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Chapter

Thirty

LUCIFER

Y ou know, there was just something about an isolated tower in the middle of nowhere that did it for me. Call it melodramatic or even theatrical, but the image of a crumbling turret with the backdrop of a flaming sky and the crashing waves as the soundtrack set the mood for my apocalypse perfectly.

“Darling, I’m home,” I sing-songed as I pushed open the door to my guest of honor’s cell.

My lips curved in delight as I took in the sight of him on his knees, arms bound above his head.

“My, my, I can see now why leather isn’t the go-to choice for prison attire. It really doesn’t breathe at all, does it?”

Gabriel’s head lifted, the matted blond hair that had been hiding his face falling to the side and revealing my brother’s fury-filled eyes.

“Release me.”

I laughed, my pleasure at having him at my mercy absolutely delicious. “No, I don’t think I will.”

“You cannot keep me here.”

“Can’t I? I seem to be doing a bang-up job of it so far.” Holding up a finger, I started ticking off my achievements one by one. “Firstly, no one knows you’re missing, so they aren’t looking for you. Secondly, this tower is warded, so even once they figure it out, they won’t be able to find you. Third, well, no need to give all my secrets away, are there? I’m not one of those silly villains who monologues all the good stuff. Show, don’t tell, am I right?”

Gabriel took a shuddering breath and rolled his gaze up to the tiny barred window.

“How many are left?” he asked.

“Princes? Only three now, I’m afraid. You’re going to lose. You know that as well as I. Why don’t you join my side now and avoid all the messy fighting and torture, hm?”

“My answer to you now is the same as it was the last time.”

I tsked, not needing to fake my disappointment. “Gabriel, Gabriel, Gabriel. What am I going to do with you? I have your wings, you know. Just say the word, and they can be yours again. Wouldn’t you like to be returned to your full angelic glory?”

“Not if it means joining you.”

So stubborn. My brothers always had been. Michael was even worse. But I did have one ace up my sleeve. The ultimate carrot I could dangle. Because truth be told, Gabriel was powerful, and having him on my side would be a boon.

“And what if I told you your Ruby was on the table? That the two of you could be together, and you’d have to sacrifice nothing to have her? I can give you that. All you have to do is say yes, brother.”

Pure, unadulterated rage flashed in his eyes. “She is not yours to barter with.”

“Really?” I laughed. “Because from where I’m standing, my reign is a foregone conclusion, which means everything and everyone that walks this realm belongs to me. Your soulmate included.”

Gabriel shuddered, his head tipping up as though he were beseeching our father.

“He won’t help you. And it’s only a matter of time before you see things my way. I do have one question for you. How can you put your faith in a father who has done this to you?”

“What do you mean?”

“I am willing to give you everything you’ve ever wanted. I won’t take your grace from you, I’ll return your wings, I’ll let you have your soulmate. All I ask is for you to stand at my side. He showed you your other half and then told you there was no way you could keep her unless you wanted to be disgraced. Unless you fell.”

“God works in mysterious ways.”

I smashed my fist into one of the stone walls, a loud snarl ripping through me at his obstinance. “You are such a fool, Gabriel. You are blinded by your faith.”

“Better to serve in heaven than rule in hell.”

My eye twitched at his butchering of my line. “I’m pretty sure that’s not how the saying goes.”

He stared hard at me, jaw set. “I pray one day you’ll understand how easy it is to be selfless when you have something worth fighting for.”

I snorted. “Pathetic, as always.” Then I opened the cell door and began to walk away. “I do hope you’ll take the time I give you to reconsider my offer, brother. Eternity in shackles is a long time.”

He didn’t answer me, but truthfully, he didn’t need to. One way or another, I’d break him, and the Messenger of God would be mine to command.