“Your actions have already spoken well for you,” I admitted. “But I need you to understand something too; this is a really bad time for me to be absent. My people need me to help quell the god uprising. If you keep me here, you put all the Realms in jeopardy.”

  Lucifer's lips pursed but he didn't say anything.

  “Even the Eden Realm could be in danger,” I went on. “If I give you my word that I will not attack you, that I will, in fact, return to you after I've put the Gods to sleep and give you two months to prove yourself to me, will you let me go?”

  Lucifer blinked; his lips parting to speak but only soft sounds of indecision emerging.

  “If you touched my soul, you know that I would never go back on my promise,” I went on. “I swear to you, I will return and give you two months time. Your promise to Raphael will be fulfilled, and you'll have your chance to sway me. But I must help my friends with the Gods. It's my fault that they are rising.”

  “How is it your fault?”

  “I freed my husband, the God Darcraxis, from his prison, and that sent out a magical shock wave that woke all of you,” I explained. “I'm responsible for this. Let me finish it. If you do, it will show me how much I can trust you. I'll be more inclined to favor you.”

  “I believe you,” he whispered. “And I want to let you go. Please know that I have no wish to keep anyone prisoner, especially not you. But I've been betrayed before, and I'm afraid that my feelings for you are clouding my judgment.”

  I was about to say something more when he went on.

  “But I may have a solution.”

  “What?” I asked skeptically.

  “If you add your song to my magic again, I believe we can create another shock wave,” he said with wide, hopeful eyes. “We can put all of the Gods back to sleep at once. At least, those who have not been freed from their prisons.”

  “All of them at once?” I asked in shock. “Truly?”

  “Would that satisfy you, Elaria?”

  “If it works, it would.”

  “How about I make you a bargain?” Lucifer smiled mischievously at me. “If my plan works, and the Gods are put to rest, you will stay here for two months and you will open your heart to the possibility that I have truly changed. Not only that; you will give me the chance to court you.”

  “And if it fails?”

  “I will release you and trust you to return when the Gods are asleep.”

  “You have yourself a bargain, Lucifer.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  “We're doing this now?” I asked as Lucifer stood and offered me his hand.

  “This is urgent; the Host can wait,” he said. “It will do them good to see me help you send the other gods to sleep. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

  I chuckled as I took his hand. “You still have a little of the Devil in you.”

  “I always will,” he said gravely. “But we all have our devils to fight. Don't we, Elaria?”

  “That's the God's truth,” I said with a smirk.

  Lucifer grinned broadly as he wrapped my hand around his arm and escorted me out of the bedroom. Angels stopped to bow to us in the hallways. Some of their faces were familiar; the Virtues. I gave them hard looks, making it clear that my mind was my own again. They winced and looked away. That's right, you feathered fuckers; I'll deal with you later.

  “What did you do with Jesus?” I asked as Lucifer navigated the corridors.

  “I pardoned him,” Lucifer said. “But he's restricted to his chambers until I know I can trust him.”

  I raised my brows.

  “I'm not a monster, Elaria,” he said patiently. “Jesus didn't help to imprison me. He rose to power afterward and tried to lead his people fairly. He just got distracted and trusted the wrong angels along the way. I actually like Jesus.”

  “So do I.”

  “You've met?” It was his turn to be surprised.

  As we strolled, I told Lucifer the story of the Maya and the Host; their war and the end of it. By the time we stepped out onto a golden balcony, Lucifer's eyes were wide and his expression was slightly amused. I stepped up to the latticework railing, taking a quick glance through the grate of the balcony's metal floor before setting my stare firmly on the horizon.

  Heaven lay before me in gleaming splendor. Golden streets wound through bone-white buildings. Velvet patches of emerald grass spotted the city with manicured plants and delicate trees. Everything maintained and in proper order. Outside the city walls, gentle hills bowed before the grandeur of their mountain masters who stood crowned by snow in the hazy distance. A perfect world; at least, this part of it.

  “We'll need a simple song,” Lucifer said as he stepped up beside me. “Something with a powerful message that can sway several different gods at once.”

  “Simple and powerful,” I murmured. I couldn't think of anything. “I need Kyanite's help. Release him.”

  “Your stone?” He cocked his head at me. “He gives you power and connects you to your lovers.”

  “And how is any of that a problem for you?” I countered. “It's in your best interest to allow me as much magic as I can get. If this doesn't work, I'll be leaving.”

  “That's a rather good point,” he admitted with a small grimace. “Very well.”

  My love! Kyanite instantly burst into my mind. I tire of manipulating men coming between us.

  So do I. But this particular manipulator is going to help us put the Gods to sleep.

  I don't trust him.

  Neither do I, but how could eliminating our god problem be a bad thing?

