Page 50 of Lucifer's Redemption

Mother takes this passage when she doesn't want Father to see her go outside alone. He still had a problem with her being out of his sight for too long and would monitor her in the mirrors of the palace all too often.

Humans believed mirrors to be one-way, only reflecting their outward appearance at them. This was not the case in the supernatural world. To supernaturals, they are portals to other mirrors and once you unlock the secrets of the mirror, you can speak to someone on the other side. Supernaturals had only figured this out within the past fifty years, and they have been most helpful to those who rebuked the technological advances humans utilize.

Uriel shielded her eyes as we entered the back of the garden. The gazebo, where I watched her yesterday, still carried her scent in the air.

"Does all the Underworld look like this?" Uriel wondered aloud while staring at the fountains that adorned the pond. "Because I would think a place that held immoral souls would be so much darker, especially considering how some of the demons look. Oh, but I guess I shouldn't assume that though," she stammered, waving her hand. "That was awful of me to assume." She continued to ramble until I placed a finger over her mouth.

"You are right, Uriel. The Underworld is a dark place." Her eyes widened, feeling the heat between my finger and her lips. "The area surrounding the palace is altered with magic. The grass, trees, and flowers are all lightened with Father's abilities. He does it for Mother; she is very connected to nature because of her wolf."

"Oh," she spoke as I liberated her lips. "Sorry. I was just curious." Her toe kicked an invisible rock. "I just know so little about this place."

"Because your mother wouldn't let you know," I stated, grunting in disapproval. My mind turned over in my head, certain I was going to piss off Hera, but I didn't care. "That changes today," I mentioned, pulling Uriel with me.

The back of the palace had various small labyrinths of bushes, shrubs, and strategically placed swings. As we continued to meander through, trying to lead her where I wanted to go, she pulled my arm to stop among the statues. Petals began falling from flowers, and the wind picked them up, laying them on the path in front of us.

Statues of the twelve original gods stood here along with some depicting the second and third generations. One caught her eye the most, the same one that caught my mother’s eye many years ago—Selene. She was depicted with her long hair swirling down her back, cloth fabric wrapping around her, modestly covering all her private places. A blue sapphire moon donned her forehead and a gigantic wolf leaned into her body.

"Who is that?" Uriel pointed. "She's the only one with a decorated forehead."

Uriel may have been socially awkward, but she was smart. She knew more than she let on, and I beamed at her ability to pick up on the most minuscule details.

Walking back towards the statue, I placed my hand on the exposed foot. "This is the Moon Goddess, Selene."

Uriel leaned into me. The warmth of her body encouraged me to say more, to tell her who she was, and what she meant to us. I wanted to tell her it all so we could work this through together. Uriel had sustained enough withholding of vital information.

"I didn't see her at the party," she said. "I thought everyone was at the baby announcement." Shaking my head, my hand circled her shoulder, gathering her closer. Her gardenia scent relaxed me into a meditative state.

If I could stand just by her, and remain close to her, I wouldn't have to contemplate going to Tartarus for the rest of my life.

"She wasn't there," I muttered into her hair. "Selene is on a mission of her own now. Most gods don't know where she is, but I'll tell you if you promise to keep it secret."

Uriel jumped in surprise, clasping her hands together. "You will?" Her smile reached ear to ear. "Tell me, tell me!" Uriel's hands pulled on my arm excitedly, causing me to laugh. She gasped, covering her pretty little mouth. "You laughed! I have never heard you laugh! AND! You smiled!"

My smile dipped from a toothy grin to a mere smirk.There, she won my first laugh.

"Yeah. Only you can make me laugh, Uriel." Her heart raced. I could hear it from here. It was so loud. "Now, calm down, little bunny, and I'll tell you her story if you follow me. I held out my hand, but she just squinted her eyes.

"Did you just call me ‘little bunny?’" Her nose wiggled.

Exactly what reminded me of a rabbit.

"And what if I did?" I stepped closer to her.

Her eyes widened, and her breath hitched, but her little mouth didn't falter. "Because bunnies are cute. Does that mean you think I'm cute?"

Chapter 20

Lucifer

Well,thatwasquitethe turn of events.

"Luci," she whined, standing on her toes with her face unbelievably close to me. I could smell the hint of vanilla yogurt on her breath. "Do you think I'm cute?"

Uriel's nose wiggled again, and my fist constricted, not from anger but her proximity. Her hot breath rolling across my bare chest from when my wings had ripped through my shirt, sent uncontrollable chills down my body.

"Come with me." I broke the trance, grabbing her hand and walking beside her.

She pulled my hand again, trying to pull me back. "But you didn't answer; that isn't fair." Her lip pouted.

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