Page 87 of Galen
“We locked him away,” Alastair said with a snarl.
“Which is why I said it was impossible.” Lazarus stepped over to the window and peered outside. “Though… maybe not entirely impossible. He could’ve transferred some of his power into the ring before we reached him that night.”
“What would be the purpose of that?” Castor asked.
“To pass down his power to someone else,” Lazarus answered. “Or so someone could use it to trace his location and free him. There are a few possibilities.”
Alastair shook his head. “Lucifer would never give his power to someone else. His pride wouldn’t let him.”
“The ring needs to be destroyed,” I said.
“I wish it were that easy.” Lazarus focused on me. “I tried destroying it. Uriel tried. We blasted it with all the holy fire we could conjure, and it didn’t even put a scratch on the damned thing. Which is a testament to the power contained inside. The best we can do is keep it hidden away in the celestial realm where no demon or fallen angel can find it.”
Simon raised his hand.
I couldn’t stop myself from laughing.
He shot me a peeved look. “What? He said I couldn’t talk, but I have a question.”
“What is it, human?” Lazarus asked, his tone veering on irritated.
“Now, I don’t know all the details because I wasn’t there when you locked up Lucifer. Obviously.” Simon peered over at me as I coughed to cover another laugh. “But what’s the likelihood that Lucifer could’ve had a child? Someone who might have a similar power? I’m a bit rusty on my angels and demons mythology, but isn’t there something about a son of Lucifer rising, enslaving humanity, blah blah? He’s supposed to be really powerful.”
Lazarus pressed his lips together, and I sensed guilt coming off him. Part of my power was knowing when someone held regret in their heart, and I could’ve filled an ocean with his.
“Lucifer had three sons,” he said at last. “And I killed them all the night we locked him away.”
Simon gaped at Lazarus. Hell, all of us did. We’d never been told that before.
“Why?” Bellamy asked.
“We were at war.” Lazarus steeled himself against whatever guilt had hold of him. “Those boys had Lucifer’s blood running through their veins. His power. So I did what needed to be done. I tracked them all down and gave them a quick death. Prevented a future war by killing them while we still could.”
“But they were like us. Nephilim,” Gray said, his big eyes watering. “It wasn’t their fault who their father was.”
“Their blood was tainted by his wickedness,” Lazarus said.
“And what about our blood?” Gray asked, voice shaking. “Our fathers betrayed you. Rebelled against the Creator. My father still lives and continues to wreak havoc on the earth.”
Lazarus squared his jaw. “Which is why I keep a close eye on all of you. If the day ever comes when I no longer believe you serve the greater good, you’ll be disposed of.”
“How can you be so heartless?” Simon asked.
I placed my hand on his thigh and squeezed. A warning not to say any more.
“Pardon me?” Lazarus looked at him.
“Gray is the sweetest person I know,” Simon said, his voice steady and his gaze hard. I’d never seen him with such seriousness. Such anger. “Raiden loves people. He loves cooking because it brings us all together. Bellamy is passionate and kindhearted. Castor loves to make people laugh. Daman is protective, though he pretends not to care. Alastair, though quiet, looks after all of us. Keeps us safe. And Galen would lay down his life for anyone in this room.”
Simon stood from his chair, trembling in his anger. “And what have you done, angel? Tore them from their mothers’ arms when they were boys. Forced them to be warriors and fight inyourwar. Treated them like shit when all they’ve ever done is obey your command. So how can you stand there, all high-and-mighty, and look down on any of them? They are better men than you will ever be.”
Silence followed his words.
I stood and put an arm around Simon. I didn’t know what Lazarus would do, but he’d have to go through me first if he even tried to harm a hair on my human’s head.
“Interesting,” Lazarus said, not taking his eyes off Simon. “For a mere mortal to defend them so strongly… I’m enthralled. Annoyed, but fascinated. Despite their flaws and depravity, you care deeply for them.”
“I do,” Simon said, raising his chin. My defiant little human. “They could’ve let me die the night I was attacked. Instead, they welcomed me into their home. Protected me.”
