Chapter Text
Morning came quick.
Lucifer stirred first, blinking slowly as the sun spilled through the curtains. He was tangled in limbs, legs draped over Alastor’s, one arm snug around the alpha’s waist, and Alastor’s face buried in his neck, lips just barely brushing his mating mark.
Lucifer smiled sleepily and closed his eyes again, just to savor it for a bit longer.
The weight of the war…it hung over him heavily.
And the omega wasn’t quite ready to face it today.
Alastor shifted, nuzzling deeper. “Mmm. You smell like dessert,” he murmured against Lucifer’s throat.
Lucifer hummed. “I think you’re just hungry.”
The alpha chuckled low, pulling him tighter with one arm while lazily trailing his other hand along the small of Lucifer’s back. “You know me so well.”
They lingered in the nest for another few minutes, reluctant to let the outside world in. But eventually, Lucifer sighed and shifted, “Come on,” he said, grabbing Alastor’s wrist and tugging. “Up. We should get dressed.”
“Mmm… I vote we stay in bed instead,” Alastor grumbled, grabbing Lucifer by the waist and yanking him back down onto the mattress.
Lucifer yelped, landing with a laugh sprawled across the alpha’s chest. “Al! We can’t.”
“We can,” Alastor said, smirking as he ran his fingers up the inside of Lucifer’s thigh. “We just shouldn’t.” He winked. “Which makes it all the more fun.”
Lucifer arched under the touch, scent sweetening. “That’s not fair…”
“Neither is the way you look right now,” Alastor growled, leaning up to kiss his jaw. “You expect me to get dressed when you’re looking like this?”
Lucifer groaned and pushed himself up, tousled hair wild. “If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late for breakfast…”
“Breakfast?
Lucifer hummed. “Figured we could go out? Have some ‘us’ time.”
Alastor replied instantly, voice low. “And what if I already know a certain angel I’d rather have for breakfast?”
Lucifer looked down at him with a breathless scoff. “You’re insane.”
“You’re irresistible,” Alastor countered, pulling him back down for a slow, possessive kiss.
They finally, somehow, managed to break apart long enough to start getting ready, trading touches and kisses the entire time. Lucifer slipped on a deep v-neck shirt, only for Alastor to promptly tug it lower and kiss across his exposed chest with a playful growl. Lucifer laughed, then retaliated by scenting the collar of Alastor’s button up, dragging his lips along his throat.
This morning was much slower than their normal hectic ones. And because of that, It took twice as long as it should have to dress.
Once Lucifer had finally wrangled his mate into his coat, he fastened the buttons for him, fingers lingering far too long on Alastor’s lapels. He looked up from under thick lashes.
Lucifer smiled. “I thought we could go to…uh…That place in Cannibal Town you like? The one with the really rich coffee and those pastries I like? I figured…we could walk a little. Maybe stop by the park after.”
“Oh?” Alastor tilted his head, watching him curiously. “Are you trying to spoil me?”
Lucifer leaned up and pressed a kiss just under the alpha’s jaw. “I just want a nice morning with my alpha before all the madness starts again. Just the two of us.”
He hesitated, fingers stilling on Alastor’s chest.
“And I thought…we could talk. About next month.”
Alastor’s smile softened, knowing immediately. “Your heat.”
Lucifer nodded slowly, his gaze flickering down. “It’s…probably gonna happen sooner than expected. You know… with everything happening. The stress.”
Alastor kissed Lucifer’s knuckles, “Whatever you want to do, my light. We’ll figure it out together.”
Lucifer leaned into the touch.
Alastor pulled him in again, wrapping both arms around his waist and letting his scent spill slow around them.
Lucifer keened softly, hips shifting forward instinctively.
“If you don’t stop scenting me like that,” he whispered, lips brushing Alastor’s ear, “we’re never going to make it to breakfast.”
Alastor’s grin widened. “That’s fine by me.”
Lucifer bit his lip, stifling a smile. “C’mon. Park. Pastries. Heat strategy. And if you behave…” he lulled out teasingly,
Alastor quirked a brow. “If I behave…someone will…make an appearance tonight?”
