Extinguish

J.M. Darhower

Extinguish is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locals, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Copyright (c) 2013 by JM Darhower All rights reserved

Published in the United States ISBN-13: 978-1484162224 ISBN-10: 1484162226 Except as permitted under the US Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author. Table of Contents Prologue One Two

Three Four Epilogue To my mama, who shines brightly above, a twinkling star in the vibrant night sky. I miss you more than words can say. "Whatever is done for love always occurs beyond good and evil." -Friedrich Nietzsche Prologue Cold air crept through the small school playground, stirring the abandoned swings on either side of

Serah. Once alive with children's carefree laughter, all that could be heard now were the sounds of desolation: the metal chains creaking and clanking as the crisp, earth-toned leaves on the trees crinkled in the thrashing wind, mixing with the menacing, high-pitched noises streaking through the atmosphere, the hisses and clangs only she could hear. The skin of Serah's arms and legs prickled as she trembled, pushing her brown hair from her face when it flew into her eyes. Her long summer dress flapped in the wind, darkened with filth, obscuring the pretty peach it used to be. Once proper and polished, she'd been ripped apart, tainted with sin and covered in dishonor. How had it gotten that far? How

had she fallen so fast, so hard? The answer to her question appeared right in front of her face. She sensed him before she saw him, felt his presence like the bitter breeze. He smelled like lit matches, crackling fire with a hint of peppermint. The electricity in the air intensified, the sky stirring, a red and black swirl of clouds blocking the much-needed sunlight. A storm was coming on fast, and that storm had a name. "Lucifer." Serah gazed across the playground as he stepped out from behind the worn metal slide. Although he was yards away, she knew he'd heard her when she whispered his name. Tall, dark, and handsome, while overtly clich, was the only way she could

begin to describe him. His short, dark hair was a wild mess of thick curls, his long-sleeved button-down shirt exposing hints of a solid chest. With broad shoulders and tanned skin, Lucifer appeared sturdy yet harmless, his dimpled half-smirk almost friendly. With just one look, one measured curl of his lips, he invited you in to stay forever. And there was no denying this charismatic creature. While maybe not Heaven, he was certainly home. But his eyes told another story, a far different one, more angry and sinister, just stealthily disguised by charm. Once as bright blue as a summer afternoon, now they burned black and red like the fiery evening sky, a small glimpse of the festering monster beneath the pretty skin.

"Stop this," she said, her voice a soft breath. "Please." He stepped forward, moving closer. Serah shuddered violently as the air around her grew frigid, like hed claimed every speck of warmth for himself. Her heart frantically raced in her chest, so fast and hard it hurt, a jackhammer brutalizing her ribcage. Thump, thump, thump. It was a sensation she hadnt felt until recently not until him, not until this. "I can't," he whispered. "You have to," she insisted. "It's gone too far." He stood there, stoic, statuesque as he gazed at her. The sky continued to churn, sporadic fat raindrops starting to fall. One splattered his skin and sizzled as it evaporated into a puff of steam.

The sky was crying acid tears. "Lucifer, they're going to" He cut her off. "I know." "You can't win." "I know that, too." "Then why?" she asked, pleaded, begged for an answer shed understand. "Why are you doing this?" He hesitated, taking one more step toward her, his hands clasping the chains of her swing. Leaning down, he pressed his feverish forehead against hers and stared into her eyes, searching for something, as she equally sought out the truth in his. After a moment, he let out a deep sigh. Pressing his lips to hers, he kissed her softly, sweetly, an innocent gesture for a creature they called "The Devil."

"I have to try," he murmured, "for you." One Six weeks earlier (Or six months, or six years . . . time is but a blink sometimes) "Ring-a-round a rosie, A pocket full of posies; Ashes! Ashes! We all fall down." The two little girls collapsed into the lush green grass. The blonde one, seven-year-old Emily Ann Dryer, kicked her feet with joy, while her

brunette best friend, Nicki Marie Lauer, laughed gleefully alongside her. Their classmates ran around them, playing and shouting, enjoying every second left of midday recess. "Isnt that about the plague?" Hannah asked, cocking her curly blonde head to the side as she studied the kids. "The Black Death?" "Maybe," Serah replied, swinging gently back and forth on the center swing. "Or maybe its just a nursery rhyme." "Either way, its absurd," Hannah said. "It makes no sense." "Thats the point." Serah watched as the girls stood back up and grasped hands, spinning around in circles again. "Its supposed to be silly." Hannah sighed. "Ill never

understand humans." Serah glanced at the swing beside her as Hannahs attention shifted away from the kids. She gazed into the cloudless afternoon sky, her eyes focused directly on the sun. Her red dress glowed under the sun's strong rays, her wings nearly see-through as they shimmered, a shield of gold glitter in the air surrounding her. Just then, a little boy ran by Johnny Lee Smith, age eightand grabbed ahold of Nicki's long ponytail. He yanked it hard, pulling her away from her best friend and throwing her to the ground before running away again. Sighing, Serah snapped her fingers. Johnny skated to a stop and whirled around, pausing for a fraction of a

second before racing to help Nicki back to her feet. "I'm sorry," he muttered. "Don't be mad, k?" Nicki's tears dried as she nodded. "Okay." It's the basic thingslove, respect, and compassionthat make the biggest difference sometimes. The little boy and girl shared a smile before going their separate ways again. "You should be sainted," Hannah said. "I couldn't deal with these tiny, fickle creatures every day." "There are worse things out there," Serah reminded her. "Besides, kids are the easiest. They still have consciences." "Is that why you wanted this job?" The girls rejoined hands and

returned to their game as if nothing had happened. Resilient creatures, kids. Serah had been elated to take on the task of watching over thema task most of her kind didn't understand or appreciate. "They give me hope. Reminds me why we all do what we do every day." "I could say the same about the grass and the trees, but you don't see me volunteering for gardening duty, do you?" Serah laughed. "I don't see you volunteering for anything." A bell rang in the distance. The children all bolted for the school building, rushing right past them, a few even knocking into their swings. No one looked their way or suspected their presence, oblivious to the angels

lingering in the schoolyard. They were only seen when they wanted to be seen. As the children obediently lined up to go to their classrooms, something stirred in the air. The vibrant sun disappeared behind a sudden dense cloud covering, the blue sky darkening to the shade of midnight. "Are you doing that?" Serah asked, looking above. Hannah slowly shook her head. "It's not supposed to storm today." They jolted in harmony as thunder roared, deadly lightning flashing across the sky. The kids shrieked, startled by the shift in weather, before rushing indoors to beat the oncoming rain. Electricity sizzled across Serah's

skin, the sky screaming what words wouldn't say. Somewhere out there, an angel had fallen today.

The two teleported home the same time as countless others, a vast expanse of glowing land on a different plane, far out of human reach. Frantic whispers coursed through the pure white air as they took personal roll call, making sure their friends were all there, Grace still intact. Hannah flowed through the group, trying to find answers, while Serah took up residence along the outskirts, her eyes scanning the crowd for her

brothers and sisters. It was impossible to keep up with everyone as thousands upon thousands of their kind descended. It was rare they gathered together like thisonly during times of immeasurable desperation. And desperation, at that moment, was a severe understatement. An angel falling, to them, was the greatest tragedy. They were supposed to be unshakable, their faith unwavering, their strength unparalleled, but when one of their own tumbled from their proverbial pedestal, lost to earthly transgressions, it served as a stark reminder that even the invincible werent immune to the temptations of sin. Hannah reappeared. Serah stared at her, wide-eyed. Few things affected

themthey felt no hunger, no cold, no physical painbut even angels weren't ignorant to fear. They were trained to sense it, to detect the smallest hints of danger surrounding them. "Who was it? Who fell?" "I, uh . . . I don't know yet." Reaching over, Hannah grabbed Serah's hand and squeezed reassuringly. The two of them had been side by side since the beginning. They'd watched in awe together as God made the universe, watched in fascination as He created man, and watched in sorrow as that creation persecuted His son. And together, they'd watched in horror as one of their own turned against their Father, bringing down many of their kind along the way.

"I can sense all of the Virtues," Hannah said, visibly relaxing. "It wasn't one of us that fell. We're all okay." Serah stood frozen, wishing she felt the same relief. Something deep inside of her churned, an expanding void, a connection missing. It was as if a limb had been severed, a part of her slowly but surely ripping away. A gasp tore from her chest as the link in the chain brutally snapped. "I think it's" "Samuel." The chorus of whispers ceased as the strong, male voice interrupted. It reached far and wide, detached and stoic, but the sound of it carried devastating heartache through the crowd. Serah especially felt it,

confirming her emptiness. Samuel. Oh, Samuel. Slowly, she turned and came faceto-face with Michael behind her, his massive iridescent wings twice the size of everyone else's. The appearance of an Archangel sent most of the others apparating back out of there within seconds, but Serah didn't move. She couldn't. Not yet. It couldn't be Samuel. It had to be a mistake. Had to be. Michael's gaze trailed over what remained of the crowd before settling intently on her. Sympathy shined from his blue eyes, his handsomely chiseled face burdened. "I'm sorry." If Serah were capable of crying, tears would've streaked her ashen face

then. Samuelher brother, her best friendhad fallen. But how? Although she hadn't asked it out loud, Michael heard her question. "How do any of us fall?" Sin. More angels promptly vanished, returning to their endless duties, as others materialized. The Dominion, with their dowdy, gray suits and small, matching wings, quietly dished out orders to the remaining angels. Serah just stood there, staring wordlessly at Michael, hoping something would spill from his lips to make sense of it all, but he chose to remain mute. If he had answers, if he had an actual explanation, he wasnt planning to clue her in.

"May I have a moment, Serah?" The monotone voice diverted Serahs eyes from Michael. She turned to an awaiting Dominion, her voice guarded as she replied, "Of course." Hannahs grip tightened for a brief moment before she left in a pop of static electricity. A large hand grasped Serahs shoulder then, heavy and strong, pulling her down while raising her up at the same time. It was comforting, yet concerning welcoming, yet fearsome. The presence of an Archangel was uncommon, the touch of one practically unheard of. The lingering angels vanished in a heated murmur of gossip, leaving Serah and Michael alone with the Dominion. "You have a new task," the

Dominion declared. "Your presence is required at the border between the righteous and the wicked, at the edge of Earth where everything descends into flames." It took Serah a moment to grasp the instruction. "Wait . . . the front lines?" He nodded in confirmation. "There has to be a mistake," Serah said. "My calling is with the children, not in this war." "There are no mistakes," the Dominion said. "Youre a Power. This is what your kind does. You protect the innocent from evil, and theres no greater threat than what exists there." "What am I to do?" she asked. "Whats my directive?" "Youre to report to the gates." She gaped at him. "The gates?"

"Youre to demand a cease-fire from the leader of the uprising. The fighting has gone on long enough without reprieve. Too many have fallen. You have until the snow falls on you to establish the truce." "Ill do it," Michael chimed in. "Ill go in her place." "You cant," the Dominion said. "I can, and I will," he replied. "She has no history with him." "Thats the point," the Dominion said. "He has none with her, no harbored resentment or long-standing grudges to get in the way. Theres a greater chance of cooperation if" Bitter laughter erupted from Michael. "Cooperation? You think hell cooperate?" "There's a chance he will, if she can

appeal to his original nature. Serah has proven herself to be patient and persistent at tapping into a soul's conscience. It's her talent. She cultivates it. If you went, Michael, the plan would never work." "It wont work either way," Michael declared. "He has no conscience to tap into! Don't you understand? Weve sent men down there for ages to convince him to stop this utter nonsense, and he never listens! So Im going instead, to spare her the pointless journey." "Its not your job." "Not my job?" Anger stirred Michaels voice. "When the final battle comes, it is my duty to face himmine and mine alone." "Yes, I'm aware, but it's not time for

that yet." "You may oversee the other angels, but you dont order me around, Dominion. You don't dictate what I do. You don't tell me what it's time for." "While true, Prince," the Dominion sneered, the first bit of emotion Serah had ever heard from one of them, "its not our order." Michael hesitated before muttering, "it's His." "Yes, and Id hardly refer to Gods will as pointless. He has reasons even if no reason can be found." The Dominion turned his attention back to Serah. "Its imperative you report to the threshold straightaway. Hell be anticipating your arrival." A loud crack ricocheted through the land as the last of the Dominion

dispersed. Michaels hand on Serahs shoulder grew heavier, weighed down by resignation. "Come away with me," he whispered. "Well spend the night together." Serah reluctantly shook her head. Numbness coated her mind, slowing her reactions. She was in shock. The gates? She'd never known anyone to have gone, only hearing stories of the horrors that existed there. "You heard him, Michael. I have to report." "Tomorrow," Michael insisted. "Nothing will change overnight, Serah. In fact, nothing will ever change when it comes to him. There's no point rushing just to get nowhere. Besides, you could probably use the extra energy."

It wasnt difficult to convince her. Serah relaxed against Michael, her golden, shimmering wings folding into her. Her back flush against his chest, she let out a deep, submissive sigh. The war had been brewing since the beginning of time. One night wouldnt make a difference, right? Michael wrapped his sturdy arms around her as he leaned down, nuzzling into her neck. "Where to?" She gripped his forearms. "You choose."

It's a myth that Heaven is a singular place. There are no pearly gates leading to a fluffy sanctuary, no Saint

Peter monitoring names and determining if people are allowed inside. Salvation isn't run by a book. There's no Naughty or Nice list, la Santa Claus. No, Heavens an idea. Heavens the space a free soul inhabits once it has been expelled from the body, the energy that once lived inside a person crackling on in its own little corner of the atmosphere. You could call it an illusion, pure imagination, but it's deeper than that. It's a magnificent dream on an everlasting loop. Its still existing, even though you technically no longer exist. Heavens what you make it, whatever you want it to be. A lifetime of obedience earns you an eternity of freedom.

Michael and Serah materialized in the middle of a wide-open field, the grass nearly as tall as their knees. Brilliant wildflowers blanketed the isolated landreds, oranges, yellows, purples, and pinks all mixed in with the vibrant green. Its Heaven to a woman named Margaret Lou Jackson, who spent all 48 years of her professional life crammed in a small office cubicle. Shed always wanted to travel and see the world, to enjoy nature and experience true peace, but she never got the chance until she passed away. "Its so beautiful here," Serah said, taking a few steps through the field, her bare feet sinking into the soft earth. "Not as beautiful as you." Michael plucked a pink flower from the ground

and twirled it between his fingers. "This is the shade I imagine your flesh would be if you could blush." He approached, sweeping her long, brown hair over her shoulder before tucking the flower behind her ear, the pale pink brightened by her colorless skin. His large hand cupped her cheek. "You're frowning. What troubles you?" "I just can't believe it," she whispered. "Samuel's everything. He's a great warrior." "He was," Michael agreed, sweeping his thumb gently across her bottom lip. "You mustn't dwell on that." "How can I not?" she asked. "I don't understand." "You're not meant to," Michael said.

"But. . ." He pulled her closer, disrupting her train of thought as he tried to ease her burden with his embrace. Serah reached up on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around his neck. Their lips met, his tongue exploring hers as they kissed softly, sweetly, in no rush. His strong arms wrapped around her, comforting her, as his massive wings slowly started to fold away. Michael was vulnerable when he took his human form, no more powerful than the rest of them. Serah was one of the rare few who had ever seen him so exposed, stripped down to the core, his guard completely crumbled. Even like this, his wings hidden, his true nature concealed, Michael remained inhumanly beautiful.

Still kissing her, he removed his pristine white suit, leaving him stark naked when he finally pulled from her lips. She studied him, taking in his immaculate bodyhis perfectly formed muscles and engorged manhoodas she dropped her dress to the ground, joining him. They made love in the middle of the field, rolling around in the grass, the two angels merging as one. It was sensual, a tingling ball of never-ending energy and light. Here, tucked in the middle of someones obscure serenity, the two could borrow a moment alone in a cluttered universe. He kissed her neck, his tongue lapping her skin as he hovered over her writhing body, slowly pushing deep inside of her. They worked in perfect

harmony, her shifting her hips as he drove inside, filling her completely. This was their Heaven, touching upon the raw nerves buried deeply inside of them. Very few of them found it, very few knew it was even there, but theyd been the lucky ones to stumble upon it together. What they had was pure, untainted, which was why they were allowed to have it. It went on and on, neither needing to rest, only ending when their time together ran short. Hours had passed, one day trickling into the next in the blink of an eye. Michael stopped his movements, still on top of her, still inside of her, as he stared into her deep, brown eyes. "I love you, Serah." She ran her hand through his tousled, dirty blond hair and placed a

chaste kiss on his lips. "I love you, too, Michael." "Be careful down there," he said. "He can be tricky." "I know he can. And dont worry Ill be fine." "You will," he agreed, pulling away from her to stand up. He snapped his fingers, his clothes back in place and wings expanding in a sudden whoosh, from vulnerable man to infallible Archangel in a split second. He gazed down at her still lying on the ground and smiled. "After all, you still have God on your side."

Unlike Heaven, Hell is concrete. It

thrives nearly 1800 miles beneath your feet, veiled between the hard mantle and the scorching core of Earth. The fiery pit is literal, although it, too, is much more than that. It's made up of every nightmare ever conceived, torturing its inhabitants day after day. Hell's reserved for only the truly nonredeemable, those who are so evil nothing can be done except lock them away. It's a maximum-security prison for the deranged. Their souls, their energy, are too dangerous to be allowed to mix with the rest, so they've been cast down to the lake of fire, away from innocents. Unleashing what dwells down there would be catastrophic, which is why its guarded and sealed. Still, it happens. They find ways to slip

through the cracks, reappearing on Earth and wreaking havoc until theyre sent back. For every one caught, though, another two seem to make it through. Its an endless bloody cycle of chase that results in casualties every day. There's only one way to get to Hell. Deep in the Pennsylvania woods in Hellum Township, not far from the small town of Chorizon, is a series of seven gateways that must be passed through. Many have tried to walk down the path, hearing the legends, thinking its a joke, but no mortals have ever made it past the fifth gate. The feelings of despair and death, the menacing sensation of evil, is so overwhelming no man dares go on. If they would, when they reached

the seventh, Hell would swallow them whole. Serah made her way down the narrow, overgrown trail, unceremoniously passing through the first five gates. She came upon an old wrought iron fence jutting into the sky and slipped through it, walking down a gravel path, straight toward an expansive, stone building. The outside was scorched and covered with filth, the shell of an old, torched asylum. The tall walls and massive columns made it look like a long forgotten castle, forsaken by all royalty. Evil radiated from it, hitting her like shock waves, one after another, trying to warn her and force her to turn away. Serah pulled open the heavy, creaking door, finding nothing but

hazy darkness in front of her. She stepped inside, crossing the threshold of the abandoned building and through the sixth gate. The air around her instantly changed. The darkness left in a burst of violent light, so intense that it knocked Serah off her feet. She felt like she was falling then, fast and hard, her stomach lodged in her throat, until it abruptly stopped, everything clearing. Jolting, she found herself standing at the boundary to Hell, feet planted on the hard sediment as her gaze scanned the terrain for the first time. Nothing living thrived here, nothing breathing or growing, nothing flourishing. The land was cracked and forsaken, the sensation of imminent death clinging

to everything, suffering and miserable. Dark clouds blanketed the endless sky, mixed with swirls of fiery red as lightning continuously flashed, bolts striking in the distance, their vicious rumble vibrating beneath her feet. In the distance, at the end of a pencil-thin path, Serah could vaguely make out a tall tower of stone, an eerie castle erected for the King of Hell. The final gate was invisible, a massive, bewitched shield of energy and electricity. Serah could faintly see it, fizzling and flickering, crackling and shimmering, as black shadows hovered high above it. Reapers guarded the insufferable plot, feeding off of the vile souls within. Taking a deep, needless breatha habit shed picked up on EarthSerah

stalked forward, pausing a few yards away from the gate. It was silent on the other side, appearing abandoned, nothing but barren land and mountains of rock shrouded in black shadows. Was Hell supposed to be this . . . quiet? "Hello?" One beat, two beats, three beats passed. Nothing but silence. "Hello?" she called again. "Anyone around?" Serah smoothed out her dress and fidgetedanother senseless, human habitas she waited for something, anything, to happen. Minutes passed, then hours. Half a day withered away in the blink of an eye, absolute stillness persisting. Physically, she felt no exhaustion, but

mentally shed had about enough of the place. "This is incredible." "It is." The sudden voice alarmed Serah. A bang of thunder ripped through the land as the bright lightning flashed, revealing a form lurking in the shadows on the other side. "The only question," he continued, stepping into the hazy light, "is whether you mean that in the good or bad way." Black eyes bore into her, his skin the hue of Earths filth, covered in silver-toned scars and vibrant black markings. Sigils had been burned into his flesh like tattoos, seemingly still smoldering as steam radiated from his skin. The sleeves of his black buttondown shirt were shoved up to his

elbows, exposing them to her. Serahs eyes widened as she deciphered the symbols. Serpens. Malum. Diabolus. Inimicus. Serpent. Evil. Devil. Enemy. Satan, she knew instantly, nearly unrecognizable from his once angelic form. He appeared as if he'd walked through fire, his clothes singed and his bare feet scorched. He was rough and rugged, his voice slightly gritty, like worn sandpaper. Despite his unsettling exterior, he seemed more human than shed expected him to be, a fact that unnerved her. He was sturdy like Michael, dark where her Archangel was light, but he carried himself like a man. His steps had a slight swagger,

unhurried and graceless. This thingthis manwas the great enemy? The biggest threat to them? To humanity? "I mean its absurd," she said tentatively. "Theres nothing good about this place. Ive been standing here for hours." "I know." She gaped at him. "You know?" "Yes. Ive been watching you." "Youve been watching me?" "Yes. And youre late." She scoffed. "Im late?" "Yes, youre late. Whats with you? I assumed the wings meant you were some sort of angel, not a damn mockingbird." She started to reply to his childish ridicule, but he stopped her before she

could, his voice an octave higher, force to his words as he spat them at her. "You were supposed to be here last night. I expected you last night, but you kept me waiting. So it was only fair, when you finally decided it was important enough to show your face, that I keep you waiting just as long." "I didnt realize we had an appointment," she said defensively. Who was he to speak to her that way? "I was busy." "I bet you were." He inhaled deeply, tilting his head back as he closed his eyes. A coinciding vortex of wind gusted by, stirring the dirt and the bottom of her dress as it whipped her hair into her face. She brushed it away as the air calmed down, his eyes slowly reopening. "You smell like my

brother. His scent is all over you. It reeks." Serah stammered. "I, uh. . ." He could smell it? "Look, Satan. . ." "Stop," he said, the scathing tone harder in his voice. "My names not Satan." She hesitated. This wasnt going well. "Would you rather be called the Prince of Darkness?" "No, Id actually prefer my name." "Lucifer." A hint of a smile ghosted across his lips. "Call me Luce." "Lucifer," she said again. "I just came here to ask" "To ask me to stop the fighting? To give peace a chance?" He laughed bitterly. "I know why you came here, and you can just turn around and leave

right now. I wont have someone walking into my territory and disrespecting me, treating me like Im nothing, calling me that filthy word like it's my name. You want to talk to me, angel? You want to have that conversation? Come back when you dont stink so fucking much." As hastily as hed emerged, he vaporized, disappearing back into the blackness, leaving her there alone. She walked backward, passing back through the sixth gate, blackness overtaking her vision as she was sucked into a swirling cyclone. She flew into the air, landing right back on her feet just inside the doorway of the forsaken asylum. She shuddered. Creepy.

"You did what?" A crack of abrupt thunder rocked the afternoon sky. Serah flinched at the noise and tensed. Oh God, not again. "Please tell me that was you." "Sorry," Hannah muttered. "Didn't mean to startle you. I just . . . I'm shocked." Serah sighed as she casually twisted and swayed on the middle swing. The schoolyard was vacant, the kids home for the weekend. Raindrops started to fall as clouds emerged directly above them, a consequence of Hannah's abrupt reaction. Hannah plopped down on the swing beside her after a moment. "So what

was it like down below?" "Surreal," she replied. "I've been trying to wrap my mind around it since I left. It's strangely quiet. Very unnerving." "And you saw him? Like, really saw him?" "Yes." "What was he like?" What was he like? "Maddening." "Wow," Hannah said. "So are you going back down?" "I suppose," she replied. "Michael says it won't work, but I have to try." "Of course it won't work. We're supposed to believe he'll end it just because you ask? Yeah, right. There's not a compassionate bone left in his body. Every ounce of him was claimed by evil when he fell from Grace."

"The Dominion said it was His will." Hannah was quiet as she took that in. His will, His word, was everything. "Since when do we negotiate with terrorists? I thought we were on board with that Ronald Reagan guy." Serah cracked a smile at that. "You're a few decades behind on American politics." "Huh. Did he win?" "Yes. Twice." "Good to know," Hannah said. "I'm not sure you'll be that successful, though." Serah smiled sadly. She was probably right, of course. "I wonder what Samuel would think about it all." "Well, first of all, he'd whine that it wasn't him. You know he loved being

front and center in this war." "True." "Then he'd tease you about it. You know, going to Hell." Hannah dropped her voice lower, imitating the familiar, male tone. "I always knew I was the good one, sis." Serah laughed, although sadness nagged at her chest. How she longed to hear his voice again. "But then, while you were down there and nobody was paying attention, he'd be frantically pacing, probably here in this playground, waiting for you to return, to make sure you were okay. He always did worry about you." Serah frowned. "I worry about him now." "Don't," Hannah said. "He's gone." "Gone where?"

Hannah shrugged. "We don't ask questions when they fall, Serah. You know that. We just say goodbye and walk away."

The terrain was quiet once more as Serah approached the seventh gate a few days later. The peculiar reddishtinted darkness again shrouded the sky as reapers soared above, supervising. Nothing had changed since her last visit, and she guessed nothing ever would. Hell was as stagnant as the dead inside of it. She paused a few yards away and sighed. Before she could call out, a gust of wind swirled around her. Her

wings rustled, shimmering, as she was lifted a few feet off the ground. "You smell like the sun." Once back on solid ground, Serah peered through the translucent barricade as Lucifer materialized on the other side. "Do I?" "Yes. You smell like springtime. Now thats a scent I miss. The other one? I can do without ever smelling him again." He sauntered closer, his shoulders relaxed, his hands casually shoved in the pockets of his black slacks. He seemed at ease. Even his voice oozed a bit of quiet contentment, his demeanor much different than the creature she'd encountered the first day. Maybe there was hope, after all. Maybe she had a chance.

"I'm here to ask you to stop," she said. "Call an end to the fighting." "I know why you're here," he said, his gaze so intense it burned through her. "Youre much prettier than the last one they sent." "I, uh. . ." She was taken aback by the compliment. "If you know why Im here. . ." "I dont want to talk about that." She stared at him in confusion. "What else is there to talk about?" "You, angel. Let's talk about you. Tell me why it took you so long to return." "It's only been a few days. I've been busy." "Hmmm, but not busy with my brother this time." The corner of his lips curved into a dimpled smirk.

"How did that happen, anyway? You're not an Archangel for sure, and you're certainly not one of the Seraphim. I remember every single one of them. But youI don't remember you at all. Based on the fact that you're here, I'd say you're one of the many warrior angels. Correct?" She nodded slowly. "So how'd you capture Michael's attention? No offense, but you Powers are a dime a dozen, Gods little soldiers in the Great War against . . . well . . . me. How'd an Archangel even realize you existed?" "Just because you cant look past yourself doesn't mean your brother's the same way," she replied. "Not everyones self-indulgent like you." He dramatically grasped his chest.

