Chapter 10 — Our book of revelations

Lucifer:

I give Lana one last long look before I flash to my throne room. Thinking through my options, I send out several texts and evaluate everything Lana has shared with me. Lana is finally becoming aware of the angel living inside her, which, based on my conversation with Michael, concerns me greatly. If her angel is making itself know, then it’s becoming more powerful.

I look through my tomes for answers as I consider all of the angles to this new revelation.

Within a half-hour, Azazel, Fallon, and Michael appear in my throne room. All eyes turn to Michael as soon as he appears. Rising from my seat, I stop beside my brother and say, “Michael, this is my son, Fallon and one of my former demon lords, Azazel.”

Michael runs his scrutinizing gaze over each male before he settles it on Fallon. “C’est un plaisir de vous recontrer enfin.” It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.

Fallon smirks. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you too, uncle.”

Azazel stops in front of Michael and gives him the once over. “Are you as big a tosser as Lucifer?” he asks.

Michael arches an amused brow and steadily answers, “I don’t believe anyone can be as big a connard as Lucifer.”

Understanding Michael’s French insult, Azazel and Fallon chuckle. Fallon moves close to him and mutters. “Father had told me stories about your misadventures in heaven. I was quite amused.”

Rolling my eyes, I gesture for them to take a seat. “Once you twats are done being amused at my expense, please join me so that I may explain why I called you here.”

Michael smiles arrogantly before he takes a seat in the chair near my desk.

Once everyone has settled, I relay my conversation with Lana and share what Michael and I discussed.

Fallon slumps back in his seat with a crestfallen expression. “Bree is going to be destroyed when I tell her.”

Azazel nods. “Zoe is not going to be any better. This is bloody disastrous.”

I nod. “I don’t know how to tell Lana that what she’s experiencing are not visions. She seemed so distraught that I refrained from telling her anything that might upset her.”

“So what do we do?” Fallon asks.

I look at Michael, “I know I told you to hold off on speaking to her, but now that she’s experiencing these things, perhaps it’s best if you and I explain who she is.”

Michael nods, “Oui, I agree. However, we should discuss how we’ll handle it. If her angel is emerging, then it’s because she’s gaining more power. The last thing we want is for her to become insensée and cause another catastrophe.”

I look at Azazel. “Did you bring the siphon jewel that we used on Lillith?”

Azazel gives me a wary nod and removes the jewel from his pocket, “Here it is. Do you think it will work on Lana?”

I take the jewel from him, “Because her angel is her identity and not her power, it might not fully work. However, it might slow her power down. I think it’s best to approach this as delicately as we can, and we should do it here…” I wave my hand around the room, “…in case we need to contain any damage.”

“That still doesn’t help us with what we need to do next.” Fallon retorts.

I can see that he’s upset by the whole situation, and I can’t blame him. Bree is Lana’s sister and would not take it well if something happened to her. I look at Michael and ask, “Did you bring the tomes that I requested?”

Michael snaps his fingers, and several boxes appear on the floor. “This is everything that I have gathered in regards to Abaddon. If there is a way to stop Lana’s transition, this is where we might find it.”

I look at Fallon and Azazel. “While we speak to Lana, I am putting you in charge of reading through these tomes and searching for anything that might help Lana.”

They rise from their seats and give me an agreeable nod before they fly out of the room, taking all of the boxes. I look at my brother and release a weary sigh. “This is such a bloody mess, Michael. She’s so despondent.”

Michael nods. “All we can do right now is keep Apolliana safe and find a way to unravel this désordre without causing any more catastrophe.”

I run my palms across my face and look at my brother. “You know, when I’m with her, all of my worries fade. I just enjoy the moment. But then, I remember what she is and what might happen, and I feel this painful weight inside of me,” I point at my chest.

Michael angles his head curiously. “It’s odd because I always wondered why Le Créateur only gifted you with a mate. At first, I didn’t understand what I must have done wrong that he wouldn’t grant me one too. But now I see that his reason might not have been altruistic. Now, I think Le Créateur was going to use her as a form of punishment.” He stops as if realizing that he has overstepped, “Je sui désolé,” I’m sorry.

“It’s alright. Since meeting Lana, I can’t help but think that I deserve to suffer after all that I have done. Yet, Lana is innocent in all of this, and she doesn’t deserve to suffer for my sins.”

Michael nods, “No, she doesn’t.”

I take a deep breath before I continue, “There’s something I wish to make clear with you before I present her to you.”

He inhales deeply before he signals for me to continue.

