Lucifer twisted his face, wrinkling his nose. “Nope, didn’t like that one bit.”
“What just happened?” August asked, patting down his body.
“The boy can control time,” Señora whispered.
“That’s…unnerving,” he muttered in return, taking in the chaotic room.
I looked up at the others. “I did it.”
That was when they all stopped and realized Marcel looked healthy again.
“Holy shit,” Piper breathed. She walked forward, extending her hand to help pull me up. “He’s tied to Lucifer now?”
I nodded, giving him a small smile. Holding my arms open, I gestured to the twins, and they came to me, allowing me to embrace them in a tight hug. “Thank you both,” I said softly, resting my cheek on Orson’s head. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“He did it too,” Orson said, and I followed his line of sight. Lucifer had stood up and was running his fingers through his messy hair.
“He sure did,” I said in agreement. After I kissed their heads, I let them go, walking over to Lucifer while the twins went to their parents.
“I suppose I owe you a pretty big thank you,” I said, brushing some of the salt off his shirt.
“I can think of a few ways you could show your appreciation,” he whispered, winking at me.
My heart sank. “Is that why you did it?”
“Of course not.”
“Then why did you?” I asked. “You don’t even like him.”
He shrugged. “He matters to you.”
“And?”
He leveled me with a stare that threatened to send shivers down my spine. “Little witch. You said so yourself: I would never harm someone you love. Watching you lose someone you love—and being able to prevent it—falls into that category. Even if it’s someone like Baggage. If I’d have let him die, a part of you would have died with him, and that I can’t allow.”
Nickname aside, my chest filled with warmth, and I wrapped my arms around his waist, pulling him close to me. “Thank you,” I whispered.
Stepping back, I wiped the tears from my face. Ronan and Piper had watched our exchange with what could bestbe described as curiosity. An unreadable crease had formed between Ronan’s brows as he let out a deep huff.
August had picked up Marcel, cradling him while Señora Rosara was speaking softly and rubbing a salve on his head.
“Your bedroom?” August assumed, tilting his head toward the open door.
“Yes, I need to keep an eye on him. I don’t know why he’s not awake yet.”
Señora closed her eyes, placing her hand on his forehead for a moment. “His body needs rest. Even immortals sleep after battle.” She shooed August toward the room and Lucifer followed, pulling down the blankets so August could lay Marcel down on the bed.
“Is the death magic gone?” I was fairly sure I knew the answer, but I wanted confirmation.
“No.” She pursed her lips and gave a subtle shake. “That magic is irreversible and will forever be in his body. His immortality will save him. It can’t harm him anymore.”
I’d suspected as much. A part of me hoped changing his reality would cancel out the death magic that plagued him, but I’d doubted that could happen. In the end, it didn’t matter.
Piper scrubbed her hands down her face, glancing at the twins. “I think I’ve had enough excitement for one day. I hope your next call is because you’re bringing milkshakes over.”
“Or because she’s bringing me blueberry muffins,” Honor said, smiling big. “Those are my favorite.”
I chuckled. “A milkshake sounds amazing, but what I could really use is a cup of tea. I don’t even know the last time I had a cup.”