“Holy fucking shit!” Raphael declared. “Did that really happen? Did Lucifer just walk in here, apologize to us, and tell me I didn't go crazy, after all?”

  “Yep.” I stared at the closed door.

  That was unexpected, Kyanite noted.

  Indeed.

  “I think we're going to be okay,” Raphael said with a sweet smile.

  “It looks that way,” I said diplomatically.

  Not convinced? Kyanite's tone was proud.

  Not by a long shot, I confirmed.

  And your speech about not misjudging him?

  True to a point. I'm still willing to keep an open mind, but that show he just put on has made me suspicious. To come in here and suddenly apologize and withdraw his right to court me—something he specifically bargained for when he helped me put the Gods to sleep—has the feel of falsehood to me.

  Especially coming right after you received that letter.

  He could be genuine, I said diplomatically.

  Or he could be a masterful manipulator.

  “So, how about that excursion?” Raphael interrupted us.

  I grinned at him. It was a relief to know that Raphael hadn't really betrayed me. “I think I'd like to get away from here awhile. Clear my head.”

  “I know the perfect place,” Raphael declared.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Raphael flew me outside the city and into the hills. The sweet air of Heaven caressed my face while the Sun warmed my skin. I loved to fly. It has always been my one regret about being born a spellsinger instead of a siren. I had my mother's blood in my veins and the compulsion to roam the sky must have been passed down with it, but I didn't get the wings. I'd managed to float upward once, and I could probably sing myself through the air again, but it wasn't the same thing. I sighed as I stared longingly at Raphael's beautiful wings.

  Heaven passed by beneath us; open plains, fruitful farmlands, and thick forest. I hadn't noticed the farms from my bedroom window. They surprised me; I couldn't imagine the Angels tilling the soil. But the Host had its classes just like any race, and one of those classes was the working one. That didn't mean they toiled over the land like humans, though. I gaped down at a group of angels crop-dusting. Not with pesticides but with magic. Glittering light fell from the wings of the farmer-angels as they flew low over their crops. In other fields, more angels used their magic to collect the harvest; filling the long beds of sleek vehicles with produce.

  I looked over at Raphael with surprise.

  “Why have all this rich land and import our food from off-world?” Raphael asked. “It would be a waste.”

  “I thought that would be right up the Host's alley,” I teased. “Being wasteful.”

  “Things might be different if the Host had started as they are now,” Raph said pensively. “But we enjoyed labor once. The farms were established shortly after we were born. Lucifer suggested we grow food in organized plots instead of having to spend half our days gathering it from around Heaven.”

  “Then he did guide you once,” I said.

  “He did,” Raphael confirmed with a smile. “The Host tends to remember the bad Lucifer did at the end—the Devil he became—they forget that our relationship started as a good one and that mistakes were made on both sides. Lucifer helped us. He listened to our problems and showed us how to solve them. He taught us to use our magic. He was our father.”

  “And then you all rebelled like a bunch of teenagers?” I asked with a grin.

  “That's about right,” he admitted. “I wasn't alive back then; most of the ancient ones died off; only the Seraphim were left.”

  “And now, they're gone too,” I said to his grim look.

  He just nodded.

  “War, especially among family, is hell.” I nudged his chest in a companionable way.

  Raph grinned at my pun and added to it, “Here, more so than anywhere else.”

  The mountains still loomed in the distance, miles away, when we started to descend. I looked at Raphael in surprise; I'd expected him to take me much further away from the city than this. We landed in a secluded meadow; a thick line of trees adding to the feel of privacy. The city vanished behind the verdant shield and the distance became irrelevant. I took a deep breath of the pure air as I relaxed; I needed to ignore the bastion of Angelic power for awhile. Out of sight, out of mind. This was perfect.

  “You know how I feel about you, Ellie,” Raphael said as he released me. “But I don't want to be pushy either. When we get back today, I'm going to tell Lucifer to release you. I don't need the two months he promised me.”

  “Really?” I asked hopefully. “You're going to let me go?”

  “Just hearing you say those words makes me feel sick.” He shook his head. “I don't want to hold you here against your will. Of course, you can go. But can we enjoy today first?”

  “Sure, Raph,” I said with a light heart. “I can enjoy it much more now that I know I can leave afterward. No offense.”

  “None taken,” Raphael said. “I do want you, and I would even join your little coven to have you, but I would never abduct you. I'm so relieved to know I was being manipulated. Isn't that hilarious?”

  “No; I feel the same,” I admitted. “I couldn't believe you'd do something so horrible to me. I'm glad you didn't; that it was just Lucifer messing with your mind.”

  Raphael frowned and started to stroll toward the trees. “I don't know how to feel about that. I'm glad that I didn't do those things on my own, but I'm also worried that Lucifer has the power to control me.”

  “It is unsettling.” I laid a hand on his shoulder. “Be careful with him but try to give him a chance too. Just because he has the power, it doesn't mean he'll use it.” I dropped my hand and wandered into the forest.

