am already working on the next chapter so I won't leave everyone hanging for a long time - 1-2 days max.**