It took everything within me to not back away and cower.That smile…it's the fakest, most evil grin I've ever seen.
Her green eyes skated down my body, then back to my face. "As Malachi suspected, your consort is a human." Her statement was fact, not speculation, and it was so devoid of emotion, I could sense how little she cared for my kind.
"My personal business is none of your concern." Lucian stretched his wings, and curled one to shield me from her view, pushing me to stand behind him. "I told you to never return to this quadrant. How did you escape?"
"Oh, poor, poor Lucian. You have no idea what's happened in your absence." Another throaty laugh. "Well, don't let me be the one to break bad news. Come see for yourself."
"Whatever you've done, I will undo, and you will rue the day youevercrossed me." Lucian turned to me. Intricate black and silver plate armor formed on his body, covering everything except his wings and face. He gave a slight wink, as if to say'Everything's fine. I'll keep you safe,'then tucked his wings and marched toward Lilith. "Come, Anna." He reached an arm backwards and held out his hand.
I took it, trying to quell the nauseous churning of my stomach.
"Such a small, defenseless little thing." Lilith gave a crooked smile, then swiveled and led the way, putting more sway into her hips.
Ten steps or so took us to the end of the hall.
Lilith waved a hand in the air. "We're waiting."
Samael hastily pulled open enormous double doors.
As Lilith crossed the threshold into a dark room, she paused in front of Samael. "Aren't you forgetting something else, Golden Boy?"
With the heaving-looking door at his back, he bent at the waist and gave the woman a low bow. "Forgive me, Queen."
Lilith held out a slender hand.
Samael paused for a fraction of a second, then pressed a kiss to her skin.
Lucian's muscles tensed, but he continued walking without missing a step. His face became a grim mask and his hold on my hand tightened into a painful squeeze.'Anna,'he whispered into my mind,'As soon as those doors close behind me, you turn around and you run.'
Chapter 34
Lucian Elysium
Present Day
Anna'sfaceblanched,andher skin paled to the point it was almost translucent. The hairpin dangled from her tangled locks, in danger of falling.
I sent a tiny snake of ether to push it into place against her scalp, but I had time for nothing else, even though her eyes begged me for answers.
She was smart. I knew she would realize something wasn't right.
'Just trust me, dear one. Please,'I responded in mindspeak, a channel of prayer I hadn't used with her in years. I'd been petty and selfish by ignoring her prayers. How I longed to change the past and make up for my petulance.
Must focus on the present. I'll have time enough later to reflect on my many shortcomings.
I held my chin high, conveying an outward sense of calm and arrogance. But inside? Power built. The shadows in the small crevices subtly shifting and agitated. How I'd love to smite Lilith's condescending smile into a pile of goo.
Yet I hesitated.
The only way she could've pierced Sheol would have been with help from a Chosen.Someonehad turned against me. I would let this farce play out until I knew who'd become a traitor, then Hellfire would rain from Mount Ignis in retribution.
How stupid she is, to think her power outstrips mine.Then again, she'd always cared more about her looks and petty games than anything, or anyone else. One century of living with her had been enough to tell me she only wanted one thing out of our marriage: power.
"You are playing with fire, Lil."
"Oh, I know, but I've always loved to burn." She sashayed through the back entrance of my throne room.
You'll burn all right. Slowly, cell by cell, then I'll breathe fresh life into your ragged, charred bones and do it all over again, you fucking bitch.