“Though I understand that you held affection for her, I want to make it clear that Lana is mine now. She’s my mate, and I will do anything to keep her.”

His jaw ticks with untold emotion before he replies, “I understand, Lucifer. I won’t pretend that it will be easy, but I’ve always known she was yours.”

I look at the time on my mobile and nod, “I’m going to go get her now. Would you wait here while I bring her back? It won’t be long.”

Michael nods and flashes several files into his hands. “Oui, while you are gone, I shall sort through some of the information that I gathered.”

Seeing that Michael is well, I flash to Lana’s cabin. Lana’s dressed in fitted blue jeans, a white t-shirt that shows off her delicate shoulders and black boots. Her hair falls like a golden curtain around her and her honey-colored eyes sparkle. As soon as she sees me, Lana sits up on her bed and smiles. Striding forward, I lift her in my arms and twirl her around the room. Lana throws her head back and wraps her arms around my neck with a giggle. Feeling contented, I take joy in her embrace and settle her back on the ground with a kiss.

“Are you ready to go?” I ask her.

Lana nods, “Yeah, let’s go.”

Taking her hands, I flash us back to my throne room.

Michael looks up as soon as he sees us, his eyes shining with love when they land on Lana.

Lana gives him a shy smile as she watches him approach. Setting my hand on her hip, I pull her close and say, “Lana, meet my brother, Michael.”

Lana steps forward and gives him a genuine smile, “Hi, it’s nice to meet you, Michael.”

Michael gives her a crooked grin, “Bonjour, Lana. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Lana gasps with delight, “Holy cow, you’re French.” She looks at me and grins, “How is that even possible?”

I gaze at Michael, who gives me an amused smirk. “Michael fell much later than I did, and when he chose where to finally settle, the sod chose France. He has never had good taste.”

Michael chuckles, “I don’t know, frère; I think most women love my French accent.”

Lana smirks as she runs her gaze appraisingly across his frame, “Yeah, I can totally see that. You’re seriously hot.”

I glare while Michael simpers. Pulling her close, I give her an incredulous scowl. “He is not hot; I am the hot one. That tosser barely holds a candle to me.”

They both ignore me as they continue to gaze at each other. After a moment, Lana moves toward him and mutters, “You look familiar. Have we met before?”

Michael doesn’t answer her. Emotions well up in his green eyes as he takes in Lana’s features. He looks like he wants to lift her in his arms and hold her tightly.

Tightening my hand around her waist, I lead her to the comfortable sofa near my throne and mutter, “Take a seat, luv.”

Lana sits down, her gaze moving back and forth between us. Michael produces a bottle of wine and mutters, “Would you care for some wine, Lana?”

Lana nods happily, “Sure, thanks.”

While Michael pours us each a glass, I take a seat next to her. Lana looks at the throne and rolls her eyes, “You still have that monstrosity?”

I look at my throne and snicker. “Don’t be jealous of my throne, luv.”

I narrow my eyes as she runs her gaze across the professionally decorated room. “Well, at least the rest of the room still looks tasteful.”

Michael snorts with amusements and hands her glass. “You have to forgive, Lucifer. Though his taste in décor is atroce, at least his taste in women is impeccable.”

Lana takes a sip of her wine and blushes. I look at my brother and arch a brow. I had forgotten how charming Michael can be.

Once we’re seated comfortably, Michael leans close and mutters, “You asked me earlier if we had met before, Lana. What would you say if I told you that we have?”

Lana’s smile widens. “We have? When was this?”

Michael looks at me as if asking for permission to continue, and I respond with an imperceptible nod. It’s best if Michael speaks to her considering he was there from the beginning.

Michael leans forward in his chair and focuses his smoldering gaze on her. “The first time we met, your name was Apolliana, and you were living in heaven.”

Lana’s eyes widen with surprise before her expression changes to amusement. “Ha, ha, okay, very funny.”

Her smile soon fades when she sees that we’re not laughing with her. “I know this sounds bizarre, but it’s true. Thousands of years ago, Le Créateur came to me and told me that he had created a female archangel. I was at a loss because I had never heard of such a thing. But when he brought you before me, I knew that he had indeed done as he said.”

Face pale, Lana looks at me as if looking for confirmation. “But that’s not possible.”

“But it is. Please, just listen to what he has to say.” I mutter gently.

Her face is full of apprehension when she faces my brother. Seeing her distress, Michael reaches forward and takes her hand. Lana looks at their entwined hands and tightens her fingers around his. Eyes shadowed, Michael gazes down at their hands before he mutters, “I had never seen a female archangel. You were si belle.” So beautiful. His eyes meet hers, “You looked as you do now and astounded all of the archangels.”

