Page 27 of Reluctant Rebel

“I would be happy to,” Mikhail replied. “As long as it’s safe.”

Sabre waved a hand. “It’s Hell. How unsafe can it be? Besides, Gage is already dead, Mercy is a pain demon, and Phaedra is a pixie, making her the most dangerous of the bunch. They can handle themselves.”

“You have a point,” Mikhail acknowledged, amused by Sabre’s eclectic found family. “Get the others here, and I’ll portal them in.” It felt good to have a semblance of a plan.

“What about Heaven?” Eric asked presently. “What does Heaven have to say about all of this?”

Draven sighed, looking resigned. “Not much. I’ve made a few trips up, given that Sabre refuses to go.” He shot Sabre an irritated look before looking apologetically at Mikhail. “You know what the gods are like.”

Mikhail blew out a frustrated breath. Hedidknow what the gods were like. Being one of the few beings that could create metaphysical doorways anywhere in the universe, he’d checked out Heaven a few times. Many times, if he was being honest. Particularly when he was ‘Hound’. But the gods weren’t willing to help, and he couldn’t speak with just any soul up there. “That sounds about right.”

“They're still not willing to help?” Brax asked with a frown.

“When are they ever?” Mikhail answered dryly.

“Still, perhaps another attempt is needed. I’ll go,” Draven offered.

Mikhail shook his head. “No. I’ll go. But thank you. Perhaps I’ll have more luck.”

“Nooooo,” Sabre groaned, burying her head into Brax’s shoulder. “That meansIhave to go, too. And I don’t wanna.”

“You’re being childish,” Draven admonished. “Heaven is your birthplace.”

“Creation place,” Sabre corrected, glaring at Draven. “It’s where I wascreated, notborn.And it’s full of holier-than-thou douchebags just like you. Also, why don’t you save some forehead for the rest of us.”

Draven slapped a hand over his forehead, feeling around frantically. “The proportions of my head are perfect.”

“Perfectly fugly,” Sabre shot back.

Mikhail ignored the bickering pair, focusing on Brax. “After I open the doorway to Hell, Sabre and I will take a trip to Heaven. We’ll reconvene to discuss our results later.”

“Why can’t I come?” Brax questioned, looking put out.

“Because you have royal duties to attend to,” Draven replied, shooting his charge a stern look. “The architect for the new town hall is scheduled to meet with you in thirty minutes.”

Brax looked incredulous. “Who gives a fuck about a new town hall?!”

“You do,” Draven declared. He stood up and straightened his pristine, pale blue button-down shirt. “Because you’re the King.”

Brax pointed at Mikhail. “He’s the King. I’m the General.”

Draven remained silent, staring at Brax. Mikhail covered his smile with his hand when Brax was the first to look away. He grumbled and swore under his breath but rose. Leaning down, he placed his palms flat against the lounge on either side of Sabre’s head, kissing her hard. Then he stood up and stormed over to Mikhail without a word, yanking on Mikhail’s hair. Hard.

“Hey!” Mikhail complained, swatting at Brax.

“This is all your fault. You better find answers before I blow my brains out,” Brax whined. “How you do this job day in and day out is beyond me.”

Mikhail shrugged, withholding comment. Although he loved his position in many ways, the weight of responsibility and the lack of freedom were often overwhelming. But he wasn’t allowed to say so; even if he did, it wouldn’t make a difference. Besides, he took immense satisfaction in the minutiae of rulership—poring over ledgers and decrees, carefully weighing the needs of his people and the resources at his disposal. He revelled in the intricacies of diplomacy, deftly navigating alliances and negotiations to further Purgatory’s interests. What made Brax suicidal gave Mikhail pleasure.

“It’s not forever,” Sabre soothed her mate. “Soon, Mikhail will be back on the throne, and you’ll be back with your Demon Horde.” She paused, clearly thinking. “What about the library? People go there to learn and shit, right?”

“Now that’s an idea,” Draven exclaimed enthusiastically. “Libraries have even been known to havebooks.”

Sabre recognised the sarcasm immediately. “Suck my balls, fuck-knuckle.”

Draven’s self-satisfied grin fell immediately.

“It’s a good idea,” Mikhail said before the angels drew blood. “The Library of Purgatory is extremely old, housing all sorts of records.”

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