  You're eliminating his competition as well.

  Only if he chooses to leave his realm, I protested. And I don't think he will. But, even if he does, it would be something we'd have to deal with anyway. This way, we don't have to deal with other gods on top of him.

  Very well. What are we singing?

  We need something simple and powerful, I repeated the conditions. Something that will calm several types of gods and lull them into slumber.

  I have just what you need.

  I smiled in agreement. It was perfect. Only a few lines to it but all of them seemed to be written for this moment. As far as spellsinging went, having one word or a few lines to focus on could have a greater effect. And we could use all the help we could get.

  “I'm ready,” I said to Lucifer. “How will we do this?”

  “The same way as last time.” He shrugged and his wings shrugged with him.

  “Right. So, I sing, and you give me a boost.”

  “More than a boost.” Lucifer gave me a surprised look. “Your spell will need help to cross the Realms. I will carry it the distance and then I will ensure that it penetrates those ancient souls.”

  “All right; let's put the Gods to sleep.” I held my hand out to him.

  Lucifer took my hand and electrifying power rushed into me through the connection. I gasped—my whole body tightening with the energy—and then I reached for my magic. The enchanting, effervescent chimes of Tutlie's “Sky in Your Bones” fluttered to life around us and quickly spiraled into an uplifting beat. My heart soared with the music and magic, and I closed my eyes to feel it even more deeply.

  I called out to the Gods; named them for the deities they are, and then rebelled against my own words. With an ironic cheerfulness, I sang to them about their greatness and then snatched it away. I showed them how the worlds had moved on, how their time was over, and that they must accept it. Beneath my words raged a magic that humbled me. Lucifer's power shone inside my body so brightly that even with my eyes closed, I felt as if I stared into the Sun. That strength fortified my spell and splintered it into deadly spires. As I focused my intent on sending those gods back into an unending sleep, Lucifer launched the spears of my song through the galaxies and into the hearts of the furious gods. I felt myself falling forward with our attack, but Lucifer pulled me back and cradled me within the shield of his magic.

  Gods raged and fought, but the steady repetition of my words and the combined effort of our magic poisoned their blood until their thrashing stilled. Eyes closed, heartbeats slowed, and god souls found peace. But I didn't. Lucifer's power called to the remnant of goddesshood inside me. It flooded my body and soul. That little ember ignited, and I burned with pride and vindication. This was what I had burst into being for. I would rule the Realms. They would bow at my feet and cry out my name in adoration and fear.

  “Come back,” Lucifer's words penetrated my glorious plans. His lips pressed against my forehead, cooling my rising heat. “Let it go, Elaria. I know how easy it is to succumb to the lure of power. But this isn't what you want. This isn't who you are. You conquered that part of yourself, remember? If you truly desire this, I will share my magic with you, I will make you a real goddess again, but only after you've learned to control the power. Now, release my magic.”

  I sucked in a frigid breath and realized that Lucifer had been cooling my entire body. He had saved me from burning myself alive. I'd teetered at the edge again. It hadn't even been my magic, but the power had tempted me. It was a hard fact to face; that I still had it in me to be Faenestra, even with most of her gone. My stomach churned with the knowledge that all it had taken was one glimpse at power to turn me into my old self. But then the full weight of what Lucifer had done hit me. He had eased me back and offered to make me whole. Offered to teach me to control the temptation of my Fire.

  And if Lucifer could do that, then he must have his own magic in control. Had those years beneath the magma taught him patience and perseverance? Had his nightmares helped him fight his darker urges? What had he been through to get here, to this point where he could bring me gently back instead of simply yanking his magic away from me?

  Perhaps we can trust him, Kyanite mused. I have to admit, I enjoy having the RS silent again.

  She's just silent, right? I asked him as I stared at Lucifer. He hasn't killed her?

  No; she's fine, he grumbled. But don't give him too much credit yet, love. Satan is known to be the greatest deceiver to ever exist.

  If that was a deception, it truly was a great one. But yes, you're right. I'll stay vigilant.

  I know you will, and I will keep watch with you. I have already alerted Darcraxis of the situation; both of the newly sleeping gods and of your bargain to stay with this one for two months.

  He was furious, I concluded.

  Yes, but also relieved. This is better news than he was expecting.

  Are they all right? Beyond being upset, that is.

  Your lovers are all alive and well. The Virtues kept their promise and took them back to Coven Cay, where your men have been planning an attack on Heaven with the Witches.

  Tell them to stand down, I said urgently.

  I have. They agreed for now. But they will remain ready to act upon your word.

  Thank you, Ky.

  Always, my love.

  “What's happening inside your head?” Lucifer asked with a curious look.

  He stroked the hair away from my face, and I flinched.

