The Devil's Call.

Chapter 28 | Cloud

Chapter 28 | Cloud

Unconscious, Lucas looks peaceful – adorable.

The room however, I could have gone without. The bright white walls and the terrible stink of medical supplies seemed to tie my heart in half. I should have returned home quicker, I should have been there.

Instead, I was among angels who didn't want me to return home, and in a fancy palace pretending to be something I wasn't. Somebody I wasn't.

I was a terrible wife.

Behind me Samuel shifted from foot to foot – when he had first entered the room, my husband's guard begged to be punished. He had failed his job, and so he wished to suffer the same fate as Lucas.

How could I do that to him?

I couldn't. In truth, Samuel was so much more important than just his position. He had been with Lucas since my husband was born. Their fates were entwined together – I could not ruin that. The very fact that, the first time in years Samuel left the castle did Lucas get injured said something.

Had Samuel been here, no doubt he would be dead now.

Clearly, fate wanted Samuel to stay alive – and so he shall. I would not harm my husband's personal guard in any way. That meant he would not go anywhere near Cronas. He was much too important apparently.

"Samuel," I sighed tearing my gaze from Lucifer's face.

He straightened from his spot at the door, "Yes my lady?"

"Please ask Kitty and Caden to meet with me," I told him softly, "We will be leaving soon to meet Cronas. When that happens you will remain here – you will guard Lucas because I trust no one else with such a task."

He nodded, a flash of a smile on his face, before leaving the room. When he did I looked back at my sleeping husband. Tears collected in my eyes as I sniffled softly. I would not cry, I had to be strong. For Vidan, and Odelia and for Lucas.

The door opened and I looked up to see Saanti skipping through the door. My brow arched as he had a rose flower balanced on his nose. I stayed quiet, watching him curiously, until the flower fell off his nose – causing petals to rain down.

"Oh darn," he frowned.

I didn't let that distract me, despite whatever he really wanted, I smiled, "I don't know if I should call you Lucifer or Saanti. Does Lucas know the truth?"

He looked over at me, his eyes darkening and his back stretching until he stood to his full height. He pulled his long, black locks into a pony tail then sighed deeply. His gaze drifted past me at Lucas with an intense look.

"He does not know, it's safer that way. I stopped being Lucifer when I left the Almighty," he replied softly, "Lucifer was the angel of justice, when I fell, I became Saanti. Saanti the king of hell. I hoped Lucas would have been better than I had, more good."

I stayed quiet.

"Cronas is at Kardenal's warehouse. Below the flooring, an underground chamber of old tunnels. It would seem the new council member had been sheltering him from harm's way," he told me.

I nodded unsurprised, "I figured you would know where he is. Lucas had a hunch someone on the council would betray us – he guessed it would have been Valor."

"Valor is quite loyal to you," Saanti mused.

I smiled, my eyes rolling, "He choose which side he believes will win."

"Which side do you think he will choose this time?" he asked, his own smile pulling onto his face.

I laughed, "Whichever – that side will be the victor."

A loud knock on the door brought our attention away from our own conversation. No doubt Kitty and Caden had arrived. Saanti turned on his heels, his bare feet pressed firmly on the fallen petals of a blood red rose.

Something registered in my heart, something like a brief of anguish and I grabbed his wrist tightly. Panic flashed through me as he glanced back at me – something about his gaze was all wrong. It was too soft, it was too vulnerable for Saanti.

"What's wrong daughter?" His tone was light, teasing yet something deeper flashed.

Regret.

"You're leaving aren't you," I stated softly.

His eyes flickered from me to Lucas then back and he smiled, "Hell is no longer mine. There is no place for the fallen here, Cronas will soon learn this."

Another knock, and Caden's voice wafted through, "Cloud – can we come in?"

Saanti glanced at the door and pulled his arm free of my grasp, "This, is farewell daughter."

And then he was gone, out the door as tears blurred my vision. Caden and Kitty entered the room sparing the former king any regards as they hurried over to my side. Kitty's pale, blue arms wrapped around me as she hugged me tightly.

"He will wake up," Caden told me with a warm smile, misjudging my tears.

Kitty pulled away, her mouth twisted into a frown, "It's our fault. We hadn't expected Lucas to lose against Cronas – he's so strong, it was terrible. We will be ready next time."

I wiped my eyes and nodded, I could not waste time mourning Saanti's leave. The very fact that he left meant he knew we could win. He was putting his faith in us, and such fuel Cronas would surely fall.

"Kardenal is a traitor. It is time the council stepped forward, send word. Normal tactics will not work against Cronas – not like with Daniel. This time we must fight – all of us, no soldiers, just us. I want Rapan, Karasek, Valor, you, and Irone ready and at the castle main gates in half an hour. Suit up, we will all be fighting."

"Cloud," Caden paused hesitant, "Karasek and Rapan don't fight."

I regarded him with cold eyes, "Then it is time they did."

He nodded, hurrying out the door leaving me alone with Kitty. She sighed softly, moving behind me to begin braiding my long, blonde locks. I smiled, grateful for my friend. In truth, I don't believe there was ever a second Kitty was not unconditionally loyal to me.

Which was nice... in a world of demons.

"Kitty," I called softly to her, making her fingers pause, "You've been so kind to me. What does your heart desire? What do you want? I can give you anything, I want to. You've been my dearest friend, please let me return that."

She moved around me, her sharp green eyes sparkling as her lips curled back, her razor teeth apparent as she smiled, "All I wish is to continue to serve at your side. I know I can never have you so just...let me stay beside you."

My eyes widened at her sudden confession and I felt guilty, "Kitty..."

She waved me off and glanced at Lucas, "I know. You don't have to say anything. I knew the moment I laid my eyes on you – a true angel in the purest form. Maybe if you had met me first this world be different...," she paused to laugh, "No, I take that back. I believe your fate was written at the beginning of time. Regardless, I will never betray you my queen."

I wrapped my arms around her, burying my face into her neck, "I'm sorry. The world has been fucking terrible to you. I'm sorry Kitty."

She rolled her eyes, gently pushing me away, "Don't be, I am happy exactly how things are."

Caden returned, pushing the door open as he stood out of breath, we both turned to look at him with wide eyes. To my surprise he dressed in holy silver – one I had given him long ago. His eyes locked on mine and, although he said nothing, I knew exactly what he was thinking.

It was finally time to end this.