She glances back at me and bites her bottom lip. “I thought you said that The Creator didn’t make female archangels.”

“He didn’t.” Michael answers. “You were the first.”

Lana rises up from her seat and paces around agitatedly. “But why would he suddenly choose to create a female?”

“Because of me,” I reply. “The Creator wanted to gift me with a soulmate and created you to be mine.”

For several moments Lana silently walks back and forth until she stills and turns to face me. But she’s no longer Lana. I watch with horror as her eyes begin to glow, and she looks back and forth between us, her lips turning into a sneer.

The tension builds in the room. You can almost feel the change in the air. It feels heavy and rife with rage. Jaw tight, Michael and I rise from our seats and stop before her. Lana’s expression grows darker as she notices Michael and begins to move close to him. “Is it time to die, angel? Are you here to finish what you started?” She hisses coldly.

Michael’s expression tightens with emotion. “Apolliana,” he murmurs dolefully. “Je suis vraiment désolé” I’m so sorry.

My muscles tighten when Lana smiles viciously and steps close to Michael until they’re nearly chest to chest. Her hand rises up to his chest and caresses it. Michael’s eyes dilate with pleasure. “I know you are sorry, my angel?” her gaze lashes back to mine viciously, “Are you also sorry, my mate?”

Somehow she winds up between us, her palm settling across our chests. Michael and I stand there, hypnotized by her movements as she caresses us. Heart pounding wildly, I gasp when her hands turn into claws and dig into the center of our chests. But neither of us moves from our spots. “Please, Apolliana,” Michael pleads.

Her expression heats as she rubs her body against his and nips his chin playfully. At the contact, Michael hisses breathlessly and tries to move away, but she tightens her grip.

Gripping her elbow firmly, I pull her to me and growl, “Stop taunting him, Lana.”

Trepidation crawls up my spine when Lana throws her head back and laughs maniacally. “Is my mate jealous?” she leans close and hisses. “Are you imagining your brother fucking me while we were in heaven? Are you imagining me betraying you the way you betrayed me?”

Nostrils flaring, I shake my head. “I want to speak to Lana.”

Apolliana narrows her eyes and grits out. “But Lana doesn’t want to see you, and neither do I.” With those final words, Lana pushes me until I’m slamming against the wall.

Michael tries to restrain her, but she grips him by the neck and pushes him against the floor.

Her expression is mad as she straddles him and begins to hum. Crawling forward, I stop beside her, but before I can stop her, she grips my arm, pulls me toward her and growls.

"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it."

Unable to reply, I try to break her hold, but her strength is unparalleled.

Apolliana’s eyes glow with malice as she leans close and repeats the verse again.

"Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it."

Her lips hover over mine, making desire pulse through me. Her angelic identity is as potent as her human one. Even seeing that she’s mad, I can’t resist the touch of her lips on mine. Her angel is more aggressive as she bites and sucks my lips until I’m putty in her hands. A groan escapes my lips when she pulls away and gives me a wicked smile before she turns to Michael and slams her lips down on his.

Rage consumes me, “Michael, don’t!”

Like me, Michael is as consumed by Apolliana’s kiss. I struggle against her hold, but she’s very strong, and I’m left to helplessly watch my mate kisses my brother.

Their lips passionately seek. Michael clings to her waist and groans as she devours him.

Just then, the power of her hold begins to loosen.

After a moment, Michael flips her over, slides behind her and grips her neck. “Get the necklace, Lucifer!”

Rushing forward, I place the necklace around her neck. As soon as I do, her eyes instantly begin to lose their glow. “Lucifer,” Lana mutters dazedly. “What’s happening? I can hear a voice in my head. She sounds angry.”

Michael lowers his hand from her neck and wraps it around her waist, his eyes glowing with affection as he gazes down at her.

Moving closer, I place my hand against her jaw and look into her eyes. The glow pulses to life and fades several times, indicating that her angel is fighting to return.

Lana strains in Michael’s arms and looks up at him. “Michael, vous me faites mal,” Michael, you’re hurting me. She mutters mournfully.

Michael gives Lana a helpless look before turns his eyes to me and signals for me to continue.

“Lana, you need to listen. We do not want to hurt you, but you need to know why you’re having those dreams. You need to know why your eyes are glowing. Those fires that occurred—”

Ring around the rosie, A pocket full of posies, Ashes! Ashes!

We all fall down!

