"Everythingis wrong." I pulled energy from the darkened places in the room. Power rushed toward me like an inverted tornado, strengthening my body, adding fuel to the burning rage and agonizing heat in my heart. "I have been a blind, stupid idiot."
Spreading my wings, I lifted myself into the air. I gazed down at Malachi. "Gather your brothers and sisters. Tell them to prepare for battle."
"At once, my Prince." A wicked spark lit Malachi's eyes from within. "It is good to see you back once more."
"What are you talking about?" I hovered a few feet over his form, my attention half on this plane. The other half envisioned tearing Earth to shreds, blackening the skies, unleashing this plane onto Anna's planet, and destroying its pathetic humans.
"You have been distant, Lucian. Not yourself these past few years, always leaving this plane instead of building your strength."
I debated whether I wanted to dunk Malachi in the lava or embrace him for his honesty.
"Yes, well…I have had a weakness." I fisted my hands. "But I know the cure."
I never want to think of Anna again.
And I would not. Instead, my host would wreak havoc upon those who had always caused me such grief, such agony, suchshame.
The world will not be ready for what I am about to unleash.
But I needed more. I craved more. I fuckingdeservedmore.
'Samael. Come here at once. I have urgent need of your skills.'Though sometimes indulgent and lackadaisical, Samael was one of the few Chosen I could truly trust. He had a diplomatic way about him that could turn even the most devout angel to his side if given long enough.
'I'm a tad busy at the moment, Lucian,'he drawled, annoyance and amusement bleeding through his tone even in my head.
'I do not care what occupies you now. You will appear in Sheol immediately or I will strip you of every ounce of power. Do you understand?'
His sigh, though soft, floated in my head.'Fine. I'll be there shortly, but for the record, I expect—'
'Either you get here now, or you will spend the next century boiling in the Lake of Fire. Your choice.'Something in my tone must have told him I did not joke.
'On my way, Lord.'
Better. Much better. I would no longer put up with disobedience or allow myself to soften for another. I would start taking back what was mine today.
Samael's form solidified before me. His golden eyes met mine, then he bowed low, letting his smoke-colored wings touch the shining obsidian floor. "I'm at your command."
"Rise," I growled.
From the corner of my vision, a smirk danced across Malachi's lips.
"Why do you laugh, Malachi?" I pivoted toward the insolent Chosen as Samael stood. "Do you think it is beneath you to bow in my presence?"
The smile melted from his mouth and his violet irises widened a fraction. "N-no, my Prince." He offered a quick bow.
"Lower." I needed release from the building fury, and Malachi would serve as the vessel for the emotions threatening to tear me apart.
Malachi opened his lips as if to speak, shook his head slightly, and bent at the waist.
I sauntered toward him; my footfalls audibly deliberate even over the boiling lava. "Lower."
"My Lord, I can't get any lower."
"Is that so?" There was a dangerous undertone in my voice even I could hear. I stopped next to his bent form.
He turned his head in my direction. His silvery wings fluttered a bit, now higher than his body since he doubled over. He licked his lips. "Not unless you want me to get on the floor." A look of confusion flitted over his face.
Instead of responding, I leaned toward his ear. "Lower."
