There was no need to have anyone enter this mine and physically take whatever they were looking for. Some of Samael’s more powerful demons likely had enough power to level this mountain, to cut it open and remove whatever they wanted without ever lifting a finger.
I bet that made it worse for the people trapped here. To know that each day they slaved was all for nothing. Their suffering was entirely pointless.
Well, Lucifer had a point he was making.
“I had this mine created soon after I took my throne,” Lucifer spoke as if he wasproud, and I wanted to throat-punch him. “Those who disobeyed, who chose not to kneel, who retained their allegiance to Samael, well,” he said jovially, “death was too easy. One thing you’ll learn in my court is that there are many things to fear more than death.”
“These people aren’t even real criminals?”
Lucifer’s fingers dug painfully into my hip and shoulder where he held me. “Anyone who conspires against the underking is a criminal. You should keep that in mind next time you decide to disobey me.”
Lucifer lowered us slightly until we were closer to the demons who were waiting by the entrance to the facility. All of them were shackled, and while some appeared scared, most of their faces were defiant. A handful of guards surrounded them, watching their every move.
“New arrivals,” Lucifer chuckled. “Oh,” he said conversationally, “we have a teaching moment. Watch, granddaughter. Watch and learn what happens when people defy me.”
He fell silent as a demon was dragged out of the line. The demon’s expression was tight, but he showed no fear as the guards pulled him toward a wooden block. He was then shoved over the block, several of the guards pulling his wings out from where he’d tucked them against his back. He fought them, kicking and headbutting, until one of the guards stabbed him in the stomach.
Not a killing blow, but it’d hurt him to heal, especially in this condition. I flinched, and Lucifer laughed. One of the guards raised his sword, holding it up in the air, playing to the crowd. I memorized his face.
“They grow back, you know,” Lucifer said, as if we were gossiping over coffee, “and this little exercise has to be repeated. Often.”
Bile crept up my throat, but I refused to allow Lucifer to see how this was affecting me. Below us, the guard sliced through the demon’s first wing, and he screamed, raising his gaze as if imploring the gods for mercy.
These were people. People who had done nothing wrong.
My people.
For the first time, I had an inkling of understanding. I knew now why Samael continually seethed with a low-level fury, why he was so committed to his vengeance. These people were ours. Not to rule, not to pander to us, but for us to help. To free.
My hands shook, and fury speared into my gut. This place would be pure hell for creatures who were used to taking to the skies and spreading their wings.
Innocent people. People who hadn’t done anything except fight for what was right.
I rolled my shoulders. Lucifer thought bringing me here would make me afraid. Would make me bend to him. But what he’d really done was light a fire under my ass.
Below us, the demon’s eyes met mine. His eyes narrowed, and then he was screaming once more as the guard’s sword flashed through the air, cleaving through his second wing.
Lucifer turned, flying low and slow over the mine to ensure I saw every inch of the horror below us.
Sickness churned through my stomach. But I kept my expression carefully neutral. When someone wants to show you how twisted they are, the worst thing you can do is react.
Lucifer’s grip tightened around me once more, his fingers digging in like talons. Grandfather was pissed because I hadn’t given him enough of a reaction.
He’d get my reaction. Oh yes, he would. When he least expected it.
Because sometimes, in order to defeat a monster, you need to become one yourself.
* * *
Danica
Samael held me tight, wrapping me in his arms. I breathed in his scent, wishing more than anything that we could have just a few minutes together outside of our dreams.
“It was horrible,” I admitted, the tears I hadn’t let Lucifer see dripping down my cheeks. “Thousands of them, Samael. And they’re all people who opposed him in some way. People who were likely loyal to you.”
He tensed. “And what has that loyalty gotten them? I’ve been in your realm while my people have been suffering.”
“You needed the Black Books,” I reminded him.