"Oh, ouch, I'm hurt. Please, take it back." His mockery irked her. She ground her teeth together, keeping her mouth closed, refusing to be goaded by the likes of him. "No, seriously, tell me," he continued. "I want to know how your, uh, extracurricular activities with good ol' Mikey haven't landed you right down here with me. Last time I checked, sweetheart, lust was still a sin." "I'm not here to talk about Michael." "I dont care. I couldn't care less what task you've been given by our Father." He spat the word like it offended his tongue, his calm demeanor fading as tightness overtook

his body, warm flesh morphing to cold stone. "You wanna talk, angel? Its my way or no way." "My name is Serah," she said, purposely raising her voice to match his, "and you won't boss me around, Satan." He recoiled, slinking back toward the shadows like hed been struck. "It's time for you to leave. You're not welcome here." "But" Thunder cracked, and once again he vanished right before her eyes. She stared at the barren land he'd seconds ago occupied, frowning. He'd provoked her, after all. Two

Icy air trailed Luce as he strode through Hell, fueling the pockets of raging fire throughout the land. Despite it being the center of Earth, scorching lava surrounding them, the temperature grew colder the deeper into the pit he went. Torturous screams bounced around in his head, whimpers and cries of pain and lust clouding his mind, overbearing and foreboding. Sinning surrounded him, suffocating him, imprisoning him like a straightjacket. He tried to drive the noise away, to force it back and focus on something else, but the ruckus never stopped, never let up. It hindered his connection to the world outside the gates, muffling everything else to mere background noise.

Blah, blah, motherfucking blah. This was his Hell: the inescapable torment he endured all alone. He craved silence but was awarded chaos. Instead of light and vitality, he existed in utter darkness. His Archangel nature helped him take it all in stride, but it was never easy, even for the one the world saw as the enemy. Satan. Hed loathed the term from the very first time he'd heard it on the battlefield until just now when he'd been called it in that pure, angelic voice. Satan, the evil adversary. Satan, public enemy number one. Satan. Fuck that. He'd brought it all on himself, certainly, but that didn't stop him from

blaming everyone else, too. Despite the turmoil in his head, making it difficult to think straight half of the time, he could still easily recall the moment he'd crossed that final line, the moment he'd damned himself to this fate. The war had been started, the spark already ignited when he'd appeared on that battlefield in Israel. Michael stood there, leading the warrior angels against the uprising. "Stop this, Luce." "You know I can't." "This is your last chance, brother," Michael warned. "End this right now." Luce shook his head. "No." It was then that it changed, the air shifting as the blood of his extended family splattered his clothing, matching red seeping into the sky

above. Michael's expression hardened, every ounce of love and respect melting away to resentment. They were brothers no more. "You're the greatest enemy of humanity," Michael said, anger lacing his loud voice. "You'll be condemned for this, Satan." Satan. He had been, and as he made his way through the corridors of Hell, deep underground into the black hole of endless suffering, the anger from that day lingered inside of him. It festered, building and building, mounting and mounting, until it got to be too much for him to take. Swiftly, he entered a cage, clutching a heavy, leather bullwhip. Thick, stone walls surrounded him,

darkness ominously coating the locked dungeon. Wrath in its purest form simmered under his skin, pent-up hostility gnawing, pleading, to be released. The man shackled to the wall inside shrieked, the high-pitched sound rattling between Luce's ringing ears. Without uttering a single word, he savagely beat the man, tearing him apart with the crack of the whip. Ferocious growls rocked the cage, vibrating Luce's chest as the monster inside of him reared its ugly head, elated to be invited out to play. Nothing helped ease Luce's tension. His muscles were taut, his head still pounding when the man hung limp and quiet, his body shredded. He'd replenish overnight, back to shrieking

by early morning, just as Luce's rage mounted again. It was a vicious cycle, one that was impossible to break. The same, senseless shit. The same, bloody brutality. Over and over. No reprieve. Frustrated, Luce vanished from the room and materialized inside another. This one was quieter, lit by candlelight, reminiscent of a turn-ofthe-century Victorian den. A woman jumped to attention the moment he appeared, her pitch-black eyes staring at him, awestruck. "My Lord." Demons were the closest things he had to allies, but even he despised the sneaky creatures. They worshiped him, though, another part of his Hell. Given he'd been punished for his pride, it was sort of a sick, twisted joke.

You wanna be God? Go rule Hell, kid. His Father certainly had a sense of humor. Demons were the product of countless years of torture. A person can only endure so much before something irrevocably snaps, infecting them with lethal malice once they reach that breaking point. Every ounce of humanity disintegrates, leaving them nothing but dark, deadly souls. "On your knees," he ordered, unbuckling his pants, needing some kind of release, needing to blow off some steam to lessen the pressure. She obediently stepped forward and dropped to her knees in front of him, eagerly taking him into her mouth. She sucked vigorously, deep throating

every inch of his flesh. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes, savoring the sensations that swarmed his body. Lust was his favorite sin, without a doubt.

The next day, Serah skipped her usual morning venture to Chorizon and found herself approaching the boundary first thing, her head held high and conviction in her steps. Yesterdays brief conversation played out in her mind, their exchange meaningless, but to get what she needed from hima truce, a concessionshe recognized shed

have to play his stupid game. It was ingrained in her, in a sense, a part of her instincts as a Power. Shed been created to battle creatures such as him, to eradicate the vile poison seeping into the universe, and according to the Dominion, it was her destiny to take Satan on. No matter how much he pushed and prodded, how much he poked and stirred, shed need to retain the upper hand if she wanted to win. And the sooner she won, the sooner she could say goodbye to this wretched hellhole forever. "No spring air today." He appeared in front of her so abruptly she startled. So much for the upper hand. Her confidence wavered for a second. "No?"

"You smell sort of like dust. No offense, but I much prefer the sunlight on you." She eyed him curiously as he stood there, hands in his pockets again, waiting expectantly. "Is that how you know Im coming? You can smell me?" He cracked a smile. "No." "Then how?" He tapped his temple with his pointer finger. "Im still wired into the network." Her eyes widened at his confession. "You hear us?" "Not nearly as strong as before, but I can still hear most of you. The volumes just turned down a bit low these days." "How is that possible?"

He gave a slight, casual shrug. "Just because I was exiled here doesnt change what I am at the core." "But. . ." "But what? You thought I lost it all when I fell?" "Well, yes. You dont look like one of us anymore." He let out a laugh, the boisterous, cheery sound surprising her so much she took a step back. "You see what I want you to seeno more, no less. I dont have much use for the wings down here. Theres no point whipping it out if Im not going to use it, if you know what I mean." "But you have them?" she asked curiously. "You still have your wings?" He raised an eyebrow as he tilted his head slightly, studying her. Minutes

of strained silence passed. Serah managed to remain silent along with him, but she couldnt stop herself from habitually fidgeting under his gaze. Everything unexpectedly changed with a crack of thunder. The ground shook viciously, cracks forming as if the land was being ripped apart by an earthquake. Instinctively, Serah glanced at her trembling feet before looking back at the gate. A loud gasp tore from her chest and she immediately retreated, the sight of him frightening her. Massive black wings erupted from his back, partially blending into his surroundings like menacing shadows. Only when lightning hit did she see how truly expansive they were. The biggest wings shed ever seen flashed

before her eyes, glimmering in the light before being swallowed up by the darkness again. His sharp features were somehow sharper, inhumanly beautiful yet frighteningly dark. Red swirled in his black eyes, matching the sky above. Serah closed her eyes as she looked away from him, stealing a moment to steady herself. Shed seen him once before, ages ago when he'd been the blue-eyed angel up above. As Gods favorite, he'd spent most of his time near the throne, a place those like Serah werent permitted to go. He rarely appeared to anyone, few even knowing what he looked like until his notorious plummet. Serah had been there with her brother Samuel when the war first

erupted in a field, not unlike the one Michael often took her to. Lucifer had materialized in the middle of the battle, right in front of his brother. Samuel had protectively grabbed ahold of her and zapped them out of there within a matter of seconds, shielding her from the brutality of the oncoming fight. Lucifer had been cast into Hell by nightfall, and Michael had taken his place as Prince before the sun had risen on that part of Earth the next day. Although that battle ended quickly, the war still waged, the fight between good and evil enduring over millennia. Serah reopened her eyes and glanced back at him, tension receding from her body when she saw the simple human figure standing there,

head still cocked to the side, eyebrow still raised. "I suppose that answers my question," she mumbled. He laughed again, softer this time, subdued. "I suppose so." "I dont understand, though. Others lost their wings." "They were stripped of their immortality," he said. "Its why they all bled as they fell." Serah blinked rapidly as she processed that. "They became human?" "In a sense, yes, but I was cast down here in this form. I'm cursed to remember, when everyone else gets to forget." "Is that why youre doing this? Why youre still fighting after all this

time?" He shrugged casually again but offered no real response as he turned away. "I have things to do." "Wait!" He was gone before the word had fully escaped her lips.

"Do you ever want to help people?" Samuel's brow creased with bewilderment at the question as he stared across the table at his sister. "Isn't that what I do every day?" "Yes, but that's not what I meant. You do your job, but do you ever just want to, you know . . . do more?" "I don't know what more could I do,

Ser." Sighing, Serah glanced around the busy diner. The sun had just risen outside, and the place was already packed with patrons. A bell at the counter repeatedly dinged as the cook yelled, "Order up!" Waitresses in striped skirts and blouses skidded around, taking orders and helping customers, as the infectious sound of some doo-wop song played from the nearby jukebox. Serah's eyes fell upon a middleaged woman waiting by the register. She wore a gray skirt and jacket, her blonde hair pulled into a tight bun. "Take her for example," Serah said, motioning toward the woman. "It's her first day at a new joban office job, as a secretaryand she has a tear in

her panty hose. It's a hard enough struggle for American women in the workplace. Nobody's going to take her seriously like this." "Really, Ser? You're sounding like this feminist movement. You don't want to get her equal pay while we're at it?" "Well . . . yes." Serah sighed as her brother laughed at her. "It's the 1960s. They should get with the times already." "I agree," he said. "That's what the Guardians are for, though. They micromanage the humans, not us." "Yes, but why can't we?" As the woman walked by, heading for the door with her coffee, Serah reached out and touched her leg, instantly mending her sheer hose. "I just got her off to a

good start." Samuel quirked an eyebrow. "Why does it matter so much to you?" "Why doesn't it to you?" "Touch." Samuel relaxed in the booth, his gaze shifting to a man sitting alone in the back, nose buried in today's newspaper. "I guess I'm more concerned with the likes of him than whether or not some lady has a pleasant day at work." Serah could sense the malicious presence prowling deep inside the man. Samuel had been stalking him since the night before, waiting for the perfect moment to eradicate the harbored demon without causing a scene. "I love that about you, though, sis," Samuel continued. "You soar above

and beyond, while I just take a flying leap into the trenches. And I suppose if I were human, I'd appreciate there being someone like you out there who cares. You know . . . in case I get a hole in my pants." The man across the coffee shop stood then, clutching his newspaper as he strolled out. Samuel instantly followed. Curious, Serah joined her brother as they tailed him through the city, spending hours just watching, patiently waiting. When the man was finally alone in a backyard, isolated, still unscathed, Samuel pounced. The demon sensed the impending attack a fraction of a second before it happened. It reacted, taking full control, the man's tired green eyes flashing pitch-black. A snarl ricocheted

through the yard as the creature fought back, a long scuffle ensuing before Samuel was able to lay his palm flat against the man's chest, over his silent heart, seized by the damned beast. "Exorcizo te, omnis immunde spiritus. . ." The man convulsed and dropped to the ground as Samuel recounted the exorcism incantation, the grass around his body withering to a crispy brown as the life expelled from it, the demon violently being forced below, damned back to his cage. Samuel stood over the man until he detected a steady heartbeat, then he turned and strode away. The man would be unconscious for a few minutes. When he awoke, he'd have no memory of the event. It was a

gift humans had been blessed with the ability to forgetand Samuel took full advantage of that. Others weren't so kind. It was just as easy to destroy the demon with the blade of a magical knife plunged in the human's chest as it was to banish them with a spell. Only the knife made it much, much quicker.

Smoke billowed from the tall stacks, infiltrating the cloudless sky and tainting the blue with curls of ashy gray. Hundreds of heartbeats thumped harmoniously inside the old factory as the workers finished up their morning

shifts, oblivious to Serah loitering just outside. She hadn't been there long when the air behind her cackled and strong arms immediately wrapped around her small waist. A smile tugged her lips as she wordlessly rested against Michael, seeking comfort in his embrace. It had been a long week, to say the least. "I always know if I have a hard time sensing you, it's because you're down here mingling with these mortals." "It's peaceful here," she said. "The people work hard and love even harder. It seems so . . . simple. To live such a passive existence." Just then, a loud whistle roared as the front door of the factory burst

open. The people came pouring out, laughing and chatting, oozing contentment. Theyd been working for twelve long hours, yet most of them were still filled with energy as they headed home for the evening. Nicki Lauers father, Nicholas, strode outside, squinting painfully as the late day sunshine blasted him in the face. He brought his hand up and rubbed his temple as an exasperated sigh poured from his lips. "You all right, man?" his friend asked, clapping him on the shoulder. "Youve been quiet today." "Yeah, just a headache. Keeps getting worse." "Maybe you ought to see a doctor." He scoffed. "With our insurance?" "I hear you," the guy said. "Well, do

you want a ride?" "Yeah, sure." The two men strolled right toward them, so close Serah reached out and touched Nickis father as he passed. She swiped her fingertips lightly across his forehead, instantly easing his agony. His footsteps paused as he blinked rapidly. "Actually, Im feeling better, so I think Ill just walk. Thanks, though." "Brain aneurysm," Michael mused, watching the men as they went their separate ways. "Is there a reason you just saved that particular humans life?" "Hes one of the good ones. We can use all we can get on our side." Michael kissed the top of Serahs head as he pulled her tightly against him, her body melting into his. They

remained quiet, her gaze shifting to the fading clouds of smoke once the people were gone for the day. "What are you thinking?" he asked after a moment. "Your mind is blocked to me down here." "I'm thinking about Samuel," she said. "Wondering what happened to him." "It doesn't matter." Her brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" "I mean he fell, Serah," he said. "Where he ended up doesn't make a bit of difference. He lost his Grace. He's gone to us for good." "But he's my brother." "Not anymore." Her smile died at his words. "Come on," he said. "Lets get

away and forget about things for a while. We've both certainly earned it this week." His words promptly reminded her of others: I'm cursed to remember, when everyone else gets to forget. "I'd like that," she said. "Forgetting would be nice." The two apparated to the field of wildflowers and lost themselves in carnal embrace. Subtle passion simmered as Michael slowly slid in and out of her, giving her every bit of himself that he could. He continuously held back, the full strength of his power something she'd never witnessed, much less experienced. He restrained himself, making the two of them equals, a far cry from the commanding Archangel she knew he

truly could be. The commanding Archangel he was intended to be. She explored his sculpted back, only faintly feeling the knots from his hidden wings on his shoulder blades. Her hands ran through his light locks and twirled the hair around his neck as their lips met in sweet, sensual kisses. Serah moaned when he whispered her name, grounding her, gripping tightly to her, as a current hummed across her exposed skin. Being with him always added an extra spark to her Grace, the light and vigor inside of her at full blast as it stirred, replenishing, feeding off of his. It was like being plugged into an electrical socket, recharging her batteries as he gave himself to her.

Michael came to a stop eventually and rolled them over in the grass, pulling her body gently on top of his. He held her, stroking the soft skin of her side, as she snuggled against his chest. The two were quiet for a while before Serah spoke. "Michael, what do you see in me?" His hand stilled on her hip. "You're full of beauty and grace." "Yes, but so are all the other angels. Out of all of them, why me?" "Why are you filled with so much insecurity?" he asked. "We found love together a long time ago. Why question things now?" "I'm not. It's just. . ." She trailed off. She didn't know what to say, how to explain it.

"It's him, isn't it?" Michael asked. "It's this ludicrous assignment you're on." "No." She paused. "Well, maybe . . . I dont really know." Michael rose up, his clothes back on in the blink of an eye, his wings expanding defensively as he towered above her. "Don't listen to him, Serah, no matter what he says. You can't let him under your skin. He'll manipulate you if you do. Not a word he speaks can ever be trusted. Do you hear me?" "Yes, and I know Satans a venomous serpent that wishes to poison us all." The words fell from her lips as if she were reading a propaganda brochure. "It's just" She didn't have a chance to finish her thought before Michael yanked her

to her feet and pulled her into his arms, his enormous wings folding around them protectively. "I can't bear the thought of losing you, Serah." "You won't," she said. "I love you." "I know you do," he replied, "but I know him, too. Better than anybody."

Two days later, when the remnants of Michael had faded from her body, Serah made the journey through the gates again. She'd spent the morning venturing around Chorizon, watching the children play kickball at the school while the groundskeeper mowed the grass for the last time that year. The seasons were changing, autumn deep

upon them with winter just right around the corner. It was business as usual, on Earth and down below. Lucifer was already waiting when she approached. Like every other time, she paused a few feet away as he took a deep, calculated breath, inhaling her presence. "Ah, the smell of lingering innocence and fresh cut grass," he said. "I'm not sure which is more of an aphrodisiac. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to turn me on in which case, I'd say it's working." She ignored his off-color remark. "I have a question." He sighed, waving his hand brusquely. "Ask." "How do you know how things smell?"

He blinked a few times as if caught off guard. Not the question he'd been anticipating. Serah smiled to herself, but concealed her satisfaction at knocking him off-kilter, not wanting him to catch sight of it. "I remember things." "How?" He sighed dramatically. "Just because Im trapped down here doesnt mean I have no connections up there." "But how did you know what anything smelled like to begin with?" It took a moment for it to register with him. "Oh, because I'm an angel, right? And angels can't smell." "Right." "They also can't taste," he continued. "Or feel." "I feel."

He shook his head. "You don't." "I do," she insisted, hesitating before softly adding, "I feel when I'm with him." He stared at her peculiarly as something sparked in his eyes, the muted red flaring like a fire doused with gasoline. The sky churned in tune with it as if something deep inside of him controlled the stratosphere. "Whatever measly little tingle Michael offers you pales in comparison to real feeling. Angels know things. We're created with sympathy. You can detect pain and hunger and desire, and you know what they mean, what they need, but you can't feel them." "And you can?" "Yes." "How?"

He stepped closer, stopping when he was nearly flush against the barrier, closer than the two of them had ever been before. Had she not known better, during his hasty approach, she wouldve sworn he intended to come straight through to her side. A voice in her mind, her angelic reflex, warned her to move away from the immoral soul, but his grave expression solidified her in place as she waited for his answer. "Not only was I forced to remember, but I was cursed with something that made it all much, much worseempathy." Her brow furrowed. "Wouldn't that be a blessing?" A bitter bark of laughter ripped from his chest, the barrier between

them not stopping it from striking her. "A blessing? You think its a blessing? I feel it all. Every ounce of feeling they have, every little sensationIm forced to endure it. Do you know what it's like to be so hungry, to be so fucking starving, that it feels like you're being eaten alive from the inside out? It's there constantly, but nothing I do ever satisfies the hunger, the need, the yearning. "Do you know what it's like to be tortured, to be constantly ripped apart like someone's taking a claw hammer and bashing in your skull, but never finding the sweet relief of death? Do you know what it's like to want something so badly, to need it, to feel like you can't go on without it, only to have it dangled right in front of your

face? That torture, that mental torment, is worse than any physical pain you may perceive, angel, stronger than any fucking tingle my brother may bestow upon you when you take your dress off for him." He instantly vanished in a loud crack of thunder, so brash even the hovering reapers paused to take note. Serah just stood there, too startled to yet move, her mouth agape. "Satuh, Lucifer?" she called, peering across to the vacant land. She had no idea where hed gone, but she hoped hed hear her whenever he was. "I may not feel all of those thingsthe hunger, the pain, the needbut I do feel something you dont." Silence reigned. She continued to stand there, watching, waiting, but

nothing happened for a few minutes. Resigned, she turned to leave when the air fizzled behind her. "What?" She turned back around to face him. "Love." Thick arms crossed over his chest as he stared at her, not an ounce of amusement in his expression. He said not a word in response to her declaration. "If you felt love, if you knew true love, you wouldnt be doing all of this," she said. "The fighting is hurting the ones were supposed to love, the ones were supposed to protect. It has to stop." "Why should I care about them?" he asked. "They dont care about me. No one does." "So is that why its happening?

Vengeance? Resentment? You do it out of hate?" "I do it because I have to." "Why?" He left again, this time so quietly that Serah knew he wouldnt be coming back today.

"Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack, All dressed in black, black, black, With silver buttons, buttons, buttons, All down her back, back, back!" The two little girls chanted as they clapped their hands together, giggling

when they messed up at the same time. Serah watched them quietly as they tried again, making it not much farther the second time around. "You've got to be kidding me," Hannah said, flopping down on the swing beside her. "Now that one I know is about death. It's a riddle for a coffin." "Or it's just another nursery rhyme." "Another absurd one." Hannah rolled her eyes as the girls tried for the third time. "Speaking of death and absurdityhow's it going down in Hell?" The feathers on Serah's wings ruffled. "Uh. . ." "That bad?" "Well, the war's still going on," she said. "He doesn't seem interested in

backing down any time soon . . . or ever, really." "I'm not surprised," Hannah said. "So, does that mean you're giving up on him?" "No." "You and your never-ending supply of patience. What do you do down there, anyway? Stare at him?" Hannah shuddered. "Must be creepy." "Close," she said. "We stand there and talk." "What in the world do you talk about?" "Him, of course." Hannah's laughter merged with the ringing of the school bell, signaling the start of classes. "Im not surprised. He's completely full of sinful arrogance and always has been."

Serah smiled sadly. He wasnt that conceited, but she didnt correct her friend. The girls ran off together, arm-inarm, while Hannah and Serah sat in silence. The playground was completely deserted after a few minutes. Hannah went to speak when a scraggly, stray dog came aimlessly wandering by. It hesitated as it neared, its focus shifting toward the swings as a gnarled growl vibrated its throat. The filthy yellow fur on its back bristled as it lowered its head menacingly, bracing for an attack. Serah glanced around in confusion. "What in Heaven's name?" Hannah twirled her finger in the air, stirring up a small, strong gust of wind

that startled the dog. It yelped and scampered away, running from the playground. "Can't say that's ever happened before." "It felt like. . ." Serah wavered. ". . .like it was looking right at us." "It couldn't have been unless it was possessed. I felt no demonic presence." Neither had Serah. No, all she'd sensed was inherent suspicion and some fear radiating from the dog. It had felt threatened, somehow sensing it wasn't alone. "Anyway," Hannah said, standing back up. "Duty calls. There's a full moon tonight. Good luck with Satan."

"Come on, guys! We've got this!" Samuel grasped the rope tightly, straining his taut muscles as he tugged. Three bodies behind him worked in harmony as the four across from them pulled with all their might. Tug-o-war: such a senseless game. Serah relaxed on the neighboring grassy knoll, watching her brother and some other Powers test their strength. They'd been at it for hours with no progress, the sides equally matched, the massive mud puddle between them untouched. "How long do you think this will take?" Hannah asked, lounging beside her. "Not sure," she replied. "Last time it went on for three days before the Dominion showed up with orders to

get back to work." "Ugh, they're so human sometimes." Hannah rolled her eyes. "They ought to just whip out their genitalia and settle this argument once and for all." Serah's eyes widened as she burst into laughter. "What?" "Isn't that what mortal men do? Apparently penis size is indicative of true manhood now, which I don't quite understand." "Uh. . ." Serah had no idea what to say. "Remember the days when having six toes was a big deal? That's what real kings were made of. But every male has a penis. They're just so common, like miniature limbs." Serah shook her head. "You

certainly know how to trivialize things." "Sure, procreation is important, but so is eating, and they don't compare the size of their mouths." She paused. "They don't, do they?" "Not usually." "So I don't understand what it is about sex that fascinates everyone. The fluids, the sweat, the noises, the impaling. It's so . . . messy. It looks painful." "It's pleasurable." "Like you'd know," Hannah said, nudging her. "It's a human act, not intended for our kind." "But Azreal and Dinah. . ." "Both fell." "Benjamin and Luna." "They, too, fell."

"Cian and Maylin." Hannah hesitated. "Maylin fell." "But Cian didn't," Serah pointed out. "True," Hannah conceded. "Regardless, I don't see the appeal. I'd never take the risk. Would you?" Serah remained quiet as she watched her brother and the others battle for control. Would she do it? She'd watched thousandsmillions of humans fall in love, watched as emotion consumed every ounce of them, controlling their every thought and altering their very being. To know such passion would be glorious. But would it be worth opening ones self up to earthly temptations? She wasn't sure. It was a slippery slope, love and

lust. They could bask in love, but surrendering to lust would be the end of them. Mere minutes had passed when the air crackled and an Archangel appeared in the middle of the park. His presence startled everyone except for Samuel, who took the sudden distraction to gain the upper hand. He pulled hard, yanking his opponents straight into the mud with a splat. Laughing as the angels tried to clean themselves up, Samuel made his way over to the grassy knoll. He took a seat beside Serah, his face lit up with an elated grin. His brown hair reached his chin, falling into his face. He ignored his messy locks and threw his arm over her shoulder, pulling her roughly to him in a headlock. "Hey,

little sis." "Samuel," she said, trying to escape his grip. "Have you forgotten I'm three nanoseconds older than you?" "Older, but still smaller." She broke loose. "Yet just as strong." The Archangel cautiously approached, the only one in the park not in human form. His wings seemed more expansive with everyone else's tucked away, his stance intimidating. "Michael," Samuel greeted him. "Nice to see you, buddy. Have a seat. Relax." Everyone remained still, attentive, almost awestruck with him there. They worshiped no one except their Father, but Michael inspired something in them. Being in his presence,

witnessing his radiance, made them feel just a little bit holier for a moment. Samuel seemed unaffected, though. Always so relaxed, always so friendly. Michael didn't sit, appearing not at all at ease. He lingered in front of them, watching curiously, not used to socializing. His eyes met Serah's eventually, the magnificent blue as bright and cloudless as the afternoon sky. Curiosity sparked in them as his lips twitched with a smilethe first smile she'd ever seen on his face. "This is my sister, Serah," Samuel said, noticing where his attention had gone. "Serah, this is" "Michael," she whispered. "I know who he is." Samuel laughed. "Of course you do."

The other Powers hollered for a rematch, drawing Samuel back out into the park. "Serah," Michael said, her name a warm summer breeze from his lips. "I apologize, but I can't say I'm as aware of you as you are of me." "No need for an apology," she said. "You're an Archangel and I'm" "Exquisite." She blanched. That certainly wasn't something she'd expected him to say. Michael's gaze drifted out onto the park as the second game of tug-o-war started. "Your brother's a great warrior. I couldn't ask for a better ally in the fight against evil." "Yeah, Samuel's brilliant. I hope to be just like him someday." "I have no doubt you already are,"

he said, turning back to her. "I've never seen you in battle, though." "I prefer earthly duties." "Shame," Michael said. "If I had you by my side every day, maybe it all wouldn't feel so utterly drab." Before Serah could even make sense of his words, Michael drifted away. He broke up the game of tug-owar, grabbing the middle of the rope and singlehandedly sending all eight men flying into the puddle before disappearing. Hannah cleared her throat. "Well, I guess we know now who has the biggest penis here." Serah shook with laughter as the gathering broke up, Hannah vanishing to go back to work as the Powers wandered off. Samuel shook off the

mud as he strolled toward her. "I had a feeling he was going to do that." "He's, uh . . . interesting." "He's a great ally." "That's the same thing he said about you," she said. "He seems fond of you." "And I of him," Samuel said. "Most shy away from Michael, and I get why. No matter how good he is, no matter how pure, it's hard to break from the shadow of someone who, so badly, fell from Grace." "Satan." "Yep," Samuel said. "Imagine having that dude as a brother. Makes me look a million times better, huh?" Serah dramatically scrunched up her nose. "Eh, I guess you're okay."

