A flutter of hope stirred in my chest.
She spread her arms apart, and it dawned on me she had no wings.
A soft snort of humor escaped her lips. “Domenhave wings?”
I shook my head, still gazing at her and basking in the calming white light pouring around us.
“That’s because I made humans inmyimage.”
“But I thought...”Whathad I thought? That because angels were so beautiful and powerful She would also appear the same way?
“There’s something subtle and pure about the human form, is there not?” She grasped my chin and studied my face. “Having no power means man must work harder for what he wants, but it also spurs him to create wondrous, repulsive creations.”
Her touch felt nothing like Lucian’s. Where his could be cruel and hot, her touch gentled and soothed.
Carefully, I covered her fingers with mine to prove to myself the Hand of God cupped my face...a mother caressing a child.
“But today’s not the day for such discussions.” Her voice firmed. “Cain, son of Adam, let’s get to work. I have a purpose for you, if you’re willing.”
I could only nod through the blanket of peace and hope wrapping around my chest.
“Spread your wings.”
Without a word, I did as commanded, stretching them as far as they’d go.
“I’m sorry, Son, this is going to hurt, but every true penance requires sacrifice.”
“Can...” I licked my lips and swallowed, bracing myself for the agony of what would probably come with losing my new wings. “Can you help me save Phoebe? I’m too weak to do it alone.” This admission would’ve infuriated me a week ago. But now, before this shining God of goodness and light, there was a certain strength in admitting the truth. And to beat Lucian and his demons, I’d do whatever it took to free the girl I loved.
Even if it meant giving up one of the only things I’d ever wanted.
God gripped the junction where they jutted from my shoulder blades, then she met my stare unflinchingly. “This is your atonement, Cain, ready yourself.”
I clenched my teeth and fisted my hands.For you, Phoebe.
Agony exploded through my back, and fire as hot as the lava from Hell zipped across my skin, soaking underneath to the muscle to eat its way to my bones.
I screamed, unable to hold the torture inside. Pure white light poured from between my lips, my eyes, my fingertips.
The price of my sins was even greater than I’d imagined.
