“So she’s involved,” Gabriel stated flatly.
“No. Not in the truest sense. I imagine she wanted to see Nadia for herself and deliver a beating to me for what you and Lucifer suffered.”
“I’d like to offer sympathy, knowing her threefold rule, but I am receiving too much satisfaction in your pain.”
Raphael grabbed his ribs with one hand and pressed the other to Gabriel’s back. “Straight ahead, for ten paces, then we’ll make a left.”
Nadia woke in increments, becoming painfully aware of the lack of noise, aside from a low hum. It only took a moment to register where she was and the absence of Lucifer from the adjoining room. In the doorway stood a stunning redhead with flawless, alabaster skin and a soft rose blush. Her curious green eyes reminded Nadia of the many scientists and scholars she’d encountered in her lifetime.
Nothing like the feeling of being a bug under a microscope!
The woman’s clothing was anything but modern, but the freedom of the white flowing gown reminded her of Roman garb. Emeralds winked in the lowlight from her updo. The glitz, along with the gold asp encircling her upper bicep, spoke of wealth and stature.
It felt like a dream, but Nadia feared her situation was all too real. Her worry for Luc and Gabriel spiked.
“The Creator, I presume,” she rasped out as she shifted to a sitting position. “Should I curtsy?”
“No to both. I am Mother.”
Was this regal creature the one Sal spoke of? Was she a member of the quartet of beings able to read the book?
“No,” the woman replied. “The Mother is another and will be revealed in due course.”
Nadia groaned. It appeared, like Lucifer, the redhead could read minds.
A ghost of a smile crossed her face as she met Nadia’s eyes. “You’re perfect for him, you know.”
“Luc?”
“Yes. He needs someone with your light. He’s suffered long enough.”
Nadia’s irritation spiked.
“Well, maybe speak to the Creator and the others trying to kill me at every turn.” Yes, her reply was snippy, but once again, she’d found herself the victim of treachery and injustice. “Why can’t everyone leave me in peace to live my life?”
Mother tilted her head. “Is that what you wish? Peace?”
“What sane person doesn’t? Who wants to be at war with the world?”
“Indeed,” she replied, almost to herself. It wasn’t difficult to see the wheels of her mind spinning in her thoughtful look. “Your road will not be an easy one, Triscelene. But it might be a fulfilling one.”
“Where is he?”
“Facing a court of inquiry and justice along with your sire. Should you care to join them, I shall help you enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”
“According to Luc, I already have that ability.” Nadia maintained her stare, at a loss as to why she felt the need to press buttons. Perhaps the fatigue stemmed from their games and the fact that her father and her lover were on trial for protecting her.
“I am not your enemy, Nadia Cummings. I wish only to see my children happy and reunited again.”
“I’m sorry, ma’am.” She rose, closed the book, and crossed to Mother, careful to stay on her side of the opening. No sense taking chances with a stranger. “What do I need to know?”
As Nadia conversed with Mother, her trepidation built. But her determination was stronger. If she could save Lucifer and Gabriel from certain punishment, she would. After all, they were only in their predicament for trying to protect her.
From the corner of her eye, she detected movement.
Thamiel.
Looking a bit worse for wear, he rounded the corner and froze, eyes wide.
