Chapter 130 A Test of Blood and Will
“Then make her choose.”
Michael’s words struck like a command carved in stone. The light in his eyes burned hotter, sharp enough to split the air between them.
Dorcas remained still. The soil beneath her boots shifted, grass bowing as if pressed by an unseen hand. A low rustle moved through the trees, leaves quivering in quiet protest.
“I won’t,” she said, her voice steady. “You already know that.”
She stepped closer, close enough for him to feel the cool calm radiating from her, a stark contrast to the fury rolling off him.
“I am peace,” she went on. “I am nature.” The wind curled gently around her hair. “And her mother was human. I will not take away her right to choose.”
Michael’s jaw locked. A muscle jumped beneath his skin.
“I spoke to her,” Dorcas said, softer now. “I looked into her eyes and asked her.” She paused, as if remembering. “She swore she would never offer her friend as a sacrifice.”
The world seemed to hold its breath.
Michael turned his back on her. His hands curled into fists, knuckles whitening as the ground beneath them cracked, thin lines splintering outward.
“She is half human,” he said, his voice low. “And humans break.”
Dorcas watched him for a long moment. “I hope she proves you wrong.”
Then the gentleness drained from her tone.
“I will not interfere,” she said. “I will not halt the prophecy. But do not expect my blade at your side when this begins.”
She drew in a slow breath.
“Prepare for war, brother.” Her gaze lifted toward the sky, troubled and distant. “I pray Heaven and Hell find peace soon. Because if they don’t”
Her eyes snapped back to him, sharp as flint.
“I will step in. Innocent humans will not be made to suffer for divine pride.”
The wind rose without warning. Leaves tore free from their branches, spinning wildly as the air folded in on itself.
Before Michael could speak, the earth stilled.
Dorcas was gone.
Hell burned brighter than usual.
The flames along the obsidian walls flared as Morgana crossed the hall, their reflections sliding over her armor. Each step rang sharp against the black floor, the sound echoing into the vastness of the throne chamber. She stopped before the throne and sank to her knees, metal whispering as her head bowed.
“Master,” she said. “I checked on Selena.”
Her pause was brief but heavy.
“She’s inside the illusion room.”
Lucifer’s hand rested on the arm of the throne. His fingers, which had been lazily curled, went still.
The silence stretched.
“Why?” Morgana asked, keeping her voice measured.
Lucifer didn’t look at her. “There is a test,” he said at last. “One she must face with Hades.”
Morgana’s head snapped up. “Hades is here?”
The corner of Lucifer’s mouth lifted, slow and knowing. “Yes,” he said. “He is.”
Heat crept up Morgana’s spine. Her hands curled against the stone floor. “What kind of test?”
Lucifer leaned forward, shadows spilling from his throne like ink. “A sacrifice.”
The word landed hard.
Morgana drew in a sharp breath. “Lilith,” she whispered, already knowing.
“She must offer her,” Lucifer said calmly. “Only then will the war fully awaken. Nothing begins without blood. Nothing ever has.”
Morgana rose to her feet, disbelief flashing across her face. “That’s cruelty,” she said. “You know how much Selena loves her. And Hades” Her voice tightened. “He won’t guide her. He’ll trap her.”
Lucifer stood.
The chamber responded at once. The flames bowed inward. The shadows thickened, coiling toward him as though drawn by gravity. With a casual wave of his hand, space tore open, a portal blazing with fire and heat.
“She is not fragile,” he said. “She carries human will and vampire hunger. That balance will decide her.”
He moved toward the portal, firelight casting sharp angles across his face. He stopped just short of stepping through.
“Come,” he said without looking back. “Let us watch how Hades forces my Selena to choose.”
Morgana followed, unease etched into every step. “You could stop this.”
Lucifer did not turn.
The portal roared, flames screaming as they twisted against its edges.
Then his voice cut through the fire, low and final.
“I have lifted the sword I swore never to touch again.”
He stepped closer, eyes glowing not with fury, but with certainty.
“I want the war to begin.”
AUTHOR’S NOTE
My lovely readers,
Thank you so much for staying with me through this chapter. This one is heavy, emotional, and very important to the story. We’re standing right at the edge of something big choices, consequences, and a war that no one can stop once it truly begins.
I really wanted to explore the tension between power and free will here. Dorcas choosing peace, Michael burning with anger, Lucifer deliberately stepping aside it’s all about what happens when those who can interfere decide not to. And poor Selena… she’s being pushed toward a choice no one should ever have to make.
As always, I appreciate every single one of you for reading, supporting, and feeling these moments with me. Your comments, likes, and feedback mean more than you know they keep me motivated to keep writing and improving this story for you.
Let me know what you think:
Do you believe Selena will hold onto her promise?
Or do you think the war will force her hand?
Don’t forget to like, comment, and share if you’re enjoying the journey so far. I’m so grateful to have you here, and I can’t wait for you to see what comes next.