Page 146 of An Unexpected Ascension
He leans his face down next to mine.
“I can’t return empty handed. I guess the Devil’s Second in Command will just have to do.”
Chapter 47
The Angel
“That’s it! Again!”
“Fuck!” I scream, panting and desperate to catch my breath.
Sweat trickles down the back of my neck. I wipe it away before spinning on my heels to face the Devil once more. I crouch, sword raised and ready.
Lucifer slicks his damp hair back, mirroring my position. Slowly, we dance, waiting for the other to fold and make the first move. He lunges and immediately, I block his advance. It doesn’t stop him from nearly tripping me, but with a focused mind, the muscle memory I built as a dancer saves me.
It’s a fair round, seeing as we’ve done nothing but spar the last sixth months.
Sixlongmonths.
That’s how long Lynx has been gone. That’s how long I’ve sat here and done nothing but learn to fight, trading my daggers for a sword.
Six months since I watched that man run a blade straight through my demon and take him away.
Memories of Lynx doused in blood flash before me as I strike over and over again. I try to keep my footing balanced, and my movements controlled. But the pain from his loss bellows out of my chest and into the open air of the training room. I can see the pity in Lucifer’s eyes, which only spurs the fury inside of me.
“Take control, Briar. Let go of your emotions, they’ll only get in the way.”
As if to prove his point, he tangles his leg around mine bringing me to the ground. He crouches over me, the tip of his blade against my neck. My chest heaves as I try to catch my breath when a wave of tears prick my eyes.
I don’t bother stopping them, it’s not the first time the Devil’s seen me cry over his Second.
He drops his weapon, letting it clatter to the ground.
“I’m sorry. We are going to save him.”
“If there’s anything left to save.” I choke out.
“He’s leverage to get to me. He’s not gone. That would be a waste on the Gods’ part.” He offers me a hand and pulls me to my feet. “Come now, let’s go get you a new sword. I’ll have Garrick escort you through the city.”
I look down to the rusted old thing that Lynx once used and a pang burrows deep in my chest. A part of me wants to keep it forever, to use this sword if only because it was his.
Lucifer must see the thoughts reeling inside my mind.
“Perhaps another day, then.”
“No.” I sigh. “I can barely ward you off in a sparring session, I very well can’t show up to war aiming to strike with this dull blade.”
He nods, offering a small smile.
“I’m glad someone can keep their logic amidst drowning in their emotions.”
“Hey! I’m hardly emotional!” I wipe the tears from my face with the leathers covering my forearm.
Lucifer chuckles, grabbing the back of my neck and walking us toward the stairs.
“Maybe take Ada with you? She seems... stifled in this manor.”
That she is. The woman roams these halls like a ghost: quiet, pale, and unearthly. Her very presence is haunting and watching her wither away in Hell has left me with permanent chills.
