Luc’s plan concluded with asking for entrance for bonded demons’ mates, but would his logic be enough? There seemed tobe no arguing with accepting witches or vampires into the rightful afterlife when they were as innocent as any human, and yet, they’d been denied all this time.
As Dex had said before, existing wasn’t a crime, and anyone who claimed otherwise was the real villain, but villains didn’t usually admit they were in the wrong and change because someone pointed it out.
“Why do mortality and magic have to be separate?” Dex couldn’t figure out the big deal, no matter how hard he tried. “There’s nothing wrong with having a less rigid, richer, more diverse universe, right?”
Luc cocked his head, his attention seeming to sharpen. “That’s a very good point.”
“So why is the separation so important? I get that humans were neversupposedto have magic, but not reincarnating isn’t inherently bad. Eternals have one life.”
It was all so arbitrary. Rules for the sake of rules and nothing more. At least in Dex’s eyes.
“Magic and mortality as opposing forces is a fact of the universe. A sacred balance that must be maintained.”
“But is it?” Dex leaned forward, his coffee forgotten. “Nothing bad happened when the two forces combined. The world—the universe—didn’t end.”
“No.” Luc stroked his chin. “There was no reaction at all, except for the council’s anger.”
“Maybe they aren’t opposing forces at all. Who’s to say magic and mortality were never supposed to combine? Who’s to saythiswasn’t fate?”
“No one.” Luc’s eyes narrowed. He spoke slowly, as if thinking out loud. “Fate is an unknown. Perhaps the universe doesn’t have to be defined by opposing forces. Maybe it nevertruly was.”
“Exactly. Magic and mortality seemed to come together fine.”
Luc stilled, coming to attention. “Which proves the two don’t exist in a rigid binary. And if mortality and magic aren’t inherent opposites, what is? Not even life and death sit in opposition with reincarnation and eternal life. What if it’s not about balance at all? And if not, there’s no reason that magic can’t be in all realms, other than someone decided it was forbidden.”
Dex’s heart leapt as if he’d had that third coffee after all. “Agreed. And while we’re asking questions, why can’t Eternals be on Earth? Human souls exist in the Eternal Realm. It’s not like the two realms balance each other either.”
“True, though humans only exist in the realm of magic as souls. The mystical piece of humanity.” Luc scowled, his brow creasing. “The council could claim that souls belong in the Eternal Realm while living humans—bound to demons as mates—don’t.”
Dex laughed. Never mind how arbitrary all these lines seemed; did Luc realize what he’d said? “So you’re saying all humans—even me—have a mystical,magicalpiece inside us?”
“Yes.” Luc’s frown deepened. “Your soul is your essence. It transcends mortality.”
“So magic was always a part of humanity. Always a part of this realm. Giving witches the power to cast spells didn’t even bring magic to Earth. It was already here in a different form.”
“Fuck.” A laugh burst from Luc, and he covered his mouth. “You’re right, Dex.”
“I am?”
“Yes…” Understanding broke over Luc’s face. “What you’re saying is that everything I was taught about the sacred balance is a lie.”
What a revelation, but Luc didn’t seem upset. He seemed excited.
Did the Eternals in charge know the truth, or did they believe the lies they preached? Either way, Dex didn’t see change coming easily. “Do you really think all you need to do is present an argument proving the council wrong? Surely they won’t give in.”
“Not without a fight. Not if it’s this big. We need more. We need a show of force behind our argument. A consequence if they don’t listen.” Dark emotions twisted Luc’s expression. “That’s why I trapped everyone in Hell. To create a consequence. Maybe that isn’t the way to go.”
Dex grabbed Luc’s hand. “It’s not the same. Most demons did nothing wrong, and you still punished them. You regret it, and your hesitation proves you’re different now. You’re trying to stop unjust persecution. The council and the Eternals in charge aren’t innocent. They’re the ones punishing witches for existing. Any consequences will be more than deserved.”
Luc’s hard features softened, expression so tender that Dex’s breath caught. “My fierce little mate. I can’t argue with that. What would you suggest we do to them?”
A wave of energy filled Dex like he was ready to take the council on right this second. “What do they fear most?”
Luc’s eyes flashed. “The same thing anyone in power fears.”
21
LUCIFER