"It was my brother." Lucifers brow creased as he gazed across the gate at Serah. "Your brother?" "You asked how Michael noticed me," she said. "It was because of my brother." "Ah." He kicked at the ground casually, disrupting the dry dirt. It clouded in the air around him, swirling around his ankles. "Youre a Power, though, so you have to have what, hundreds of thousands of brothers?" "Technically," she said, "but this was my real brother. He and I were created at the same time, born from the same light."

"Twins," he muttered. "Two halves of one whole." She knew hed understand, as he was one of the few who knew what it was like. A part of him existed outside of his body, the same formula of Grace that had once simmered in his veins still flowing through anothers. Michael. "So I take it you and this brother are close then?" "Yes," she said. "We were." "Were?" "He, uh . . . hes fallen." Lucifers eyes instantly met hers, the red swirling madly with intrigue. "Did he fall with me?" She slowly shook her head. "Nearly two weeks ago." "Ah, Samuel."

Serah blinked rapidly as the devil spoke her brothers name. "You know?" "Yes, I know he fell. I know the moment they all fall." He tapped his temple. "Angel Network, remember? Im surprised Samuel held out so long, to be honest. I tried to get him to go with me from the beginning, but he resisted. He wanted to, though." "Youre lying," she said. "Samuel wouldve never joined your side." "Im telling the truth. He nearly did, but he decided against it at the last second. I seem to remember his saying he had a sister he was worried about leaving behind. Makes sense now. I wouldnt have wanted to leave you, either." The conviction in Lucifer's smooth

voice made Serah pause and actually consider his words, despite her defenses prickling to the contrary. Don't listen to the vindictive snake. Don't trust a thing from his vile, slithering mouth. She didnt want to believe Samuel would turn, and until two weeks ago, she wouldnt have even entertained the notion. But the truth couldn't be deniedhe'd lost his Grace some way, somehow. Despite being a Power, one of the intermediate angels in the grand hierarchy, Samuel had always seemed so formidablealmost as intimidating to Serah as the Archangels. His strength and steadfast belief that innocence needed protecting was so at odds with the scarred, fallen angel standing in front of her. How could

Samuel ever consider joining Lucifers side? Preposterous. "Is he here?" she asked, the words spilling out before she had fully made sense of it all. "Is Samuel like you now? Or is he . . . you know . . . ?" "Does it matter?" "Yes." "Why?" "Because hes my brother." "Still?" Lucifer pressed. "Even after falling, even after what I just told you, you still think of Samuel as your brother?" "Yes." After a moment of contemplation, Lucifer gave a half-shrug. "I cant tell you where he is. Youre more than welcome to come inside and have a

look around, though." Serah stammered, taken aback by his suggestion. Come inside? Hell? "Youre insane!" He chuckled to himself. "Ive been called worse." "Id never go in there. Its stupid. Its impossible." "Stupid? Maybe. Impossible? Hardly." Lucifer kicked a rock on the ground, sending it barreling straight toward the gate. It hesitated as it hit it, penetrating the shimmering force field in slow motion. A low hiss shook the land, momentarily disturbing the reapers, who watched as the rock flew through to the other side. It came straight at Serah, rolling to a stop near her bare feet.

Alarmed, she immediately took a few steps away, her gaze frantically bouncing between Lucifer and the rock. How had he done that? The gate was supposed to keep everything in. "Its just simple magic," he explained, as if hed heard her worried thoughts. "Some things are immune to the charms." "Like rocks," she gathered. "And angels." She stared at him with shock. "If angels are immune, how are you. . .?" "How do they keep me in here?" he guessed. She nodded, and he quickly tore his shirt open, exposing more sigils covering his toned body. On his chest, over where a forgiving heart should reside, a massive distorted black hexagram was engraved in his

skin, the elaborate six-pointed star contained in a circle. She studied the mark as it throbbed on his flesh, pulsating like a steady heartbeat. Reaching up, Lucifer slowly traced the mark with his calloused fingertips, wincing. "The closer I get to the gate, the more painful it is." "It keeps you locked in there?" "Yes." "It seems . . . flimsy." For such a creature, she expected more security than a simple glorified tattoo. "Superficial." "I thought so, too. I actually laughed when I saw it. I laughed at our Father, at Michael, at all of you pesky, perfect angels when I was cast down into this pit with these marks. I was an Archangel, and they expected this to

keep me imprisoned?" He laughed bitterly. "First thing I did was head straight for the exit. The moment I hit it, the moment it had me in its grasp, I felt true torture for the first time. Felt like I was being ripped apart. And then the reapers pounced, hell-bent on keeping me locked in here, and destroyed whatever smidgen of goodness was left inside of me." He buttoned his shirt back up, covering the mark. "Does everyone down here have one of those?" He shook his head. "Only me." "Why?" "You know, it's quite sad how in the dark He keeps you. Instead of interrogating me, why don't you just ask our Father?"

She couldn't, and he knew it. No one questioned Him. His word was gold. He told you only what you needed to know. "I get free rein in the pit," he offered after a moment. "The others are trapped in their own little cages, their personal nightmares. They slip their restraints, escape their Hell, and their only obstacle is getting past the reapers. I'm the one imprisoned by this gate." "There's a reason for that," she said. "Youre kept in there for a reason." He scoffed. "You think I don't fucking know that?" She wasn't sure why she'd said that, knowing it would only provoke him. "I'm just saying, you know . . . that's why I'm staying on this side."

"You think I'll hurt you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow questioningly. "You think, if you got too close to me, I'd happily unleash the beast? That Satan would annihilate the pretty little angel?" "Well . . . yes." He kicked at the ground again. "I have no desire to hurt you, but even if I did, I couldnt." "You can't?" "Nope." "I don't believe you." Lucifer shook his head, sighing exasperatedly. "Youre beginning to be tiresome, angel." Serah wasnt sure what to say. She wasnt there to entertain him. "Look, if you dump frozen ice in a bucket of scalding water, what do you

end up with?" he asked. "Lukewarm water, I guess." "Precisely," he said. "The two extremes even out. We're the same here, you and meangels in Hell." "Except I still have my Grace." "You do," he agreed. "I can sense it, you know. I feel it emanating off of you. It's extremely powerful. Makes me miss my own." "Is that envy?" she teased. "Still sinning, I see." "Sweetheart, you don't even know the half of it. I envy you more than you could possibly understand." "Why?" she asked. "You had everything I have plus more, but you gave it all up." "I did," he said, his voice hard. "And I don't regret it. What I did was

justified, whether you believe it or not. But that doesn't mean I don't miss parts of that life . . . parts of that world. I miss spring, and rain, and the sun, and fucking fresh air. Do you know what I'd give for fresh air, to not have to breathe this wretched filth every day?" "Give up this war?" He laughed. "Nice try." She shrugged. It was worth a try. "Most of all, though, I envy your innocence. I envy your ignorance. I wish I didn't know the things I do." He shook his head as he grumbled angrily to himself, the words incoherent to her. "You smell like flowers today, by the way." "I was in a field earlier. There were wildflowers." Shed gone looking for Michael but

had changed her mind, deciding to descend to the gates instead of waiting for the Archangel to appear. "You like wildflowers?" "Of course," she said. "They're one of our Father's most beautiful creations. Don't you agree?" He offered no answer as he turned to leave.

The Lauer family gathered around the small table, their plates piled high with food. The three joined hands and bowed their heads as Nicholas Lauer said a quiet prayer. "Lord, bless this food and all of us at this table. Please help us to be mindful of the needs of

others. Amen." Samantha and their daughter Nicki quietly offered an "Amen" as Serah unceremoniously slipped into the only empty chair at the dinner table. Nicholas and Samantha started eating, sharing casual conversation about work and friends, while Nicki's attention was focused on her Hello Kitty notebook and old pack of broken crayons. Her food went mostly untouched as she drew a picture, lanky stick figures of her mother and father taking up most of the page. She added herself to it, standing in between her parents, completing their little family. A fourth heartbeat quietly thudded in the room, as unknown to the family as Serah's presence. A tiny life, no bigger than a sesame seed, fluttered

inside of Samantha Lauer. The heartbeat, although faint, struck Serah like a bass drum with every single beat. Samantha put her fork down, softly groaning to herself as she clutched her stomach. "You okay, hon?" Nicholas asked, gazing at his wife with concern. "You look pale." "Yes, fine," she mumbled. "I've just felt a little off today. I think I'm coming down with something." "I hope it's nothing serious." "I'm sure it's not." Samantha stood and tossed her napkin over her plate. "I'm just going to lie down for a little bit." Serah's gaze followed her down the hallway. After she was gone, Nicholas

focused his attention on their daughter. "What are you drawing over there, little one?" "A family picture," she replied, holding the notebook up. "See? It's you, and me, and Mommy!" "And who's the other one?" Curious, Serah's eyes darted back to the notebook, shocked when she saw the new addition to the drawing. The forth stick figure hovered in the sky, little oblong wings protruding from its back. "It's an angel." "Ah." Nicholas raised an eyebrow. "I thought it was Tinker Bell." Nicki giggled. "Silly Daddy, fairies aren't real." "You're right," Nicholas said, standing up and grabbing his plate. He

placed it in the sink, kissing the top of his daughter's head as he passed. "You forgot to draw her halo, though." He strode down the hallway to check on his wife while Nicki shook her head. "Real angels don't have them." Serah was stunned to stone, thoughts of the stray dog from the playground coming to her mind. Something was happening, although she wasnt sure what, or how it could be so. Nicki continued to draw, filling in her picture, as Serah slowly lifted her hand toward the girl's face. She waved it back and forth, waiting to be detected, not knowing what she'd do if she was, but Nicki didn't react to the movement at all. Thank Heavens.

After a moment, the girl turned to her food, scarfing some of it down before running off to play. Serah remained there, gaping at the picture left on the table. "What in the world is going on?" A flicker of static popped behind her as a small breeze rustled the child's drawing. "That's a good question." Serah turned quickly as Michael appeared, his massive body filling the small dining room. "What are you doing here?" "Looking for you." "Why?" His brow furrowed. "Do I need a reason?" "Oh." She stood, instantly falling into his arms in a hug. "Of course not." "I've missed you," he said. "It took

me a while to find you. You don't usually go inside their homes." "Yeah, I know. I just got to thinking about family and wondered what it was like for them, so I thought I'd . . . you know . . . join them for dinner once." Michael sighed, his face clouded with confusion. "That's a strange thing to wonder about. What made you think of it?" She hesitated. "Samuel." Michael pulled away from her, frowning. "I thought we established he was no longer relevant, that we should just forget about him." "You established that," she said. "You made that quite clear. But he's still my brother, Michael." "No, he isn't, Serah. Not anymore. You need to accept that."

Nicki came bounding into the room then and snatched her crayons and notebook from the table. She started to leave but hesitated, her brow furrowing as she glanced around the room. "Daddy, the kitchen smells funny." "What's it smell like?" he hollered anxiously. "Fire? Is something burning?" "No. It smells like that time you and Mommy took me to the lake and we went swimming and I had the pink floaties and you took that cooler with sandwiches. Remember? It was your birthday! Aunt Maggie came!" "Yes." "It smells like how that day smelled," she said. Nicholas laughed. "So the kitchen smells like April? Spring?"

Nicki shrugged. "I guess." After the little girl skipped from the room, Michael grabbed ahold of Serah again and apparated the two of them from the house. She was much too startled to resist, caught up in the conversation between the father and child. Spring. That was exactly how Lucifer had described her smelling. "What's gotten into you?" Michael asked once they were outside. "You know how things work. This is the basis of our existence." She shook herself out of her stupor. "Samuel wasn't just my brother, he was my friend. And he was your friend, too. It doesn't bother you?" "No. I don't let it. I wish he hadn't fallen, but he did. There's nothing more

to talk about. He's gone. End of story. We have to move on." "How can you just write my brother off like that? How could you write your own brother off so easily?" Michael tensed, his expression hardening as he stuck out his chest, wings ruffling defensively. "I have no brother." "You do, Michael. Lucifer will always be your brother." Michael glared at her, defining the phrase "if looks could kill". "Lucifer no longer exists. That thing down there, that corrupt half-angel, halfdemon monstrosity, is Satan. No matter what he may have said to the contrary, he's nothing but evil. He wants nothing more than to seek vengeance against us all."

"How do you know?" "How do I know?" He stepped toward her, head held high, authority in his stance. Serah had been determined to stand her ground, but the movement made her balk. "You're questioning my assertion? I'm an Archangel! I've stood beside the throne! I've been in His presence!" "So has Lucifer." Michael shook his head as he clenched his hands into fists. If Serah didn't know any better, she'd suspect he felt a bit of wrath right then. "You know nothing of him. This task is messing with your logic. It must stop! You're questioning things you can't question; you're imposing with this human family. I'm going to put an end to it now."

Michael vanished. Serah immediately put out feelers, seeking his essence, trying to sense him and find his location, but she felt nothing. An angel couldn't be found if they didn't want to be found, especially one far, far away. Panicked, she immediately apparated to the gates, swiftly passing through them, relief washing through her when the last one was vacant. At least he hadn't gone there. Michaels presence in front of Lucifer, in Lucifers territory, would surely trigger the apocalypse. Shaking her head, she breathed a deep sigh, and was about to leave again when the angry voice struck her, sharp like the blade of a knife. "You have a lot of fucking nerve."

Serah froze as Lucifer appeared in the light, his nostrils flaring and body quaking. Dark and dangerous. "What?" "You come here, smelling like that like himafter I expressly told you not to. You think my word means nothing? You think I'm a joke? That you can just disregard what comes out of my mouth? Down here, my word is gold. Down here, I have the final say. You show up here, disrespecting my authority . . . if I could, I would tear you apart right now, piece-by-fuckingpiece." Serah felt something then, a lurching inside of her, a cold bitter sensation as her senses heightened. She took a step away, her stomach twisted in knots, her ashen face somehow

whiter. "What's the matter, angel?" he taunted. "Are you scared? Of little ol' me?" "This was a mistake," she whispered, barely forcing the words past her trembling lips. "Michael was right about you." "My loving brother, always right, isn't he? That's why he's the glorious prince." "I took up for you," she said. "I upset him, and he left. I suggested maybe he was wrong about you, that maybe you weren't all evil. I thought he'd come here to prove me wrong." He stared at her. "You took up for me?" "I shouldn't have," she said. "I shouldn't have come here at all. He

was right. It's pointless. Lucifer's dead. You're Satan."

The swing swayed slightly, a pale pink flower balanced across it, the delicate petals fluttering in the early morning breeze. It was a Sunday, and most of the inhabitants of Chorizon were still in bed, fast asleep. They'd awaken soon, some studiously making their way to church, while others spent the day with their families. The schoolyard would be deserted for at least a few more hoursnothing there except for Serah and the mysterious flower resting upon her usual seat. She glanced around, double-

checking she was alone, before cautiously approaching. She picked up the flower, twirling it between her fingers as she sat down. Hesitantly, she brought it to her nose and inhaled, a deep, exaggerated breath, but there was nothingno scent, no feeling, no nothing at all. Nothing new. Nothing different. Just . . . nothing. It was merely a simple flower, the kind that rambunctiously grew on the stretches of land that man hadn't touched yet. "Michael," she whispered to herself, half expecting him to appear as she called his name, but he didn't. The air remained static, the playground deserted. She sat there for a while, appreciating the peaceful silence, before banishing herself to the Heavens when the town came alive for

the day. Serah stayed busy over the next few days, immersing herself in extra work. "Micromanaging," Samuel had called it. The only other angel she encountered was Hannah, who appeared a few times on the schoolyard. Although there was still no sign of Michael as the time passed, reminders of him sprung up everywhere. It seemed every corner Serah turned everywhere she wentanother flower would be laying in her path, a hint of radiant beauty and color amid the monotonous bustle of day-to-day life. Clutching a yellow flower she'd stumbled upon on the Lauer's front doorstep, Serah apparated to the field in Heaven. The moment she arrived,

she detected Michael's strong presence. Her eyes darted around, finding him a few yards away, knee-deep in the luscious grass, his face tilted toward the cloudless sky. He turned slowly, sensing her. "Serah." "Hello, Michael." "I didn't expect to see you," he said. "I thought you were avoiding me." "I was," she admitted. "But not anymore?" She shook her head. "Not anymore." "Im glad," he said. "I've heard from the Dominion that you haven't been to the gates in over a weeknot since the day of our disagreement." "Yeah," she muttered. "Turns out you were right about him."

"Of course I was." A sigh escaped Serah's lips as she gazed at the flower. "Thank you, by the way." "You needn't thank me for warning you." "I wasn't," she said. "I was thanking you for the flowers." Michael's brow furrowed. "Which flowers?" Genuine confusion marked his expression. He had no idea what she was talking about. "I believe your friend Hannah deserves more gratitude than me," he said when she didnt explain. "The Virtues oversee nature." "Yeah." Serah dropped the flower with a frown. They hadnt come from him? "I suppose you're right."

Michael stepped closer, his immense body towering over her small frame. Wrapping his arms around her tightly, engulfing her in a hug, he kissed the top of her head. "I'm always right, Serah. You shouldn't sound so surprised." Serah tried to seek comfort in his arms, but like with the flower, she felt not a thing. Arms that once brought solace now conveyed emptiness. They were together, touching, embracing; yet, something stood in their way. A wedge had been created, a mass of misunderstanding, laced with unanswered questions. What was happening? Serah pulled back from Michael and forced a smile upon her lips. "I should really be going."

"Stay with me." She slowly hook her head, ignoring the tempting voice in her mind that shouted, "Stay with him!" "I shouldn't. I really can't." Michael begrudgingly loosened his hold on her, softly, chastely pressing a kiss upon her forehead. "Next time, then." Serah returned to the playground in Chorizon, startling a form lurking in the shadows. It was well after nightfall, approaching midnight, the only thing thicker than the natural darkness that of malevolence in the air. The loitering demon turned toward her. His black eyes flickered as a quiet defensive growl vibrated his chest. Serah stared into the bottomless pits of his eyes before her attention drifted to

his clenched fist. Instinctively, the creature opened his hand, a stalk of pinkish-purple flowers falling to the ground. The blooms were small, each with four petals, combining together to make a miniature bush. "Who are you?" she demanded. "Why are you here?" "I'm whomever I want to be." A smug smile twisted his lips as he ran his hands down his face, admiring the body he'd possessed. "I kind of like this suit, though. I think I'll keep it for a while." "You'll do no such thing." "Who's gonna stop me?" he asked. "You?" An answer came from Serah in the form of Latin as she tackled the man and pinned him down, the exorcism

incantation flying from her lips. The demon fought viciously before finally erupting in laughter, conceding. He knew he couldn't win. Fighting was senseless. "He said you were a fiery one." The body convulsed, the demon expelled in a burst of light, as the man's heartbeat kicked in again. Serah stared at him, her hand still pressed against his chest, as his words ran through her head. He said you were a fiery one. A groan of aggravation tore from her as she snatched up the discarded flowers and headed straight for Hell. Her feet stomped heatedly against the sediment toward the last gate, holding up the stalk, not waiting for him to appear before addressing him.

"It was you? Really? You?" A moment of silence passed before he briskly appeared in a crack of thunder. "Excuse me?" "You did this," she accused, shaking her fist that clutched the flowers. "You!" "What makes you think that?" "Because no one else sends demons to do their dirty work," she spat. "What were you thinking? What was the point? Ordering your vile minion to shadow me around Earth, leaving flowers wherever I went! You're dreadful! Truly disgraceful! It's sick!"" Hands in his pockets, Lucifer stared blankly at her, his carefully controlled tone carrying through the gate. "You seem a little angry, angel." She glowered at him. "Of course

I'm angry!" "Are you mad because I did it?" he asked. "Or are you mad because my brother didn't?" She opened her mouth, prepared to respond, to give him a verbal lashing for toying with her, but the words were trapped inside of her, imprisoned, unable to escape their confinement inside her head. It wasnt in her to lie, even when speaking to the greatest liar ever created, and the bitter truth brewed inside of her. She wasn't really mad at him. "That's what I figured," he muttered. "You know nothing," she seethed. "Your pride makes you think you do, but you don't! Arrogant rage fills every inch of you! Youre insufferable!"

Lucifer raised his eyebrows. "You're the one lashing out here." "At you! Sin has poisoned you! You think you're an almighty leader, worthy of praise, when you're not! There is only one God, and He certainly doesn't live down here, Satan!" Lucifer just watched her, flinching as she spat his title like a curse, but he retained his outward coolness, taking the insult in stride. "Are you done now?" "No!" He flippantly waved his hand for her to proceed, but Serah could think of nothing more to say. She wasn't sure where her argument was going, or what point she was trying to make, when he wasn't even disputing her words.

Serah hesitated. "Fine. Yes. Im done." "Good," he said. "Now that you got all of that out of your system, its my turn." Every muscle in Serah's body seized up in anticipation as she braced herself for the full force of Lucifers rage. She'd seen glimpses of the monster here and there, but she'd yet to face him completely unsheathed. Lucifer opened his mouth, his devilish eyes ablaze, but his voice was a soft murmur instead of a magnificent scream. "You might be right about me." "Oh, you're so full of yourself! You. . ." She trailed off, perplexed by his words. "Wait, what?" "Maybe I'm the enemy. Maybe I'm

evil. Maybe I am this Satan creature you make me out to be, the one the kids up top call the devil." He smirked, the devious red in his eyes fading away as his features softened, tension receding from his jaw. "It's possible, right?" "Absolutely." "But, then again, maybe I'm not. Maybe I'm just misunderstood, and you'll never know because you refuse to have an open mind about it." She scoffed. "You expect me to believe you're the good guy?" He barked with laughter. "Fuck no. Never think that. I'm not the hero here, angel, and I dont want to be. But I'm not the bad guy, either." "Then who is?" He shrugged. "Hell, I dont know.

Maybe it's you." "Me?" "Well, you did just show up here and berate me for my kindness." "You call ordering your wretched demons to stalk me kindness?" "I meant the flowers, not the followers," he said. "Or didn't you like them?" Her eyes darted to the flower still in her hand. "I liked them better when I thought they were from Michael." "Aw, you shouldn't judge a flower by who picked it." "You didn't pick it. One of your lackeys did." "Technically," he said. "Unavoidable, given the circumstances, but the thought was still there."

"Why?" she asked. "What kind of game are you playing?" "No game." "Then what?" "An apology." An apology. He was apologizing? If Serah hadnt been confused before, she certainly was now. Lucifer held his hand out. "May I?" "May you what?" "See the flower," he said. "I'll give it right back." She gaped at him. "How do you expect that to happen?" "Just hand it through the gate," he said. "Ive told you, it cant hurt you." "Its not the gate that concerns me." "Come on, Im not going to bite you. Im not a vampire."

She rolled her eyes. "Vampires arent real." "They are here. Everythings real down here. If you can imagine it, it exists somewhere in one of these cages. But thats beside the point. The fact of the matter is Im not a vampire, nor am I a werewolf or a shape-shifter or a reaper or a fairy." She blinked rapidly, thoughts of Nickis drawing invading her mind. "Fairy?" "Evil little bastards. They zigzag in the air, biting anything they can get their teeth into. Theyre deadly, so I make sure theyre locked up tight. Of course, they couldnt kill an angel, though. Very little can." She nodded slowly. "Only another angel."

"Which is what I am," he said. "An angel." "A fallen angel." "Yeah, okay, so I felltheres no denying thatbut your brother did, too. You dont fear him or think hes evil, do you?" "No, but youre not Samuel." He stared at her in contemplation before glancing down at the sigils on his forearms. "These arent just decoration. My brother carved them into me with his blade of fire to keep me from hurting innocents. So even if I wished you harmwhich, I donthe made it so I couldnt hurt you." He traced the black lines with his pointer finger, spelling out the words condemning him, as he let out a long, exasperated sigh. Timidly, Serah took a

calculated step forward, then another, and another, until she closed the distance between them. The gate was so close she could hear the electricity crackling, the air glimmering like an enormous soap bubble. Slowly, she reached toward it, nearly touching the gate when Lucifer flew forward, abruptly closing the distance between him and the entrance. Startled, Serah let out a shuddering breath, suspicious eyes focused on him. He smiled guiltily, holding up his hands as he nodded for her to proceed. There were no fireworks, no torturous screams, no massive explosions or eruptions of brutal pain. The reapers hardly even noticed as her fingertips skimmed the surface of the enclosure, carefully dipping into the

enchantments. Shed half expected the bubble to pop, but instead it flickered, spreading around her fingers and forming to her skin as if shed submerged her hand under water. Lucifer watched intently, saying not a word, his hands still rose as he remained statuesque, more rigid than the ground beneath their feet. He waited until her shaky hand appeared on his side, clutching the stalk of flowers, to break his stance. The moment he moved, Serahs senses kicked into overdrive, her intuition sending alarms off in her head as he grasped her arm. An astonishing sensation surged through her, foreign and frightening. A tingle, deep in her gut, ignited a spark that ripped up her spine, so intense her teeth chattered.

Gasping, she braced herself to be yanked onto his side, but he merely pried the flower from her grasp before letting go. Serah pulled her hand back and clutched her wrist, wide-eyes watching Lucifer as he took a step away from the gate. "What was that?" "What was what?" he asked. "That thing inside of me. That sensation. That feeling." She'd answered her own question. That feeling. She'd felt something, truly felt something raw and powerful for the first time. Ignoring her, Lucifers attention fixated on the flowers, wilting only slightly in the infernal air, the light purple nearly as vibrant as it had been in her hand. That both shocked and

saddened her, seeing something so beautiful, so alive, caught on his side with him. Shed almost expected the color to die, to fade away, tainted from his touch. "This is called a" "Cleome serrulata," she whispered, cutting him off. She could identify every plant in existence. "I was going to say Spider Flower, but that works, too," he said. "Theyre opportunistic plants, and thats exactly why they survive. Theyll grow anywhereabandoned fields, vacant lots, cracks in concrete. Wherever the seeds fall, theyll sprout roots." "Amazing, isnt it?" Serah asked. "Yeah, its something, all right," he said. "Our Father offered more freedom to it than he did us. This thing

does what it wants with no regard, grows where flowers arent supposed to grow, takes over fields and smothers everything else that lives there, killing it, and yet its hailed as one of His magnificent creations. A fucking plant is given more leniency than me." "A plant doesnt think. It doesnt make conscious decisions." "And what about mortals?" he asked. "His beloved humans, His favorite creation. He absolves them of everything as long as they ask. Why wasnt I shown that same mercy? I wasnt even given the chance to apologize." Serah gaped at him. "Would you have apologized?" "No. I did nothing wrong." "Nothing wrong?" she asked

incredulously. "You tried to take over the world!" He scoffed. "I merely asked questions. I had the audacity to doubt Him, to take a stand when he let mortals run amuck. Over half of the world doesnt even believe in Him, doubts He even exists, and theyre easily forgiven. Even the angels who fell with mearound mewere offered a chance. But not me." "Is that why youre doing this?" she asked. "Is that why the war is still going on?" As usual, Lucifer ignored that question, his attention returning to the flower in his hand. He brought it to his nose and inhaled, a shudder running the length of his body as he grimaced. "Are you aware Spider Flowers stink?

