Page 138 of Wicked Believer

I don’t think any other seals have been opened yet, but after scouring every news source I could find, I’ve felt way too concerned about the uptick of the city’s rat population. That, along with the destruction that leveled several buildings in Washington Heights, has been causing even more delays in the subway than usual, and I’ve also been obsessively worried about the world’s rapidly declining population of bees.

Until finally it hit me.

Pestilence.

The first Horseman is Pestilence.

When Lucifer opened the first seal, it must have unleashed him. According to the Bible, that’s how it works, and he’s the first of the four. One for each of the first four seals.

Apparently, there’s even a new virus brewing in Hong Kong.

Though everything else appears to be business as usual.

Humanity is blind, it seems.

Or just so terrified, they’re numb to it all.

Except for the Righteous, of course.

They controlled my life for so long that it’s not difficult for me to guess what they’re up to. I’m pretty sure they’re paying attention, too, but they’re likely celebrating what they believe will be their inevitable rapture, whereas I’m losing my ever-loving shit that we’re nearing the end of the world.

Though from a PR perspective, they’ve been unusually quiet lately.

Because Lucifer told Michael to keep them under control for you, remember?

No, not for me.

For whatever his strategy is.

I’m not allowing myself to fall into that trap anymore.

Gluttony turns to me abruptly, a spoonful of some kind of Asian soup in his hand. “Try this,” he says before suddenly shoving the spoon into my mouth.

The flavors hit my tongue a moment later, sweet, salty, sour acid, bitterness, and umami in a perfect balance. I groan appreciatively.

Thisis freaking good.

The side of Z’s lips quirk up, like he’s taken a sudden interest in me.

Or like he’s enjoying the unwilling offering I’ve just given him.

“Can I have another?”

“Always.” He smiles appreciatively, producing another clean spoon and passing it to me. “Good, isn’t it?”

I nod in agreement. “More than good.”

A small spark flickers in me.

Maybe Icando this.

Maybe I let my feelings over Lucifer and all the chaos happening in the world around us cloud my way.

Maybe Ihavegot what it takes to get Team No Apocalypse off the ground.

“Z, would you like to host a family brunch at the penthouse this weekend? The morning before Az’s play party? Whatever you want to make. No budget is too big or small.”

“Brunch?” Z quirks a suspicious brow. “Did my brother put you up to this?”