Page 105 of Bellamy

The front door burst open before Lazarus entered, bare torso rippling with abs and hair white as snow. His eyes blazed like blue flames as they landed on Penemuel.

“Ever heard of knocking, angel boy?” Clara put her hands on her hips. “I should’ve never lifted the warding for your rude ass.”

“Not now, woman,” Lazarus said to her without taking his gaze off the fallen angel. His whip materialized in his hand, the lightning charge crackling from inside it. “I should strike you down here and now.”

“It’s nice to see you again too, brother,” Penemuel responded.

“I’m not your brother.” Lazarus glared. “You lost the right to call me that the moment you defected and joined the Morningstar.” His grip tightened on his whip. “What do you want with the Nephilim?”

“Calm yourself. I’ve not come to turn them against you. I’m here to help.”

“Help with what?” Lazarus asked. “Not long ago, you were allied with the son of Lucifer. The only way you can help is for your pathetic soul to leave your body and burn in the pit.”

Not long ago,Ihad been by Asa’s side. Yet, the angel had viewed me as a potential asset instead of a threat. Why? One possibility poked at my skull. Lazarus truly cared for the Nephilim brothers. And he hadn’t wanted to kill me because doing so would hurt Bellamy.

But that was only a theory.

“You know me, Lazarus,” Penemuel said, using the same diplomatic tone he’d used while sitting around the council table with Asa—the few instances he’d spoken during the meetings anyway. “Though stubborn as you are, I’m sure it’s hard for you to see past your anger.”

“Anger that’s justified.”

“I only wanted to write my books!” Penemuel stepped toward Lazarus, and Galen shoved him right back in place. “Uriel is the one who forbade me to do so. He said it was dangerous for humans to know so much. You being his ever-faithful servant passed down his order. At that time, I hadn’t hurt a soul. I provided humans with harmless entertainment and granted them wisdom to better their lives. The only wrong I committed in your eyes was daring to be different, to be my own person.”

“To break the rules,” Lazarus said.

“Storytelling is in my blood. It brings me indescribable joy. A joy that’s amplified when those stories touch the hearts of man. How is that evil? How can something so beautiful be seen as a corruption?”

Lazarus shook his head. “I will not argue this with you.”

“Because you know I speak the truth, but your devotion to Uriel prevents you from admitting it.”

“If you love humanity so much, why did you start poisoning their minds?” Lazarus asked. “You joined Lucifer and fought to see their destruction.”

“No. I fought to seeyourdestruction and all the other angels who’d rather kill their brothers than allow us to freely live our lives.” Penemuel’s voice rose. “As for poisoning human minds, I only targeted dark souls. Murderers, abusers, vile excuses for human beings. I never harmed an innocent soul. Never.”

“You believe that justifies your actions? You’re despicable.”

“Hey.” Raiden poked his head into the room. “Not to, like, interrupt you two biting off each other’s heads and stuff, but breakfast is done. If y’all don’t get your plates soon, there won’t be any food left.”

Lazarus and Penemuel stared each other down for a few more beats before, finally, Lazarus sighed and turned to Alastair. “What type of tea did you make?”

“Earl Grey,” Alastair answered.

“I suppose one cup couldn’t hurt.” Lazarus put away his whip and returned his gaze to the other angel. “This discussion isn’t over.”

“Far from it,” Penemuel responded. “There’s much I need to say. I only hope you’ll stop spouting off threats long enough for me to say it.”

“Boys,” Clara said. “That’s enough for now. Go make your plates.”

Yeah, definitely no fear.

As we headed toward the kitchen, I mulled over possibilities for why Penemuel had come. Did it pertain to the reason he left the underworld?

Answers would come in good time, but for now, we ate.

Hopefully the two angels wouldn’t kill each other in the meantime. And if they did, well, at least it would be entertaining.

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