Page 2 of Roman

Roman quickly shot Maalik a glance.His mind was racing.He honestly didn’t know what action he should take.Whatever choice he made, he wouldn’t be the only one to suffer the consequences.He knew his loyal soldiers would follow his lead.

The ever-carefree Maalik simply shrugged his shoulders as if he didn’t care what choice his brother made.

“Now, Roman,” Lucifer snapped.

Not sure what else he should do, Roman slowly stood, meeting Lucifer’s gaze.The moment he did, he heard the rustle of wings as Maalik, Ariel, and the other forty-eight warriors behind him stood as well.They were loyal to him for all eternity and would follow him into battle against Satan himself if he asked them.

A satisfied smile crept across Lucifer’s face.

In that moment, Roman knew Lucifer was up to something.A feeling of dread inched its way through Roman like ice moving through his veins.Somehow, he knew his decision would cost them all dearly.Roman was certain he’d just condemned himself, his brother, and his loyal soldiers to a fate he wasn’t sure they could survive.

“Lucifer, it has become clear you are no longer happy here in your home amongst the heavens.You think yourself worthy of sitting on my throne,” the Almighty’s voice thundered throughout the hall.

Roman froze, terror rising like a tidal wave.

He thinks himself higher than the Almighty…to steal his throne.

After the shock of hearing the Almighty’s voice finally ebbed, a mixture of panic and anger replaced it.His brow furrowed, he could see Maalik and Ariel coming to the same conclusion he just had.They were all doomed.The Almighty would judge every single angel standing as an ally of Lucifer’s, and there would be no way any of them would go unpunished, as innocent in this as they were.

“You waste your time and love on those pathetic, inadequate humans.It is us angels that are perfect in every way, yet still, you hold those repulsive, weak-willed mortals above us,” Lucifer bellowed up at the clouds, his arms spread wide in anger.

“Yes, I love my humans.I love all my creations.I hold them no higher than my angels.You have let darkness slowly creep inside you, Lucifer.Your hatred for the humans has festered for too long.It is your pride that is your weakness, and it is your pride that will be your downfall.”The Almighty’s voice calmly echoed down from above them.

Roman could see the anger wash over Lucifer, his face twisting in rage as darkness settled over him.There would be no stopping him from whatever unspeakable decision he’d just made in his mind.Roman needed to be ready to do what was best for himself and his soldiers.

To his alarm, Lucifer pulled his sword out, blue flames dancing along the blade as he stood ready for battle.The moment Lucifer made the threat, the rest of the angels armed themselves.All except Roman and his soldiers.Roman knew his warriors would not make one move until he did.

“Pride!”Lucifer screamed.“I’m going to take what I deserve—your throne—and I will rule the heavens the way I see fit.My purpose extends beyond being your servant; I was destined to rule over the heavens.Once I claim your throne, my first act will be eradicating your beloved mortals.”

“Think long and hard about your intentions, Lucifer.I have seen this already.It does not end as you think.This is my only warning to you, my once-trusted and loved angel.If you stop now, I will not punish you as harshly.You cannot win this, Lucifer.You are not strong enough to defeat my warriors.”

An evil smile spread across Lucifer’s beautiful features.

“Can you not see my army?”he said, spinning around, arms wide, pointing in all directions.Then, his gaze landed on Roman, and his smile faded.“Draw your weapons.”

Roman shook his head.“No.This is wrong, Lucifer.I will not stand with you in this.”

Lucifer’s face turned murderous.“Then you will die with the rest!”

Roman’s hand went to the hilt of his sword, readying to defend himself as a brilliant white light blinded him.Once his vision cleared, he looked past Lucifer, his eyes wide.In front of the throne stood the Archangels, their swords raised, the same radiant blue flames dancing along their blades.Their wings spread wide as they eyed Lucifer’s so-called army of angels.

They looked fierce, standing ready to defend the Almighty’s throne.Michael stood front and center, looking menacing in his golden armor.His black hair whipped about his head as the wind picked up violently, his gleaming gold eyes resting on Lucifer.

“Put down your sword, brother.Do not make us fight you,” Michael said, sadness in his voice.His gaze quickly flickered to Roman, his face giving nothing away, before settling back on Lucifer.

Lucifer’s laughter echoed through the hall as he said, “Michael, you know what I say is right.Fight with me, brother, and together, we shall rule as we deserve, as we were made to.We are superior beings in every way.We can take the Earth and rule both Heaven and the world together.Just stand with me.”

“No,” Michael answered.

“Then, it is done.”In the blink of an eye, Lucifer raced forward and attacked Michael.

1

Charlotte wiped the sweat from her brow, tucking a long strand of honey-gold hair that had escaped from her ponytail behind her ear.The heat from the cookers in the kitchen of the run-down diner she worked in overwhelmed her.

As she watched the extremely overweight cook scratch his ass with his hand, then place the toasted bread onto the plate for some poor customer, she shuddered.She only had to get through fifteen more minutes, and her twelve-hour shift was over.Then, she wouldn’t need to be back in this cockroach-infested place till Monday morning.

The cook gave her a repulsive toothless grin.

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