Page 108 of Alastair

Testing Lazarus’ patience too. My mate shifted in place and heavily exhaled.

Daman pushed from the wall. “So we’re supposed to… what? Fill the stones with our blood to strengthen it? Then plunge it into Lucifer’s heart?”

“Sounds simple enough,” Castor said.

Mephistopheles looked at me again. He kept his silence, but something in his eyes unsettled me.

“My scouts believe Belphegor’s been searching for a way inside the celestial prison,” Michael said. “Could this be the reason? Lucifer knows about Night Fall and wants to find it before we do.”

“He did seem awfully interested in finding Asa,” Lazarus said. “Which seemed out of place considering how he allowed Asa to be sacrificed to gain his freedom.”

“Then he stepped over Asa’s dead body with no remorse,” Bellamy added.

Gray’s eyes watered as he yawned so big his jaw popped. He raised his hand. “Question. If Lucifer knew butthole Asa held the key to his death, why did he leave his body in the field after the fight in Scotland?”

“Because he was dead,” I answered. “A soul weapon no longer has power once the soul of the body it inhabits passes on. But Asa’s souldidn’tpass on. It never left his body because of the resurrection spell he used. Once Lucifer learned Asa was alive, that’s when Belphegor began searching for him.”

“Correct.” Mephistopheles finished the cookie and licked the icing off his fingers. “Furthermore, Asa Morningstar was never meant to be your foe. It’s why you’re bound together by destiny—your sins and his sword. When united, they become the only thing in all the worlds that can defeat Lucifer.”

“That explains a lot.” Phoenix laid his head on Bellamy’s shoulder, and his black tail did what it always did when that close and curved around Bell’s leg. “Belphegor pushed Asa to incite the war. Which wasn’t too difficult. Asa was impressionable. All it took was an encouraging nudge and stroking of his ego for him to take action.”

“Asa holds a piece of Pride,” I pointed out. “Belphegor used that to his advantage.”

“Why didn’t Belphegor just kill him?” Raiden asked.

“He needed him,” I answered. “Asa was the only one who could wield Light Bringer to locate Lucifer’s cage. So he manipulated him, ensuring everything fell into place according to plan, then disposed of him to guarantee Lucifer’s victory. Or so he thought.”

“Man.” Castor blew out a breath. “Asa is an evil asshole, but the guy never stood a chance. His life—and death—was planned from the time he was born.”

“The witches,” Phoenix said. “I think I may know what Lucifer wanted with them. As a magic wielder myself, the nexus in Hoia Baciu is beyond anything I’ve ever felt. The source of power is limitless. When we fought all of you there… yes, I know, I’m an evil, villainous prick, how dare I?” He angled his head and lightly poked Bellamy with his one intact horn, earning a soft smile from my brother. “My magic was enhanced. Asa’s was as well. It allowed him to summon more demons from the underworld.”

“So Lucifer wanted to summon something?” Bellamy asked.

“Not something,” I said, catching on. “Someone. He hoped the witches would be able to summon Asa from the celestial realm since he couldn’t step foot there himself.”

“That’s very likely,” Mephistopheles said with a small nod. “And if you hadn’t confronted him that night, he might’ve succeeded.”

Michael walked over to the window, staring out into the pitch-black night. “I suppose it’s fortunate I didn’t execute Asa for his crimes. We have use for him now.”

“If he helps us,” Lazarus said.

“Welp. We’re screwed.” Gray fell backward on the rug, kicking out his legs and spreading his arms. “He’s not gonna help us unless he gets something out of it.”

“Revenge is always a good motivator,” Daman said. “By helping us, he’ll take down his father. Envy has heard his envious thoughts. I’ve felt his deep insecurity and bitterness when it comes to Lucifer.”

“The opportunity to prove himself greater than his father should work in our favor.” I knew from experience. Pride had jumped at the chance to do the same, which had led me to Echo Bay. If not for that mistake though, Lazarus and I would’ve never embraced our bond. It had been what finally pushed us together.

I grabbed his hand. His attention moved to me, and though his eyes appeared somewhat cold—a habit he’d developed when around us—I saw traces of warmth within the blue depths.

“I’ll speak to the council about this.” Michael turned back to us. “Asa is a prisoner in our realm, and as such, they need to be informed of our intentions with him.”

“Don’t forget to speak with them about my exile as well,” Mephistopheles told him. “Should my information prove to be true.”

Michael nodded to him before opening the door and stepping outside. Galen followed, then Castor and Kyo. Kallias helped Gray to his feet and smiled as our sloth-for-a-brother latched onto his back. He carried him from the cabin.

“I’ll try to bring you more treats soon.” Raiden adjusted his hat before grabbing Titan’s hand. “What do ya think about chimney cake?”

“I think anything you make will be delicious,” Mephistopheles responded.