Page 22 of Lucifer's Redemption

“The point?” I growled, crossing my arms.

His head darted back to me. “Should he even be in here?”

I slammed my hand on the table, breaking it in half as embers flew from the fire building in my palm. “I have every right! Now hurry up with your damn story!”

Mother grabbed my flaming hand, burning her. I instantly lurched my hand away, upset she would even try to touch me during my fit. Father pulled Mother away as I sat back down in the chair.

“Lucifer, please,” Father scolded. “Please continue, Michael… and get to the point.”

Michael’s hand covered his heart; his eyes never left my body as it continued to tense.

Sparks from my hand crackled.

“Right, umm… so, we came home and had a home birth, just the two of us. Uriel came out healthy and screaming. Her dark hair was already long, and her wings were imprinted on her back, just like any other angel babe, but her skin glowed like that of a god. She had only been in our home for mere hours before we heard a knock at the door—the three Fates walked straight in without a word.”

Athena’s head whipped to Michael, clutching her pen. “The Fates visit no one!” Athena slammed her pen down. “You should have told someone they visited you! What they said could have given us a glimpse into the future, and you had the audacity to keep that from the rest of us? What were you thinking?” Athena slung her chair to the side of the room, pacing the floor behind Michael.

Ignoring her, he continued his story. “They walked straight into our room where Hera was feeding Uriel. They surrounded the bed, all three: Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. The white hoods over their heads kept their faces hidden, but just by the aura they leaked, we knew who they were. The one called Clotho spoke for the group.” Michael set his elbows on the table, burying his forehead against his palms.

“Her words were simple, ‘Uriel, the Goddess of Innocence, will die at the hands of evil. The humans of the Earth will know no balance between virtue and immorality, sparking the infamous prophecy created by the humans that indicates the onset of their destruction.’” Michael let out a harsh breath, tears in the corners of his eyes.

The entire table was mute. Athena stared at the back of Michael’s head; she held her arms behind her while her brows came to a head. My fists burned, and the warmth of my hands on my thighs had me stand abruptly, knocking the room from its trance.

“There is a choice,” Michael sniffed, ignoring my stance. “The Fates said that her future is still ‘clouded.’ Uriel could still live, but it all comes down to ‘a choice!’ A choice that ‘someone’will make. The Fates wouldn’t even tell us who would be the one to make that life-altering choice! What would you all have done?” Michael’s voice rose. “You would have done the same! You too would have hidden her from the evil that threatens to destroy her! Hera loves our daughter; she has lived much longer than I have, and I trusted her judgment to save her—to save our daughter! Wewillcontinue to keep her away from harm!”

Mother’s mouth hung open, unsure of what to say. It was the first time I did not hear reassuring words exit her mouth. Lilith cooed in Father’s arms, and he swiftly handed her to Mother.

“No matter the situation, you should have told someone,” Father growled. “This doesn’t just affect your daughter; it affects the other gods as well. What happens when the humans all die? Who would be next? The supernaturals? Us? She may be the Goddess of Innocence, and I know that you are trying to keep her pure so that no evil can find her, but these things affect more than just your daughter, they affect entire races!” Father’s words were anything but calm—they were filled with resentment. Mother didn’t dare speak.

“And do what? Go to Zeus?” Michael snapped. “No one knows where his head is at! He still lovesmyHera,my mate! They were together for centuries! I would never go to him, especially not when my daughter’s life was at stake! For all we know, he could hand her over to whatever evil it is that we are hiding her from, just to get back at Hera!”

Mother’s hand gripped Father’s forearm, standing with him. “We will figure this out,” Mother muttered under her breath. “But you cannot do it alone. The Fates are cryptic; the future is‘clouded’, as you said. Decisions have to be made, and I don’t think hiding Uriel and trying to keep her from this ‘evil’ will help. You are just rendering her helpless! Uriel should stay here, away from Zeus, if you are so worried. Ares can teach her combat and Athena could tutor her. Her supervising Loki is the perfect way to strengthen her innocence gift. He’s a little terror, and he hasn’t behaved this well in ages.” Mother smiled.

Thank the Fates that Mother has some sense, out of everyone here. I can see her smiling at me, hoping I would be pleased.

“What about him?” Michael nods at me.

What does that motherfucker mean?

“What about Lucifer?” Mother questioned harshly. “He would be perfect to watch over her.”

Michael shook his head, standing up to leave. “I’ve heard the stories. He’s killed plenty of your demons. He’s ruthless, just like his gift. Hera won’t approve.”

I crossed my arms. “No harm will come to her under my watch.”

I’d be damned if Uriel left to go back into hiding. She may be my mate, and as such, I should be the one to protect her. I didn’t even have to stay close or complete the bond to do so. The real question was: was I protecting her from another evil? Or was I that evil?

Father peered at the both of us. Michael, still sighing heavily, rubbed his neck.

“Lucifer would never promise, unless he intended to keep it,” Mother boasted.

“She’s right. Lucifer may be the God of Destruction, but he has never broken his word. Michael, you should take the deal. Let Uriel stay here while you and Hera try to find out more. Zeus was here earlier, and he spoke with Uriel already. He knows where you and Hera live, and his warrior angels will likely be watching your home already.”

Michael growled. “I really don’t want to discuss this with Hera. She’s going to be livid.”

“Grow some damn balls.” Ares walked in, bare-chested in his sparing regalia. “You guys sound like a bunch of squawking chickens.”

Chapter 9

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