  “I'm so sorry,” he said and looked away. “That was presumptuous and perhaps a little patronizing. It's just that ever since I touched you, my hands ache to return to your body. They act automatically.”

  “I'm talking to Kyanite,” I ignored his romantic words. “He let my men know that I'm all right. I had him tell them to stand down and not attack Heaven.”

  Lucifer's smile returned. “So, my trust has already rewarded me. That's good to hear. And you will uphold your end of our bargain?”

  “You've got two months,” I agreed.

  “Excellent,” Lucifer said as he turned and moved me back toward the railing. “Let's start by introducing you to the Host.”

  I looked down and saw the golden streets covered in white. The Host filled the roads all the way to the gates. Every angel in Heaven knelt before their god... and me.

  “Rise, Host of Heaven!” Lucifer's voice resounded across the city and the tide of feathers shivered and shifted; revealing men and women as they stood. “Queen Elaria, Goddess of Fire, stands beside me. We have conquered the other gods together and laid them back to their eternal rest. Our world is safe again.”

  The Host cheered; faces going from somber respect to shocked joy instantly. I watched the emotions flicker across Lucifer's face and wondered if he truly was the man he portrayed himself to be; the kind, compassionate god who learned from betrayal and had returned to make amends. It seemed so impossible, and yet, there he stood. Every angle of his face, every twitch and micro-expression, conveyed only love and joy.

  “I know you are frightened,” Lucifer said when the cheering died down. “I know this is unsettling for you. You have been through many changes of late. But I assure you, as I assured the Virtues, I have not returned to subjugate you or hurt you in any way. I have spent centuries lamenting the wrongs I've done the Host, and the betrayal it led you to. I was a prideful, vengeful god; jealous and vindictive. But I want to be your protector again. I want to be your father. If you let me, I will bring you prosperity and peace.”

  The cheering grew deafening until Lucifer waved farewell to his children and once more wrapped my hand around his arm. He led me back into the palace and then down to my chambers. The sound of angelic rejoicing dulled to a tidal roar. He stopped at the doorway to my suite, and I turned to look at him.

  “I brought you back to your room because I must see to establishing a new order in Heaven,” Lucifer said. “There is a lot to be done. But you are not a prisoner, Elaria. Feel free to roam the palace and the city as you will. I will trust you to keep your word to me.”

  “May I have my traveling stone and contact charm back?”

  Lucifer grinned. “My trust doesn't extend to foolishness.”

  “You just said I wasn't a prisoner,” I reminded him.

  “You're not, but I won't hand you the means to leave either,” he countered. “I've already given you back the ability to trade messages with your consorts; be content with that.”

  I couldn't help showing my surprise. I assumed he'd simply forgotten that Kyanite was still free.

  “Yes, I know he's still with you,” he said to my unspoken question. “This is our first day; I think we've accomplished a lot. Let's take it slow and steady from here forward.”

  I nodded and started to turn away.

  “Elaria, I meant what I said.”

  I cocked my head at him.

  “About your third option,” he explained. “I want you to be my consort.”

  “Blunt,” I noted dryly.

  “I know.” He chuckled self-consciously. “So much for the silver-tongued Devil. In the face of someone I desperately desire, words fail me. But I think you're the type of woman who can appreciate brevity.”

  “Eloquence has its place, but simple words often hold more truth.”

  “Precisely,” he agreed. “As I said before; I want no lies between us. I promise you absolute honesty and transparency. You are welcome to witness all I do here; no door will be barred to you. I want your eyes wide open.”

  “So I can choose you?” I asked with a smirk.

  “So you can make the right choice,” he corrected.

  “Since we're being honest, here's some truth for you,” I offered. “The spell inside me that you silenced; I call it RS. It binds my lovers and me together.”

  “Yes, I sensed the connection. I know what it does for you.”

  “Do you also know that without their love to fuel it, it and I will die?”

  Lucifer blinked in surprise before he recovered. “I could remove it from you.”

  “I don't want it removed, Lucifer. It's become a part of me, and I've only recently had it restored.”

  “But that would mean...”

  “I can't choose you,” I finished with a nod. “Raphael wants to be added to my men, not replace them. But you... I have a feeling that you won't abide that.”

  Lucifer sighed deeply. “No; I won't share my consort. But I won't give up either. Perhaps you will see things differently after two months have passed.”

  “Lucifer.” I shook my head.

  “Just give me those months, Elaria,” he cut me off. “That was our arrangement. I can remove the obstacle between us with a thought, but I won't do it unless you ask me to.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  “I don't believe I would win your affection by cutting your ties to your other men,” Lucifer said sadly. “Once, I might have done it immediately and then tried to seduce you into my bed. But I want more than lust between us. So, I will allow you to choose as you are.”