Page 117 of Alastair

“Then… no,” Asa answered. “Apossiblerelease sometime in the distant future isn’t good enough. You want my help? You’ll give me something that will benefit me now.”

“How about a bath?” Castor said. “Because, dude, you smell like ass.”

Galen stepped forward, bringing a wave of rippling anger with him. He grabbed the bars and snarled. “You want something that will benefit you? How about keeping your head attached?”

Asa backed away. It was clear he was thankful for those bars separating them right then. “Still a violent beast, I see. And here I thought my great-great-whatever-the-fuck-he-is nephew helped calm that ferocity.”

“His name’s Simon,” Gray said. “And he’s the most awesome human ever. Right along with my Mason.”

Simon was related to Asa on his maternal side. He didn’t share Lucifer’s blood, but his connection to Asa was what dragged him into this conflict with us. Though, I suppose fate was more to blame. It was what brought him to Galen.

“You’re in no position to make demands,” Alastair said. “However, I’m sure an arrangement can be made that will at least make your situation better should you cooperate.”

The son of Lucifer sighed and fingered the messy strands of his hair. “Fine. Tell me how you think I can help, and I’ll consider it.”

“Your sword,” I said.

“My sword? What about it?”

“It has the ability to kill Lucifer,” Alastair answered. “But only when my brothers and I lend some of our power. That’s how we’ll work together to beat him.”

“Was it wise to tell him that?”I asked my mate.

“Yes. He would see through a lie. I had to give him just enough of the actual truth for him to believe me.”

“Interesting.” Asa slowly paced in front of the bars but stayed far enough away to prevent the still-snarling Galen from reaching him. “Belphegor said my sword was useless, which was how he convinced me to search for Light Bringer.” He stopped pacing and turned toward Alastair. “Are you saying that was another manipulation?”

In that instant, Asa seemed so young. Despite being thousands of years old, he had only been around nineteen when placed inside of the ring. When he emerged, he still had the mind of a nineteen-year-old. He’d been impressionable and naïve, and Belphegor had used it to his advantage.

“A manipulation? Yes,” Alastair responded. “However, he was partly right. Your sword’s true strength can only be awoken by us. You’re the keeper of it, but we’re the powering force.”

“What will my role be in this?” Asa asked. “As I said, I lost my powers. My strength. I refuse to be the one putting myself on the front line while you and your meathead minions stand back and watch.”

“I’ll wield the sword,” Alastair said. “All you have to do is hand it over.”

Asa’s expression turned suspicious. “How? Soul weapons can only be used by the soul they belong to or someone who shares their blood, like how I could wield Light Bringer despite it being my father’s weapon.”

“Our sins,” Alastair explained. “You share a piece of each of them. This connection allows any of us to wield it.”

“All you want me to do is summon it and give it to you? Not to fight?”

“Correct.”

Asa’s gaze darted around his cell. “What happens if I say no?”

“You stay here,” Michael said. “This offer will only come this once. You won’t get another.”

“Fine. I’ll help. But.” Asa held up a finger. “Before I give you my sword, I want out of here. Until the conclusion of the war, when my possible release will be discussed, I want to spend my imprisonment in comfort. A hot bath, raspberry-filled donuts, and a warm bed to sleep in. No more dirty cells and disgusting meals. Those are my conditions.”

“Raspberry-filled donuts?” Raiden asked. “I have a recipe for those.”

Of course he did.

Michael carefully considered his request. “Very well. I agree to these terms. You’ll be moved to a room in the palace with guards outside the door at all times. You’ll also wear strength-suppressing cuffs and be restricted from leaving the room. But your time will be spent in comfort.”

Bellamy’s mouth clamped shut, and he ground his molars together. Alastair looked at him, and I knew they were speaking telepathically. Living in comfort was the last thing Asa deserved, but it was the price for his cooperation.

“Excellent,” Asa said. “Let’s not waste more time standing here. Take me to my room, and you’ll get the sword.”