Just outside the city, we found about a hundred angel warriors flying toward Las Vegas over the desert, led by Gabriel. He wore gleaming silver armor and carried a spear, his expression menacing. Something angry lurked in there, something that would only be satisfied by the spilling of blood. Every single angel prepared to attack the second they saw us, but to my relief they waited for Gabriel's command.
"Is this your idea of a battle?" Gabriel called out to Lucifer. "Where are your demonic soldiers? Or is your ego really that large?"
"There will be no battle today," Lucifer said, and then he extended his power outward. "I release you."
The angry haze lifted from Gabriel's eyes and he blinked at us in confusion. "Lucifer? Hannah?"
"I'm sorry, my old friend." Lucifer rested his hand on Gabriel's shoulder. "I was not myself. I do not truly wish for a war with your people."
"Nor do I," Gabriel said, before he turned to face his soldiers. "Stand down! Return to your homes. There will be no fight here today."
The angel warriors all seemed a bit confused, but sheathed their weapons and began flying away. Some looked relieved that they wouldn't spill demon blood today, while others looked disappointed. Soon, only Gabriel remained, the three of us hovering in the air as we faced each other.
Lucifer broke the silence. "You offered me a drink before, and I turned it down. Let me offer you one now."
"I accept," Gabriel said. "I'd love to know how you broke free of War's spell."
The three of us flew back to the penthouse together, our shoes crunching on broken glass and splintered wood as we set down inside our ruined home.
"I'm sorry for the mess," I told Gabriel with a sigh. "Lucifer had something of an anger management problem, but we've taken care of it."
"Where is War now?" Gabriel asked.
"He's gone," Lucifer said, as he poured two drinks from the one liquor bottle that had somehow survived his wrath, plus a glass of water for me.
Gabriel drew his brows together. “How can an Elder God be gone?”
"Famine is gone too," I said. "Although that's not exactly correct."
Lucifer gestured between us. “You’re looking at what’s left of Famine and War.”
"How is that possible?"
I accepted the glass of water from Lucifer. "I released Famine, became her host, and then defeated her."
Gabriel’s eyes widened. “I had no idea that could be done."
“Oberon told me it was possible, though he didn't seem to think it would work." I tilted my head as I considered. "I suspect for most people, it wouldn't. I was able to combat Famine because my essence is the opposite of hers. Just like Lucifer's is really the opposite of War's—once he remembered who he truly was." With Famine's added strength and magic, I'd been able to use my Erelim light of truth, boosting it to unheard-of levels in order to bring back Lucifer's memories. I'd never have been able to do that before becoming an Elder God myself—only Famine could weaken War enough for my other powers to succeed.
Gabriel took a sip of his drink with a grin. "Lucifer...a man of peace. Who would have guessed it, all those years ago?"
"Don't spread that rumor around," Lucifer said with a smirk. "I need to keep my villainous image, after all."
"I don't think that will be a problem." Gabriel finished his drink and set his glass down. "I'll leave you two to catch up, while I make sure there are no angels lingering behind with thoughts of taking out a demon or two." He clasped Lucifer on the shoulder. "It's good to have you back."
After he flew away, I turned to Lucifer, relieved to finally have him alone at last. We did have a lot of catching up to do—and many things to discuss.
14
Hannah
Lucifer took my hands and drew me toward him. “Not a day passed that I didn't think of you, even when I was War. Your face haunted my every thought, though I didn't understand why.”
"I thought about you every day also. I felt so guilty for locking you up—"
He placed a finger over my lips."No. You did the right thing."
"I know I did, but I still hated it, and things were so hard without you..."
“Hannah.” My name was a soothing caress, as visceral as any touch. He dropped a kiss to my hair and smoothed runaway strands from my face. "From what I've seen and heard, you did an amazing job while I was gone. You stepped up and became queen to our people, all while pregnant. I'm only sad I missed so much."
“You didn’t mean to be gone.” I laid my hand on his chest, feeling the reassuring beat of his heart under my palm. “You did what had to be done."
He rumbled a sound that could have been agreement or frustration, then smoothed his hand over my belly. "I'm here now though, and I'm not going anywhere. I'll be by your side every second of these last few months of your pregnancy, until you're begging me to leave you alone. Foot rubs? I'm your man. Strange cravings? Not a problem. Awkward pregnancy sex? Anytime you want."
I laughed a little at that, but then I remembered that this would be the last time we'd be going through all of this. I turned away, my eyes filling with tears, but Lucifer caught my chin.
"What is it?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
"To save you, I had to make a sacrifice too." I swallowed the lump of sadness in my throat.
Horror filled his eyes. “Is something wrong with the baby? Did… Did
