Outside Royal Albert Hall, London

A sharp tingling spread through Malik's body as he prepared to break the sound barrier. Human bodies weren't meant for this. To many angels it was a mystery that the pinnacle of Creation should be so...fragile. In order to use one of his celestial abilities, he had to draw on celestial forces to strengthen and empower the flesh. And for a moment, ichor flowed through his veins instead of blood.

And then he was off, leaving Borachio and Jason to the front of the Hall. He dashed around to the back within seconds, zooming past security guards so quickly that all they would feel of him was a sharp gust of wind, and all they would see of him was nothing at all.

He was taking a risk using such power because it would cause various eddies in the spiritual ether. At worst it would attract demons. At best it would draw them into the open.

At the back of the hall the doors were closed, until a guard emerged, reaching into his pocket. For one brief and uncharacteristically panicked moment, Malik thought the man had spotted him and was reaching for a gun. Instead the guard produced a packet of Lambert & Butlers. Malik was already through the open door before the cigarette was lit.

He entered the back of the hall, surveying his surroundings.