Page 127 of Lucifer's Redemption

“Besides you,” Loukas spoke louder. “You know now. Zeus needs all of the Twelve for whatever he has planned. Poseidon has not traveled there yet either, and who knows if Hera and Michael have even been found.”

Ares rubbed his chest, shaking his head. Zeus had never been the smartest god, but this newfound evil that has invaded his heart was clearly powerful. He devised a complex scheme to maneuver the assembly of the Twelve, quickly and quietly. Ares was never book-smart, but when it came to battle, he could devise a plan of attack with the most complex and comprehensive strategy. Every tiny detail was implemented, and now, Zeus seemed to have taken a liking to planning his next steps carefully.

The question was, what did he want? Revenge for Hera for not staying with him? Revenge for not having a mate of his own? Or did he simply want all the realms to suffer as he has for so long?

Assured that Kronos was rotting away in Tartarus, sitting in his own filth, Ares gripped Mariah by the waist, plotting their next move. Kronos kept his lips sealed, looking at the ground vacantly—that in itself seemed terrifying. He issued no taunting words, nor did he bang the chains, demanding to be let free. He just sat there, silent, unmoving, with his eyes closed.

“We will travel to Poseidon’s Kingdom,” Ares spoke to Loukas, “and deliver the news.”

Chapter 54

Uriel

Lucilacedhisfingersbetween mine as the monsters in the room trailed behind us, walking down the soft carpeted hallways. We all met in the receiving room. Silas had servants, who were similar to his form and others with more fish-like qualities on two legs, bring in food and drinks.

Poseidon sat in the overly-large, decorative chair colored with turquoise, shades of blue, and hints of orange. One hand supported his red beard as he leaned on the arm. Loki eyed the food before stuffing his face like he did earlier. His skin turned dark and his eyes began to glow red.

“When you get excited,” Poseidon muttered, almost to himself, “your animal wants to surface. Remember the techniques I’ve taught you if I am not around.”

I shoved Loki to make sure he said a proper, ‘thank you.’ He stopped and smiled with an enormous pile of sandwiches in his mouth. Playfully swallowing and muttering his thanks, he shoved another mouthful in his mouth.

Before I pushed him again, Luci grabbed me and put me on his lap, far away from Loki. “Don’t worry about him,” Luci growled in my ear.

I giggled, nuzzling up against Luci’s neck. “You are just jealous that I was giving him attention.” I traced the lamb on his chest, causing him to shudder. Grabbing my hand in his, he rubbed my knuckles and brought it to his lips to kiss as he leaned us into the couch.

Poseidon and Luci talked while the monsters gathered around the sitting area. My eyes began to drift closed. It had gotten late, and I was sure it was well past midnight. A few snarls and growls filled the air while I continued to nod off, but I only found them soothing to fall asleep with.

With Luci by my side, along with my new friends, which I had gathered in just a short time, I felt safe. With the darkness looming and the future now becoming the present, the time spent with my mate and my family felt extremely important. My heart was hanging heavy, but Luci’s gentle touches moving my chin upward to plant a kiss on my forehead had me cuddle closer to him.

The whispers became murmurs, and I woke to find everyone talking excitedly. Ares stood tall in his ancient armor alongside Mariah, whose hand was intertwined with his. Her head stood erect; and her free fist balled in anger as Ares spoke.

“Kronos is in Tartarus still. I saw him with my own eyes.” Poseidon shook his head, his internal anguish was oozing out of him.

There was no use in hiding when someone said that dreadful Titan’s name.

“I felt his power through the bindings. This is Zeus we are dealing with, not Kronos.”

Poseidon winced again, standing at his full height, leaning on his trident. Luci’s gaze fell to Poseidon, who now stood overlooking his underwater kingdom. Poseidon’s inner turmoil over what to do called to me. I sat up straight, wanting to go over to comfort him.

“I’ve been summoned now,” Ares growled. “I received my letter as soon as I returned from Tartarus. Waiting much longer to answer will draw unwanted attention. Especially for you.” Ares nodded to Poseidon.

“We all go then.” Luci sat me back on the couch. “All four of us at the same time. Zeus is trying to assemble the gods in mismatched times so as not to be taken head-on by multiple gods at once. It’s strategic; it’s smart.” His eyes gazed at Poseidon, Ares, and Mariah, all with determination on their faces.

“Five,” I stood up, narrowing my eyes at Luci. “There are five of us.” Luci shook his head, brushing a lock of hair away from my cheek. “Four, bunny. You aren’t coming with us. I will not allow you to be taken from me,” he growled. The torchlights flickered in the room, and the monsters who stood close by felt Luci’s aura leak from him. Luci’s towering form hovered over me as the lights dimmed to a quarter of the light previously emitted.

“You, Loki, and Silas will remain here. Poseidon’s creations will accompany us with the rebellion. I will not have you walk into the lion’s den.” Luci gritted his teeth, his hands gripping my arms. “I love you too much.” A low growl rumbled in his chest. The sweet kiss he put on my forehead melted me, but I had to do something.

“What about my parents?” I muttered. “Maybe they aren’t even there yet! Maybe there will be no trial!” Ares chuckled, crossing his arms.

“Zeus has your parents. He was waiting for Hades, perhaps the strongest of the gods, to walk right into the front doors to question him so he could be captured easily.” Ares let go of Mariah’s hand, who only looked at him longingly. “Why do you think neither your mother nor your father have contacted you since?” Gone was the typically playful war god. His hips bent down to reach my height, and I felt so small and helpless.

“They are trying to protect me,” I muttered with my lip wobbling as I stepped away.

Luci pushed Ares back. “Back off,” he snapped at his uncle.

Ares chuckled, walking away. “I’m trying to put things into perspective here. Hera hasn’t even visited you in your dreams now, has she?” I shook my head, pulling at my dress.

“My father came to me in a dream. Why couldn’t Hera visit Uriel? What is the difference?” Luci replied. Ares kissed Mariah’s lips, holding her close.

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