Page 135 of Lucifer's Redemption

Loki gripped the book, reading it with intensity. “This first flight is going to be a bitch,” he muttered his feathers beginning to sprout from his body.

“Language,” I whispered.

For the next thirty minutes, Loki worked with Silas at the front of the palace. His raven had doubled in size since the first time he transformed. Mighty horns stuck out from his head; his wingspan was nearly equal to Luci’s. The more he flew around the courtyard, the better he became. His large wingspan gave me hope that we would be able to fly between worlds and arrive in the Celestial Kingdom, in time to help. The pain in my chest was growing by the minute and I feared we may be too late. Loki’s feathers ruffled as he tilted his head behind him indicating he was ready for me to mount his back.

Silas looked on worriedly, clutching a bag in hand. “At least take this,” he muttered, pulling my hands securely around it. “It is purified sea water, only available in Poseidon’s personal pools.” Peeking inside the bag, there was a small glass vile shaped like a mermaid which held the liquid. “It can heal small wounds, but I’m not sure it will work with the power you face.”

“Thank you,” I whispered. As I tried to mount, Silas stopped me, pointing to my necklace.

“What is this?” He pointed to the small black pearl. My bright white manta ray leather was a stark contrast against the pearl Luci found on the beach.

“Luci gave this black pearl to me. On our first date on the beach.” I admired it, still feeling the pang in my chest. I prayed to the Fates he was still alright.

Silas studied it, the suction cups on the tips of his fingers playing with it. He hummed, gently placing it back on my chest. “There is a human story from the Tahitians of Earth. The God of Peace and Fertility, Oro, fell in love with a Tahitian princess. He offered a black pearl as a symbol of his love.”

My shoulders slumped, feeling the heaviness of the necklace. “Luci gave me this the day he told me he loved me,” I sniffed. Smiling at the tiny pearl, I took my leg and swung it over Loki.

We will win this. I’m not sure how, but we will.

“Are you ready, Loki?”

“Caw”

Silas stood back, crossing his arm over his chest in salute.

With heavy wings, Loki lifted from the ground with me on top of him. My small wings would be no match for traveling between the realms. Loki let out a mighty ‘caw’ before pushing himself upwards towards the sky.

I was going to get our family back with the little plan I devised. I prayed to the Fates it would be enough.

We landed just outside the gates. My home wasn’t the same as it was before. Lightning and thunder rolled through the eerie sky, buildings toppled over, and rain poured from above. My heart stopped as I heard screaming from my mate.

Loki ruffled his feathers, grabbing me by my arm with his claw.

“I know. Remember the plan,” I whispered to him. He hopped along the ground three times before jumping into the sky. His large form went unnoticed with the rain and ice spilling from the darkened sky.

Not wasting another moment, I ran up the stairs with my two small daggers at my side. I paused noticing my wings barely met half the height of the dark angels that lined the hallways. They were looking straight at me, but not seeing me. My hand waved in front of their faces until I heard a scream.

Ember.

Running forward, hiding behind the unhinged doorway, I watched as Zeus leaned over Luci who was chained to the floor—everyone was. Athena’s neck was pinned to the ground, Hades was half-shifted into his wolf bound to the throne, and so many others were clearly in pain.

“Don’t listen to him!” Ember cried from a cage in the back corner. She held onto Lilith who was screaming in terror. “Don’t bring her here!” Ember cried out again just before lightning hit the cage, silencing her.

Zeus’s words echoed through the halls demanding Lucifer to bring me or have his mother and sister pay the consequences.

I will not leave that guilt on my mate.

Stepping forward with my head held high, gripping the black pearl around my neck, my judging eyes hit Zeus. “I’m here… You wanted to see me?” My voice shook more than I wanted. The pad of my shoes drug on the marbled floor.

A malicious grin settled on Zeus’ face. My face paled seeing the dirty complexion. This wasn’t the same god I saw at Lilith’s party, nor the one who laid on the floor of Hades' throne room wallowing in his guilt. There was no guilt in this imposter; there was only hatred and lust for revenge.

My calculating steps were too slow; Zeus shoved Luci back to the floor while wails from the goddesses pleaded for me to leave. I held my ground with my hand gripping the dagger that would do me no good.

Zeus’ heavy breath fanned my face as he encroached. Brimstone and rot filled my lungs. His eyes were full of fury, no longer the pale blue seeped in regret they were before.

“W-who are you?” I forced my breath.

“Zeus. Who else do you think I would be, little goddess?”

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