Page 98 of Lucifer's Redemption

She would stay awake; she would be safe. There was no alternative.

I gripped my fist, the ash already crumbling to the ground as I vanished, only to reappear in my parents’ room. Mother sat on the pale-yellow rocking chair she loved so much. A stark contrast to the rest of the room, my father liked to keep the room darkened to help him sleep better.

A white crib sat beside Mother as she fed my sister, humming quietly. Her smile brightened as she noticed my sudden appearance. “Luci,” she called, waiving me over. I leaned over, letting her kiss my cheek.

“Oh, Luci,” she cooed, seeing my hands blackened. “What’s wrong? Did you and Uriel fight?” Steam escaped from their adjoining bathroom as Father exited it, wearing nothing but a towel. His appearance was that of his natural form with bright blonde hair, instead of the darkened skin and hair he preferred when dealing with matters of the Underworld.

“Son, what’s wrong?” His face softened. The sight was uncommon for anyone but Mother, however when he suspected one of his children was in disarray, he dropped his defenses.

“Hera,” I growled. “She visited Uriel in a dream. She won’t leave my mate alone.” My wings flew from my back, making Mother jump and Lillian hiccup in surprise.

“Lucifer, let’s take a breath.” Father willed his darkened suit with his preferred, King of the Underworld, appearance.

“I will not stand for this!” I growled. Black, laden chains suddenly appeared around my neck in my anger, crossing over my chest. They heated to unbearable temperatures, searing my skin and making the room smell of burned flesh. My anger radiated so vividly that I barely felt them settling on my skin.

“Luci! Breathe!” Mother stood, covering Lillian and stepping away, ensuring that I didn’t inadvertently hurt my sister.

More fury bubbled within me. I couldn’t control it; I couldn’t hold it in. The blackness in my soul consumed me, feeding every emotion I felt.

Father stepped forward with his eyes furrowed, his hand landing on my shoulder fearlessly as I stood panting. Smoke spilled from the flames on my wings, the embers of my feathers floating around the room. The fire that attempted to light the carpet crawled back to my bare feet which had become covered in black tar.

“What do you want to do?” Father stood, unwavering.

“Eliminate her! I could do it,” I growled. “I could destroy her in the blink of an eye.” The red glow of my eyes lit the room as the lights dimmed in each of the torches. Father looked to Mother, who was clutching Lillian.

It would be so easy: to seek her out, to find her. Once I did, I would grab her by the neck. Even if she was thousands of years older than me, I would end the light in her eyes. I would end the evil that she dared to impose upon my mate. I’m certain Uriel’s mother was the evil that tried to destroy her own daughter by hiding her from me and keeping her away from her mate.

My teeth elongated, forming into sharpened fangs. Mother’s gasp didn’t deter the deadly stare I held with Father. If he nodded, I would be gone and back before Uriel’s dainty feet left the shower. He knew what it felt like to have someone or something after his mate. He knew the fear of losing something so precious.

Protecting Uriel was my priority. I would make sure nothing touched her, that nothing would come near her beautiful skin.

“Lucifer,” Father’s voice hung heavily, “would Uriel want that?” My head jerked back, his words shaking me from my vengeful thoughts. “Would Uriel want you to destroy her mother? What kind of mate would you be to induce that kind of torment upon her?”

My breath hitched, thinking back to my sweet mate’s face.

Heartbroken, she would be heartbroken if I did these things, especially if I didn’t consult her. But she didn’t know the truth, she thought her mother was being honest. Uriel didn’t understand the ways of the world.

“I’ll do it to protect my mate!” I growled, hardening my face. Father stood with his hand on my shoulder, squeezing, even as my skin burned his hand.

“Then what? Would you then force her to complete the bond with you, after the heartache you would cause? Then who is the real evil?” My face softened, the fire easing, but it was still not enough to will my body back to its normal state.

“You are still young, Lucifer.” He squeezed my shoulder. “If your future daughter was given the same prophecy, you would do anything in your power to prevent it. Stupid decisions were made in haste, and we don’t yet know where the evil truly lies.” Father pulled me closer, my wings drooping.

I didn’t want to lose Uriel because of my anger. I couldn’t. If I did, then I would let my desire for destruction consume me. Without Uriel, life wouldn’t matter.

Father lifted the chains around my neck, easing the burden. “You need not try to protect her alone, son. Your family is here. As long as we all fight for her, we will succeed. That’s what the family of the Underworld does.” Father chuckled.

“Come,” he held out his hand for me to grasp. Taking it, he willed us to Tartarus.

Since Uriel came into my life, I hadn’t been back to my usual stomping grounds. The sulfur filled my lungs, the smell of burning flesh wafting through the air as we walked over the burning coals. Demons ran as they saw Father and me approaching the rim of the pit. The pit inside imprisoned the Titans, Kronos, and the vilest creatures in existence. Those who abused other men, women, and children in any manner—sexually, physically, or mentally—all resided in this area. Since Father’s mating to Mother, he changed the rulings about who could stay: no longer reserved for the dangerous titans and gods, but evil supernaturals and humans too.

No longer would those who lived in Tartarus be tortured just by Father’s demons, but us as well. Circling the pit, Father snapped his fingers again, willing the top half of his body bare and his staff into his right hand. My wings picked up in excitement upon hearing the screams of the unruly demons that escaped the Underworld two decades ago. Those demons were feisty, always putting up a fight. I grinned as we passed them, chained to the coals.

Maybe later.

Father didn’t get as much pleasure as I did tormenting the sinners of Earth, Bergarian, and the other realms, but when he did, it was brutal. I learned most of what I know from him, especially when it came to a particular human, Teddy Johnson.

Teddy Johnson tortured Mother and several other women for years at the strip club he owned. He beat them, starved them, and kept them in cages when they weren’t working in the clubs for his profits. Now, he remains bound to a stripper pole as demons beat him with whips and paddles and maybe cut off his dick a time or two.

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