Read Online Los Nefilim Book 4 by T. Frohock - Free Book Online

Yes?”
    Rafael considered this. “I hadn’t thought of that.”
    â€œObviously, neither has Sister Benita,” said Miquel. “It’s settled. We’ll use a golem.”
    â€œExcept I can’t create a golem. Only the angel-­born Nefilim can breathe life into a golem.”
    Miquel leaned over Rafael and blew a soft gust of air against Diago’s cheek.
    Diago closed his eyes. “You would do this for him?”
    â€œIs he yours?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œDo you love him?”
    â€œI want to try.”
    â€œThen how can I not?”
    â€œI don’t deserve you.”
    Miquel slid his wedding band off Diago’s finger and put it back on his hand. “No. You deserve better. You just won’t let yourself believe it.”
    A loud scraping noise drew Diago’s attention back to the window. The three ‘aulaq had risen. The tall scarred vampire tapped the glass with a long ragged nail. Miquel raised the gun again. They flinched but did not hide.
    Diago turned his face away from the ‘aulaq and said, “Moloch will expect a trick such as that.”
    Miquel shrugged and lowered his voice. “How is he going to know? He cannot touch the boy without destroying the child’s innocence. Such an act would render the sacrifice impure. He must rely on the parent to validate the gift.” Miquel rested his hand on Diago’s shoulder. “He is so hungry he is bartering with angels. You are half daimon. You can convince him the sacrifice is real.” He gave Diago’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze then released him.
    Rafael tugged at his pony’s mane. “Am I angel or daimon?”
    Diago ignored him and spoke to Miquel. “I’m not sure I can.”
    â€œOf course you can. Our lives depend on it.”
    The train slowed and, in counterpoint, Diago’s pulse picked up speed.
    â€œPapa?” A low whine crept into Rafael’s voice.
    Diago closed his eyes and made a conscious effort not to snap at the boy. “What?”
    â€œAm I angel or daimon?”
    â€œYou are like me.” Diago stood and tugged Rafael’s hand. “You are both.”
    Rafael refused to budge. Diago couldn’t help but wonder how so small a child could gain such weight on a moment’s notice. He tugged harder, but Rafael resisted him. “Are we going to hell?”
    Diago opened his mouth, then immediately shut it again. The fear in his child’s eyes sapped him of any reassurances. I have nothing to offer him but lies that even I don’t believe anymore.
    Miquel stood as the train slowed to a stop. He took Rafael’s elbow and slid him off the seat. “We’re here.”
    That seemed to answer more than one question.

 
    Chapter Four
    D iago followed Miquel onto the platform. The tall scarred ‘aulaq stuck his head outside the door. Miquel raised the gun and took three steps forward. The ‘aulaq ducked back onto the train. No others emerged. Moments passed before the doors shut. The train rumbled away.
    â€œWhy didn’t they get off?” Diago watched the lights disappear around a bend.
    â€œThey didn’t need to. We are exactly where they want us to be. Where are we going to go?” Miquel asked, looking around.
    Diago’s eyes took in the wide platform, and he realized Miquel was right. A set of stairs descended into a dim hall. The only other exit was the tracks themselves, and Diago had no doubt that the ‘aulaqs were waiting for them in the darkness.
    Rafael hugged his horse and craned his neck to look down the stairs. “Is this hell? Sister Benita said hell was made of fire. I’m cold.”
    â€œI’m starting to wish Sister Benita was here.” Miquel fingered the gun’s trigger.
    A note of warning crept into Diago’s voice. “Miquel.”
    â€œ Ya, ya, ya .” Miquel waved Diago’s concern away. “But still.”
    Rafael linked