Lana sing-songs as her the light returns to her eyes. “The trees are ashes…the animals are ashes…what’s next?” her mad laughter makes shivers crawl up my spine.

“So, it is true. You caused those disasters?” I ask.

Her malicious grin widens as she ignores me and glances back at Michael, “M’as-tu aimé quand tu m’as tué?” Did you love me when you killed me?

Michael visibly shudders, his eyes glistening with tears. “Je t’ai toujours aimé.” I’ve always loved you.

My breath hitches at their intimate tone. I want to kill my brother and rip her from his arms, but something tells me that’s what Apolliana wants. I recognize her tactic because it’s the same as The Creators. She’s trying to pit us against each other. “Stop it, Apolliana. Stop doing this?”

Her gaze snaps back to mine and is full of venom when she retorts, “You never loved me. You left me to die. You wanted your freedom, but freedom comes at a price.”

Like Michaels, my eyes sting with emotion. Guilt weighs heavily down on me as I watch my mate struggle with her madness. “Please, Apolliana, you need to listen to us—”

“Please! Please!” she screams out dejectedly, “Does it hurt you, my devil? Does it hurt you to see me kiss my other love?” She melts back into Michael’s arms and closes her eyes. “You kissed many others, and I had no choice but to know. I didn’t want to see it, but I saw… I didn’t want to see it, but I saw…I was betrayed…I was betrayed by those I loved.”

Michael tightens his lips and buries his face in the crook of her neck, and gruffly mutters. “S’il vous plait, pardonne-moi?” Please, forgive me.

I swallow down my pain as I try to keep my calm. “We never meant to hurt you, Apolliana. We didn’t know.”

She hisses between her teeth as she tries to escape Michael’s hold. “You didn’t know?! You didn’t know?!” her laughter rings louder. “No one will know until it’s too late. I will lay it all to waste! But where do I begin?”

Michael and I stiffen as her eyes swirl and begin to darken until they’re pitch black. “Que faites-vous?” What are you doing? Michael asks, panicked.

“Lana, listen to me!” I call out and shake her shoulders, but she simply continues to hum.

“Tell us what you are doing?” Michael calls out. As soon as the question leaves his lips, my mobile vibrates. I look down at the screen and see that it’s Fallon. Feeling alarmed, I pick up the mobile and answer. “Fallon?”

Fallon’s panicked voice resounds in the receiver. “Something horrid is happening here, father. It’s pitch black outside, and it's the middle of the day. Is Lana with you? What is going on?”

My gaze turns to Lana and Michael. Lana’s eyes continue to flicker as the power is siphoned into the necklace. Not knowing what else to do, I move forward, place my palm on her head and render her insentient. As soon as I do, her body slumps down. Michael lifts her in his arms and carries her to the sofa.

Clearing my throat, I steadily reply, “Is it still dark?”

The sound of rustling clothes reaches my ears before Fallon answers. “It’s back. The light is back.” Bree’s voice in the background reaches my ears. “What happened to my sister, Fallon?”

Fallon’s muffled voice reaches me, telling me that he’s answering her question.

I release a sigh of relief, “Very well. Tell Bree that Lana is well. I had to place her in stasis at the moment, but she is unharmed.”

Fallon gives me an affirming hum and disconnects the call.

I place the mobile on my desk before returning to my brother and my mate’s inert form.

“She’s stronger than I remember,” Michael mutters.

I settle next to her and place her head on my lap. She looks so serene and innocent in her repose that it’s hard to believe that she’s the destroyer of worlds.

“Je suis désolé, Lucifer.” I’m sorry, Lucifer. “I didn’t think seeing her would affect me so profoundly.”

He looks so remorseful that I refrain from railing at him. “It’s fine, Michael. Though it pains me, I knew that there was a possibility that you’d find it difficult to separate your emotions. It’s impossible for me, and I’ve only known about her for a short amount of time.”

Michael’s jaw pops. “I didn’t think that I would still feel this way. But seeing her has made so many emotions that I thought lost come forth.”

We both gaze down at her, our eyes shining with affection as we consider what to do next. “At least now we know that Apolliana is the cause of the plagues. Now, we just have to find a way to save her.”

Michael gives me a mournful nod. “But how? For centuries I tried and could not find a solution until all I could think of was putting her out of her misery. I killed your mate, Lucifer. I killed her because I couldn’t bear to see her suffering.”

He abruptly rises from his perch and begins to pace in place as he sifts his fingers through his dark curls. My brother’s suffering strikes a chord inside of me.