One of the foulest odors, if you ask me, so strong I can taste the bitterness on my tongue, but its still not as repulsive as Michaels scent on you right now." Lucifer held his hand out, the tip of the stalk of flowers penetrating the translucent shield. Serah stepped forward, taking ahold of them, yanking the flowers back to her side without making contact with him. Once she had them, Lucifer turned away, vanishing soundlessly without uttering another word. Hesitantly, Serah brought the flower to her nose and sniffed for the second time, wondering what it was he inhaled, wanting to know how he tasted the air.

"Beat you there!" Samuel leaped from the ground, his wings fully expanding as he took off into the sky like a rocket. The darkness of night swallowed him up within a matter of seconds, sending a baffled Serah rushing after him. "Beat me where?" She struggled to catch up with her brother as he soared through the air, never slowing down, refusing to take it easy on her. A quarter of a mile separated the two as they weaved in and out of the clouds, speeding past airplanes as if they merely hovered, closing the distance between them and the radiant stars. The orbs of

magnificent light burned in the atmosphere, far past the ozone, their exploding gasses releasing strong energythe same energy that flowed through Serahs body. A small star burned inside of her, fueling her life, emanating Grace, like blood pumping through a fragile human heart. The two raced from one side of the world to the other: past the protesters covering the streets of Beijing, along the soon-to-be demolished Berlin Wall, through Londons Purley Station, still reeling from a deadly train crash. They flew across the Atlantic Ocean, Samuel plunging into the depths of the water as Serah stayed airborne, her fingertips skimming the surface of the ocean and causing waves to appear. They crossed the border into North

America, where Samuel abruptly stopped mid-air. Serah skidded to a stop as he dropped, hurling toward the ground like an atomic missile. He landed on his feet with a thud in the playground of an elementary school as Serah appeared by his side, shaking her head. "Where are we?" "A little town called Chorizon," he replied. "Okay," she hedged. "And why are we here?" He waved his hands in front of him, gesturing toward a building across the road, a "Grand Opening" banner still hanging from the roof. Chorizon Community Center. Cars swarmed the area around it, loud music thumping from inside. Beyond the noise, meshing with the vibrating bass, Serah

could hear the frantic racing of over a hundred heartbeats. Behind them, the air shifted as a current crackled, Hannah popping up. Serah barely had time to look at her friend when another noise sounded, louder, less restrained. Michael appeared, silencing both girls before they could start their chattering. "Glad you could make it, man," Samuel said, greeting him. "I appreciate the invitation," Michael replied. "Although, Im not sure what would interest us here." "Apparently that," Serah said, motioning across the street. "I dont really know what that is yet, but Im sure its something big if Samuel dragged us all here for it." She glared at her brother. He'd been

inviting Michael everywhere recently, and Serah still hadn't gotten used to his imposing presence. "It is big," Samuel confirmed. "From what Ive heard, anyway. Im still a bit rusty on human customs, though, so I may be wrong. As soon as I get a grasp on them, they change." Serahs brow furrowed. "Whats going on?" A wide grin nearly split Samuels face in two. "Prom." Hannah and Michael both stared blankly, neither knowing what Samuel meant, but that lone word told Serah all she needed to know. Prom. "Seriously?" "Whats a prom?" Hannah asked. "I dont get it." "Its a celebration," Serah

explained. "Teenagers come together, dressed up, and dance the night away. It's kind of a human rite of passage." Matching expressions glazed Hannah and Michaels faces, lingering confusion with a dash of dismay. "Yeah," Hannah said. "Im out." Hannah vanished as Serah and Samuel turned to Michael. Serah expected him to bow out too but he remained, his perplexed appearance not lifting as he nodded across the street. "Are we staying out here, or are we joining their festivities?" Serah stammered as Michael stared directly at her, awaiting her answer to his question. She wasnt quite sure what to say. Samuel let out a hearty laugh, nudging her playfully as she finally gave a non-committal shrug.

"Come on," Samuel said. "Its going to be totally bitchin." Serah burst into laughter as Michaels expression briefly hardened with disapproval. Samuel clapped him on the shoulder, chuckling. "Relax, its just something the kids say these days." The three descended upon the prom. Serah wasted no time immersing herself in the sea of frilly neon dresses and outrageously teased hair, twirling across the dance floor to the trendy pop song, her wings folded away as she took on her human form. She purposely remained invisible, a ruffling breeze as she passed, moving through them and around them, blending in. Samuel mingled through the crowd,

also in undetectable human form, while Michael stood along the back, wings fully engaged like an Archangel bodyguard. The mighty warrior seemed ill at ease with the high school crowd, but he didnt leave, instead choosing to watch, apprehension in his bright eyes as they remained affixed to the wildly dancing angel. Serah could detect his presence in the air, intense, overwhelming. How could the humans be near him, around him, brush against him, and not feel the powerful life force? It left her spellbound. She was swept off her feet literallywhen Samuel popped up behind her, grabbing her around the stomach and swinging her around. She spun in a circle, twisting like a tornado, and laughed when she came

to a stop face-to-face with her brother. "Having fun?" he asked. She nodded, brushing the hair out of her face. "What in the world gave you this idea?" "You." Her brow furrowed. "Me? How?" "I guess all your talk these past few decades about these humans and helping them finally got to me," he replied. "I was in this town the other day, trailing a demon inside of a school teacher, when I overheard a boy named Nicholas say he wanted to take a girl named Samantha to the prom. Samantha liked Nicholas, but they were both too shy to even say hello." Serah raised her eyebrows. "So you introduced them?" "You could say that," he said. "I

manifested for a split second and physically shoved the two of them together in the hallway. She dropped her books, he picked them up, and voila . . . theyre dancing right behind you." Serah turned around, so close she could practically touch the couple. They swayed to the music, his hands on her hips, her arms around his shoulders as she gently fiddled with the hair at the nape of his neck. Their eyes connected, something strong stirring in them, something pure and Heavenly. Love. A smile tugged Serahs lips. "You did good, brother." "Im not done yet," he said quietly. "You see that Archangel over there,

attached to the wall? Go ask him to dance." Serah turned back to her brother. "What? No way!" "Why not?" She lowered her voice to a quiet hiss. "Hes the prince, Samuel." "Hes just an angelan angel that has absolutely no interest in dances, or human customs, or blending in, or micromanaging, but I have it on good authority that theres nowhere in the universe hed rather be than this room." "Why?" "Because this is where you are, Ser." She blinked rapidly, stunned by those words. "But hes Michael. Hes. . ."

"Hes smitten, is what he is," Samuel said. "Come on, sis. Look at him. He watches you the way Nicholas watched Samantha. Give him a chance. Dont make me physically push you, too. Because I will. And you know it." "Fine." She flitted across the room. Michael stood up straighter as she approached, his shoulders squared, eyes never leaving her. "Do you, uh . . . you wouldnt want to dance with me, would you?" A strong, emphatic "No" came from his lips before she could completely finish her question. She huffed, ruffled by the rejection, and started to walk away when he grabbed her hand. "Id love to do anything else with you, Serahabsolutely anythingbut Im afraid dancing is out of my skill set."

A smile graced her lips. "We can do something else." "Wonderful." Michael returned her smile as Samuel laughed across the room. "See?" he called. "What did I tell you? Totally bitchin night."

The old sidewalk weaved around the school playground, buckled where a tree's roots had pushed underneath it, creating a fractured hump. The pavement was cracked down the center, a group of dandelions jutting out of the jagged fault line. Serah reached down and plucked one. "Do you consider a dandelion a

flower or a weed?" "Both," Hannah replied. "It's a flowering weed." "It's beautiful for being such a pest, dont you think?" Hannah laughed. "It's more beneficial than it is annoying. It's edible, nutritional, medicinalpeople judge it by its overbearing nature, not taking into account it serves a bigger purpose." She paused, shrugging, and added as an afterthought, "Yeah, its beautiful, I guess." Serah stared at the dandelion for a moment before placing her thumb below the blossom and popping the top off from the stem. She laughed as it flew into the air and dropped to the sidewalk, rolling right back into the crack.

Hannah frowned at the destroyed plant. "What was that point in that?" "It's a game kids play," Serah said. "Mama had a baby and her head popped off." Hannah gaped at her. "What?" "It's what they say when they pop the head off a dandelion." "How morbid." "It's more silliness." Hannah sighed, shaking her head. "I have to get back to work. Try not to kill too many plants while I'm gone, okay? Just makes my work harder." Serah remained there after her friend disappeared, gazing across the busy street at the dilapidated community center. It had closed a few years before, the city no longer able to afford to fund it. She hadn't been inside

since that May night in 1989a night that had changed her universe in so many ways. A bell rang, the shrill sound pulsating through the air as the elementary school let out for the day. Serah stayed still as the children rushed past on their way home. Nicki Lauer pranced by, hand in hand with her best friend, the two young girls pausing beside the overgrown tree. Nicki reached down, snatching the remaining dandelions from the crack, roots and all. Damp soil trickled onto the sidewalk by Serahs feet. "I'm gonna give these to my mommy!" Nicki squealed excitedly. After the kids were gone, skipping away, Serah ventured down below, strolling unhurriedly toward the gate.

Lucifer lingered on the other side, already waiting, expecting her arrival as usual. "You smell like more flowers," he said. "They're not still leaving them for you, are they? I've called them off, but demons tend to be slow on the uptake. Idiots, really." "No, they've stopped," she said. "Pity, though." "Why?" Lucifer raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "Hoping to exorcize a few more of my guys?" "Well . . . yeah." He snickered. "I'd apologize for making it harder for you, but I'm not sorry. It's better this way." "If you say so." "I do," he said. "It's a hassle having them prematurely sent back down

before their work is done, but it isnt as bad as it could be. It's rare what you do, you know, expelling them without damaging the vessel. Makes it easier for my guys to find human shells when they make it back on Earth. Once possessed, easily repossessed." "They're people, not vessels," Serah said. "Innocent people, who don't deserve to be hurt in this war you're waging. My brother taught me how to spare the human, to save them from your kind." "Ah, your brother. Have you found him yet?" "No." "Have you even really looked?" Serah hesitated. "No." "Why?" Lucifer asked. It was a question she wasn't sure

how to answer. "We don't question things." "I do." She laughed dryly. "And look what happened to you." "Yeah, but that's because they took my fall personally. It's business as usual for Michael with the others." Those words washed through Serah, surprising her. "Michael?" "What, you don't know your lover is the one who does the clipping? Only an angel can kill another angel, remember? It's Michael's destiny. Punish anything that disobeys. They step out of line and. . ." Lucifer held his hand up, using his fingers to imitate scissors. ". . .snip, snip." She blinked rapidly. "Samuel?" Lucifer stared through the gate at

her, something startlingly close to sympathy shining from his dark eyes. "Yes. Samuel, too." Something twisted inside of her, a tight knot where her stomach should've been. Michael had been the one to remove Samuel's Grace, to tear her brother from her life, and he showed not an ounce of concern about it. There was no conflict, no remorse or regret. Michael hadn't just lost a friend. He'd personally ended one. "How is it you two are together and you don't even know what he does?" "You're mistaken," she whispered. "I'm not," he said certainly. "I was an Archangel, too. I know our purpose." "So you do know," she said, briefly closing her eyes as that reality sunk in.

"You know where my brother is. You know what happened to him." She glanced over again, desperation shining from her eyes, only to find the other side of the gate suddenly empty.

Serah fluttered around in a daze the next day, avoiding Michael as she halfheartedly occupied herself with tedious work. She went to the gate in the evening, her mind full of questions she anxiously wanted to ask. She expected Lucifer to be waiting as usual, but the other side of the barrier was vacant. An hour passed. Then two. She called out his name, but he never

appeared. After three hours, she gave up and walked away. The next afternoon was the same, as was the one after it. A week passed in a similar fashion with no sign of Lucifer. No matter how long she stood there, waiting, hollering for him, he didn't show his face again. Confusion rocked her foundation, fueled that Friday when she sat alone on the school playground, watching the children play. Nicki and her best friend leaned against a tree a few yards away, huddled up in coats, sharing a bucket of crayons as they drew in notebooks on their laps. A pop of electricity vibrated the air in front of her swing as a Dominion appeared, blocking Serah's view of the kids. "You haven't fulfilled your task."

"What do you expect me to do?" "I expect nothing," he said. "But He expects you to succeed." "Its impossible," she said. "He wont cooperate." "Make him." "And how exactly am I supposed to do that?" The Dominion shrugged. "Get creative. Its your destiny, Serah." Serah scowled. Bitterness seeped through her cool skin, seizing part of her insides, twisting and yanking, tying her in knots. The Dominion tipped his head in polite greeting before leaving just as suddenly as hed come. Message received. "Destiny-schmestiny," she muttered, digging her toes into the dirt beneath her.

"Destiny is everything." She spun around, startled, and came face-to-face with Michael lurking nearby. His face was hardened, not a hint of emotion to be found. "I didn't hear you appear." "I was here before you." Her brow furrowed. What? "I didn't sense you." "Your senses might need fine tuning then." Serah said nothing. She turned away from him, her focus going back to the ground. Michael strolled around to the front of the swings and stood there, making no move to sit, but he showed no sign of leaving, either. "Your attachment to this place, to these people, is unhealthy. It concerns me."

"They were special to Samuel," she said. "You do remember him, don't you? He was once your friend." "Of course I remember him," Michael said, his tone clipped. "Why would you ask me that?" "Did you remember it when you took his wings?" she asked, anger brewing inside of her. "Did you forget you were friends when you destroyed him?" Michael's eyes narrowed. "You know nothing of what happened." "Then tell me." "I can't." "But he's my brother!" "No. He. Isn't!" Michael spat through clenched teeth, emphasizing each word. "Do you think I get pleasure from this, Serah? It's why I

exist. The sooner you accept that, the sooner things can get back to normal." Normal. She was starting to wonder what that even meant anymore. Normal was Samuel hanging around, laughing and joking, alleviating some of the pressure on her wing-clad shoulders, reminding her that things were okay, that the world was a beautiful place. Reminding her that just because you lose a few battles doesn't mean you'll lose the whole war. It all seemed so dreary with him gone. How could anything be okay without him? How could anything ever be normal again? "There's no such thing," she whispered. "You can't un-know something once you know it." Michael hastily retreated from the

playground out of frustration, the pop so loud it sounded like a truck backfiring in the distance. Some of the kids paused what they were doing and glanced around, hearing the noise, but went back to playing within a matter of seconds. Serah stood up and strolled over to where Nicki and her friend sat, still coloring. She looked down at their notebooks, smiling at Nicki's lopsided butterflies, but froze as she studied the drawing covering the other girls page. Monsters of all kinds took up the space, with big teeth, sharp claws, and angry, beady eyes. Dead center of the paper was a massive red creature, large horns protruding from its oblong head, a long, pointy tail trailing it from behind.

"That's not what the devil really looks like," Nicki said, glancing at her friend's picture. "How do you know?" "Because he was an angel, duh," Nicki said. "Remember? They said that in church." "Oh." The girl studied her notebook as she grabbed a black crayon, drawing oversized wings from the creature's back. She smiled when she finished. "Now it's right." "Its stupid," Nicki muttered. "You draw like a boy. Boys like ugly things, like monsters and scary movies." The girl tore the paper out, tossing it to the ground beside her, and moved on to drawing butterflies with her best friend instead. A few minutes later, the bell for

class rang, and the girls ran off to join the other students. The paper still laid in the grass near the tree, discarded, the monsters long forgotten. Serah waited until the area was uninhabited to pick it up, teleporting to Hellum Township with the drawing in her hand. She strode through the first six gates without hesitation, her stomach in her feet when she again came upon the seventh. The lot was once more abandoned, no one and nothing there to greet her. Irritated, she screamed his name, demanding he make himself be seen, but nothing so much as even stirred in the wind. Ten seconds passed, then twenty. After thirty seconds, her patience had worn so thin it was completely frayed,

her raw nerves exposed, a hint of agonizing emotion shining through. A loud groan vibrated her chest as she stormed the gate, faltering only momentarily before stepping right into it. He couldn't just tell her what he had and then disappear. The air shimmied around her, electricity coating her skin, prickling every inch of her body as she penetrated the force field. Her vision blurred, everything glowing white as she waded through it, the enchantments pushing against her, trying to force her back on the good side. She trudged forward, undeterred, breaking right through and taking her first tentative step into Hell. Three

The long table, constructed entirely from weathered gray marble, filled the room, matching the thick boulders that made up the walls. Nine black chairs surrounded it, while a slab of marble elaborately carved into a gothic throne towered at the head of the table. Luce sat back, drumming his fingers on the arm of his chair, his massive frame trivialized by the high back of his seat. Dozens of white, pillar candles dimly lit the room, casting flickering shadows upon the face of the man sitting at the other end of the table, across from Luce. Fear shined from the mans eyes, once bright green, now yellowing and dying like the rest of everything in the pit.

Luce flippantly flicked his pointer finger, overturning cards from a tall, worn deck on the other end of the table, as the man clutched a lesser partial deck, his hands shaking as he one by one flipped over his cards in turn. Luce slouched down, an uninterested scowl covering his face, his eyes everywhere but on the game. He appeared to not even be playing, at least twenty feet from his cards, but he was paying close attention to what was happening. He saw every move, noted every hand, able to predict which cards would be next in line. Both threw down threes. Luce tapped his fingers sliding cards onto the table facedown. One. Two. Three. Four.

I declare war. He overturned anotherkingand sighed as the man played a two. Luce waved his hand, all six cards magically slipping onto the bottom of his stack. "Youre running low on cards there, Robert," Luce mused. "Doesnt bode well for you." "Its not over yet," Robert stammered, his voice shaking just as hard as his hands. "Im feeling lucky." "Good for you," Luce muttered, overturning another card when a gust of wind surged through the room, blowing out every single one of the candles. Luce snapped his fingers, igniting them again at once, as he heard her in his mind, above the chaos that usually consumed him. Serah.

Lucifer, she screamed. Im coming for you. "Ill be a son of a bitch," he said, unable to stop the smile from turning the corner of his lips, a laugh escaping as he exhaled. Footsteps ran down the corridor, the large, wooden double doors thrusting open. "There's an intruder at the gate!" "Im aware." Luces gaze turned to the demon that burst in. Lire, the leader of the Dark Legion, was one of the few given free rein to roam Hell. He considered himself Luces righthand man, but Luce treated him as a messenger boy. "Do you think Im an imbecile? You think I dont know what goes on in my kingdom?" "No, My Lord!" He frantically shook his head. "Its just . . . its one of

them. What do you want us to do?" "Show her in," he ordered, "and be nice about it, will you? You offend my guest, and youll be the one strapped to the wall tonight." The demon flinched, nodding submissively before scampering back out of the room. Luces eyes instantly snapped from the door to Robert, catching him as he tried to sneak a peek at their next few cards. Luce angrily clenched his hand into a tight fist, his knuckles popping from the strain. The man let out a loud shriek of agony as he clutched his arm, his right hand twisting as the bones crunched sickeningly, shattering into tiny fragments and ripping out through the skin. Blood ran down his arm, dripping onto the concrete floor.

"You think you can cheat me?" he spat. "You think I wont know?" "It was a mistake!" he screamed. "Im sorry! Please! I wont do it again!" The red in Luces eyes flared, overtaking the blackness, as the floor beneath their feet vibrated. The ground behind the man opened up into a swirling black vortex, torturous screams bursting out with savage fire, so ferocious Luce grimaced. Flicking his hand, Luce sent the man flying backward out of his chair, straight into the raging inferno, the bright orange flames swallowing him whole. His shrieks were silenced as the vortex abruptly closed, everything silent and still. "Youre fucking right you wont do

it again." He slouched back in his chair again, drumming his fingers some more, waiting. He could sense her as she drew closer, the air stirring with something he hadnt felt in a long time. She brought sunlight with her, the darkness lightening, as fresh air radiated from her. The moment the doors opened, he closed his eyes and leaned his head back, taking a deep breath. She was speaking, her voice rose passionately, but he ignored her words, too consumed by her fragrance. It was so strong without the gate filtering it, so intense that he shivered as he inhaled. The radiance filled his lungs and seeped out through his body like oxygen, fueling his life force.

"Are you even listening to me?" she asked, slamming something down on the table in front of him. Luce opened his eyes again, peering at her. He cocked an eyebrow at her stance, her eyes narrowed, her hands on her hips. "Nope." "Youre insufferable. Absolutely impossible." "Thanks," he said, waving his hand toward the table, the recently vacated chair shifting out. "Have a seat." "No." He sighed at her stubbornness, his gaze turning to Lire lurking in the doorway. "Leave us be. Make sure there are no interruptions." "Yes, My Lord." "My Lord," she mimicked, her lip curling in a sneer. "Blasphemy."

Luce tried to keep a straight face, but his amusement was too much. A half-smirk turned his lips as he shook his head. "Youre fearless, angel. Ill give you that. I honestly didnt think you had the guts to do it. I hoped you would, of course, but no one ever has before. I dont even think my brother is brave enough to come here." Serahs fierce expression softened. "No?" Luce shook his head. "Youre the first to ever willingly step through that gate." Surprise flickered across her face. "I am?" "Yes," he said. "You see, its dangerous down here. Very dangerous." "Only an angel can hurt another

angel," she said confidently. "And youre barred from hurting an innocent, so nothing here can hurt me." "True," he said. "And even if I could hurt you, I wouldnt . . . but there is something else I would do, something possibly even worse." Her body tensed. "What?" "Keep you." She just stared at him blankly as if she was trying to process that. After a moment, something flickered across her face, something he knew well, something akin to sheer fucking terror. She realized he could. "Relax," he said, motioning toward the chair again. "I said I would, not that I will. It's tempting, though. I must admit." Serah hesitated before moving

toward the chair and sitting down timidly in it. She remained silent, her eyes guarded as she watched him. Luces gaze drifted from her to the crinkled paper she'd slammed down on the table, his eyes immediately falling upon the drawing of the devil. He let out a sharp, bitter laugh, brushing it to the side as he waved his hand, the deck of cards flying toward him. He picked them up and casually started shuffling. "Do you know how to play War?" "War isnt a game." "In this case, it is. Its a card game." "Oh." "Its easy. All you have to do is turn the top card over. Whomever has the highest number wins the hand. The first to lose all their cards loses. A child could do it." He split the deck

down the middle, twenty-six cards each, and slid half of them down the table to her. "One game. If you win, you ask your questions and then you can go." "Why would I play a game with you?" "Because you really dont have any choice, angel," he said. "You want answers; I want the company." She stared at him, contemplating, before nodding slightly. "Fine." They started their game, Luce flippantly turning his cards with magic as Serah chose the traditional way. Serah's confidence surged as she won the first few hands, but it didn't last long. Luce started dominating the game, stealing card after card, his stack growing steadily as hers dwindled. She

scowled and huffed with frustration, casting him angry looks every so often, but neither said a word. A few minutes later, Serah was down to only one card. Sighing, she flipped it over. Luce didn't even have to look to know it was a two, the lowest possible card. Luce flipped his top card overan eightand slid all the remaining cards onto the bottom of his deck. "I win." "What now?" "We play again." "What if I dont want to?" she asked. "Are you going to hold me hostage? Force me to keep playing your stupid games?" "Hardly." He scoffed. "I've been advocating for free will for angels my entire existence. I'm not in the business

of taking it away. You want to leave? Then go on and get the fuck out of here. But if you want me to answer your questions, you're going to have to beat me in a game." She glared at him, her eyes narrowed, her lips a hard, thin line of contempt. "Youre unbearable." "Youre cute yourself, angel," he joked, his lips curving into a grin. "Does that mean youre in?" Serah grabbed his deck of cards and slid them down the table to him. "Just shut up and shuffle."

Endless hours were spent playing War; hand after hand, battle after

battle, game after game. As soon as Serah started getting ahead, as soon as she believed she finally had a chance to beat the arrogant angel, hed throw a high card and end her lucky streak. Irritation flowed through her body as she banged her cards against the table, groaning every time he won. Lucifer remained slouched in his marble throne, dismissively tossing around cards. His piercing eyes bore into her, breaking her concentration as she tried to keep track of what remained in her deck. She was down to five cards already. "Would you stop staring at me?" she spat, slamming down a seven. Lucifer twirled his finger, tossing over a nine, and slid the cards into his deck. "Im not under your skin already,

am I?" "Of course not," she said, playing a king. She smiled, the hope disintegrating the moment he turned over an ace. "Ugh, youre impossible!" "So Ive heard," he said, playing a six next. Serah turned over a five and slammed her hand against the table as he took the cards, leaving her with only two left. He turned over a six; she turned over a five. He turned over another six; she burst into bitter laughter as she shook her head. "Three sixes in a row. How typical." Before he could even respond, she threw her last card down the table at him. It soared in the air, fluttering and twisting before landing right in his lap.

He looked down. A two, Serah knew. "I win," he declared. "Again." "Of course," she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest as she stared at him, seeing the smug look of satisfaction on his face. "Shuffle the cards." He shook his head, picking up the two. "I think were done." "What? Why?" "Why?" He cocked an eyebrow at her. "First of all, because you threw a card at me. If anyone else had done that, theyd be in excruciating pain right now. Secondly, because if you hit my table any harder, youre liable to put a crack in it, and I happen to be fond of my table. And thirdly, because I fucking said so. I make the rules here,

angel. Dont like it? You know where the exit is." She glared at him as he stood up and strolled toward the door. "What about my answers?" "What about them? You have to win. You want to play again? Come back tomorrow." He reached up, placing his hand on his chest over the symbol carved into his flesh. "Im certainly not going anywhere, remember?"

The yellow lights of East York twinkled like stars in the distance. Serah sat on a cliff ten miles from the city, her bare feet hanging over the

edge. The sound of Warrants "Heaven" blared from the small speakers in a car nearby, the song muffled by the steamy rolled-up windows. A pop of static electricity rippled the air behind Serah. A fraction of a second passed before a loud groan hit her. "Awkward," Samuel said, dragging out the word. "Theyre fornicating less than ten feet from you, Ser." She rolled her eyes. "Theyre just making out." "Same difference," he said, plopping down beside her. "I guess they call this Coitus Cliff for a reason." Serah burst into laughter. "They do not call it that." "Eh, they could," he said. "Its kind

of catchy, isnt it? Almost as catchy as this song. Its my anthem." Before Serah could say a word in response, Samuel started singing along. His shouting voice bounced off the trees and echoed through the city below, drowning out every other noise in the night. No one else heard, though, unable to pick up the frequency of his voice as he belted out the rock ballad at the top of his lungs. When the chorus kicked in, Serah couldnt help herself from singing along with him. Samuel leaned back, wildly kicking his legs, his hands moving frantically as he ripped an air guitar solo, his fingers expertly strumming and plucking the invisible strings. By the time the song wound down, Serah was doubled over in

laughter as a radiant smile lit up Samuels face. "I think youve found your true calling, Samuel." "I could definitely be a rock star," he said. "Well, if I were human, anyway." "It must be nice, you know, to be able to do anything you want. The options are endless for them. Our existence is pre-written, but mortals they're given this big, beautiful world and the free will to do whatever they want in it. And so many dont appreciate it. I just wonder what it would be like to be able to choose . . . if we were the ones who were given that precious gift and not them." Samuels smile gradually faded as he stared at her. "Serah, dont."

