Both had met me at the entrance to school, nearly falling over themselves apologizing for everything they'd ever done. I never understood what had changed, and they never elaborated. They'd only mentioned they'd'seen the light'and made it their mission to be at my side as much as possible during school.
"At least… at least you're okay now." I took a deep breath and stood.
"Everything you ever said about angels was true," said Jason, releasing my hand.
"Do you still"—Ryan swallowed—"see him?"
But is that true? If Lucian had gotten the wrong idea about us, would he do more than scare them?I didn't want to find out. I'd call on Lucian and explain the situation.
I glanced down at my fingers. Bright blue and crimson paint stained the fingertips, soaking into the creases and traveling along the skin like rivers. Even with the turmoil in my chest, I couldn't help being humbled and astounded at the return of my sight.
Lucian gave me the greatest gift I could've ever wished for, but why didn't he stick around?
My gut told me I did something wrong, that somehow, some way, he'd been offended. Did I not thank him enough? Should I have refused the gift?
No, Lucian's not like that. I just need to let it rest. Maybe he had an emergency with his Chosen and had to leave.
I refocused on Ryan and Jason. Both of their faces were pale and haggard. Right now, my friends needed reassurance that Hell's prince wouldn't be swooping in to take them away for torture.
"No. I…I don't see him much anymore." Not a complete lie because Lucian didn't visit often. He said time was more of a human perception, so it was easy for him to lose track of it when on another plane.
A collective sigh whooshed out of my roommates.
Despite my worry, I bit back a giggle. Lucian must've made quite an impression.
"Oh, thank God." Jason's chest deflated from a long sigh, and he smiled. "Enough of this crazy shit. The less we know, the better." He pushed his chair from the table and stood. "You've just had a true miracle by God Himself. He'll defend us from the devil. Let's celebrate. You deserve it more than anyone I know."
I didn't have the heart to tell him God was a woman. That would just lead to more questions and uncomfortable answers.
Celebration was the furthest thing from my mind, but if it distracted them from Lucian and his threats, then I'd gladly pay the price.
Chapter 22
Lucian Elysium
Present Day
Samael,Malachi,andIstood outside a small, blue office building. A light breeze ruffled the green leaves of a tree planted in a hole of the sidewalk as the afternoon sun burned in the sky.
"They're at a spa?" I glanced at the blue lettering of the cream-colored awning shading the entrance.Serene Dream Massage.
"Looks that way." Samael bent forward and wiped a smudge from his boot. "Wouldn't mind a massage myself, along with a big glass of white wine."
"We're not here for pleasure," I growled.Revenge. That's my current goal.Darkness began creeping from the thrown shadows of the building. Gray clouds rolled across the sun, slowly snuffing out the bright light.
A few months ago, I might've enjoyed the sun's warmth. Today, I wanted to cover everything and everyone in black.
"Of course, of course." A staff formed in Samael's hands. "We're here for some sleight or grievance by the humans." His tone held a note of condescension.
My wings flared. I pivoted to face my golden-eyed Chosen. "Do you enjoy your station, Samael?" I could barely keep the words even through my strained throat.
Samael raised a palm. "Forgive me. I meant no disrespect."
I held his gaze for a full minute. Thunder rolled in the distance and the breeze turned into a gale. The branches of the tree slid against one another, creating a dissonant, minor chorus matching my mood.
Malachi crossed his arms and smirked at his fellow Chosen.
"You push the boundaries of my friendship, Samael. Do you think I don't see what you'retrulytrying to accomplish?" If Samael could shunt a mission or a chore onto someone else, he would. Out of all my Chosen, he was the laziest, yet he was also the smartest.