Jaw tight, I rise to stand in front of my brother and grip his shoulders tightly. “You need to bloody get it together, Michael. If we’re going to get through this, we have to remain united.”

He gives me a stiff nod, his gaze homing in on Lana’s insentient form. “I know, Lucifer. I just need a moment,” his eyes revert back to mine.

He sounds so tormented that I don’t know how to reply. A thought strikes me at that moment. “The Creator must be laughing at us right now. For centuries we were pitted against each other…” I wave a hand in Lana’s direction. “…and here is his greatest weapon.” I chuckle mirthfully. “You said you didn’t understand why he didn’t grant you a mate as he did me, and now I have to wonder if this was his purpose all along. The question should not have been why he didn’t grant you a mate, but why he granted her to me? It makes no sense, considering The Creator and I had a contentious relationship long before Lana’s existence.”

Michael looks down thoughtfully, “I suspected his reasons might be nefarious. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Le Créateur purposely put her in my path after you were cast out so that I could fall in love with her?”

I nod, “There’s no denying that The Creator would not do something so vile?”

He shakes his head after a moment. “No, there is not. It took me longer than it did you to understand, but I eventually learned that The Creator can be a mercenary. Especially now that I see that Apolliana is indeed alive.”

“I’m going to put her in my bed. I can’t take her back until I’m sure she’s back to her human form.”

“Oui, I will remain here until she’s settled.”

Nodding my head, I lift her in my arms and flash her back to my bed. The siphon necklace is dull, which tells me that it is no longer transferring powers, so I remove it. My eyes rove over her body thoughtfully as the tension in my shoulders loosens. Mere hours earlier, I was making love to her with my hands, and now I feel like I’ve lost her. I’m conflicted over everything that has been revealed this night. Not only is she gaining power, but there seems to be a deep connection between her and Michael. I don’t know if I should feel guilty or angry that Michael and I may become rivals once again.

As carefully as I can, I strip her of her clothing and cover her with one of my t-shirts. Lana doesn’t stir.

Once I’m sure that she’s comfortable, I go back to Michael.

His emerald eyes gleam with untold emotion as he spreads several scrolls across my desk. “You do not need to be concerned, Lucifer. Though I will admit to still holding affection for her, I know that she’s yours, and I would never interfere.”

“You kissed her back,” I state plainly.

He nods cheekily, “I know, and I won’t pretend that I didn’t enjoy it. You’ll have to forgive me for taking the only moment I was allowed to have with her.”

I grimace in reply. Though his affection vexes me, Michael has been transparent about his feelings. “There’s something that I didn’t tell you,” I mutter.

Michael quirks a brow, “What?”

I place my hand on the table’s smooth surface and take a deep breath, “I think it’s only fair for you to know that when I first met Lana, I didn’t plan to make her my mate. In fact, I’m still unsure if that’s what I want.”

His eyes narrow, “Why?”

I clench my jaw, “Because of everything that is already occurring. Not only does her angel abhor me, but her life will also be drastically changed if she becomes mine.” I rub my temple, trying to release the tension that seems to overwhelm me. “I thought that if I stayed away, I’d somehow stop wanting her. But since I’ve begun seeing her, my desire has amplified. It’s almost laughable that for once in my long existence, I am scared of losing something that I care so much about.”

Michael nods, “Oui, as someone who has lost her, I can understand your fear. Though I know I should be égoïste and tell you to not mate her so that I may have her, I also know that you should not let Le Créateur win. Even when we were in heaven, I could see Apolliana struggling without the other half of her soul. I could feel that her heart was yours, which I can see is still true. You may not wish to admit it, but it’s there for all to see that your heart beats for her.”

My jaw clenches with emotion because I know he speaks the truth. I am in love with Lana. I’ve been in love with her since our first kiss in hell. I remember how astounded I was by the kiss. It felt like my dead heart had finally awakened, which is why I fought the feelings for so long.

I look at the information that Michael has gathered and say, “What do you have there?”

Michael opens several scrolls. “These are the most prominent scrolls that transcribe the Abaddon Prophecy. I gave your son and the demon copies of it along with other scriptures that would be useful. These are also the oldest scriptures in my library. We can look through these and see if there is anything information that we can use.”

Michael and I read through the scrolls for hours, but none of the materials clarify how we can stop Apolliana from destroying the world.

Eventually, we decide to get some rest. Michael flashes back home, and I flash to my chamber. Thankfully, Lana is still asleep. I don’t hesitate to remove my clothing before lying beside her and pulling her into my arms. It’s the first time that I have slept so comfortably through the night.