Page 58 of Lucifer's Redemption

“And that pisses me off,” he growled, throwing the candelabra to the ground. Mother sat back into Father, watching Zeus throw his tantrum. Father sat stoic, acting like nothing was bothering him in the slightest. “Then she thinks she can hide you here? Thought I wouldn’t figure it out eventually? I know she thinks I’m an idiot. I’ve always listened to what she said. I still do. We have ruled together for millennia, and I put my complete trust in her! Yet, she cannot do the same?” Uriel grabbed the back of my shirt, fisting it tightly.

“Look at it from her perspective, Zeus.” Mother got up from Father’s lap who only grabbed her hand so she could not descend the throne steps. “Hera has found her mate. You both share a history. She has agreed to work with you for the sake of the Celestial Kingdom. She knows you still love her…” Mother’s voice trailed. Zeus stepped back, his hair no longer neatly groomed. “Think how hard it would have been if you knew she was pregnant. She told me how much you loved her being pregnant when you and she had Vulcan.” Zeus’ face fell, no longer looking at anyone but the darkened room.

Zeus had his affairs, but once Hera stepped away, no longer putting up with shit, he knew he fucked up. Being High God didn’t preclude your sins.

“When Uriel wandered down here, I felt Hera’s emotion, Zeus.” Zeus’ head perked up. “She was afraid you were the evil threatening her.”

Zeus gasped. He sat on the floor with his face in his hands. “I would never!” he yelled. “I would never harm something she had created!” His face reddened with anger. Uriel stepped up beside me, holding onto my torso while I wrapped her in my wings.

“I trust her more than any other being or creature in the three realms,” he sighed. “I still see her as a close friend, I still even love her.”

Uriel pushed my shoulders, having my wings retract as she stepped through. My hand caught hers, not wanting her to leave, but her eyes held determination and warmth as she tried to step toward Zeus.

I followed close behind as she knelt to put her hand on his back. She rubbed his back while his head hung between his legs. “It’s okay,” Uriel cooed. “I’m sorry you are hurting.” Looking back to Mother, she only stared and watched the interaction. “If it makes you feel better, Mom lied to me too.” Zeus’ head slowly rose from between his legs.

“Yeah. She kept me hidden away and didn’t tell me anything. It wasn’t until I met all my new friends here that I was told what I’ve been missing.” She smiled at him. “You were innocent in it all, just like me. We just have to learn to let it go.” Uriel’s hand glowed; a light from her palm lit Zeus’ back. The dark circles from under his eyes brightened, and the angry scowl departed from his face.

Zeus’ eyes softened, looking at Uriel. “Thank you, Uriel.” He grinned softly. The rest of the room sat silently, watching their interaction. Uriel didn’t question the light flowing from her hand, and Zeus didn’t notice it either.

“Did you see that?”Father asked.

“The light? Yeah, I saw it. Did neither of them see it?”I questioned.

Uriel stood up, holding out her hand for Zeus to take. His hair resumed its normal groomed look and his clothes were unwrinkled. “You are a kind soul,” Zeus said, patting her hand. “Uriel is not only the Goddess of Innocence but of Grace as well. You should continue to strengthen that power. You will be a wonderful goddess to have around once we find this darkness that threatens you.” Uriel hummed, her mood dampening at the words.

“Would you like angels sent to assist your demons? I could send Gabriel.” Mother shook her head.

“Can we leave Gabriel and his mate out of this? I love Persephone and all, but I prefer Hades’ former flame to remain out of it.” Zeus laughed, a sound that I had never heard.

Zeus waved his hand around. “Only joking.” Father didn’t like the joke and shook his head, rubbing his hand down his face.

“Let’s not bring too much attention to the Underworld. My demons will be fine, and we have Ares.” Father said without emotion. “Just find this darkness. I’ve tasked demons with checking Tartarus daily for anyone trying to escape, and we have no leads as to what this thing is that we are fighting against.” Zeus nodded, walking out the door.

“Oh, Uriel,” Zeus shot back over his shoulder. “I very much like your father. He was the perfect angel to be paired with your mother.” Uriel grinned, renewing her hold on my torso. “Just don’t tell your mother about Lucifer yet. I think she might shit her robes,” he snorted as he walked out the door.

Chapter 24

Uriel

Mr.Zeuswasnice.

I squeezed Luci a little tighter as his large hand caressed the top of my head.Mr. Zeus had a big potty mouth, but I tried my best not to say anything. When people get mad, it is best to let them get their anger out until they sit down in the corner somewhere to breathe. That was what Mom taught me when I was younger, and I figure it is an excellent piece of advice to heed.

Eventually, Mr. Zeus sat down with his legs set apart and his head hung low.He reminds me of me when I was little. I would throw my words out in frustration because my parents didn’t understand what I wanted. It was exhausting. Mom would just watch from afar with her arms crossed until I finally put myself to sleep, exhausted from the tantrum.

I don’t think Mr. Zeus is going to fall asleep anytime soon though.He just sat there with his head hung so low that no one could see his eyes. He could have been crying or been utterly embarrassed about knocking over the fancy candle stand.

I mean, he broke it. Tiny metal pieces peppered the floor.

I hugged Luci tighter when I saw Mr. Zeus motionless, then stepped away to talk to Zeus.It’s always nice to have someone comfort you when you are sad and feel like no one understood you.Luci reluctantly unclasped his hold on me and followed until I sat on my knees with my hand barely touching Mr. Zeus’ back.

His body was warm and made my hand tremble from the emotions rippling through him. The hotness in my hand never wavered as I spoke to Mr. Zeus, assuring him everything would be alright.

He wanted a mate too, and maybe when he gets one, he will feel so much better, just like Luci!

My hand heated, yet again, as I encouraged him to let it go.He just needed to forgive my mom, like I had.

Could I still be angry with her for keeping so many things from me? Sure, I could, but festering over what cannot be changed only makes you feel gross and icky inside.

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