CHAPTER 15
Crowley didn't need a portal to get back to Hell. He usually snapped his fingers for something like that, but his showmanship left him when he realized what was going on. Perhaps Leland had sent him down this wild goose chase just to get him out of Hell long enough to take the crown. Leland was about to find out that wasn't going to be as easy as he thought.
Crowley pushed through the heavy double doors to his throne room like they were pieces of paper. There sat Leland on the throne, crown on head, grinning like a madman.
"Just as I thought," Crowley said. "What do you think you're doing?"
"The crown is mine," Leland said. "I've worked long enough for it. Now you can't take it away from me."
"We'll see about that, sunshine," Crowley said. He stopped in front of the throne. He moved his hands so quickly that they actually looked like shadow puppets without the shadow. Just as he opened his mouth for the incantation, Leland leapt from the throne with the holy object in his hand.
Crowley held up both hands to defend himself, but he never saw the angel blade until it went between his ribs and into his heart. He froze, gold in his eyes. Then he collapsed, dead.
Leland stood over him, smiling. "The King is dead." He kicked Crowley's corpse playfully. "All hail King Leland." He laughed maniacally.
TO BE CONTINUED . . .