"Dont what?" "Ive heard those words before," he said, a hard edge to his low voice. "They were spoken to me mere hours before I watched my friend cast his own brother into the lake of fire forever. And I cant . . . Serah, you cant think that way." She gasped, eyes widening when she realized what he meant by his words. "Samuel, I would never! Satan hates the mortals. Hes full of wrath and pride and envy. Im not!" "I know," he said quietly. "But I also know theres a thin line between good and evil. Theres a gray area, one we all step into. And thats okay, I think. Were not immune to emotions. Just promise me you wont ever step past it. You wont ever let it consume

you. That youll be careful." "I promise," she said. "You dont have to worry about me. I have everything I could ever need. I have friends, and I have my work, and I have youmy brother. As long as I have you, Id be a fool to ask for more." Things were quiet as the two sat in thought. Music continued to rock the car near them with the two young lovers inside. Nicholas and Samantha, celebrating six months togethera milestone they mightve never reached had it not been for Samuel intervening in their lives. "What would you do?" he asked after a while. "If you were human, what would you want to be?" Her response was certain, no

hesitation in her words. "A race car driver." The answer instantly lightened the mood as Samuel cracked another smile. "Really, sis? A race car driver?" "Yes. Ive always wondered what it would be like to drive a car. Theyre one of the humans most amazing creations, one that keeps evolving. Cars are practical, yet exciting. And people get paid to race them, like a sport! Can you believe that?" "Wow." Samuel studied her with surprise. "For the first time in over a millennium, Im learning something new about you. I never realized you liked cars." Serah glanced at the one parked near them. "Thats my favorite car. Its a 1966 Pontiac GTO convertible,

cherry red." Samuel scrunched up his nose. "Looks orange to me." "Thats because its in bad shape," Serah said. "Its beautiful when its taken care of." "So, huh, theres one problem with this whole thing." "Whats that?" "Ive been told women are terrible drivers." Rolling her eyes, Serah shoved him hard, knocking him off the side of the cliff. He dropped a few feet, plummeting toward the ground, but he expanded his wings and flew right back up to her. He retook his seat with a laugh, playfully nudging her. "The rock star and the race car driver," he said. "We make quite the

pair." She wrapped her arm around his and leaned against his shoulder. "We do." "You werent entirely right a while ago, you know. Sure, humans have endless options, but their lives are just as written as ours. Just look at Nicholas and Samantha. We know everything theyll do from today until the day they die. Nicholas will work in a factory, and Samantha will be a teachers assistant. Theyll have one kid, a little girl named Nicole. The moment I shoved them together, their future was determined, and the only way itll ever change is if one of us changes it for them. Us, Ser." "But they chose those lives," Serah said. "We just happen to know what

theyll choose." "Yeah, we know," he said. "Thats the point. There are no surprises when it comes to mortals. Were the ones who surprise God. Were the ones who divert from his path. Say what you will about Lucifer, but one thing is undeniable: he was the first to defy destiny. And being the first to do anything takes guts."

"Can I ask you something?" Serah turned over a nine, not at all surprised when Lucifer flipped over a queen. He sighed, sliding the cards onto the bottom of his pile. "How many

times do I have to say it? You have to win to get answers." "Its not about that stuff," she said, playing a king. Lucifer played a two. Serah smiled as she grabbed the cards. "Its about this place . . . about you." Curious eyes regarded her from across the room as Lucifer twirled his finger, overturning a seven. "What?" "You said you feel everything everyone else feels," she said, playing a three. "You said it was agonizing, that being down here was torment, that empathy was a curse. You said" "I know what I said," he ground out through clenched teeth. "Is there a question in there somewhere? Because I didnt hear one." "How is it so quiet?" He cocked an eyebrow. "Quiet?"

"Yes. I guess I expected more from the place. The underworld is supposed to be, well, hellish." Lucifer said nothing. He quietly flipped over his card, regarding her with impatience as he waited for her to play hers. Silence ensued as they played a few hands, card after card going straight to him. He twirled his finger nonchalantly, flipping over an ace, as Serahs hand hovered over her last card. They both knew it was a Jack. They both knew hed won. The room around them shook, violently vibrating as the ground beneath Serahs feet fractured in two, instantly swallowing the table and chairs. The moment the floor opened up, horrifying shrieks and cries of

anguish spilled from the crack, bloodcurdling screams piercing the air. Raging fire spilled out of the hole as the walls around them crumbled. Panicked, Serahs eyes darted around as her wings expanded in defense. She soared from the ground, hovering above the flames as they consumed the room and everything in it. Lucifer remained in his marble chair, untouched by the blaze. His wings had erupted from his back, massive black shields blending in with the sudden cloud of thick smoke filling the room. Serah covered her ears with her hands, trying to block out the uproar, but it only made it echo louder, more torturous. The agony seemed to be inside of her, the shrieks inexplicably embedded in her mind, unbearable and

inescapable. She squeezed her eyes shut, yelling for it to stop. All at once, the noise cut off in a screech, like the needle of a record player being torn away, total silence overcoming everything. Serahs eyes flew open, stunned to find the room back in order, everything as it had been. She hovered in the air as Lucifer remained in his chair, his face a mask of indifference, but red swirled madly in his eyes as he stared at her. "What was that?" she asked as she folded her wings away, landing back on the ground. "Hell," he said quietly. "I diluted it a bit for you, but you got the gist of it." "Thats Hell?" He nodded. "You see what I want you to see, angel. But that? Thats

reality. And I dont just see it, or hear it I feel it. Every second of every day." She gaped at him. "I, uh. . ." He shook his head before she could continue and pointed at her lone card somehow still lying on the table, face down. "Turn it over so we can finish this game." Serah sat back down and flipped the card over, not even looking at it. Her eyes remained focused on him. "So if you make me see whatever you want me to see, does that mean you can make me see anything?" He sighed with frustration as he grabbed the cards. "Youre awfully tenacious." "Ive been told that a time or two before." "This place feeds off nightmares,"

he explained, shuffling. "Its just like Heaven, but in reverse. In Heaven, a soul sees what makes it happy. Down here, they relive what terrorizes them." "I know that much." "Well, just like you get free rein above and can invade anyones Heaven, I can invade anyones Hell. I can enter anyones cage and do what I want. But theres also a common ground, like your home above." "And thatthe fire, and screaming thats home?" "Yes." "So you can show me anyones Hell?" "Yes." She glanced around the room. "Whose Hell is this?" "I guess you could say it's mine."

Her brow furrowed. His? She didnt ask, prying no more. She could tell from his strained expression that hed said as much as he would on the matter. Shed get no more from him unless she played for her answers and won them fair and square.

Games came and went, so many that Serah no longer bothered to keep track of how many theyd played. Lucifer won every single time, sometimes within a few minutes, while other times, the battle went on for hours. She lost herself in a sea of cards and numbers, everything else falling by the wayside in her quest to win.

"I dont understand how you keep beating me," she said, huffing after a particularly long game. "I was certain I had you that time." Lucifer motioned for the cards, but Serah snatched them up before he could get his hands on them. She sat back in her chair and started shuffling, eyes fixed squarely on him, waiting for him to object. A smirk turned his lips as he waved her on. "You can shuffle all you want," he said. "War is a game of chance. Its all the luck of the draw, no more calculated than the spin of a gun barrel in Russian roulette." "I think Id rather play that at this point," she muttered. "Too bad youre immune to bullets." He laughed. "Ah, dont be bitter.

You should accept the fact that maybe youre not supposed to get your answers. Maybe youre just destined to spend more time with me." "Rubbish," she said, narrowing her eyes. "God is on my side. Ill win." She split the deck in half and flipped over her first card, more determined than ever to beat him at his game. Less than ten minutes later, Serah held one last measly card while Lucifers stack towered above hers. Lost. Again. "Thought you were going to win, angel? Thought Daddy was on your side?" "Youre infuriating." "Likewise." Serah turned her last card over and stood up, not bothering to wait on him

to flip his. She stalked to the wooden double doors and stormed out without saying a word.

Orbs of color streaked through the pitch-black sky, not a cloud to be seen anywhere. Reds, and blues, and greens, and vibrant yellows burned brightly, patterns of light originating from deep in space. Shooting stars, the mortals called them. Dozens streaked above them, trails of fire burning in the atmosphere. "Make a wish," Hannah muttered. "I havent seen a meteor shower this bad in a long time," Serah said, staring up in the sky. While beautiful,

she knew it wasnt a good sign. It was never good when pandemonium reigned. "We did our best to ward off the asteroid, but so much broke through," Hannah said. "Next time, we may not be so lucky. The universe is in chaos, and its only getting worse. The hurricanes, the tsunamis, the earthquakesits only a matter of time now." "The apocalypse." "Conquest, War, Famine, and Death will soon surface, and then life as we know it will be over," Hannah said. "Satan will rise." "I dont understand," Serah said quietly, still gazing at the frenzied sky. Lucifer seemed so sedentary. How could he be moving them closer to the

apocalypse when he was trapped below with no way to escape? He seemed to almost accept that fact. She needed answers, and she needed them fast. "Hannah, do you know anything about War?" "I know nobody truly wins at war. Everyone loses." "Not actual war." "The Horseman, then?" "No, the card game." Hannahs brow furrowed as she glanced at Serah, her eyes leaving the hectic sky for the first time that night. "A game? You know more about human pastimes than I do." The air in the field crackled behind Serah, Michaels overwhelming essence radiating through the land

around them. Hannah glanced back at him, but Serah didnt move. She fixed her gaze on the sky, purposely avoiding him. "I said it wouldnt work," Michael said straightaway. "Just look at that prophetic sky. Judgment Day will soon be upon us." "I dont need an I told you so lecture," Serah said. "It helps none of us." "Im lecturing no one," Michael said. "Im simply stating the truth, Serah. All of this time youre spending with that depraved miscreation is irrational." Serah held her tongue, her jaw rigid as she purposely held in the words she yearned to say: That miscreation is your brother, like it or not.

Hannah sighed, nudging Serahs arm lightly and giving her a sympathetic smile before teleporting away. Serah remained still as Michael walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her toward him. She didnt fight it, didnt pull from his embrace, but she didnt melt into his arms like she wouldve in the past. "I miss you," Michael said. "I miss us. Dont you feel the same way?" "I do," she admitted. She did. It was true. She missed the comfort he used to bring her, how safe she felt with him, how infallible he used to seem. "Do you still love me?" She couldnt be certain, but she thought she sensed a bit of doubt in his voice. "Of course I do, Michael. You

just dont stop loving someone. Love changes you." "Then why are you so standoffish?" he asked. "Because love changes, too." "It doesnt have to." "It does," she disagreed. "Everything changes eventually, not necessarily for the bad, but not always for the good, either." "What does that even mean, Serah?" "It means that the world isnt always black and white," she replied. "Sometimes, its gray, and sometimes that gray explodes into colors you never knew existed before." "I still dont understand." Serah frowned. She didnt think he would.

Serah walked swiftly down the long corridor, leading to the room at the end. She came upon the massive, wooden double doors and yanked them open, her mouth moving as words started spilling from her lips. She expected Lucifer to be sitting in his throne, shuffling the deck of cards, but the sight that met her was quite the opposite. Sunlight blasted her as she stepped through the doors and onto a long, winding, asphalt road, flanked by freshly painted sidewalks. Modest twostory houses lined the road on both sides, their driveways filled with cars

and minivans. Trees were scattered throughout, vibrant green leaves rustling in the light breeze as luscious grass coated the yards. She could hear birds chirping as they flew through the air, whirling around the quiet neighborhood. Serah was so dumbfounded she just stood there, staring, unable to move until she heard a noise behind her. She spun around in just enough time to see a child on a bike speeding right toward her, the street ongoing for as far as her eyes could see, the doors shed just stepped through gone. She froze, expecting him to move right through her as if she didnt exist, but the boy swerved onto the sidewalk to miss striking her. "Sorry, lady!" he yelled as he

peddled past. "Didnt see you!" Her eyes widened with shock. "What in Heavens name?" She spun around again, flinging herself in a circle, and let out a startled yelp when she came face-to-face with Lucifer. He grasped her arms to stabilize her, his sudden presence throwing her off-kilter. She gasped as he touched her bare skin, shockwaves of electricity running through her body, flowing down her spine. Immediately, she stepped away from him. "Relax," he said, holding his hands up defensively. "Cant hurt you, remember?" "What is this place?" she asked, her eyes darting around. "Where are we?" "Hell," he replied. "Someones Hell, anyway."

She gaped at him. This is someones Hell? "Its one my favorite," Lucifer continued. "Most of the cages are dark and ugly, but this one . . . it feels almost like really being outside. Well, except for the fact that it reeks of blood and burning flesh, but I take what I can get." Serah was quiet as she tried to process that. It seemed so peaceful and innocent, almost an exact replica of a few Heavens shed encountered along the way. It was strange to her, seeing Lucifer standing in the middle of a suburban neighborhood, surrounded by hardy trees as sunlight streamed down on him. His tanned skin seemed to glow under the rays, the red entirely gone from his eyes; much browner

today than the black she was accustomed to. "Come on," he said, nodding for her to follow him as he took a few steps backward. "Let me show you around a bit." She slowly shook her head, refusing, but her feet didnt seem to get the message. Curiosity fueled her steps as she moved forward, following him down the street. Lucifer ducked between two houses, jumping over the boys discarded bicycle, and made his way into a backyard. Serah continued to follow him, watching as he leaped over a tall, wooden fence and landed out of sight. Serah climbed the fence, startled when she jumped down on the other side and found herself in another place,

another time. A crowd roared around them as she and Lucifer stood in the middle of a dusty arena, gladiators in full gear bludgeoning each other mere feet from her. Gasping, she stepped away, looking to Lucifer in horror as blood splattered her direction. "I like the other one better." He smirked, snapping his finger, their surroundings changing instantly. They stood in a massive red tent, spectators surrounding the outskirts as a group of clowns performed in the middle of them. Laughter swarmed the tent, above it the sound of a tiger roaring just outside the entrance flap. "Well, clowns are terrifying, I suppose." Lucifer snapped his fingers again, everything going black. Serah blinked

rapidly, trying to see in the darkness, but there was nothing there . . . nothing at all. The space seemed entirely void of everything, a massive black hole of nothingness. But then she felt it, the prickly sensation on the back of her neck, the humid warmth of a shuddering breath against her skin. She spun around, finding nothing there, but she heard them. She could hear the low, aggressive growl, hungry and angry, like it yearned to devour her. She trembled at the thought. "Okay, I get it. Enough." A loud snap sounded, and Serah found herself standing on the peaceful neighborhood street with Lucifer again. "Right down the street, in the blue

house with the bike in the yard, a man is forced to watch his family murdered every day," he said. "The gladiator is bludgeoned to death every hour, on the hour. The ringmaster of the circus is eaten alive by the tiger." "And the last one?" she asked hesitantly. "Whose Hell was that?" Lucifer cocked an eyebrow at her. "Yours." "Mine?" "Curious, isnt it? Your worst fear is oblivion." "What was that thing there?" she asked. "That . . . monster?" A small smirk tugged the corner of his lips. "That was me, angel."

A lush forest of autumn trees surrounded the crystal blue water, so crisp and clear it resembled a reflection of glass. A rocky cliff to the north fed the river, water cascading down the natural stone steps of the falls. Serah stood at the edge of the river, gazing out at it, as Lucifer tore off his shirt and tossed it to the ground. Grabbing a branch above them, he pulled himself up into a tall, twisty tree and scaled it without much effort to where a long, knotted, rope swing hung. Wordlessly, he took a flying leap, swinging right past Serah and out onto the water. He let go when he reached the middle, flailing his arms and legs as he landed in the river with a colossal splash. Water rushed over the bank

from the waves as more flew straight at Serah, lightly splashing her peach dress. She backed up a bit, stunned as Lucifer disappeared into the deep water. A minute passed with no sign of him, then two. She started panicking after five minutes had come and gone. She called out his name and stepped toward the edge just as he popped out of the river a mere foot from her, drenched, water running down his face and dripping from his hair. "Come in," he said, waving her on with his hand. "The waters cold as fuck, but that doesnt matter much to you, I guess, since you cant feel a damn thing." She narrowed her eyes slightly, her hands on her hips. "Im not getting in

there." "Why?" "Because," she said, "this is no time for fun. We have a game to play." He snickered. "Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. Do you hear yourself?" Even she had to admit how absurd that sounded. She shrugged halfheartedly, in no mood to argue with him when he was being somewhat agreeable for once. Lucifer didnt wait for her to change her mind. He slammed his hands down on the surface of the river, sending mounds of water splashing her way. It soaked the entire front of her dress, the material clinging to her skin as water dripped onto her bare feet. Grumbling, she jumped into the river, splashing him right back. The

moment she opened her eyes underwater, she was met with vibrant colors, an entire universe existing under the surface. Multicolored plants flourished, growing and intermingling, while creatures flitted around. Schools of animated fish circled her while river turtles swam by at a slow pace. Serah blinked rapidly as she resurfaced, spinning around until she saw Lucifer. "Its beautiful down there!" "I know." "How?" She shook her head, absolutely dumbfounded. "It doesnt make sense how this could be. How can something this glorious exist in a place this wretched?" "Its best not to question it," he said. "Just go with it, angel. Trust me its better that way."

She shrugged, not pressing the issue, and dove back under the surface. Lucifer joined her, the two of them exploring the deep, lively water. He took her to a cave underneath the falls where tiny yellow fish swarmed, glowing in the darkness like fireflies in a night sky. They splashed and played around, Lucifer grabbing her feet and yanking her deeper into the water, the smile on his face wider than shed ever seen it before. She kicked away from him, silent laughter erupting from her chest in the form of a jet of bubbles. Hours passed, the two of them losing themselves in the underwater world, everything else forgotten and falling away as Serah, for the first time since she lost her brother, truly felt a sense of joy again.

She resurfaced, still laughing, as Lucifer popped up beside her. The moment he appeared, she splashed water in his face. He splashed her back as she tried to scamper away, not getting very far before he tackled her, dragging her back underwater briefly. "This is incredible," she said, resurfacing again. Lucifer raised his eyebrows. "Incredible?" She nodded. "And I mean it in the good way this time. It's incredible. You . . . you're incredible." Surprise flashed across his face. "I havent laughed this much in a while," she continued, staring up at the sun peeking through the gaps in the trees. It seemed so real. "Me, either," he mumbled, drifting

in the river near her. "Its been a long time for me. A very long time." A cloud covering appeared as he spoke, thick and merciless, blocking out every bit of sunshine. Darkness overcame the river, the crystal blue water blurring, morphing to the shade of ink. A chill shot down Serah's spine, goose bumps coating every inch of her flesh. She shivered forcefully, her teeth chattering, the sound echoing through the murky air. Lucifer gaped at her. "Are you cold?" "I, uh. . ." She glanced at him, absolutely staggered when she looked him in the eyes, seeing the splatter of sky blue mingling with the darkness. "Maybe." Something swam by then, a

massive block of rushing water circling them. It struck Serah from behind, brutally shoving her into Lucifer. Her chest constricted as she yelped, a pressure building underneath her skin, tightening against her ribcage. The blue all at once faded from Lucifers eyes, replaced with the swirling red as his face hardened. "Time to go," he said, grabbing her tightly and yanking her out of the water, setting her on her feet on the bank of the river. Thunder roared as lightning flashed in the sky, the wind picking up. The river shifted, turning into a swirling vortex, an underwater cyclone. "What was that?" she asked, trying to stop from trembling. "I told youits best you dont ask

questions," he replied. "There are things in that water youd rather not encounter." "They cant hurt me," she said. "Only an angel can." "Yeah, well, were not taking any chances." Lucifer snapped his fingers. In the blink of an eye, Serah was standing in the middle of the dim meeting room, candles flickering all around. Her dress was bone dry, her soft hair cascading over her shoulder. She ran her fingers through it, trying to detect dampness, but there was nothing. It was like the past few hours hadnt even happened. "That was. . ." She wasnt sure what to say. "Wow." "Take a seat," Lucifer said, his tone clipped as he pointed toward the end

chair. He didnt look at her as he put on his shirt again and sat in his throne, his expression as hard and unyielding as the marble. "Or dont. Whatever." Hesitantly, Serah slid into the chair, watching him peculiarly as he shuffled the deck of cards and split them in half. He flipped his top card over with the stiff flick of a finger, still not looking at her as he waited for her to play. "Are you okay?" she asked, turning over an ace and taking both cards. He scoffed. "I dont need your pity, angel. I dont want it." "Its not pity," she said quietly. "It was a genuine question. I was" "Concerned?" he asked. "Poor pathetic Satan, right?" She shook her head. "I dont think

youre pathetic." "But I am Satan." "You said it, not me." She flipped a card over and he followed suit. They played a few hands in silence before he let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "Lets just play this game so you can be on your way. Im certain you have better things to do than sit here with me all day, every day." Dejection laced his soft voice as a hint of vulnerability showed. Serah slowly shook her head. "No, not really."

Everything changed that moment,

although it was only vaguely detectable in the gloomy shell of a room. A gentle breeze stirred the flickering flames of the candles, rustling Serahs hair, carrying her fragrance to Lucifer. He inhaled, closing his eyes momentarily as it washed through him, the scent striking something deep inside of his body, a tiny pickaxe piercing the wall hed long ago builtthe wall that kept everything and anything from weaseling its way under his toughened skin. The hole in his barricade, hardly noticeable, was enough for everything hed fought to keep in to start slowly seeping out, pure emotions flowing through his body, mixing with the unadulterated sin that always seemed

to flood his system. The need, the want, the lustthe pride, the greed, the envyit screamed out to him, begging him to satiate it, to give in to the desire. He tried to ignore it. She made it impossible. "Tell me about your brother." Serahs brow furrowed. "Ive told you about Samuel." "Youve told me of him," he said. "Tell me about him." "Oh, well . . . I guess its hard to describe him. Hes strong and loyal, full of love and compassion. Hes a beautiful soul." "So a lot like you?" She shrugged. "I suppose we're somewhat alike." "What makes him so special to

you?" "He understands." "Understands what?" She hesitated. "My desire for more." Desire. Lucifer knew all about desire. "What will you do if you find him?" "If? Dont you mean when I find him?" Lucifer nodded. "When you find him, then." "I dont know," she replied. "I suppose it depends on what happened to him." "Are you at all worried about what youll find?" he asked. She cocked an eyebrow at him. "Should I be?"

Lucifer shrugged a shoulder, his attention turning to his cards. Serah was pulling ahead in the game, leaving Lucifer down to only seven cards. He could sense her hope, strong in the room as it radiated from her, so potent he nearly felt guilty when he threw an ace and broke her winning streak. "Phooey," she said, poking her lips out in a pout. "You cant always win." "Well see." Thirty minutes later, Serah threw her last card with a huff, crossing her arms over her chest as he won again.

As days wore on, Serah spent more and more time in the pit with Lucifer

and less time attending to her mundane duties. Things on Earth were steadily collapsing, natural disasters, one after another, battering the lands. Sickness was spreading through countries, deadly diseases infecting mortals, while evil started to slowly swell. No one on Earth made the connection, but the angels knew what it meant. It was hard for Serah to reconcile that madness with the creature in front of her, offhandedly overturning cards in game after game, as if there was nothing else in the universe he had to do. How could he be destroying humanity, plotting to take over, when he spent nearly every moment playing a silly card game with her? He didn't sneak off to attend secret meetings,

didn't have evil armies training by his side. In fact, except for the one who showed her in the first day, she didn't encounter a single demon in his presence. The atmosphere was light, any tension that had once existed fading away as the two of them joked and laughed, for the first time their games more like fun than an assignment. There were two sides to him, two vastly different beings somehow coexisting within one body. There was Satan, the red-eyed demon, who lashed out in anger and invoked evil . . . and then there was Lucifer, making the best of what he'd been given, still finding color in a dark, dark world. And that partthe lingering bit of angel, optimistic and bright-eyed

fascinated her like nothing had before. Lucifer shuffled the cards and split the deck down the middle. He was about to slide her half to her when she held up her hand to stop him. "This isnt working." "Excuse me?" "The way were playing," she clarified. "Its not working." "Are you quitting?" "No, I just want to do it differently." Lucifer laughed dryly. "This is War. There is no other way to play it." "Yes, there is," she insisted. "You can play it like a normal person." "Im not normal," he said, "nor am I a person." "Maybe not, but you can pretend." "Why?" "Because I asked."

"So?" She sighed. "Try, for me. Please?" He stared at her, his expression blank. A small swell of tension swept through but whisked right back out as he stood up and sauntered across the room, coming to a stop beside her. He pulled out a chair, and Serah expected him to sit down in it, but instead he leaped up on the table in front of her, towering above her as he sat down, his long legs dangling off the side. "Fine," he ground out, almost as if it were physically painful to concede. "Let's get this over with." Their game started out normally, an equal share of give and take, as Lucifer manually turned over the cards for the first time. Serah started to pull ahead eventually, winning hand after hand.

Lucifers deck steadily shrank as the game wore on, leaving him with only three cards. Serah threw a king; Lucifer threw a six. Serah threw a ten; Lucifer threw a six. Serah threw an eight and glared at him as his hand hovered over his last card. "If you throw another six, Im crying foul." He chuckled, making no move to turn over his card. "Im surprised you havent cried foul before. I won a hundred and twenty-three games in a row. You had to know something wasnt right." Her eyes narrowed. "Youve been cheating?" "Of course," he said. "Come on.

You really think I play fair? If I want something, I get it. I told youI make all the rules here." "You . . . you . . . you. . ." Anger clouded her expression. "You asshole!" Lucifers eyes widened. "Tell me how you really feel, angel." "I cant believe you!" she spat. "Ive dedicated everything to winning this game, so we could finally have an honest conversation, and the whole time youve been cheating! Its impossible for me to win!" Lucifer overturned his last carda six, of course. "You beat me this time." "Because you let me." "No, because you asked me to play fair." She glared at him as her hand slammed down on the table. She

snatched up the last two cards, shoving them on the bottom of her deck. "I want my answers." "Ask your questions." "Wheres my brother?" "Cant say." "Why are you still fighting?" He shrugged. "Stop it," she insisted. "End the war." "Thats not a question." "Please?" "No." A loud groan of frustration echoed through the room as Serah stood, shoving her chair back. Angrily, she threw the deck of cards at him, all fifty-two of them scattering around him, some smacking him in the chest. "I did all of this for nothing?

Seriously? Youre giving me nothing?" She turned to storm out when he grabbed ahold of her arm, yanking her back in her chair. She shoved away from him, prying his hands off of her as something surged underneath her skin. It was so intense her body felt like it was vibrating. "He came here." "Who?" "Your brother." Serahs anger faded a bit at his words. "What?" "He came to the gate. He summoned me." "When?" "A few weeks ago," he said. "It was the first time I ever smelled you. Your scent was all over him that day." "Why?" she asked.

He shrugged. "Probably because hed just seen you." "No, I mean why did he come here?" she asked. "What did he want?" "He wanted to ask me a question." "What question?" "He wanted to know why I didnt back down. I had everything, and I gave it up for this." He waved his hands around, motioning toward the gloomy room. "He wanted to know if I thought falling was worth it." "What did you say?" "I said Id rather endure an eternity of pain by choice than feel nothing forever by force," he said, tapping his temple. "The next day, the angels were frenzied. Samuel fell, they said. Nobody knew why, or how, but I knew."

