The silver-black fire surrounding Azrael pulsed with each heartbeat, growing brighter and more intense as the full scope of his awakened power finally manifested without the chains that had bound it for three millennia. Around him, the angelic legion maintained their defensive formation, but their perfect confidence had cracked. Even Uriel, ancient and terrible in its authority, seemed uncertain for the first time since the battle began.

"Stand down," Azrael commanded, his voice carrying ...