Page 112 of Demon Apathy: Sunderverse

“God, Sol, I was sleeping so well,” Lunar complained. “What’s gotten into you?”

Solar ignored their questions, walked toward his mother, and wrapped her in a tight hug.

At first, Rebecca’s arms dangled at her sides, but after a moment, she wrapped her son tightly and closed her eyes, enjoying the moment.

“Sol?” Lunar murmured. “You’re worrying me.”

Solar let go of his mother and turned to hug his sister.

“Sol, please, what’s happening?” Lunar asked as he held her.

“Nothing. Nothing’s the matter,” he lied, letting her go and backing away.

Lunar reached a hand toward him like a lifeline she desperately wanted him to take, but Solar kept walking away.

“It’s now or never, Chosen One,” Khargon urged me, but I had no idea what to do.

I shook my head.

Khargon rolled her eyes, put Blazebringer into my hands—when had she gotten that out of the car?—grabbed me by the shoulders, and shoved me into the open. I staggered forward, one arm windmilling while I held on to the sword with the other. Solar jumped back, his hand reaching behind his back.

“Lucia?” Lunar muttered.

Solar gaped. “You know her?!” His gaze roved all around us, panic turning his face red. “How the hell did you know where to find me?”

“Solar, who is this person? What’s going on?” Rebecca grabbed Lunar’s elbow and started pulling her back toward the elevator.

My mind reeled. I had to do something. Solar made as if to pull out the gun again, but I put a hand out, trying to look as non threatening as possible, which was hard to do with a Queller.

“You’re making a mistake,” I said. “Richie’s henchmen are on their way here. You don’t want to cross that old man. It won’t end well for you.”

Solar shook his head, looking really confused, probably trying to puzzle out why I was trying to help him. I took a step forward, taking advantage of his confusion.

“Don’t move! Stay where you are.” He pulled out the gun and pointed at me.

Rebecca shrieked.

“Sol, no!” Lunar urged.

“I’m trying to help,” I said, my mind grasping at straws. “Um… the police are here.” I glanced in Khargon’s direction out of the corner of my eye, hoping she could do something to back up my lie.

Solar laughed. “No, they’re not.” He started sidestepping toward his car.

An emergency exit door banged open thirty yards away, and Khargon, dressed in a police uniform, appeared. “Freeze!” she shouted, pointing a gun of her own at Solar.

My heart jumped into my throat at her unexpected entrance and at the realization that I’d chosen the wrong course of action. This could end up badly. What if Khargon killed Solar? No, she wouldn’t do that, would she?

A second emergency door slammed open. “Freeze!” a second voice said, and when I saw who it was, my blood ran cold.

Jophiel!

He was also dressed in a police uniform, but he wasn’t here to help.

“Oh, dear God!” Rebecca sobbed. “Son, please, put the gun down.”

Solar shook his head, looking terrified.

“You haven’t done anything wrong yet,” I told him. “Maximilian and I just want the vessel back, and we promise we won’t bother you.”