On Broken Wings

Chapter 11 [M]

Cassius

This chapter contains NSFW sexual material.

We left after staying in the village for two more days. Sana prepared more medicine in advance for me, and Lucifer wanted to set up protective measures around the perimeter in case the Sins decide to come back. Only once Malik assured him everything would be fine, we departed.

Being back in the manor made me feel at ease. The marbled walls and plants around every corner were familiar, my feet automatically tracing steps to our room, the hall, garden, and library. The open windows were comforting in a way I couldn't describe as anything but feeling at home. This was a home to me now despite my short time being here. Lucifer said that it matters not how long one has stayed in a place to call it their home, but it still felt awkward to me, helping myself to the quiet halls as if I've owned the place for centuries.

"Perhaps it is because I've not shown you everything yet," Lucifer said after dinner one night.

We were walking through the garden, moonlight casting silver upon green leaves. I glanced at Lucifer, admiring the way the pearly light touched his face, bringing out his strong nose and sharp jaw. The willow tree swayed with the breeze, long arms brushing against the plush grass carpet, creating a calming whisper in the silent air.

"What do you mean?" I asked, sliding a hand up his arm. He caught it, threading it through until our arms were entwined.

"When you first came here, I gave you a quick rundown of the manor, but now that you're here forever, I should show you everything."

Forever. The word felt bitter on my tongue. "Then, show me now?" We stopped walking, turning to face each other.

"Now?"

"We have nothing else to do."

He smiled, taking my breath away with his beauty. "I suppose so. Come, follow me."

"You're not even telling me where we're going?" I laugh, letting him pull me along.

He winked. "It's a secret," he said teasingly, leading us through the maze of hedges and back indoors.

Lucifer led me through the ancient palace, bare feet padding on the light, orange-tinged granite floors, the sounds growing quicker as he sped up. Soon we were running, out of breath from laughter and shared looks of joy when our eyes clashed, dark gold against bright amber.

He brought me past passages my own feet had walked me down many times before. Passages that were once foreign but now home. Or perhaps it was Lucifer that was making me feel so at peace.

He made a sharp turn, pulling me into a hall I had not noticed before. It was tucked away in a quiet corner, hidden behind a rack of polished mahogany shelves that held potted plants. Lucifer abruptly stopped, and momentum carried me into his chest. There we stood, panting, warm skin against warm skin until he pulled away.

The secret passage quickly fell away to the outdoors, granite floors crumbling into soft grass. It prickled at my feet as we walked side-by-side, comfortably silent. Words were not always needed between us. Vegetation grew wilder as we went deeper in the hidden passage. Our heads were no longer covered by the ceiling, but an arching dome roof that hung low over our heads. Humidity clung to my skin, and I felt my brows furrow in confusion. What was this place?

The further we traveled in the tunnel, the more damp the walls became. Still, Lucifer did not falter, an excited expression written on his face. When the tunnel ended, I gasped.