“Oh, sweet summer sap,” I whispered. “You couldn't have just left it at 'I have tried?'”
Lucifer glared at Braxis, then suddenly laughed boisterously. His eyes shifted back to brown and his claws retracted. “Good luck with that, boy. Amara's not easily won.”
“I've realized that.” Braxis grimaced and Lucifer laughed harder. Braxis glanced at me and then faced the King of Hell. “If your offer still stands, I accept.”
Lucifer stopped laughing. “You will kneel and give me fealty? Obedience?”
“Along with the head of our enemy.” Braxis nodded.
“Then I will pardon you, Chief Braxis, and welcome you home.”
Braxis held a fist to his chest and bowed to Lucifer.
“And you, Daughter,” Lucifer returned his attention to me. “Does my son know of this yet?”
“No, we called you first.”
Lucifer went grim. “You'd best contact Malik next. He's going mad with worry.”
“How do I contact him? I don't have an ICD connected to his.”
“The ship should be able to contact Malik's new craft. He'll receive a notice of an incoming message no matter where he is. I'm sending the connecting code to your unit now.”
A series of Bleiten symbols popped up on the screen.
“Oh,” I whispered.
“Scared, are you?” Lucifer grinned.
“A little nervous,” I admitted.
“Yes, Malik will be far harder to convince than I was. I suggest that you call him naked.”
“Lucifer!” I hissed.
Lucifer started laughing again but sobered quickly. “Malik is more distraught than I've ever seen him, Amara. Do not dawdle. Call him now and put him at ease. You can deal withthat”—he waved at Braxis—“after you return to Earth. I've heard there are some difficulties in Danu as well.”
“Sweet stars, I forgot to ask about Danu!” I declared. “Have you heard anything? Is it still there?”
“Danu, as far as I know, still exists. Your grandparents quarantined the miners by tricking them into a room that inhibits magic. King Everan was able to determine who the culprit is and they managed to secure him and release the others. But they're at a loss now at how to get the magic out of this man and back into Danu. I believe that's where you come in.”
“If I'm strong enough,” I muttered.
“You are,” Lucifer stated confidently. “You have my son's strength to support yours. You will save Danu, I'm certain of it. Just as you saved your new Reaksarian friends.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I inclined my head to him.
“Oh, for Hell's sake, Amara, don't do that.”
I grinned. “Very well. Goodbye, Father.” I leaned forward to add, “You're a good king. I'm proud of you.”
Lucifer smirked. “I know. But you should have had more faith in me.”
“You should have had more faith in yourself,” I countered.
“Perhaps.” Lucifer's smirk softened. “I'm so happy that Malik has you. Goodbye, Daughter. I love you very much.”
“I love you too.”