  “What is it?” Raphael followed me.

  I debated a moment and then pulled out the letter I'd stuffed into my bra. I handed it to Raph, and his eyes widened as he read it. Finally, he folded it and handed it back to me.

  “That can't be good,” he murmured.

  “Do you think any of it is true?” I asked him.

  “That Lucifer is spying on you and wants to use you to conquer Earth?” He asked in a scoffing tone. “No; I don't think it's true. Would he have stopped pursuing you if he wanted to draw you closer?”

  “Sure,” I said. “It makes him look good. Contrarily; would a man consumed with desire for me—a man who is actually a god—simply walk away? It seems more likely that he has no feelings for me at all; that I'm merely a stepping stone to his true goal.”

  Raphael frowned. “I still believe in him, El. I think Lucifer can do great things for Angelus.”

  “Raph, only a few days ago, you argued that Lucifer was the most dangerous god in all the Realms and that we needed to make sure he never escaped.”

  “And since then, he's convinced me that I was wrong,” Raphael said gently. “Lucifer's extremely powerful and yet all he's done is peacefully take back Heaven. He could have killed our entire race if he wanted to, but he didn't. He killed the Seraphim and confined Jesus.”

  “And you're okay with that?” I asked dubiously.

  “Not entirely,” he admitted, “but in light of everything that was done to him, I can understand it. There have been times that I wanted to kill those fuckers myself so how can I judge Lucifer for doing it? Especially when they did so much worse to him. There's no denying that Lucifer did terrible things in the past, but I believe him when he says he's changed. I need to believe him.”

  “Because believing the opposite would mean another war in Heaven?” I asked.

  “At this point, it would simply mean blood, Ellie,” he said sadly. “For all involved, I hope Lucifer is telling the truth.”

  “The Prince of Lies telling the truth.” I held up the letter. “That bet has bad odds.”

  “Perhaps,” he agreed. “But you said you'd keep an open mind. Was that a lie?”

  “Not exactly.” I shrugged. “I'm wavering. Playing the Devil's advocate.” I smirked, and Raph groaned. “At that moment, when I vowed to be open-minded, it was true.”

  “And now?”

  “Now.” I looked around the forest; serenely creaking in the breeze and rustling with the movements of small creatures. “Now, I'm away from the city and all I feel is relief. I don't like intrigue; I don't have the mind for it.”

  “It takes a calculating mentality to navigate such matters,” Raphael agreed. “And searching for betrayal behind every stare can become exhausting.”

  “Let's forget about it for now,” I said as I moved ahead. “Once I'm off Angelus, I'll have the distance I need to sort this through. If you find that you've misjudged Lucifer and you need help, all you have to do is call. My old offer of sanctuary still stands.”

  “Thank you, Ellie.” Raph leaned forward and kissed my cheek. “That you would have my back after all that's happened, means the world to me.”

  “People make mistakes,” I said gently. “It's how you recover from them that's important.”

  Raphael smiled softly but then his gaze strayed over my shoulder and his eyes widened. “Look, we're here,” he said excitedly.

  Raphael drew me beneath an arch of living branches and vines. To either side of the opening, a wall of foliage extended. A shivering ward filled the passage, but Raphael drew us through it without issue. As soon as we stepped past the barrier, the scent of thousands of flowers and a legion of fruits filled my nose while the soft cry of birds cooed on the breeze. Colors bloomed; a dizzying display of flora. They swept up from the ground and extended nearly as high as the trees. Raphael led me down a golden path, similar to those in the city except with pebbles instead of bricks. It wound through the tiered flower beds and meandered beneath overhanging fruit trees, heavy with their bounty. Furry creatures scurried up trunks and basked in the sunshine without fear. A rabbit hopped up, sniffed the toe of my shoe, and went on its way.

  The relaxing sound of a stream added to the birdsong; just a teasing melody until our path angled up alongside the water. Fish in gold, crimson, poppy, and turquoise darted playfully through the stream and kissed the surface as we passed. Pink blossoms fell softly over the water to float downstream; somewhere between the flowerbeds. Raphael led me onward until the path took us to a circular space defined by a low, golden fence in a delicate, swirling design. In the center of the space stood two trees, both laden with fruit. One tree held fruit shaped like mangoes; sort of tear-drop but more oval. The other bore a bounty shaped like apples with more rounded bottoms. Both types were golden. Not yellowy-brown, but true, metallic gold, just like the fence that enclosed this sacred section.

  Sacred. Yes; that was the feeling I got from the place. All of it was special, but this spot, in particular, was sacred.

  I stepped beneath the boughs and stared up at my distorted reflection in a metallic peel. The sugary scent of ripe fruit overpowered all other aromas and seemed to seep into my senses. I felt lighter. Stronger. Wiser. My body sang with magic, and when I glanced down at myself, I found my skin glowing softly.