Lucifer shrugged once. “I heard a certain jazz singer might be stopping by to visit his favorite pianist.”
Alastor smiled childishly and immediately offered his arm. “I shall be on my best behavior.”
Lucifer chuckled as they stepped out into the hallway.
***
They strolled down the crooked, surprisingly pleasant streets of Cannibal Town, hand-in-hand, both sipping from their steaming cups of coffee.
Lucifer sighed happily, practically purring under his breath. “Y’know, with how pleasant this morning is…It’s easy to forget there’s a war coming.”
Alastor chuckled, brushing his thumb lazily over Lucifer’s knuckles. “I’d give anything to forget for just one more hour.”
Lucifer leaned his head against Alastor’s shoulder as they turned toward the edge of the park.
“So…” Lucifer cleared his throat. “My heat. I’ll go first….I’m…uh…I’m wanting to get through this one, and then I’d take the suppressants.” He sipped his drink and looked at his alpha. “What’s your thoughts and...what are you wanting to do?”
The alpha finished his sip. “I want you to be comfortable before this war. Whatever needs to happen to do that, that’s what we will do.”
Lucifer scoffed “You’re being sweet, but I want to know your actual thoughts. This isn’t just about my comfort. You’d be out of commission too since you would be…ya know.. helping me.”
“I think…” Alastor squeezed the blond’s hand. “That you know your body. And if getting one more out of you eases your mind, I want to be there and help.”
Lucifer sighed in relief, and then looked at his mate again. “What about you?”
Alastor’s ears perked up as the omega continued.
“Do you want to wait for a rut too? Because of the suppressants?”
Alastor stiffened slightly at the thought of the suppressants.
Withdrawls?…He couldn’t do that again…not again…
Six months of suppressants?…he knew his body too….he’d relapse…
But.
Taking off for a heat and a rut would be a lot of days where they would be vulnerable… they would have to be smart about it.
“I’ll…” Alastor inhaled. “I’ll go through a rut as well…as long as it happens within the first three months. After that..I’ll start them.”
Lucifer nodded “Okay… phew glad we got that out of the way.” He sipped his drink again. “I just…you know I can’t stand what they do to my body. Fucks with my heat cycle and all that shit. I just…I want to be in the right mind to get through this…this fucking war.”
The war…
His heat…
His pup.
Even his alpha’s rut..
His omega thought about everything.
Of course he did…He had so much to think about…
I could relieve some of the stress…help more if I was a king…
Alastor thought for a moment.
But…
He looked at his mate.
No…
He could never…
Lucifer was his king.
The king of hell for so long.
Vox had just gotten in his head…
Yeah…
And now…he needed to show Vox that he wasn’t falling for whatever game he was playing.
Show him where his loyalty lies.
Alastor hummed as he glanced at his pocket watch, and his expression tightened just slightly.
“Unfortunately my love,” he murmured, “our lovely morning is nearly up.”
Lucifer blinked, glancing up. “Oh?”
“I need to head into town. The Overlords are expecting me shortly.” Alastor shifted, his hand remaining entwined with Lucifer’s. “It’s a busy stratagem building day and…I’m also naming my second.”
Lucifer raised a brow. “Already?”
Alastor nodded. “I want the hierarchy in place as soon as possible. And…” He hesitated, then looked down at Lucifer. “I actually need you there, my darling.”
Lucifer stopped walking. “Me?”
Alastor turned to him, fully facing his mate. “Yes. I want Vox to bend the knee to you. In front of them all. As another way to keep him in line.”
Lucifer blinked,. “You want him to kneel to me at your meeting?”
“I want the others to see that there’s no division between you and I, even with me taking on more leadership.” Alastor said simply…not adding the rumors that Vox told him. The best way to stop the rumors was to show who they should be following.
His mate,
“I want them to see that I answer to you, and so must they. It unites the power structure, solidifies the order of authority. Especially in front of Vox.”
Lucifer looked at him for a long moment, his strong alpha, smiling but more serious than normal.
