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‘So you claim,’ says Raffe ‘But the election isn’t co of coincidences, isn’t it? Messenger Gabriel being killed without telling anyone e’re here Uriel being the only archangel available for the election Every time there’s any doubt, another apocalyptic n’

Raffe looks at Uriel ‘How convenient for you, Uri Yes I agree to a trial by contest’

Angels nod and echo ‘Trial by contest’

As in winner takes all and is declared to be telling the truth? What are we, living in the Middle Ages?

Uriel sweeps his gaze over the crowd

‘Fine,’ says Uriel ‘So be it I call Sacriel as roup and his enorels, gauging theh to back hiels who voted for hi for his

‘I’est, meanest warrior on your side to besta warrior do I need as a second to beat you and Sacriel? Hhter of Man She should even out the odds’

Angels laugh

I stand on the churned-up ground, stunned

Uriel’s lips purse ‘You still think everything is a joke, don’t you?’ Uriel spits out his words He definitely doesn’t like being laughed at ‘Have your fun now, Raphael, because she’ll be the only one to follow you when you fall Perhaps you’ve forgotten that you don’t have your Watchers any look I can tell that he knows Raffe didn’t just pick me as a joke ‘You have until sunrise to collect your team before we meet to decide on the contest’

He flies out of the croith his usual entourage following in a burst of fluttering wings The angels buzz with excite of the aerie

A few of Uriel’s guards corral the two ree They also lock Beliel in with them

But they leave me alone on the field It must be because I’m Raffe’s second, whatever thatto ease the tension

Raffe glides down to s are wide and fraes of his feathers are downy, giving hiht

I still can’t believe he has his wings back They look a on him Perfect in every way, except for the notch that I cut out of his hen I first row back in over time, and all traces ofabout his wings and thank hi me alive, but I don’t want to be overheard I can tell that he sees it all inhow the heck I got here I suppose I have a special talent for showing up where I shouldn’t be

As the last of the angels fly away, Josiah lands beside Raffe His unnaturally white skin matches Raffe’s feathers

‘Well, that was an unexpected choice for a second,’ says Josiah, watching Raffe with his red eyes

Raffe gives hirim expression ‘What are the chances that we can recruit a decent team?’