"Why?" Lucifer scooted closer to her. She stared up at him, desperation shining from her eyes as she waited for an explanation, something that would finally make sense of it. Samuel was so loyal, dedicated to innocence. What had he done to deserve such a fate? "He fell because he decided falling would be worth it," Lucifer said. "He asked Michael to take his wings." Serah furiously shook her head. "No, he wouldnt." "He would," he said, "and he did." "Youre wrong." Lucifer sighed. "Im not. He was the first, you know. The rest all fell out of punishment. Samuel fell because he was ready to go." Devastation swirled through Serah

as she continued to shake her head, refusing to believe her brother would do that. "He wouldnt. . . he couldnt do that. He couldnt just leave me alone. He wouldnt." "You arent alone," he said. "I like to think he left you in capable hands." Serah frowned as she processed those words. Could it be? "Michael." Slowly, carefully, Lucifer leaned forward, his face near hers as he whispered, "I meant me." A shiver ran the length of her body as his breath fanned against her skin. Lucifers cheek brushed against hers, sparks tingling where they touched. She glanced up at him as he moved even closer, the tips of their noses brushing together. Serahs breath caught in her throat, her chest aching

with an unfamiliar burn as the brown in his eyes melted away slowly, familiar blue creeping back in. He didnt hesitate as he cocked his head to the side, pressing his chapped lips to hers. She remained still, reeling as he gently kissed her, his tongue swiping across her bottom lip. She let out a shuddering breath, his tongue exploring her mouth the second it opened, softly caressing hers. Something jolted inside of her at that moment, something astonishing, something brand-new. She brought a shaky hand up and ran it through his dark hair. Every part of her touching him prickled, pins and needles under her skin, like it was waking up for the very first time. There was fire then, passion

erupting when her hands touched him. His kiss was firmer, his lips moving feverishly. She tried to kiss him back, tried to keep up with his frenzied movements, but all at once, it was too muchtoo overwhelming, too foreign, too intense. She shoved away from him, shaking her head. Lucifer froze, breathing heavily, the blue in his eyes being overtaken with black as he gawked at her. His expression morphed quickly to confusion. "Oh, fuck." She tried to move away as his hand shot out, his large palm covering her cheek. His thumb brushed against her skin, quickly wiping something away as Serahs vision blurred, hindering her view of him. The burning in her chest intensified as her throat closed up, words barely

able to make it past the obstruction. "Whats happening to me?" "Youre crying," he whispered. "Youre fucking crying." Serah pushed away from him again, bringing her hands up to frantically wipe her face. Crying? She could see the tears shining on her fingers as she brushed them away, like tiny diamonds glistening under the dim lighting. Impossible. She stood up, panicked, and darted for the door. Lucifer tried to stop her, scurrying right after her, but she was too quick. She bounded out the door and soared to the gate at lightning speed, passing straight through it. Lucifer tried to follow and hit the shield at full blast. A high-pitched shriek ripped

through the sky as the enchantments struggled to keep him imprisoned, so loud Serah recoiled and brought her hands up to cover her ears. She swung around, seeing Lucifer had made it halfway through the shield before it brutally repelled him. An excruciating scream tore from his chest as his eyes burned bright crimson, his lip curling in a monstrous sneer. He dropped to his knees, his tanned skin turning orange as if fire raged beneath, that spot on his chest where Michael had carved the mark glowing so brightly Serah could see it through his black shirt. Flames seemed to explode from the circle, scorching his clothes. He threw his head back and clenched his hands into fists as another

noise ricocheted through the land. The ground quaked as the guarding reapers descended upon him, the shapeless faceless black monsters tearing at his skin. His screams grew louder as his body absorbed them before spitting the masses right back out, like mere shadows passing through him. Serahs vision blurred more, her chest constricting as she fought for composure, gasping for needless air, unable to catch an unnecessary breath. She covered her mouth as tears flowed down her cheeks and turned away from him, unable to take it. She ran again, not stopping until she stepped foot back onto the soil of the woods in Hellum Township.

Serah and Hannah swayed gently on the swings of the quiet school playground. The kids were all in class, recess not for another hour, leaving the two angels all alone for a bit. The air behind Serah crackled seconds before her swing roughly jolted, nearly knocking her out of it. She gripped the chains tightly, holding on, as Hannah glanced behind them. "Samuel." Serah sighed as her brother teleported from behind her to in front of her the moment she turned to look at him. She turned back around, raising an eyebrow as she met his gaze, seeing the look of amusement on his face. "Dont you have anything better to do than annoy me?"

"Nope," he said. "Nothing is more important than my sister today." "Why?" He smirked. "Happy Creation Day!" Serahs rolled her eyes. "We were created in the summer. Its fall." "Really?" "Yes, really. You know that, Samuel." "Oh, well, guess I got you a surprise for nothing then." Serahs brow furrowed as she regarded him with curiosity. "A surprise?" He nodded, his attention shifting to Hannah. "Sorry, hippie, I didnt get you anything." Hannah shook her head. "I dont know why you insist on calling me

that." "You do the hippie stuff, like play with nature and gaze at the cosmos. If you were mortal, youd totally smoke reefer and sing Kumbaya with your stoner friends." "I think youre confusing me with you," Hannah said. "Im pretty sure I overheard you and Michael discussing world peace yesterday." "Hey, its a great concept," Samuel said. "Would certainly make our work easier if everyone could just get along." "Well, they wont." Hannah stood up, giving Serah a small smile, before turning back to Samuel. She threw up two fingers as she stuck her tongue out at him. "Peace out." She vanished in a crack of

electricity. Samuel laughed, shaking his head as he turned back to Serah. He kicked her feet as she swung toward him. "Come on, get up. Lets go." "Go where?" "Your surprise, remember?" Sighing, Serah stood up, expecting Samuel to teleport somewhere and her have to put feelers out to pick up his location, but he didnt. Instead, he started walking through the playground toward the sidewalk. She stayed in step with him, the two of them casually strolling down the street in Chorizon. "Is my surprise here?" "Yep." "What is it?" "Youll see." "Why wont you tell me?" "Because itll ruin the surprise."

They walked for a few blocks, slowing as they came upon a small coffee shop. Serah gazed in the window, seeing a few patrons inside, nothing that would particularly spark her interest. "Coffee?" she asked. "It always seemed kind of disgusting to me, Samuel." He laughed. "No, your surprise is behind you." Serahs gaze shifted. In the glass window, she could see the reflection of the street behind her. There she spotted it, the cherry red 1966 Pontiac GTO parked along the curb, the top down, fresh paint glistening under the sunlight. She spun around. "My favorite car!" "Yep," he said, nudging her with his

elbow. "Surprised I remembered?" Before she could respond, the air around them sparkled as Samuel shifted, taking on his full human form. A man walking out of the coffee shop startled, alarmed, dropping his drink as Samuel appeared right in front of his eyes. Samuel glanced behind him at the man, casually nodding. "Whats up?" Serah hissed through clenched teeth. "What are you doing? People can see you!" "So?" He shrugged. "We cant drive this bad boy unless we materialize. Itll draw too much attention with nobody behind the wheel." "Drive it?" She gaped at him. "We cant drive, Samuel." "Why?"

"Because its against the rules!" "Oh, get off it," he said. "Tell me which one of the commandments it breaks." "Thou shalt not steal." "Were borrowing it. See? The keys are already in it for us. Not stealing." Serah gazed at the keys. "Thou shalt not covet." "We're not coveting. We're driving." Serah sighed. "I dont know how to drive." "How do you know? Youve never tried." He waved his hands, motioning toward the car. "Come on. I look crazy, just standing here talking to myself." She stared at her brother, contemplating. "Are you sure about this?" "Absolutely, little sis," he said,

conviction in his voice setting her at ease. He rubbed his hands together. "Lets do this." Serah glanced around suspiciously, hoping no one was looking as she materialized beside her brother. He grinned at her as he ran toward the car, leaping into the passenger seat. Serah walked around to the drivers side and opened the door, timidly sliding into the seat. She put on her seat belt, earning a dramatic eye roll. "We cant get hurt." "No, but theres a law about seat belts," she said, "but go ahead and keep yours off if you want a police officer to pull us over." Samuel shrugged. "Eh, would certainly be interesting." Serah started the car, a smile

overtaking her lips as it came to life, the car vibrating as the engine purred. She tried to recall what it was mortals did as they drove and checked her mirrors, adjusting the seat to reach the pedals better. She put on the blinker to signal and looked around cautiously, making sure nothing was coming as she pulled out into the street. Samuel glanced around the vehicle, opening up consoles and looking in cubbyholes. "Ha!" he yelled after a moment, snatching a pair of sunglasses out of the glove compartment. He lounged back in his seat as he put them on, casually leaning his arm against the door. "All right, sis. Gun it." Her eyes widened. "What?" "Press the gas." "I am."

Samuel craned his neck to look at the speedometer. Serah looked down at it: 20 miles per hour. "Give me a break. What race car driver goes this slow?" "Im not really a race car driver," she said incredulously. "Pretend," he said, cocking an eyebrow at her. "Hit the gas or I will." Serah slammed her foot down on the gas pedal, knowing her brother would do as he warned. The car jolted, roaring loudly as it accelerated rapidly down the street. They approached stoplight after stoplight, each one peculiarly turning green right before they reached it. Serah peeked over, seeing her brother casually flicking his finger, changing the lights for her. They sped all over Chorizon and

out of the city limits, weaving down winding back roads, passing not a single other car along the way. The Pontiac, despite being nearly fifty years old, ran smoothly, not a hiccup as it automatically shifted gears, roaring every time she pressed the gas harder. The speedometer inched upward farther and further65, 75, 85, 95as wind whipped Serahs long hair, sending it swirling madly in the air around them. Samuel reclined back, grinning as he watched her drive for the first time. He reached over and clicked on the radio, twisting the dial and scanning through stations until he got one to come in. 30 Seconds to Mars blared from the speakers as Samuel turned it up as loud as the volume would go,

singing along to the words of "Kings and Queens." Serah drove them back toward Chorizon, listening to her brothers melodic voice as passion poured from his chest to the music. The song came to an end as soon as they reached the city limits again. They cruised through town going 35 miles per hour, and Serah pulled the car back in its spot along the curb in front of the coffee shop. She smiled, pushing her windblown hair from her face as she cut the engine. Samuel glanced over at her. "Am I the best brother ever, or what?" "You are," she agreed. "That was the greatest moment of my existence." "So far. Youll have many more just like it, if not better, in the future." He

smiled, reaching over and nudging her playfully under the chin. "We both will, sis. I just know it." Samuel apparated out of there, vanishing from the car as Serah once more shifted, invisible to anyone who walked by. She sat there gripping the wheel, not knowing, as she savored the moment, that it had been the last time shed ever lay eyes on her brothers immortal form.

"Cinderella, dressed in yella' Went upstairs to kiss her fella' Made a mistake and kissed a snake, How many doctors did it take?"

Nicki and her best friend Emily jumped rope as they sang harmoniously, beginning to count when they reached the end of the verse. Serah watched them in a daze. "Ugh, what a ghastly song," Hannah said, plopping down on the swing beside Serah. "Let me guess its just another silly childish rhyme, right?" Serah slowly shook her head as the words ran through her mind. "It might be about Lucifer." Hannah scrunched up her nose. "Really? Satan?" "And me," she whispered as the little girls started over again, singing the rhyme from the beginning. Made a mistake and kissed a snake. . . "Was

it?" "Are you okay?" Concern laced Hannahs voice. "Youre worrying me, Serah." "I dont know," she said quietly. "I dont know about anything anymore." The girls started over for the third time, but Serah didnt stick around to listen. She left Hannah without saying goodbye, teleporting to the field in Heaven. As soon as she appeared, an alarming sensation swam through her. With a deep breath, a succulent sweetness entered her lungs, the perfume of the countless wildflowers blanketing the land. She plucked a handful from the ground and brought them to her nose. Inhaling, she was taken aback by the fragrance, so strong a bitter tang tickled the back of her

throat. That alone broke the doubt shed had in her mind. She headed for Hellum Township, rushing through the gates and running straight into Hell, no hesitation in her footsteps as she burst through the force field, flowers still in hand. She sprinted for the tower, hurrying down the corridor, and burst through the wooden doors into the meeting room. Lucifer sat in his throne, appearing slightly worse for wear but still in one piece as he frivolously overturned cards with a flick of the finger. His expression was hard, his eyes clouded with a faraway look as he avoided her gaze. Across the room from him, in the chair Serah had occupied day after day, sat a skinny, trembling man. He looked

over at Serah with terrified eyes. "Please help me," he whispered, imploring her. "Angel of the Lord, I beg for your mercy." Before Serah could even think of how to respond, Lucifer raised his arm, methodically closing his hand into a fist, stealing the voice right from the tortured soul. The man continued his pleading, his lips frantically moving, but no sound escaped. He grasped his throat, horror spiking in his expression as his eyes darted back to the King of Hell. "Play," Lucifer barked. The man quickly flipped over the next card on his meager stack. "As you can see, Im busy, so speak your piece and leave." Serah held her hand out. "Here."

Lucifer glanced at her and raised an eyebrow. "You brought me flowers?" "Take them." "No." "Smell them." "You smell them." "I did," she said. "Just a moment ago." His brow furrowed slightly as he gazed at her. Serah waited for him to react, for him to press her for an explanation, but he simply turned away after a moment, going right back to his game as if she werent even there. Slowly, she lowered her hand, still grasping the flowers, as anger surged through her at being disregarded. She spun around, facing the terrified man. "He cheats, you know. Hes such a spineless coward that he

cant even play fair." "Enough," Lucifer spat through clenched teeth. "He thinks I find him pathetic, but really, Im the pathetic one," she continued. "Pathetic because I thought maybe there was more to him than this. Maybe he wasnt hopeless. Stupid me, right? I actually thought for a second that Satan" Lucifer stood up, a crack of unexpected thunder ripping across the ceiling and cutting her off mid-rant. All of the candles extinguished in a whoosh, leaving them in the dark. The floor near Serah suddenly opened up, fire raging from the crack as Lucifer threw the man into it, his screams cut off as the floor sealed once again. Lucifer stalked forward, heading

straight for her, stopping when they were toe-to-toe, towering above her, his chest pressed against hers. Rage radiated off of him as he glared down at her, his eyes ablaze in the dark room, his nostrils flaring. "You have some fucking nerve." "Why?" she demanded, refusing to back down. She thrust the flowers at him, punching him in the chest with them clenched tightly in her fist. "Whats happening to me?" "Whats happening to you, angel, is that youre finally starting to realize this perfect world you live in isnt as perfect as its made it out to be," Lucifer said, snatching the flowers from her. "Youre starting to realize Daddy isnt all Hes cracked up to be." "Blasphemy."

"You can curse me all you want," he continued. "It doesnt make it any less true. The signs are all there." "Youre wrong." "Am I?" He cocked an eyebrow at her. "Tell me you dont feel the chill in the air, that you cant feel my breath on your skin." He reached over, running the back of his hand along her pale cheek. She shivered at the sensation, tingles running down her body as his hand ran down her neck, trailing along her chest, between her breasts. "Tell me you feel nothing from that. I fucking dare you." She smacked his hand away. "Youre disgraceful." "But Im right." "Youve done this," she accused. "This is your fault."

"Oh, I havent done anything to you, angel." He leaned forward, his lips near her ear as he whispered, "Yet." Lucifer stepped back as the candles once again ignited, his eyes trailing the length of her slowly, before he turned around and stalked back over to his throne. He sat down and kicked his legs out, waving for her to take a seat, but she didnt move. "Were a lot alike, you and me," he said, "whether you want to believe it or not. I feel things. I taste things. Ive always wanted more. Fuck, I can even cry, too." Her eyes widened. "You cry?" He scoffed. "I said I could, not that I do." "Then how do you know you can?"

"Ive shed a few tears a time or two," he admitted. "Hitting the gate hurts like a son of a bitch." "I saw," she said. "Yesterday." "I know." "You shouldnt have come after me," she insisted. "You couldnt have stopped me." He laughed dryly. "Thats where youre wrong. I couldve stopped you at any time. You left because I let you leave." Her brow furrowed. "Then why did you put yourself through that? Why didnt you just stop me if you could?" "I told youIm not in the business of taking away free will. I wanted you to choose to turn around, to choose to come back. But you didnt, even after the reapers attacked me. Message

received, angel, loud and fucking clear." "How could you have stopped me?" she asked. "You cant hurt me." Lucifer snapped his fingers, the room fading away to pure blackness. Serah felt like she was hovering in a void of space with no way to escape no entrance, no exit, no nothing. Her Hell. "Okay, I get it. Enough." No response. She spun around in a circle, searching for Lucifer, but there was no sign of him anywhere. She tried to run, but she had no sense of direction. It was like gravity no longer existed. "Stop this!" Still no response. Time withered away, her panic escalating. She tried flying, her wings

rapidly expanding, but she couldnt tell if she was getting anywhere with no ground to soar off from. It couldve been a minute or an hour, a day or a weektime meant nothing in a vast pit of nothingness. Terror ran through her, a cold sensation overtaking her body. "Lucifer!" At the sound of a snap, Serah was instantly back on her feet in the meeting room, eyes wild, hair windblown. Lucifer sat in his throne, not appearing to have moved an inch. Most of the flowers lay in a heap at his feet but he held onea pale pink wildflower. "Terrifying, isnt it? Being trapped? No wonder it's your Hell." "Youre horrible!" Lucifer ignored the jab and

motioned to the table in front of him for the second time since shed burst into the room. "Have a seat." Serah tentatively approached him. Instead of taking a seat in one of the black chairs, she hoisted herself up on the table, feet dangling off the side as she faced him. She was so close she could thrust her foot out and kick him if she so desired. With the mood she was in, it was certainly a possibility. "Whyd you do it?" she asked quietly. "Thats all I want to know. Why?" "I've done a lot, so you're going to have to be more specific," he said. "Whyd I rebel? Whyd I give everything up? Whyd I cheat at War? Whyd I crash into the gate like a

fucking suicidal imbecile?" "No," she said. "Why'd you kiss me?" He twirled the flower between his fingers, bringing it to his nose and inhaling. "Why not?" "That's not a good answer." "It's the only one I've got." Serah shook her head exasperatedly and looked away, frustrated. Lucifer sat up and reached over, grasping her chin and pulling her face back so she'd look at him again. "Tell me something." His voice was low, a gritty whisper. "Have you ever done something simply because you wanted to? Not because you were ordered to, not because you thought you had to, but out of selfishness? Pure greed? You did it, because you couldn't

imagine not doing it? Consequences be damned." She shook her head slowly. "No." "You're lying," he said. "You wouldn't be here with me otherwise." "I was sent to ask you" "To stop the fighting," he said, cutting her off. "And you've asked me . . . more than once. And I've denied you . . . more than once. Yet here you still are. Why?" She shrugged a shoulder. "Why not?" Lucifer smirked. "Exactly." They stared at each other for a moment before he slowly, deliberately inched forward. Serah's breath again hitched as he pressed his lips to hers for the second time, kissing her softly. She trembled, kissing him back, for the

first time tasting the mint in his mouth, tingling her tongue. She groaned at the sensation, the sound spurring Lucifer on. He tried to deepen the kiss, but Serah pushed away from him, both hands pressed flatly against his chest, keeping him at arms length. "We can't do this," she said. "It's wrong. It's all wrong!" "So?" She stared at him incredulously. "It's a sin!" "Ah, sin," Lucifer said. "Like the serpent that tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. She devoured it, knowing she shouldn't." "And she was punished for it." "She was," Lucifer agreed. "But if you think for a moment she truly regretted it, you're wrong. That fruit

was the most glorious thing she ever tastedthe sweetest, the ripestand once you experience something so breathtaking, you never forget it. You never regret it." "How would you know?" "Because it's the same thing with feeling," he said. "Once you know what it's like to smell a flower, you can't go back to seeing it as just a plant. It's more than thatmuch, much more. And it's the same way with pleasure. Once you feel the shiver from a lover's touch, you can't go back to being numb again." "But Eve didn't just hurt herself by sinning." "You give her too much credit," Lucifer said. "She ate a fucking apple. That's it. She couldn't ignore her

hunger. The temptation was too great. And if anything, instead of holding it against Eve, the world should really envy her." "Why?" "Because she experienced a pleasure none of them will ever get, gratification none of them will ever come close to. Even I dont know what its like to bite into that apple, and Ive never denied myself anything." Lucifer stroked his thumb along her cheek, a small seductive smirk twisting the corner of his lips. "Give in to it, angel." "Give in to what?" "The hunger," he said, his tongue slowly running across his bottom lip. "The need. Give in to the craving. Give in to me."

"Never," she whispered, the word impulsively tumbling from her lips, no conviction in her feeble voice. "I know you feel it, deep inside of you, screaming out to be acknowledged, to be satiated," he continued as if she hadnt spoken. "I can sense it, clawing underneath your skin, begging to be let loose, begging to be invited out to play." She shook her head, silently refuting his words. "Tell me you dont feel it then, the fluttering in your chest; the hair on the nape of your neck rising as your nerve endings stir, your fingers tingling with the need to reach out and caress something." His eyes raked down her form. "Tell me your body doesnt ache at the mere thought of me between

your thighs, on top of you, inside of you, giving you what my brother never couldreal feeling, the kind of feeling that makes you scream so loud your throat feels like its bleeding. Agonizing pleasure, the kind that torments your every thought, driving you to the brink of insanity only to pull you right back from the edge, over and over and over again. Unbearable pleasure, the kind that makes you beg for it to stop, but the moment its over, you feel like nothing but an empty, useless shella shell that needs more." Warmth flooded her body, starting from the top of her head and rushing down, engulfing that spot at the apex of her thighs that seemed to involuntarily respond to his tirade.

"Tell me," he growled. "Tell me you dont feel your body coming alive. Tell me you dont want more of it, that youd be content going back to your miserable, endless existence where a fucking tingle is enough to quench your thirst. Tell me, and Ill never ask you again." Serah opened her mouth to tell him, to end the charade, but she couldnt force the words from her lips. She couldnt lie. She swallowed thickly, her breath quickening as she rubbed her hands against her dress, wiping away the sudden dampness of her palms. Lucifer jumped out of his seat, slamming his hands on both sides of Serah on the table. He towered over her, red raging in his eyes at her

prolonged silence. "Tell me!" "No." The pathetic squeak of a word, barely audible, was enough of a spark to ignite a fire in the room. With no hesitation, no ounce of self-doubt, no second-guessing, Lucifer smashed his lips to Serahs, kissing her with a fervor shed never perceived before. He slammed her onto her back on the table, forcing her legs apart as he pressed himself against her, the layers of clothing between them not enough to contain the heat radiating from him. His erection throbbed in his pants, pulsating between her thighs as she ran her hands through his hair. Oh, Heavens. . . Lucifers hands slid up her outer thighs, shoving her dress around her

waist as he hitched her legs up at his hips. There was no kindness in his movements, no gentleness in his touch, none of the sweetness shed always associated with the act. This was lust, raw and authentic, an unfiltered yearning that brewed between them, unleashed for the first time. Lucifer broke from her lips long enough to tear her clothes off and throw them across the room. He pulled back as she lay on the table, not a shred of material shielding her from his eyes. He yanked his shirt off and dropped it to the floor near his feet, his dark stare fixated on her bare chest. His hands brushed across her nipples, the sensitive flesh puckering under his touch. A single fingertip slowly trailed down her stomach, circling her navel,

before dipping into the bare flesh between them. Her eyes closed when his finger brushed against her clit, electricity jolting her. Through the darkness, she saw fireworks, her world exploding in vast colors she'd never seen before. A groan rumbled in her chest as she shifted her hips involuntarily, seeking more friction. He didnt deny her, picking up her cues right away. He rubbed circles around the spot as he undid his pants with his free hand, kicking them off when they dropped to his ankles. Serahs eyes opened again the second the connection was lost, but she didnt have a moment to spare a curious glance at him. He plunged inside of her, filling her in one hard

stroke. The breath caught in Serah's throat, escaping as a strangled moan as she threw her head back, arching her spine at the sensation. Lucifers mouth went straight for her neck, licking and sucking the exposed flesh as he plowed into her, his hips slamming into her thighs. Her unsteady hands explored his sculpted back as her body tried to adjust to him inside of her, her fingers acclimating to the rough texture of his skin. She let out a shuddering breath when his lips found hers again, messily kissing her with abandon, teeth gnashing together. "Do you like that?" he murmured against her mouth. "Does it feel good to have me inside of you, fucking you?"

"Yes," she panted, a shiver tearing down her spine at his filthy words. "Not good enough," he growled. "You can still speak." Lucifer bit down on her lip, piercing the skin as he pulled out of her. Grabbing her hips, he flipped her over, his rough hand pinning her down, breasts flat against the table. A startled yelp echoed through the room as he thrust into her from behind, filling her deeper than before. A nauseating saltiness coated Serahs tongue as she licked her lips. She winced at the sharp burn and swiped her finger across her mouth, startled to see the smear of red. Blood. She had little time to consider what that meant as he started pounding into her, harder and harder, deeper and

deeper. A loud cry tore from her as she clawed at the table, the marble crumbling as her fingernails dug deep ruts into the hard stone. Startling sensations swarmed her body, nothing like the tingles she felt before. This was a ruthless strike of lightning surging through every centimeter of her body, infusing every cell, altering her at the core. She could feel her body coming alive, growing stronger every second while another part of her deteriorated, unwittingly fading into something more. Her chest viciously ached like it was in a vise grip, triggering throbbing beneath her skin. She could hear it above the sound of their skin slapping together, the thumpthump-thumping of a pulse, beating for the very first time.

It seemed to explode inside of her as her heart kick-started, sending all of her senses into overdrive. The musky smell of sex and sweat filtered into her lungs, her vision blurring, her skin prickling with goose bumps. A cold breeze wafted through the room, a stark difference from the burning fire of Lucifers hands on her flesh. He tightly gripped one of her hips as his other hand stroked the small of her back and the curve of her behind, the rough calluses of his fingers like sandpaper against her sensitive skin. He battered her, again and again, taking no mercy on her body. She ached where they connected, a pleasurable sting as he stretched and filled her. They fit together tightly, like leather clinging to wet skin, where he

ended and she began a blur of sensation. Serah tried to clear her head, tried to make sense of it all, but the feelings were too overwhelming, too cloudy to see through. Lucifer leaned over her, his chest pressed to her back, his warmth nearly scorching her skin. His cool breath fanned against her as his tongue swirled along her earlobe, a light chuckle vibrating his chest as she violently shivered. "Give in to it," he growled in her ear. "Give yourself to me." Never, a shrill voice in the back of her mind screamed out, warning her, but she was too far-gone to listen. Her lips softly moved as she mouthed, "Im yours," the words barely a whisper, a mere shuddering breath, but it was

enough for him. The air shifted at that moment, the split-second, snap decision where shed pledged herself to him changing everything. A loud crack of thunder split the ceiling, the walls starting to crumble around them as Lucifer slammed into her hard from behind. Brutal shockwaves seized her body as she erupted in orgasm, quaking with pleasure, screams of ecstasy burning her raw throat. She tightened around him as he let loose, a feral growl ripping from his chest as the two of them came together. She could feel him, pulsing as he spilled inside of her, warming her from the inside out. A familiar tinglethe tickle of her Grace energizingstirred in her body, stronger and stronger, higher and

higher, building to the point of detonation. Lucifer let out a sigh, tickling her skin as he nuzzled into her neck. He placed a soft, chaste kiss near her ear as he whispered, "Thank you, angel." Fierce wind shook the room, extinguishing the candles, as the energy in her body seemed to purge from her in a whoosh, taking the breath from her lungs. Lucifer pried himself away from her in another crack of thunder. In the glow of the lightning, Serah could see the massive shadows on the floor where Lucifers black wings had erupted from his back. She forced herself off the table and spun around, eyes wide as she took in the sight before her. Lucifers tanned skin glowed

orange, the sigils and markings on his chest and arms pulsating just like they had when he struck the gate. But now, instead of burning brighter, reining him in, forcing the creature back into his prison, condemning him from ever hurting an innocent soul, the black markings glowed orange, gradually blending into his skin. Serah blinked rapidly, her breathing accelerated as Lucifer slowly lifted off the ground, hovering in the air in front of her. He tilted his head back as a ball of light erupted from his chest, so bright and intense Serah had to shield her eyes and look away. It was as if his entire body had become engulfed in flames. When the brightness faded, she peered over at him, meeting his eyes.

