Never count an angel out

"No!"

The shout echoed through the halls, accompanied by a brilliant light.

Gray lifted Samson's hand to cover their eyes, honestly terrified of what was to come. When he opened them, the dark, musty caverns were lit much more evenly by candles, color had returned to the world, and the astounding figure of Alyona was leaning against a chair. She seemed preoccupied.

Gray decided that this would be a good time to get the fuck out of there. Slowly, Samson's body turned to make a run for it.

"Halt!" came the commanding voice again. Their feet frozen, Gray turned Samson's head back to face the angel. Her terrifying gaze was now fixed on them.

"I underestimated you, demon," she said, "I will not do so again. I begin the ceremony."