Demon Angel

hands, at the glistening moisture on his fingers. "Oh, God help me."
    Lilith sprouted her wings, but Michael clamped his hand over her shoulder before she could jump from her perch. "You cannot interfere."
    She halted, her breath coming in sharp pants. "You can."
    He shook his head.
    "You won't ." She called in her sword. Robert was running up the stairs ahead of Mandeville.
    "It is too late," Michael said. "Are you not proud of what you've done, Lilith?"
    It was not only me , she thought, but could not voice her automatic response. Not when 'twas obvious that, had she not interfered, human thought would never have become action. Not when Hugh pleaded for help.
    But did she help him, Lucifer would have no mercy.
    Perhaps d'Aulnoy would. She wavered and waited again. Her success depended on the baron's rage, but perhaps he could forgive what met his eyes as he climbed onto the wall walk.
    Though his expression was tormented, Hugh straightened and stood with squared shoulders as the baron took in the scene, as he recognized the lady in the washerwoman's rags. Lilith recalled Hugh's description of d'Aulnoy: He is a good man . Would he see the clothing, understand what Isabel had tried to hide? Would he think she sobbed from Hugh's rejection of her adulterous advances?
    Indeed, the confusion on the baron's face gave Lilith hope.
    "My lady," the earl said, his voice tight. "Can you explain why you are dressed thus?"
    No mistaking the guilt that trembled over her features. She took a deep, shuddering breath, wiped the tears from her cheeks. Aye, no weakling she. Lilith wanted to slap her. "I sought Sir Hugh's company and did not want to be noticed."
    D'Aulnoy flinched as if struck. "For what purpose?" It was clear he yearned for any answer than the one he suspected, but Lilith knew Isabel would not be other than honest.
    Lilith glanced at Hugh; he stood rigidly, but his gaze was not on the baron or young countess, but directed atop the keep. At her.
    Lie , she urged him silently. Convince him she seduced you but you resisted. You owe me a He .
    A half-smile curved Hugh's mouth, and he spoke before Isabel could answer. "I took advantage of the friendship my lady and I cultivated while in France, my lord. Then I brought her up here—nay, forced her here—with a threat on your life. She attempts to protect you by claiming this was of her own volition."
    Isabel shook her head. "Nay! Only after I came did you threaten—"
    "Do you see?" Hugh laughed. "Marie de Lille and I have been planning to reach this moment; we were so successful that, even now, Isabel worries that you will challenge me for daring to force my touch upon her and fall before my sword."
    "What madness is this?" Lilith whispered.
    Michael's smile could have been carved from stone. "He is saving his lord and his lady from your scheming. Rape, treason, and murder? Justifiably punishable offenses. The baron will feel no guilt after, and the lady will eventually make peace with her part in this—for obviously , 'twas all a terrible plan of Hugh's and yours from the beginning. He believes he is saving their souls."
    "I can smell her sweetness on my hands," Hugh continued. "She is ripe for the pluck—"
    D'Aulnoy's fist shot out, catching Hugh's jaw and knocking him back against the parapet.
    His hand rested upon his sword hilt, but he did not draw his weapon. He turned to his wife, his chest heaving. "My lady, is what he says true? Did he touch you with force? Did he threaten my life? Did another lady convince you to come here?"
    Isabel looked from her husband to Hugh; he clung to the low wall, clearly dazed. "Aye, but—"
    "Take his sword, William. And his mail. 'Twas an honor he never deserved."
    He was stripped of his rank. Lilith sank onto her haunches, letting her relief ease the tension that had held her motionless. He would be exiled, then, as had many of the barons who had been called traitors to their liege.
    "We are even, demon," Hugh muttered; no one but she and Michael could have heard it.
    Lilith's mouth fell open. "He has defeated me." She began shaking with laughter. "And he has fulfilled his bargain in the doing: a lie for a lie."
    Perfectly equal lies, spun of half-truths that held no advantage in the telling. Unable to stop her grin, her expression a reflection of disbelief and admiration, she hid her face so Michael would not see it and triumph.
    "Nay, do not look away." Michael's voice was sharp in her ear. Searing pain tore through her scalp