  “Raphael,” I whispered as I turned to see that he was glowing too, “what is this place?”

  “The Garden, Ellie. It revives all who steps foot in it,” Raphael said reverently as he moved up beside me. He picked a mango-shaped fruit and held it out to me. “You said you wanted to clear your head. The Tree of Knowledge will grant you clarity.”

  “The Tree of Knowledge?” I asked as I took the fruit. “It really exists?”

  “It's not exactly what humans believe it to be,” he said and glanced at the other tree. “Neither of them are. The Tree of Knowledge can't give you the wisdom of a god, but it can free your mind to think at its most optimum.”

  “Then this is...” I turned toward the other tree.

  “The Tree of Life,” he said. “It heals nearly all wounds. Only death defies it.”

  “Could I?” I reached for one of the healing fruits. “Could I take one with me? It would be nice to have just in case.”

  “It will spoil quickly.” Raph grabbed my hand. “You must use it within twenty-four hours or the healing magic will rot.”

  “Rot into what?” I whispered.

  “Death, of course.” He grimaced. “Or worse; undeath.”

  “You're telling me that these life-fruits can become death-bombs?” I narrowed my eyes at them. “Or even zombie-bombs?”

  Raphael blinked. “I'd never considered that. Yes; I suppose so.”

  I backed away from the Tree of Life. As I'd said to Kyanite; every magic has its rules. The greater the magic, the more important it was to obey those rules.

  “Is this really the Garden of Eden?”

  “The Garden of Angelus in the Eden Realm,” he corrected me. “But yes. This is the place where Lucifer shaped the first angels from his Light.”

  “Wow,” I whispered as I stared down at the fruit in my hands.

  “The peel is edible,” Raph said. “Go ahead; take a bite.”

  Do not eat that fruit!

  Why not? I asked in surprise.

  This feels wrong to me, Elaria. One fruit gives life or unlife; what do you think the other is truly capable of? I'd warrant that any benefit it might offer wouldn't be worth its price. Besides, you don't need clarity; you have me. I will clear your mind. Give the Angel back his fruit and thank him for the offer. Trust me, my love.

  Always.

  “Thank you, Raphael.” I handed him back the fruit. “But I don't need clarity created by Lucifer. I do all right on my own.”

  Raphael frowned and something strange passed over his eyes. Then he blinked and it was gone. “Okay,” he said with a little confusion. “I'm sorry; I thought it would be a treat. I wanted to share something special with you.”

  “You did,” I assured him. “This place is magnificent. But if there's one thing I've learned from Persephone's myths, it's to never eat fruit grown by a god. I think I'll pass.” I smiled to ease the sting of my words.

  “As you like,” Raph said casually as he tossed the fruit into the flowerbeds.

  I blinked at that. If the fruit was such a treasure, why didn't he eat it himself? Why throw it away like trash?

  Because something's wrong with that damn fruit! Kyanite nearly shouted. I knew it!

  Okay, calm down. Raphael said I can leave when we get back to the city. Let's just keep it together until I'm off this fucked up planet.

  Agreed.

  “Shall we stroll?” Raphael offered me his arm with a wide grin.

  I smiled back but it felt tight around the edges of my mouth. Out of the city and still ass-deep in angelic intrigue. Perhaps I needed to start thinking more like one of them.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Despite the strange fruit sitch, Raphael and I had a lovely time in the Garden. We reminisced a bit and talked about a lot of things that we'd both been letting fester. I thought I'd gotten over Raphael and how he had lied to me, but I hadn't. I'd been harboring some resentment. We worked through it as we should have before, and then we just sat in companionable silence. Finally, after the sun set on the Garden of Eden, Raphael flew me back to the palace.

  “I gave your traveling stone and contact charm to Lucifer,” Raph said as we walked back to my suite. “Give me a few minutes to grab them. I'll be right back.”

  “Thanks, Raph; I appreciate it.” I went into my suite to wait anxiously.

  A few minutes later, Raphael returned with Lucifer. Neither man's expression boded well.

  “You're not letting me go,” I said with a derisive smirk.

  “Please try to understand,” Lucifer said gently. “Our agreement wasn't merely for Raphael if you recall. I want you here so you can see firsthand that I'm not a threat to the other realms. I helped you put the Gods to sleep for that very reason. This isn't about holding you hostage, Elaria; it's about proving myself to you so you may tell the other races that they can trust me.”

  “Shit,” I huffed. “You're right; I forgot that was the deal. All right, Lucifer, I get it. I understand.”

  “So, you'll honor the agreement?” Lucifer asked.

  “Of course I will,” I said. “I wouldn't have tried to break it except that Raphael offered, and I got so excited that I didn't consider your part in it.”

  “Thank you,” Lucifer said with relief. He went on with a bit of forced gaiety, “It sounds as if you had a nice time today. Raphael mentioned you went to the Garden.”