His ‘brothers’ in wings escorted the prince from the library, and Gabriel used the brief diversion to unfurl his ebony wings and kick off from the bookshelf, spiraling up through the skylight and winging rapidly towards the throne room. Maybe if he hurried, something could still be done.
Chapter Ten
The meeting room was one of the more archaic rooms in Lucifer’s estate, both in décor and function. Once upon a time, they had used the room regularly, discussing everything from establishing functions in Hell to how to expand their doctrine, such as it was, among the humans. The large space bordered on cavernous, nearly as dark as a tomb.
This room had never been fitted for electricity, as Lucifer preferred the ambiance when discussing ‘matters of import’. As a result, the deep shadows creeping down from the high ceilings were repelled only by the pillar candles situated on tall pedestals along the walls.
Mags came into the space quietly, her footfalls muffled by the deep blue carpet runner that led the way to the massive round table in the center of the room. Behind her, Remi, Rag, and Judas followed, fanning out towards their usual seats at the table.
“So, what’s the latest calamity on the agenda?” Judas swung his feet up onto the oak table, leaning his chair back on two legs and folding his arms behind his head. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a formal meeting.”
“Put your feet down,” Mags chastised, settling into her chair and smoothing her skirt. Judas ignored her.
“She said feetdown, Judy,” Remi snapped, kicking his chair as she passed behind him and sending the young man sprawling to the floor.
“Rude!” he yelled, scrambling up and righting his seat. Remi only flipped him off over her shoulder, sinking into her own chair and offering Mags a bright grin.
Mags gave a small smile in return despite herself, even while turning her chastising tone on Remi. “You didn’t need to dump him on the floor.”
“Oh, but it made me feel better.” Remi’s grin widened, only to melt sharply into a scowl when her own chair was pulled from under her. She hit the ground hard. “Hey!”
Judas laughed, reaching for a high five from Balthazar who gripped the chair with an innocent expression as he examined his nails.
“Dick,” Remi hissed, jumping up and jabbing her finger into Bal’s chest.
“What?” he purred, in a voice like dark honey. “It made me feel better.”
“You’re all behaving like children,” Luce declared, striding into the room and giving them all a hard look. He waved his hand and a strong wind swept briskly through the space, pushing them all into their chairs and moving the chairs up to the table. “Please try to act your ages.”
“But that’sboring,” Bal grumbled, his dark hair falling over his eyes in a tousled wave that he shoved back with a jangle of his many layered bracelets.
“Yes, well,” Luce sank into his seat with a heavy sigh. “It’s about to become decidedlyun-boring around here, so enjoy it while you can.”
“We’re still missing a few,” Rag pointed out, dragging Remi’s hand off the table so he could hold it in his own. He’d learned a long time ago that it was a simple trick to keep her calmer, and he had a sneaking suspicion this meeting would require that.
“Not for long,” a new voice called, and the door opened again to admit a statuesque beauty with flashing blue eyes and a high black ponytail that swung as she moved. She walked with an easy swagger, leading an even taller man with waves like honey falling in his face and brushing his shoulders.
“Camiel,” Luce greeted warmly. “How fares the work in the Pit?”
The woman’s full, ruby-painted lips parted to reveal a sharp smile. “Bloody and terrible, as they deserve.”
“You’re a beast, my darling,” the blonde leaned down to nuzzle her neck.
“While I love your love, Sachiel,” Lucifer said, and the fondness on his face confirmed his words, “I do have some important information to share, if you can be disgustingly sweet while sitting?”
“Of course.” Sachiel released his wife, letting her lead him to his seat where he pulled her into his lap instead of her own chair. Remiel pretended to vomit, and Rag fixed her with a look that clearly called her a hypocrite.
“Gross,” Judas made a face, but his longing tone didn’t match his feigned disgust.
“Don’t be bitter because you’re single.” Bal kicked his own feet up on the table, drawing a tired frown from Mags, but no argument. Judas gave her a betrayed look, and Remi narrowed her eyes but was restrained from dumping his chair by Rag.
“Did we call a meeting just to comment on everyone’s love lives?” Glory was the last to enter, smiling apologetically as she slid gracefully into her seat.
“This meeting was called to discuss an impending cataclysm, actually,” Luce said dryly. “If everyone couldfocuslong enough to do so. Mags, if you wouldn’t mind sharing your recent vision?”
She swallowed hard, wringing her hands, and Camiel reached over to place a soothing hand over top of them.
“Breathe, honey,” she murmured, and Mags nodded, smiling gratefully.
