Chapter 28 — Oh, what a tangled web we weave

Azazel:

I take a relieved breath as we move on to a safer topic. Talking about Lana will only lead to more questions, and I don’t want Lucifer to make the connection between Lana and the Erue. That would be dangerous ground to tread on, and my Zoe would be right in the middle of it.

I caress across my lips with my thumb in consternation as I consider what our next steps are. Looking down at Zoe, I ask. “I say let’s begin with what happened in the hellish dimension after you disappeared. Perhaps it might shine a light on what we need to do next. Did you see or hear anything while you were there? Anything Sahara might have let slip in her rage?”

Zoe’s brow knits with concentration. “Well, when we were back at the cavern, she kept harping on about an Amulet. She said that Marael stole it from her.”

Lucifer shrugs. “Did she say what kind of amulet?”

She stops for a moment trying to recall her conversation from earlier. “She just said that Marael used an amulet to steal her power.” She pauses, her eyes widening with revelation. “Wait! There’s something else I noticed too. She…she looked older. Like she’d aged at least ten years. Even her hair looked different.”

I think about what I know about magical amulets. “It would make sense. There are very powerful amulets in the supernatural world that can be used to change a person’s appearance. Perhaps the amulet is her source of power. Mathias did speculate that perhaps she cast a spell to make herself look younger.”

Lucifer narrows his eyes then looks back at us. “Did you see any other creatures while you were trekking around the area?” Zoe bites her lower lip and nods her head. “I did see these scary monsters. There were dozens of them near a circle of crucifixes holding dead bodies. They had big, bulky bodies, pale skin, and glowing eyes with sharp snake-like teeth.”

Lucifer nods. “They're called Aswangs. They're shape-shifting spirits that were once witches. Aswangs are created when a witch is killed horribly and can't move on to the afterlife until their wrong is righted. If Sahara killed the witches, she must have cursed them to serve her because Aswangs don't congregate together in that fashion. The only way to control so many Aswangs is to possess something that is dear to them. Witches are very suspicious of others, even their own. I wonder how the witch was able to take their prized possession?”

My head tilts up as I contemplate the turn of events. “Mathias also told me that Sahara's coven died under mysterious circumstances. I'm going to hazard a guess that those are the members of her coven. It would have been easy for her to get something of theirs and use it to control them.”

Lucifer's eyes widen as he places his hand on his waist. “That would definitely do it.”

My thoughts churn. “Alright, so we need to find either Marael or Sahara before they end the world. But we still have the issues of Bree and Lana. What are we going to do with—?”

I stop when I hear the sound of footsteps coming down the stair. It’s Lana. Unlike Lucifer, Lana looks a bit shaken and pale. She nearly stumbles down the stairs, but Lucifer catches her in his arms. I hate to admit it, but they both make a striking couple. Lana’s long golden-brown hair falls silkily down her shoulders as she grips Lucifer tightly to her.

A look of indifference crosses Lucifer’s face. However, I can tell that it’s all a façade. I’m sure there are a lot more emotions churning inside of him that we cannot see. Lana smiles shyly up at Lucifer as he helps her find her balance. The smile quickly fades when he releases her without care. Leave it to Lucifer to be brutal in his rejection.

“Thanks,” Lana mumbles out as she brushes her hands down her thighs nervously and makes her way to the other women. The women quickly surround her in their arms. “Are you guys, alright?” Lana whispers with concern. “Please tell me that I dreamt the whole thing?”

Zoe and Bree shake their heads with sympathy. “No, honey, everything was real. We were taken to hell by Sahara and are only here because the men were able to get us out.” Zoe mutters gently.

Lana nods her head, her lip trembling. “I figured as much. I guess it was wishful thinking on my part.”

Both women nod in commiseration.

“So, what’s going on now?” Lana asks. Zoe looks at me imploringly in hopes that I will answer her.

I’m speechless, though. I don’t know how to approach the subject. Unfortunately, Lucifer has no qualms about updating her. “Here is what you need to know, luv. You’re an angel who was sent here to protect your sister from bringing forth the end of the world. Zoe is the Siphon for the end, and we’re here to make sure hell doesn’t literally come to earth. Any other questions?”

Lana’s mouth falls open in shock. It’s funny how he didn’t mention his role in her life. I guess he did mean it when he said he wasn’t going to do anything about it. I’d never take Lucifer for being the noble type. Thankfully, no one mentions it.

“Right now, we’re trying to decide how to keep you all safe while we search for Marael and Sahara.”

Lana swallows in trepidation as she looks on.

Fallon speaks up. “Perhaps it’s best if father and I go back to the hell dimension and search for the women.”

Lucifer nods and stands next to Fallon, ready to take action.

Lana’s mouth gapes open with surprise. “Wait...” She asks. “Are you really his son? And... and you're the devil? The real devil?”

Lucifer quirks an amused brow before he takes a bow. “Yes, I am. The one and only. And yes, Fallon is my son. Don't be fooled by my boyish good looks, luv. I'm a bit older than you think.”

He gestures to an annoyed Fallon, placing his face close to his. “Do we not look alike. Of course, I'm better looking. But I rather think he has my eyes. Of course, he has his wretched mom's personality. But what can one do?”

Fallon turns to Lucifer with an exasperated glare. “Can we please focus on the matter at hand?”

Lucifer nods his head, glaring at Fallon for his insolence, but he doesn't lose his speculative gleam. “Very well. No reason to be so shirty.”

I sigh in exasperation at Lucifer’s behavior. I guess his earlier emotional break is now forgotten. Leave it to Lucifer to ignore the fact that the creator screwed him out of a mate.

Turning to Zoe, I kiss her head and slip my mobile out of my pocket. “Let me consult with Mathias before we decide.”

Lucifer snorts with derision at my suggestion but does not reply further. Bree and Lana turn to Zoe in question as I make my way out of the room. “Who’s Mathias?” They ask in unison.

As soon as I’m out of hearing, I make the call. Hopefully, Mathias has some insight into the amulet Sahara is searching for.