They were bright blue, vibrant and crisp, swirling like the lake theyd gone swimming in together. She was so caught up in his eyes, so entranced by his inhuman Archangel beautythe chisel of his jaw, the immense wingspan, the dimples around his soft smirkthat she nearly didnt notice his skin was now free and clear of markings. Her Grace, she realized. She'd given herself to him. Shed healed his wounds as it surged through his body, replenishing him like Michael had done to her countless times. Terror ran through her, seizing her now-beating heart as she frantically shook her head, not wanting to believe it. Lucifer just stared at her, not an ounce of surprise in his expression. Hed known it would

happen. It had been his plan all along. "Im sorry," he whispered, the blue fading back to darkness. "So fucking sorry." In another clap of thunder, he was gone. Serah stared at the spot hed occupied seconds ago, horrified, mortified, as she wrapped her arms tightly around her chest, trying to hold herself together. The ground rumbled viciously, cracking, opening up as flames erupted from below. The loud shrieks of agony tore through the air as everything started to collapse in on itself, the King of Hell no longer there to contain anything. Without realizing it, shed freed the monster from his cage. Four

"What have you done?" The low, venomous voice was so close the hair on the back of Serah's neck stood on end. She slowly turned around, coming face-to-face with Michael in the shadows of the woods of Hellum Township. Serah could sense it was early morning, a few hours past sunrise, but the day was as dark as a stormy midnight. Red had seeped into the sky, thick bloody clouds blocking out all sunlight. Mere minutes had passed since she'd stood in that fateful room with Lucifer, but it seemed as if a lifetime had withered away on Earth. Everything was dry and brittle, a drought ravishing the land, while the

air was stale with a musky, foul odor. Had it always been that way? "I can hear your heart," Michael pressed, "a heart that shouldn't beat!" "I made a mistake." "A mistake?" Michael raised his eyebrows in sync with his voice. "You unleashed Hell on Earth!" "I didn't know Lucifer" "He's Satan!" Michael screeched, stepping closer, rage clouding his face. "You allowed the devil to seduce you!" "Forgive me," she whispered, a lone tear streaming down her cheek. Michael's cold, hard stare burned through her. "No." A roar cut through the woods as the trees around them bent and snapped. Evil brushed against her skin, bouncing off of her, flying right by, as

souls spilled out from the gates, left wide-open in Lucifer's wake. Or Satan's, Serah thought. Maybe Lucifer didn't exist at all. Angels descended upon the area, apparating in packs as they rushed through, trying to stop anything more from escaping. Michael stepped away from Serah as her brothers and sisters appeared, prepared for battle, not a single one acknowledging her. "You should say your peace," Michael said, a staunch detachment in his voice. "This won't end well for you, miscreant." Miscreant. The word was like a knife thrust through Serah's tight chest. Michael vanished, joining the others. He was the one who had locked Satan inside in the first place, so he

alone would know how to reseal the gate. Devastation struck Serah as she dropped to her knees, doubling over in sobs. She'd done this. "Samuel," she cried. "I need you." Static popped right in front of her. She looked up, irrationally seeking out her lost brother, but found Hannah standing there instead. Hannah frowned, grabbing Serah's arm and yanking her to her feet. "Pull yourself together," she said, her voice hard, but there was no anger in her expression. "We can't have you in pieces right now." "I did it," Serah said. "It was me." "I know. We all know. The moment it happenedthe moment he rosethe magnetic pole shifted majorly. Its

going to be difficult to reverse thisif we even can." She blinked rapidly. "I triggered the apocalypse." "Yes, which means you're somehow integral to how this all plays out." "I'm nothing. I succumbed to the snake's temptation. I unleashed Satan." "You were enchanted by Lucifer." Hannah sighed, shaking her head. "He was an Archangel, Ser, the most glorious one ever created. I can't fault you for falling for him." Falling for him. "I am," she whispered. "Literally." A rush of black shadows whipped past then, blanketing the land as far as the eyes could see. The oxygen seemed to be sucked from the atmosphere as Serah gasped painfully, struggling for

air. "Michael released the reapers," Hannah said, watching the morbid creatures as they descended upon Earth. "It's only a matter of time before they track him down." "Then what?" Serah asked. "You know the prophecySatan will be destroyed once and for all." Her gaze turned to Serah again. "Michael's coming. You need to get out of here." "Where am I to go?" "Wherever you feel safe," Hannah said. "Once the dragon is slayed, he'll see things clearly. I'm certain of it." Serah wasn't so sure.

The apocalypse. The end of days. The world didn't end in an hour. It didn't end in a day. In fact, it didn't end at all. Most corners of the planet remained oblivious to the Hell sweeping through the land. As water supplies were poisoned, the air tainted, crops dying, it was business as usual in the mortal realm. They went to school, went to work; they studied and took tests, held meetings and conducted business, adapting instinctively to the perilous conditions. Global Warming was blamed, as was a fictional Mother Nature. The storm of the century was upon them, they said, as they hunkered down and waited for it to all eventually blow over.

Serah laid lowout of sight, out of mindas the angels fought to contain the mess she'd made. Creatures of all sorts had spilled through the gate, stepping foot onto Earth for the first time: vampires, werewolves, even the fairies. The supernatural realm had exploded, led by a horde of demons that had broken free. It was as they'd expected Armageddon to beworse in some waysbut something was distinctly missing. And that something was Satan. A week passed. Seven days of turmoil, and the angels had the fighting somewhat contained to America. Serah watched from a distance as vile monsters fell, one by one being locked back in their cages, but it didn't escape

her notice that their leader was nowhere to be found. Not one reported sighting, not a single incident.

Serah locked herself down in the closed community center in Chorizon, watching it all unfold from a distance. She'd been alone all week, surrounded by absolute silence and stillness. She was watching out the window on the eighth morning near dawn, hoping against hope that the sun would manage to find a way through the ruddy clouds today, when something shifted in the room behind her. She went to turn around, but she was too late.

A thick arm wrapped around her waist, pinning her in place, as a hand instantly clamped down over her mouth. Her body was violently pulled back into another, a vaguely familiar aroma filtering into her bloodstream. She tried to fight the attacker off, but she was still somewhat weakened, and they were too strong. "Relax, angel," a soft voice said. "I'm not here to hurt you." She fought harder at the sound of the voice, only breaking free because he voluntarily loosened his hold. Spinning around, she stepped back swiftly. "Satan." His face contorted, his lip curling as he bared his teeth. "Ive told you not to call me that." "Its what you are!"

He stepped toward her, eliciting a retreat from her. She pressed her back against the cold glass of the window. He froze, raising his hands defensively. "Look, I know youre angry" "Angry?" she hissed. "Im furious! You used me! You knew this would happen!" "I did," he admitted, "but its not that black and white." "It is," she insisted. "I was a fool to think otherwise. You, Satan, mean to annihilate the world." "I do," he admitted again, "but like I saidnot that black and white." "Youve infected me," she spat. "The numbers may not be singed into my skin, but the mark of the beast is on me now." "You're being dramatic," he said. "I

did nothing without your permission. You gave yourself to me." "You coerced me!" "Bullshit!" he spat as he stepped toward her, not deterred this time when she tried to slip away. He slammed his hands against the windowpane, his face mere inches from hers. "You wanted it. You still want it. I can smell the desire on you, sense it inside of you, begging for more release." "You lie!" "I do," he said, "but not about this." "I hate you!" "Maybe so, but you still want me. You still need me. Dare I say, there may even be a part of you deep down inside that actually cares for me." "Never!" He quirked an eyebrow. "Now

whos the liar, angel?" Lucifer inched forward, tilting his head, preparing to kiss her. Serah slipped away before their lips could touch, ducking under his arm and dashing across the room, away from his grasp. Lucifer let out an exasperated sigh as he slowly turned to look at her. "Ill call for him," she threatened. "Take one step, and Ill scream for Michael." "Hell kill us both." "He will," Serah said. "But at least Ill save the world from you." She expected that to discourage him, but his lips curved into a teasing smirk as he took a calculated step in her direction. "Do it," he taunted. "I dare you."

She glared at him, remaining silent. "Thats what I thought." "What do you want from me?" she seethed. "Youve broken free. Youve got what you wanted." "Not all of it." "What else is there?" "You." "Youre a self-centered, repulsive traitor, filled with unforgivable sin." "Are we reciting rsums? If so, youre a fallen angel." "Ive not fallen." "Yet." "You think I dont know?" Her voice quaked. "Youve stolen everything from me." "I gave you more than I took." He glanced around the dark room, his expression softening as his smile fell.

"If its any consolation, I" "It isnt," she spat, cutting him off as bitter tears sprung to her eyes. She reached up, wiping them away as they streamed down her cheeks. "I dont know whats going to happen to me." "Thats why I came here," Lucifer said. "I want to show you something." "Im not interested, so you may as well leave." "Oh, youre going to want to see this. Trust me." "I dont trust the likes of you," she said. "I was stupid to think you were different. Youre not. Youre nothing but" "Satan, I get it," he said, furiously shaking his head. "You sound like a fucking broken record. Do you even believe yourself anymore? You dont

have to trust me. You dont have to be interested. But youre going to see this, whether you want to or not." Lucifer darted toward her, so fast her diluted senses couldnt keep up with him. He snatched ahold of her, yanking her to him, and apparated the two from the room the second she tried to fight him off. They appeared in the front yard of a suburban house, where he let go of her as she struggled against him. She looked around, recognizing it right away, a hint of panic bubbling up inside of her. The Lauer residence. She stared at the modest house, a subtle light flickering inside from lit candles. The electricity was off there, as it was everywhere in the community. Unexpected blackouts,

they said, caused by the power station tripping. It had been down for a little over a week now, ever since Lucifer had broken his restraints. It was no coincidence. "If youve hurt this family, so help me God" He clamped his hand down over her mouth from behind the moment she spoke those words. "Dont evoke Him," he hissed in her ear. God. "And Ive done nothing to these pesky little humans. What do you take me for?" "A monster," she mumbled against his palm. He chuckled darkly. "Takes one to know one." He refused to release her, grasping her tightly and pulling her to him, but his hand dropped from her mouth.

"Why are we here?" she demanded. "Tell me about them." She sighed exasperatedly. "The Lauers, Nicholas and Samantha. They have a daughter named Nicki." "You feel a special connection to this family." It wasnt a question. Somehow, he knew. "Three people, yet theres four heartbeats," Lucifer said. "Why is that?" Serah hesitated. "Samantha is pregnant." "How far along?" Serah stared at the house, seeing shadows move around inside. She could hear faint, childish giggles and realized they were making the best of the blackout by playing a game of

hide-and-seek as a family. "A few weeks," she said. "A boy." "Five weeks and six days, to be precise," Lucifer corrected her. "Curious, isnt it? They were only fated to have one kid. But yet, theres another, conceived the very same afternoon lightning struck the sky from Michaels blade of fire." Coldness swept through Serah as her head grew dizzy. Her body seemed to slump back against Lucifer, his arms wrapping tightly around her as the lone word tumbled from her lips. "Samuel." "A daughter, named after her father," he said. "And now a son, named after his motherSam." "My brother." "Not anymore," he said. "Hes her brother now."

"How?" she whispered, her vision clouding with tears. "How can it be?" Sighing, Lucifer pulled her tighter to him, his arms enveloping her in a strong, warm hug. He rested his chin on top of her head. "I told you, when you fall, your mortality is secured. But what I havent told you is that when Michael takes your wings with his blade, the wounds are fatal. A mortal is no match for his blade." Serahs knees went weak at those words. "Ill die?" "You will." She lost her battle with her tears again then as a sob tore from her. "Samuel died free from sin," Lucifer said. "His soul was given a second chance. A clean slate." "But not me."

"Not you." She closed her eyes, fixating on the soft flutter of the tiny heartbeat inside the house, a life just beginning, the world at his fingertips. "Will he know?" she asked. "Will he know what he is, what he was? Will he remember his other life? Will he remember . . . me?" "Short answer? No." If not for his strong embrace, she wouldve hit the ground. "But its not that black and white," he continued. "Nothing is. How many times do I have to tell you that? He wont know who you are, or what you were to him, or what he was, but if ever someone utters your name in his presence, hell feel a squeeze in his chest, a familiarity where your souls

were connected. And hell know then hell feel ithe just wont understand." Taking a deep breath to steel herself, Serah pulled away from Lucifer and slowly strolled over to the house. She paused outside the living room window and peered in. Through the darkness, she could see Nicholas and Sam running around the room, purposely pretending they couldnt see Nicki, who was wrapped up in the curtain, hiding. Serah raised her hand and pressed it to the cold glass, conjuring up every ounce of energy she could as she sought out that connection, the one that had been missing since the day Samuel fell. Closing her eyes, images hit her fast and manic: a tiny baby taking his

first shaky breath; a dark-haired toddler with bright eyes smearing paint all over the wall instead of a piece of paper; a young boy going to his first day of kindergarten, a nametag reading "Sammy" pinned to his dark blue polo shirt; an awkward preteen trying out for chorus; a teenage boy strumming the brand-new guitar he got for Christmas; a handsome young man forming a band with his friends. There were girls, first loves and second dates, high school dances and a wedding. There was a long life, filled with friends and family, children and grandchildren. There was music and success, love and happiness. The perfect life for Samuel. Serah opened her eyes again and turned back to Lucifer. "Hell be

okay." "Hell be more than okay." "I wont be." He stared at her, his eyes watery as he whispered, "Im so sorry, Serah." Serah. Hed never called her by her name before. "They have terrible insurance," she muttered. Lucifers laughter struck her. "Thats what concerns you? I tell you youre going to die, that Michael is going to kill you, and youre worried about this family's health insurance plan? Unbelievable." Despite the heartache, she managed to smile through her tears as she cast another glance at the house. A burden was still a burden, no matter how trivial it may seem to be.

"Youre taking this a hell of a lot better than I thought you would." She sighed. "I have no one to blame but myself." "You could blame everyone else, too," he said. "Me, Michael, even Samuel. . ." "I could, but there's no point," she said. "It won't change my fate. Besides, how can I fault them, or you, when it was my free will that did it?"

Deep in the eerie woods in a remote part of Europe, a medieval castle was alive with activity for the first time in centuries. The half-dozen towers jutted ten stories into the sky, the fortified

stone structure flanked on all sides by a massive moat of toxic sludge. All hundred rooms were filled with figures, some in normal form, while others were mere monstrous shadows and overbearing masses of solidified evil. The large conference room took up nearly half the second floor of the central tower, thousands of square feet of marble floor, a tattered velvet carpet leading from the doorway to a magnificent throne perched on a platform. The gold throne glimmered and sparkled under the candlelight, the seat occupied once again by a king. This time, it was the King of Hell. Luce held a small gold knife, haphazardly twirling it in his hand, running his fingers along the sharp

blade. He deliberately sliced his palm, wincing as blood oozed from the cut, and watched with fascination as his body absorbed it again, the wound healing instantly, the scar fading in a matter of seconds. It was usually a bitch, being caught between mortality and immortality, not quite human while no longer fullfledged Archangel, but he was enjoying it at the moment. Specks of Serahs Grace still lingered in his cells, tipping the scales back to his supernatural, indestructible half. The demon at the foot of his throne rattled on and on about this and that, but Lucifer hardly heard any of it. Legions and clashes, poisons and infections, natural disasters and manmade catastrophesit all went in one

ear and out the other as he fixated on the serrated blade. It had been his ages ago and had taken him an entire week to track it back down after being freed. The blade, forged with the same material that made Michaels sword, was his only means of protection against his brother. The demon in front of him continued his incessant chatter. They all knew to step into his presence they had to take on their human form, but the lowlife before him didnt seem to grasp the message. His form kept shifting, his face contorting from runof-the-mill John Doe to something out of a nightmare. It stirred Luces rage. "Nukes," Luce said, cutting off the rambling fool. "Youre suggesting I set

off nuclear bombs?" "Well, yes," he stammered. "It would be easiest, no? Wipe them all out in one big swoop." "To what benefit?" Luce asked. "What will be left for me? A radioactive rock with nothing left on it except for a bunch of pissed off angels and scum like you?" "With all due respect" Before the creature could finish, Luce flicked his wrist, the gold knife flying through the room at lightning speed. It struck the demon in the throat, cutting off his words. He erupted into flames before exploding in a puff of black smoke, disintegrating when Luce nodded his head, the knife flying back toward him. He caught it in his left hand while he used his right to

wave the next one forward. Dozens waited to speak to him, to see him, to get the chance to stand in his presence and say his name. "With all due respect is an ignorant mans way of saying I have no fucking respect for you. If I hear another one of you say it, Ill make you regret ever learning to speak at all." One after another marched up to him, bringing news, offering suggestions. He listened to some, ignored others, destroyed a few, but took none too seriously. He was distracted, his mind continuously drifting to the angel who haunted his every moment. Thoughts of her fueled his frustrations. He wasn't supposed to give a fuck,

but she'd dug her way under his skin. And now she was in troubleserious trouble. Although she blamed herself, Luce knew it was all because of him. A particularly gruff demon stood before him, ranting about an unfair matchup between him and some angels. "They're just too strong. There are too many." Luce twirled the blade in his hand again. "Do you know why I chose the castle?" The creature hesitated. "No." "On the first floor of this tower is the chapel," he said. "This throne sits directly above it. No man shall put himself above God. How many times have we heard it said?" "Countless times." "And yet, whoever built this place

literally placed himself above God. In a time where everyone feared Him, this lone king blatantly defied His rules." Luce glanced around the room, his eyes falling on the demon once more. "Do you think that king would've sat here and whined that the enemy was just too strong? That coming out on top was impossible?" The demon shook his head. "No, My Lord." "Then why are you?" Luce asked. "Is a mere mortal king braver than we?" "Of course not." "Then get out of my face and do as I say," he seethed. "I'm not asking you to win the war. I'm only asking you to play your part!" Luce stood up when the demon

scampered from the room. He disregarded the next one with the wave of a hand as he strolled toward the exit, slipping the knife in his pocket. "Where are you going, your majesty?" "Pennsylvania." "So close to home? It's dangerous there. They'll be looking for you." "I'm not a coward," he barked. "I'm not going to sit here with you idiots and wait for them to come. Since youre worthless on defense, the least I can have is a strong offense."

It was easy to track down Serah this time, still hunkered down in the

desolate town of Chorizon. She sat in the corner of the empty community center, knees pulled up to her chest, her head down. Luce approached quietly, seeing her eyes closed, her chest rising and falling as she breathed steadily. She didn't move from her spot, didn't react to his arrival. He stood in front of her, brow furrowed. Was she asleep? Was she that far gone? "I can smell you," she whispered. "My, my . . . how the tables have turned." She opened her eyes and peered up at him. Her skin was flushed, her eyes bloodshot and puffy from crying. She looked more human today. Luce wasn't sure what to say. He'd apologized, his regret genuine. He

didn't regret doing ithe regretted he'd had to. She was an unfortunate casualty of war, a means to an end. It simply couldn't be helped. She was his way out of the pit. It happened all the time, innocents dying. He'd watched many angels fall, some he'd even considered friends at one time or another, but the thought of this one bleeding to death at his feet stirred up something inside of him: something vengeful, something dangerous. Something he barely kept contained. "Dance with me," he said, holding his hand out. Serah stared at it. "There's no music." He snapped his fingers, his hand still extended. The room was instantly filled with a soft, classical song. "Now

dance with me." "Why?" "Because there's music," he said. "Why would there be music if we weren't supposed to dance?" She didn't answer his absurd question, but she gave him her hand and let him pull her to her feet. He wrapped his arms around her, swaying them to the music as she rested her head against his chest. "I don't want your pity," she said. "I don't need you to come around and babysit me." Despite himself, Luce laughed at that. Even as she plummeted from Grace, the fire inside of her burned strong, forever feisty. "I don't pity you anymore than you pity me," he said. "Frankly, I'm just

bored, and youre half-decent company." "Thanks," she grumbled. "The apocalypse isn't entertaining enough for you?" "Nah." He rested his head on top of hers. "It's kind of disappointing so far. Ive waited for this moment for ages, and there hasnt so much as been a surprise party in my honor. No one seems interested in celebrating my arrival. I guess nobody missed me up here." She pulled back slightly to look at him. "Hard to believe, being as you're the life of the party and all." He smirked. "They just don't know what they're missing." Before she could respond, the room started shaking, the music cutting off

in a roar of wind. "Or . . . maybe they do," Luce muttered, spinning around quickly. He shoved Serah behind him, shielding her as half a dozen angels materialized in the room. He scanned them, assessing them quickly. All Powers, some of Michaels best warriors based on their size. "Ah, you must be the welcoming committee." "Stand down, Satan!" one of them demanded. "Retreat back to your cage!" "Now why would I do such a thing?" Luce asked, raising his eyebrows. "I just got here." "Youre not welcome on Earth." "So youre the non-welcoming committee then," he said casually. "Neighborhood watch, perhaps?"

"Were Angels of the Lord and" "Yeah, yeah, yeah," Luce said, cutting them off. "Sorry, gentlemen, but its going to take much more than a few measly Powers to lock me back up. So spare yourselves the trouble and run along home before I have to hurt you." "Were not afraid of you, serpent." "Im not going to warn you again. Zap back out of here, or Ill be forced to end you in front of this gorgeous being." Luce motioned behind him at Serah as she peeked her head around, fear in her eyes as she surveyed the angels. "And Id rather her not see." "We command you leave this place! You and the traitor!" Lucifer slowly shook his head, rage hardening his face. "Youre the only

ones who will be vacating the premises today." In the blink of an eye, Luce reached into his pocket and pulled out the gold knife. With the flick of a wrist, it soared across the room, striking one of the angels between the eyes before any of them had time to react. The angel flickered, his form shifting rapidly between planes like his wiring was on the fritz, a signal struggling for reception. "Shield your eyes, angel," he hollered, ducking as the Power exploded into a burst of fiery light. Luce darted across the room, snatching his knife before it hit the floor, and swung around, slitting another angels throat. The serrated blade tore at his skin as Luce plunged it deep, nearly

decapitating him. Another burst of light vibrated the room as the last four angels sprang at Luce. He fought off their attack, violently thrashing around and slicing skin, striking them wherever he could reach. One of the angels pulled out a small sword and swung it at Luce, but he wasnt fast enough. Luce ducked, thrusting his knife into the thigh of another angel, using the distraction to grab the hilt of the Heavenly sword. He twisted the angels arm around and thrust the blade into his stomach as he again grabbed his knife with his free hand, stabbing another in the chest. Explosions went off, one after another, the angels fizzing out as their Grace blasted from their chests. Luce stood up straight, the sword in one

hand, his knife in the other, and turned to the last angel left. The Power stood still, eyes narrowed, making no move to attack. "Pick your poison," Luce said, holding up the weapons. "Shall you go out by your brothers sword or by your enemys knife?" No answer came. The angel immediately vanished from the room, escaping unscathed. Luce shook his head as he screamed into the empty space in front of him, "That wasnt one of the choices, you fucking coward!" He dropped the sword as he turned around, slipping his knife in his pocket as he sought out Serah. She hunkered down along the back wall, gaping at him with shock, but the fear was gone in her eyes. "You killed them."

"Yes," he said. "I know theyre your family and all that, but it was either them or me, so I plead self-defense . . . or insanity. Either works for me, I think." "I know," she said. "But you killed themall of them. Alone." He crouched down in front of her. "Ive told you beforeyou Powers are a dime a dozen. You guys are a force to be reckoned with against my minions, you can slaughter thousands of demons without so much as even breaking a sweat, but youre no match for me. Only one is." Michael. "Angels dont sweat," she reminded him. He reached over, cupping her warm cheek, feeling the dampness on her

clammy skin. "Youre sweating." "Like I said," she whispered, "angels dont sweat." He sighed. "Whos to say what angels can or cant do, anyway? It is like saying the wicked cant feel remorse, or virtuous people dont murder." "They dont." "Michael does." "Michael only kills the wicked." "Nevertheless, he kills." Her lips parted like shed planned to argue her point, but no words came out. "Its not black and white," he said. "If it were, I wouldnt be here right now, and neither would you. Were the gray area, angel. Were the pieces of the puzzle they dont know what to do

with, the pieces that dont quite fit into their perfect little picture, so they choose to discard us, to keep their image untainted, but we can only be ignored for so long. Because eventually, whether they want to admit it or not, all of their black and white will bleed together, anyway."

"Stop this," Serah pleaded for what had to have been the twentieth time, sitting on the middle swing of the deserted playground, the bottom of her filthy dress brushing the ground. Six weeks had passed since she'd started her task, and she was no closer to succeeding as she'd been at the

beginning. "Please." Lucifer stepped forward as Serah shuddered violently. "I can't." "You have to," she insisted. "It's gone too far." The red and black sky churned, acidic raindrops falling on the two of them. "Lucifer, they're going to" Theyre going to destroy you. Why did that thought squeeze her chest, her heart lodged in a vise grip? He cut her off. "I know." "You can't win." "I know that, too." "Then why?" she asked. "Why are you doing this?" He took one more step toward her, his hands clasping the chains of her swing. Leaning down, he pressed his

forehead against hers and stared into her eyes. After a moment, he let out a deep sigh and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her softly. "I have to try," he murmured, "for you." "Don't," she implored. "Enough already. Please." Lucifer frowned as he pulled away from her. "You don't understand what you're asking. You want me to just go back to my cage? Then what? Huh?" "Then things go back to normal." Even Serah didn't believe those words as she spoke them, and Lucifer called her out on it. "Bullshit. What do you think is going to happen to you? Michael is going to want to punish someone. If I retreat, guess who's going to get the full force of his rage?

You, angel. No one but you." "It's okay," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I'm going to be punished, regardless. I'll die either way." He narrowed his eyes. "How can you be so casual about that?" "Death is nothing to fear," she said. "It's not the end. It's just another beginning." "You're infuriating," he groaned. "Completely maddening." Despite the situation, Serah smiled at that. She remembered a time not long ago she'd said those same things about him. What had changed? "I think you're my apple," she said quietly. "I don't regret tasting you. I can't. You're not perfect by any means there are sweeter out there, and you

have a few rotten spotsbut I'd never have found a juicer apple anywhere in the world." He sighed, the sound heavy with defeat, but his expression remained unwavering. "I'm not going to tuck my tail and run like a little bitch. That's not how this story ends." "It ends with you losing." "I defied destiny once. Who says I can't do it again?" He turned to her, holding out his hand as her teeth started chattering, cold seeping into her bones. The rain was coming down harder, splattering Serah's dress. "Come on. Lets get out of the rain." She reached out and took his hand. The moment she grasped it, he pulled her to her feet, and the two of them apparated away from the playground.

