Page 56 of Eternal Mate

Feeling a surge of pure affection, I nodded in agreement, my heart pounding in sync with the pulsating rhythm of the night.

I leaned in, able to taste the sweet eagerness on my tongue combined with the smoky aroma of the bonfire as our lips met in a tender, passionate kiss. The world around us faded away, leaving only the warmth of our embrace and the fluttering of our hearts.

In that moment, as we stood entwined beneath the starlit sky, I knew that our love would conquer any challenge that lay ahead.

The welcoming fire, the gentle breeze caressing our skin, and the taste of her lips on mine—all these sensations wove together to create a tapestry of love and longing. It was a sensory symphony, and in its harmonious melody, I found peace in the unwavering belief that our future together would be nothing short of extraordinary.

I jerked as something soft hit me in the back of my head, and Aria burst into giggles as I snapped around. It was a wadded-up napkin.

“Get a room!” Ashe shouted from across the fire.

I scowled at him, rolling my eyes a bit and flipping him off.

It was in this moment of utter peace that Atlan emerged from the darkness, clutching a weathered book in his hands.

He approached our group with an expression of elation and exhaustion.

"I've found it," he announced triumphantly. "The book we've been searching for. It has the knowledge we need to seal Lucifer away."

A ripple of anticipation passed through the group. We all straightened up and gave him our full attention, eager to hear his findings.

Atlan opened the book, revealing pages filled with ancient symbols and cryptic text.

"According to this, we need at least two representatives from Heaven and Hell, as well as someone who belongs to both realms," he explained, his finger tracing the words on the page. "Together, they can perform the ritual to bind Lucifer and keep him imprisoned indefinitely. It was done once before."

Relief and concern washed over me. Finally, we had a plan, a way to protect our world from the malevolent grasp of Lucifer.

The book's cryptic nature left me with a nagging uncertainty, though. Especially the ‘once before.’

Atlan continued, his voice grave. "However, this seal won’t last forever. The book doesn't provide a specific timeframe, but it says that it’ll keep Lucifer locked away for a ‘considerable period,’ whatever that means. We have to be prepared for the possibility that he might break free again."

Of course, it wouldn’t be so easy.

The reality of the task ahead sank in. We weren’t sealing away Lucifer for good; we were buying time, a respite from the imminent threat.

Auren's face contorted with frustration. "So, it's a temporary solution," he remarked, sounding uncertain. "What if he breaks free sooner? What if we can't find a permanent solution?"

Barimuz joined the conversation then, appearing in a cloud of black smog. At least half of our party jumped out of their skin.

"We have to be realistic,” he drawled. “Sealing away forces like Lucifer permanently is no easy feat. We're dealing with ancient beings of immense power, here. But this temporary measure will give the world the opportunity to regroup, strengthen itself, and find a more permanent solution. Perhaps God will finally take notice by then."

Auren's eyes widened. He was in both disbelief and quietly desperate.

The weight of the revelation settled upon us all, but we knew we had no other options. We had to go through with this plan, imperfect as it might be.

Tightening my grip on Aria's hand, I said with conviction, "Fine, then. We’ll do whatever it takes to protect our loved ones and secure a brighter future. We’ll gather the representatives, perform the ritual, and confront whatever challenges lie ahead."

Barimuz frowned at me, his gaze scanning the group. "Speaking of representatives, we have clear choices for Heaven and Hell. Now, who’s willing to represent both?"

"Clear choices?" I asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

The Archdemon's tail flicked in annoyance before he responded. "Michael and Napoleon will represent Heaven. As for Hell, that will be Michaelson and I, clearly.”

“What? Mikey?”

Sweat formed on my brow. Had I heard that right?

Barimuz lifted his lips in a sneer. “Lucky boy has a soulmate, so he can’t be thrall bonded to anyone. He’s too young of an Archdemon to leave Hell forever, though; he’ll have to stay there for at least a century until he absorbs enough of its energy to be self-sufficient. Despite all that, he’ll do just fine for the ritual.”

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