They popped up in the middle of a house nearby, quiet and still, not a fleck of light anywhere. Lucifer let go of her and snapped his fingers, a fireplace along the wall igniting briskly. The warm, orange glow from it illuminated the room. Serah glanced around, surveying the massive bed, covered in a light blue comforter. "A bedroom?" she mused quietly, running her hand along the blanket, feeling the softness beneath her fingertips. "Youre not even going to buy me dinner first?" "Nah, theres no point," he said, his voice light, almost teasing. "You know, considering you already put out before the first date." Her head snapped in his direction, her eyes narrowed as she shot daggers

at him, but her annoyance couldnt last. The moment she saw his expressionthe dimpled smirk, the laugh lines around his eyes, startlingly bright blue at the momentshe melted with ease. "Youre awfully cocky." He opened his mouth to respond instantly, laughter erupting instead. "No comment." Rolling her eyes, Serah turned away from him, focusing back on the bed. The warmth from the fireplace lapped at her as she walked past, warming her, the goose bumps fading from her skin. "Why me?" she murmured. "Out of everyone in the world. . . " "Youre fiery," Lucifer said. "Youre stubborn, and pushy, and exasperating." "Those dont sound like

compliments." "They are coming from me." "Well, thank you," she said, pausing near him. "Youre also brave," he said, stepping toward her. He ran his fingers through her hair, tucking some of it behind her ear. His fingertips trailed her jawline, running down her neck and along her collarbones. "You have the guts to stand here in front of me." "You dont scare me," she said. "Youre a bit of a jerk, and youre completely selfish, and not to mention overconfident" "Thanks." "Those arent compliments," she said. "But despite all of that, I know you wont hurt me." He smirked, leaning down, his lips

near her ear as he whispered, "Now whos being overconfident, angel?" Serah shivered as he softly kissed the sensitive skin beneath her ear, his lips trailing down her neck. He reached the junction between her neck and her shoulder and bit down, his teeth nipping at her soft flesh. A surprised yelp escaped her throat at the sudden sting, the pain heightening her senses. She ran her hands up his back, beneath his shirt, feeling his sculpted muscles and the slight bumps in his shoulder blades from his wings. His body shuddered as her fingernails gently scraped the skin. Their lips met as Lucifer grabbed her thighs, pulling her legs up around his waist. Serah clung tightly to him, wrapped around him, as she fingered

the soft hair around the nape of his neck. Soft groans rattled his chest as he set her on the bed, his mouth never leaving hers as he climbed on top of her. They undressed slowly, painstakingly, in no rush to get anywhere, in no hurry for it to end. She lay back on the bed as Lucifer kissed and caressed every inch of her body, ravishing her, tasting her flesh. Her legs shook, her body quivering when his mouth found the apex between her thighs. She cried out his name, tightly grabbing handfuls of his hair as she arched her back. Tingling shot through her as pressure built inside of her, starting at her chest and trickling down to her toes. She squeezed her eyes shut, getting lost in the sensation, as it

mounted and mounted, stealing her breath away. Her body warmed, growing hotter and hotter, until she felt like she would burst into a million tiny pieces. His tongue, soft and wet, gentle while frantic, was driving her closer and closer to absolute insanity. She fisted the bed sheets, unable to take the pressure, her eyes opening as she neared explosion. Her breath caught, a scream lodged in her throat when she looked down at her naked body. Her skin burned bright orange, as radiant and glowing as the sun. The sight of it caught her off guard, shock ramming those sensations back down inside of her. She shoved away from Lucifer and sat up, curling into herself as she stared at him, wide-eyed. "What was that?"

He raised his eyebrows, his expression twitching with amusement. "I believe your mortals call that oral sex." "I know that," she spat. "I know what cunnilingus is. I meant the glowing." Lucifer chuckled, grabbing ahold of her legs and pulling her toward him again. Her skin was back to a normal hue, a slight pink flush tinting it. "That was you letting go," he said, hovering over her. He leaned down, chastely kissing her lips. "Felt good, didnt it?" She smiled sheepishly. It did. He kissed her neck, nipping at her skin as he nudged her legs apart. With no hesitation, no trepidation, he slid inside of her, the two of them coming together sinuously like theyd always

belonged that way. It was different this time, more sensual, more seductive, less hurried and rash. Each stroke was deliberate, each breath measured, each moan and grunt and pant steady. Theyd lost themselves in abandon last time, drowning in the shallow waters of lust, while they floated in something much, much deeper now. Forbidden love. Hours faded away in a steamy haze, words mumbled by kisses, cries muffled by flesh, as orgasm after orgasm rocked the lovers. Lucifer came to a stop eventually, stilling inside of her, as she breathed heavily against his chest. The flames still raged in the fireplace, but the room had grown significantly darker as time passed. The world outside was being

battered by storms, torrential rain slamming against the roof as the sky grew redder, spreading like blood spilling out and seeping into a wooden floor. "I have to go," Lucifer whispered, kissing her chest. "Dont." "I have to," he said. "Its almost time." He pulled out of her, sitting back on his knees briefly, his eyes trailing over her naked body slowly, consciously. By the time they reached Serahs again, the blue had disappeared, the darkness creeping back into his soul. Serah climbed to her feet, redressing, and slowly strolled over to the window to gaze out. "Come with me," Lucifer said,

standing behind her. "Fight with me." "I cant," she said. "I can fight no more than you can stop." "Why?" he pressed, desperation twining with his voice. "Because its not in me," she said. "I still believe. I still have hope for the world, and for everyone and everything in it. I look out the window, and instead of uglinessinstead of darknessI see the yellow dandelions growing once more from the crack in the concrete down the street." "But these people . . . these mortals. . ." "Ive spent my entire existence watching over children, trying to keep the evil from tainting them. I look at the kids and see their inherent goodness, their innocence, and their

compassion. Theyre born that way. They only change, only turn their backs on the world, when the world turns their back on them." She turned around, facing him. Standing on her tiptoes, she pressed a soft, chaste kiss against his lips. "I see beauty and goodness in everythingeven you, Luce. And as long as thats there, I can never turn away from it."

Luce stood high atop the Eilat Mountains in Israel. The sandstone beneath his feet had changed since the last time hed stepped foot in this region, the brittle yellowish-brown morphing to a macabre darkness,

flowing down the side of the mountain like someone had spilled a bucket of black paint. In the distance he could see the Red Sea, simmering a bright crimson in the night as the blood of thousands spilled across the land and seeped into the water, staining it. Angels and demons battled viciously along the foothills of the mountain and out toward the coastline, each sent for contradictory purposes. The demons, released to destroy humanity. The angels, sworn to defend it. Through the chaos, there was little time for the angels to focus on finding Luce, momentarily giving him the upper hand. He watched from afar, biding his time as he basked in the

delight of Hell finally reigning on Earth. Luce thus far had managed to stay two steps in front of his brother, but it was only a matter of time before Michael caught up to him. It was a confrontation Luce had been waiting for forever, it seemed. And this time, he swore, Michael wouldn't get the best of him. He had been infested with pride at their first encounter and underestimated his brothers strength and their Fathers sheer determination. That wouldn't happen again. For now he was filled with something much more powerfulsomething deeper, more compelling: hatred. The only thing the dark angel had thought about more than himself and his own egotistical, materialistic

wishes over the years was getting revenge on his brother. Hed cast him into the lake of fire, trapping him in the pit for eternity, without so much as showing an ounce of distress. So even if it was the last thing he did, he was going to distress Michael, one way or another. "My Lord. . ." Luce didnt turn around at the sound of Lires voice. His eyes remained intently focused on the battle before him. His minions were no match for the angelsexcept for a few heavenly weapons theyd managed to steal and smuggle out over the years, the angels were invincible to the demons touch. Only Luce held the power to massacre their kind, but that wasnt his goal. He only wanted to

destroy one, and by destroying that one, he hoped the rest would fall down like dominoes. A house is only as sturdy as its foundation. "My Lord, theyre getting close. . ." He could sense it as the angels flooded the area, trying to protect the sacred land and clean up the mess. It had only been a little over a week since his escape and the world was already in chaos, seals popped open one by one, unleashing anarchy on Gods soil. The horsemen had been let loose from their cages, bringing mass destruction everywhere they touched. "My Lord, please. You must leave before its" Too late. A violent lightning bolt struck the

mountain, crumbling parts of it around Luces feet. He didnt flinch, didnt move an inch as the demon was cut off in the middle of his sentence, a sickening gurgling echoing from his throat. The putrid scent instantly infiltrated his body, so concentrated in the air around him that Luces face contorted. Slowly, he turned around, his crimson eyes meeting Michaels sky blues. The sword of fire cast a sweltering glow upon Luces face as his brother held it, Lire impaled on the end of it. Eyes never leaving Luce, Michael thrust his sword back out of the demon, sending him vanishing in an explosion of fire and black smoke. He shifted his body then, pointing the sword at Luce. "Satan."

"Prince." Luce tipped his head casually in greeting. "Whats it been? Six thousand, seven thousand years?" "Not long enough." "Ive missed you, too, little brother." Michael stepped forward, the tip of the sword a mere few inches from Luce's chest. "Im no brother of yours." "Youre welcome to think that, but it doesnt change the fact that you are." In the blink of an eye, Michael thrust his sword forward to impale Luce, but he wasnt fast enough. Luce dodged to the side, grabbing ahold of his brothers arm and the hilt of the sword, violently pulling him forward. He threw Michael right off the side of the mountain, not hesitating a moment

before jumping off behind him. Michaels wings expanded, catching himself mid-air, but Luce struck him before he could fly. The force of the collision sent both angels plummeting toward the ground, struggling for control. Michael wielded the sword, trying to pierce Luce with the fiery blade, but Luces strength matched his. Rage simmered underneath his skin, pure adrenaline pumping through, mixing with the twinge of blood in his system and fueling him on. He fought with all he had, grabbing and clawing, striking and shoving, trying to get his hands on the Heavenly sword. The two smacked the ground hard, the earth giving way beneath them. Angels and demons alike, caught in the midst of battle, plummeted into a

canyon created from the force of the blow. Water from the Red Sea rushed forth, filling it, the red filth coating them. The flames of the sword extinguished momentarily, reigniting as Michael pulled away from Luce and held it up, a lightning bolt striking it from the sky. "Give up," Michael spat. "Go to Hell." A slow smile spread across Luces lips. "Im still there. I just brought it to you." Michael lunged for him, the two of them plunging underwater, struggling for control again. Luce pulled out his gold knife and thrust it at Michael, slicing at his clothes, but he couldnt break his skin. Round and round they went, engulfed in a test of will and

strength. As soon as one would get the upper handthe chance to plunge their blade into the others chest, to annihilate the life force inside of them the other would get a burst of strength and overpower them. Equally matched in skill, equally driven by motivation. A battle that lasted mere hours the first timea battle between two brothers, two Archangels: one dark, one lightcontinued nonstop for days. There was no end in sight, no sign of either letting up, as the bigger battle continued to wage around them. Countless humans were slaughtered, some by demons, others by the angels themselves as they purged the evil spirits from bodies by physical force. Through it all, Luces power thrived,

every innocent casualty sparking something inside of him, the monster rising up and taking control. Michael shoved away from Luce eventually, throwing him yards away and into another angel. The angel tried to get his hands on Luce, but he thrust his gold knife into him before he could. A vast explosion went off as Grace erupted from his chest, briefly swaddling Luce like a blanket. He closed his eyes, savoring the sensation. Oh, how he loved that feeling. . . "I exorcise thee, O Creature of Water, by Him Who hath created thee. . ." Luces eyes shot open, seeking out Michael instantly. "Holy Water? Really?"

". . .and gathered thee together into one place so that the dry land appeared, that thou uncover all the deceits of the Enemy, and that thou cast out from thee all the impurities. . ." "Its not going to work," Luce spat. "In case you havent noticed, Prince, your sea is poisoned with blood. Its water no more." Michael stopped his blessing. He held his free hand on the surface of the water, a glow emanating from him and spreading through the sea around him. The murky red faded, clearing to a crystal blue. A bitter laughter tore from Luces chest. He narrowed his eyes, anger rushing from him. The sea around him stirred and started bubbling, thickening

and boiling as steam rose into the sky. As soon as Michael purified a portion, Luce turned it right back to contaminated sludge. "You took it all from me," Luce seethed. "So now, I take it all from you. Your land, your sea, your humans . . . your lover." For the first time in his existence, Michaels eyes clouded with rage, darkening like dripping ink. Luce stood tall, raising his eyebrows in challenge as he smirked tauntingly. Game on, motherfucker. He waited for his brother to attack again, to be overcome with wrath and succumb to the vengeful, overpowering sin, but his eyes lightened again almost immediately. Before he could say another thing,

Michael vanished from sight. Startled, Luce stared at the empty water in front of him, straining to feel Michael in the atmosphere. It was faint, but he could sense his brother far away, still Earthbound. Luce immediately followed. As soon as he materialized in front of Michael, Michael vanished again in a crack of electricity. Luce continued to follow, stalking him from place to place, barely getting a view of him before he zapped someplace else. Confusion ran through Luce as he tried to make sense of his brothers seemingly cowardly actrunning from the enemy, avoiding confrontationwhen he popped up somewhere that answered it all. Chorizon.

Serah headed outside into the chilly air, strolling quietly away from the abandoned community center. The dark sky swirled, the red clouds thicker than before, more imposing. It was getting worse, she knew. The world was dying around her, and she could do nothing to stop it. She stepped into the street, heading for the playground, when a crack of electricity rocked the air behind her. "Luce" She turned, cutting off mid-name when her eyes fell upon the glowing sword of fire. "Michael." He towered above her, his expression hard as he swung the sword

in her direction. She instantly backed up a few steps, her heart stalling for a few beats as she stared at the scorching blade. "I, uh. . ." "Do not speak," he commanded, moving toward her as she retreated more. "Nothing you say will absolve you of responsibility. You shamed yourself. You shamed the world. You shamed me. And for that, you must be held accountable." Another crack echoed down the street. Serahs eyes darted that direction, her gaze falling upon Lucifer. Before she could look back at Michael, panicked, she was overpowered, viciously thrown to the hard asphalt. Michael's foot slammed into her chest, knocking the air from

her lungs. She gasped, tears springing to her eyes, as the blade of the sword pressed against the dip in the throat. She swallowed thickly, feeling it almost pierce the skin. "Have you come to watch, Satan?" Michaels gaze remained on Serah as he addressed his brother. "Come to bask in the glow of her Grace one last time?" "And they say Im the cruel one," Lucifer said. "Youre supposed to be merciful when you take their wings." "Oh, I have no intention of taking her wings," Michael said. Lucifers brow furrowed. "No?" Michael shook his head. "No." Hope washed through Serah, energizing her, but it faded quickly as Michaels sword trailed along her skin,

away from her throat. He pressed it against her chest, over her racing heart, the burning blade ever so slightly slicing the skin. "Dont do it!" Lucifer howled, his livid voice vibrating the structures surrounding them. "Stop!" A scream tore from Serah, and she arched her back as the flames intensified, burning away at her flesh. Searing pain ran through her body, scorching lava pooling deep inside of her where blood should be. Her skin bubbled and blistered bright red as the black char mark formed, the ritualistic symbol carved into her chest. She writhed on the ground, the ferocious sting building and building inside of her, overtaking all of her senses. Her vision blurred, tears

streaming down her cheeks and splattering the cold asphalt. Her chest felt like it would explode, light collecting in the area of the wound and streaming out through her skin, the mark pulsating with the beat of her heart. Lucifer was upon her in the blink of an eye, crouching beside her on the ground. He pulled her into his arms, cradling her. His thumbs brushed along her cheeks, wiping away her tears. When he pulled his hands away, she saw they were covered in red. She was crying blood. "Am I dying?" she asked, the words barely audible. She stared up in the sky as a ruddy cloud was swallowed by sheer blackness. A reaper, she realized.

"Fix this!" Lucifer demanded. "Fix it now!" "Its time you learn a lesson in humility," Michael said. "You cant command me. You have no hold on me. You are nothing to me. Nothing." "That may be true, Prince, but its not for me. Do it for her." "Why?" "Because shes not nothing to you! You love her!" "Not anymore." "You can lie to yourself, and everyone else, but you cant lie to me, Michael," Lucifer sneered. "Were connectedalways have been, and always will be. And I know you love her, brother, because I can feel it. I feel it in every beat of my fucked-up heart. I feel it every time I look at her, or

smell her, or am within twenty feet of her." "Youre wrong," Michael insisted. "Stop this!" Lucifer yelled. "Dont punish her for what Ive done!" "Why?" "Because. . ." A growl ripped from Lucifers chest. "Because maybe I fucking love her, okay?" "Impossible," Michael said. "You're incapable of love." "And you're fucking blind," Lucifer spat. "How easily you flip a switch. I can accept you turning your back on me, but her? She's done nothing but show compassion for everyone!" "She succumbed to your evil!" "No, she looked past it!" he spat. "She found something in me, something no one else could see. She

cared, when no one else gave a damn. She tried, when everyone else said it was pointless. And you discard her! You damn her to an eternity in Hell for it!" "You wanted her, Satan? You can have her." Not a speck of emotion could be found in Michaels voice. "Let her forever exist in the lake of fire, trapped between the living and the dead like you." Michael took a step back, giving her a lingering glance before slowly closing his eyes and turning away. He vanished in a crack of thunder. "Michael!" Lucifer howled, his voice cracking as emotion poured from his chest. "Come back here!" "I am dying," Serah whispered as more blackness overtook the sky. "The

reapers have come." Lucifer groaned, before screaming again. "I know you can hear me! Dont ignore me!" "Its okay," Serah said, turning her head slightly to look at Lucifer. His face was turned to the sky, blocked from her view. "Look at me, Luce. Its okay." Lucifer glanced down. Shock ran through Serah in waves when she saw his eyes were glossed over. His expression contradicted the sadness in his eyes, his lip curling as he bared his teeth. "Its not okay!" His attention darted upward again, and Serahs gaze followed his. The reapers had quadrupled in a matter of seconds. "Michael! Fucking show yourself!" Through the haze of her vision, she

could see a few fluffy, white flakes drifting from the sky, like tiny balls of cotton. Snow. You have until the snow falls on you to establish the truce. "Its too late," Serah whispered. The wind stirred, blowing viciously. Screeching ripped through the air as the blackness swirled wildly, menacing and unyielding. Thousands of reapers had now taken to the sky above. They circled, moving closer and closer, a descending cyclone of death. Serah stared at them, her body trembling as her teeth chattered. "Its over." "Its not," Lucifer ground out. "Not yet." "Im dying." "Youre not," he said, pausing before adding, "but you will."

Lucifer grabbed his gold knife and grasped it tightly, his face contorted with agony. Serahs gaze turned to him, but she didnt have time to make sense of anything. He closed his eyes, muttering under his breath, "So help me God," before fiercely plunging the blade in her chest. Suddenly, the pain erupted inside of Serah, a vibrant ball of light bursting from her chest. All around her, everything exploded into flames. Every speck of color swirled together, morphing and mixing, turning to dull gray. It faded to scorching white pain before being overrun by blackness as numbness swallowed Serah whole. The last thing she heard, as she slipped into the darkness, was the telltale crack of thunder ripping across

the sky, notifying the world: Another angel had fallen today.

Luce sat in the middle of the empty street, his head bowed, his legs stretched out in front of him. Serah lay beside him, her head on his lap, the knife still jutting from her moving chest. Specs of light flickered around them like tiny stars, the golden glitter of Grace being absorbed by the atmosphere. It danced across Luces skin, but instead of reveling in it, he felt nothing except abhorrence toward the sensation. A pool of blood gathered along the street, soaking Luces pants. He paid it

no attention as he gently stroked her soft brown hair. She seemed so peaceful, her eyes closed as she slept deeply for the first time. Unconscious. The air in front of him crackled, the repulsive scent filling Luces lungs as he inhaled. It smelled sort of like stagnant water, musty and polluted. It was an odor that had frequently tainted the sunshine on Serahs skin. "What did you do?" Luce laughed darkly at his brothers question. "I did what you were too bitter to do." Luce reached for the knife, grabbing the handle of it, but he didnt have a chance to yank it out. Michael reacted defensively when Luce touched the weapon. Drawing his

sword, he pointed it at Luce's forehead, closing the distance between them. "Give up now, Satan!" Luces voice was low. "I already have." The blade shifted slightly, dropping from Luces face, as Michael regarded him with cautious suspicion. "I wanted you to suffer," Luce explained. "I wanted to hurt you, to take it all from you, but I realize now its impossible. I cant expect you to feel anything when you feel nothing, brother. I cant expect you to be anything but heartless when you have a heart that doesnt beat." "Im not heartless." "You just stand there as she bleeds!" "What do you expect from me?"

"Nothing anymore." The air around Luce seemed to grow lighter as he spoke. "I expect nothing from anyone. Fighting with you is no longer worth it. Everything I've felt, everything I've been through, doesn't compare to what she gave me." "What's that?" Love. He didn't say it, but he didn't have to. Michael heard the declaration anyway. "You truly love her." "I told you I did." "If you remove that knife, she'll extinguish from the world forever." "Even if I don't, she's gone anyway," he said. "She's bleeding out. Her heart is already slowing." "I gave you what you wanted,"

Michael said. "I don't understand. Youd rather she die instead?" "You're fucking right, I would!" Luce looked away from Serah, his eyes meeting Michaels. "Death would be better than this. Death would be better than remembering me." Luce pulled on the knife just as Michael dropped his sword, a perplexed look on his face. He knelt down beside Serah when Luce tore the knife from her chest. Michael's hand immediately covered the bleeding wound. Light radiated from his fingertips, surging through her body, her skin glowing bright orange, containing the life force in her injured body. When Michael pulled his hand away, the wound had been healed, only

a faint circular scar remaining where the mark had been. "For her, then," Michael said. Luce sighed. "For her." Epilogue Six months later (Precisely . . . not a moment sooner, not a second later) The air was still and warm, sunlight streaming through the branches of the big oak tree, reflecting off of the lush, green leaves. A few rays splashed upon the woman leaning against the trunk of the tree, her bare feet planted on either side of the crack in the sidewalk. Her gaze was fixated directly ahead of her, her eyes scanning the freshly painted

sign on the building across the street. Chorizon Community Center A shrill bell echoed from the elementary school behind her, followed by laughter and the sound of dozens of sets of feet running for freedom. The last day of school had come to an end, the students embarking on summer break. Children sprinted past her without so much as a glance, anxious to get home to play. Eight-year-old Nicki Lauer wandered down the sidewalk in the back of the pack, her best friend Emily by her side. The two girls skipped along, arm in arm, in no rush as they happily sung. "He's got the whole world in his hands,

He's got the whole wide world in his hands, He's got the whole world in his hands, He's got the whole world in his hands!" They slowed when they neared the big oak tree. Emily leaped over the crack, careful not to step on it. Nicki did the same before jerking her friends arm, making her stop, as her gaze turned to the tree. Carefully, she let go of Emily, a curious expression on her face. "Maam?" she called out. "Are you lost?" A pair of warm, brown eyes drifted

from across the street to the child in front of her. Slowly, she shook her head. "No, I dont think so." "My names Nicki," she said. "Whats your name?" The woman frowned slightly at the question. "Im not sure." Nickis brow furrowed. "You dont know your name?" "No." A soft sigh escaped her lips. "I cant remember." "I was named after my daddy. His name is Nick, like Nicholas. Everyone thinks its funny, because Im a girl and hes a boy, but I like my name." Nicki tentatively stepped closer. "Hey! Maybe thats your name, too!" She shook her head. "I dont think so." "Maybe its Sam," Nicki said.

"Thats my mommys name. It sounds more like a boy, though, but her real name is Samantha. Shes having a baby soon. His name is gonna be Sam, too, but like Samuel and not Samantha, because thats definitely a girls name." "Sam." A soft smile turned the womans lips as something in her chest tugged and tightened, like it recognized the word. "Samuel." "Could that be your name? Sam?" "Maybe," the woman said. "Although, I think it might be Sarah." Serah. "Nicki," Emily hissed, tugging on her friends arm, her face scrunched up with concern. "You know youre not supposed to talk to strangers." "Its okay," Nicki insisted. "Shes not a stranger . . . not really. And

besides, Mrs. Mallory said we should help people if we can, remember?" The little girl rolled her eyes and turned around, starting to stomp away. "So how come you dont know your name?" Nicki asked, shrugging off her friends brusque departure. "Everybody knows their name, even Johnny Lee, and he doesnt know anything. Hes such a dumb-head." "The doctors say I have amnesia." "My mommy has that!" Nicki declared. "She went to the doctor because she was dizzy, and they took her blood with a needle and said it was because of am-nesia. She didnt forget her name, though." Serah smiled softly. "I think you mean anemia." "Oh." Nicki shrugged it off with a

laugh. "How come you got amnesia?" "I had an accident a few months ago." Serah motioned toward the busy street in front of them. "I woke up in the middle of this street, right in this spot. I had no memory of anything before that moment. My first memory is of a pair of crystal blue eyes gazing down at me from above." "Was it when it was storming?" Nicki asked. "Because a lot of people had accidents then. Emilys daddy got hurt, too, but hes okay now. He still knows his name." "Yes, I think so," Serah replied. "They said I woke up when it ended." "Nicki!" Emily hollered down the street, her hands on her hips as she narrowed her eyes. "Come on!" Nicki sighed dramatically at her

friend before turning her focus back on Serah. "Are you sure youre not lost? Im good with directions. I dont even need a map!" "Im sure," Serah replied, turning her focus back to the community center. "I think Im exactly where Im supposed to be." Nicki ran off to rejoin her friend, giving a brief wave goodbye, as Serahs gaze drifted across the street. Heavy afternoon traffic flowed by, a line of school buses shielding her view of the community center. When all was clear again, her gaze fell upon the form standing outside of the building. He was dressed in all black, blue eyes intense compared to his dark hair and tanned skin. He stood in the shadows, shielded from her, darkness shrouding

him. Serah stared into those piercing eyes, losing herself in them, feeling like she was floating in the clouds, literally swept off her feet. She let out a shaky breath, his name on the tip of her tongue, but it wouldnt come out, no matter how hard she fought to remember it. In a blink, he was gone, fading away like an apparition, a vague memory out of her reach. She saw him everywhere: sometimes when awake, sometimes when asleep. He spoke once, his lips moving, his quiet voice whispering what she believed was her name. Sighing, she turned away and grabbed her discarded shoes from the ground, carrying them as she strolled barefoot through the school

playground. She bypassed the swings, hardly giving them a look as they swayed slightly in a nonexistent breeze. Someday shed remember, she swore. Someday shed know his name. Someday shed know hers. And someday, shed know why: why he haunted her every thought, why, when she looked into his eyes, she felt like she was home. Because time passes, and memories fade, but a beating heart never truly forgets anything. Never. Acknowledgements First and foremost, I have to acknowledge my amazing family for

their endless support and love. Thank you guys for always being there for me. I'm truly a lucky gal. Many thanks to Sarah Anderson for pushing me to follow through with my first paranormal story. I can honestly say this manuscript wouldn't have seen the light of day if not for you urging me on. I look forward to the moment I finally get to hold your first book in my hands while the rest of the world discovers your beautiful words. To Iris Jurado for being generous with her time and prereading, and to Lisa Hollett for editing this bad boy. To Nicki Bullard, my surrogate sister, for being there through all the ups and downs. To Traci Blackwood, and

Krystal Velez, and Vanessa Diaz, and all of my other friends on Twitter and Facebook, and to the entire online fan fiction community. Words can't adequately express my love for you all. You're extraordinary. Let's make out, okay? And to everyone reading this who yearned to write but became deterred along the way don't give up on your dreams, and never listen to the naysayers. If there's a story inside of you, let it out. Beautiful things will happen when you do. Table of Contents Prologue One Two

Three Four Epilogue