This….this request was calculated. Intentional..
Lucifer warmed his scent again. “Awww You want me there as your King…” he said quietly, “to make a point.”
Alastor stepped forward, brushing his nose against Lucifer’s in an affectionate pass. “I always want you there as my King…and as my mate.”
Lucifer flushed, leaning into the contact with a little huff. “Then I suppose I’d better get dressed in something a little more regal.”
Alastor smirked. “Make it dramatic, won’t you? I want him to choke on his smug grin when you walk in.”
Lucifer smiled sharp, putting on a mocking playful tone. “Oh, babe. I’ll curtsy and everything.”
Alastor growled softly, dragging Lucifer close with a teasing grip on his waist. “You would look ridiculous, but I love when you talk strategy against my rival.”
***
One by one, the Overlords gathered into the conference room.
Alastor stood tall at the head of the table, gloved hands clasped behind his back, his shadow slithered along the walls behind him. Lucifer stood at his side, regal and resplendent, dressed in his usual white suit and hat.
Alastor’s smile was sharp as he spoke. “Thank you all for coming promptly on time,” he began, “As you all are aware, our hellish realm has been dealt quite the upcoming challenge, one that will demand unity, loyalty, and decisive leadership.”
A few murmurs echoed in the room.
“I will be overseeing coordination between your factions in the coming days, and I wanted this time to discuss specifics with each of us and address any questions you may have,” Alastor continued. “But first… I’m here to announce the appointment of a second-in-command.”
That made the room go still.
“I’ve made my decision,” Alastor said. “Based off of a multitude of reasons…” the alpha lied. “ but…I’ve chosen Vox as my second.”
A few sharp inhales.
“Flattered,” Vox drawled, placing a hand on his chest. “Truly, Alastor. I am thrilled we can put our past behind us during these trying times.”
Alastor narrowed his eyes. “As my second, and as the first to be named under our restructured rule, you will kneel before the King of Hell, as a sworn oath to follow and fight for your king.”
There was a flicker of surprise from several Overlords.
Lucifer remained perfectly still beside Alastor, his hand resting on his cane.
The air buzzed as Vox stood.
He smoothed his jacket.
Then slowly walked towards the royal couple.
“Of course,” the blue alpha said. “It would be my honor.”
The entire room watched.
Vox turned toward Lucifer, sinking to one knee, bowing his head low.
“I swear my loyalty to you,” he said smoothly. “To serve the realm. To defend its people. And to fight for you.”
And then….his eyes flicked up just a fraction.
Just enough for Alastor to catch it.
A glance.
The subtle tilt of his head…and where his eyes went…not toward the crowned omega before him, but toward the alpha beside him.
“My King.”
Vox said the words clearly. And the room murmured approval..
Alastor’s smile thinned by half.
Only he saw the insult behind the flourish. The veiled implication that the true power stood beside his mate…that he was who Vox pledged to.
Only he heard the mockery hiding beneath the loyalty.
Only he felt the rage his instincts threatened to unleash.
Only he felt the…slight…pride… in the idea of Vox or anyone bending the knee to him…
Fuck…
That idea was intoxicating…
But he said nothing.
He placed a hand on Lucifer’s back, grounding himself.
And he smiled.
Because he still had Vox right where he wanted him.
Either way, Vox had sworn to one of them…
They stood as one, especially for this war.
Alpha and Omega.
Still….
It would seem another talking to would be necessary…
The meeting dragged on. Lucifer had left halfway through, scenting his mate and leaving for his own war preparations.
Finally, the meeting had come to a close, and overlords began to leave left and right,
“Vox.” Alastor called. “A word?”
The blue alpha gave him a grin and walked towards him.
Alastor waited till everyone else was out of the room before he abruptly turned, harshly curling his fingers tight in Vox’s lapels, lifting slightly. His alpha growled.
“You are foolish.” Alastor snarled.
Vox grunted at the rough grip that shook him slightly. “Whatever do you mean?”
“Don’t play dumb with me.”Alastor shook him harshly once more. “Your little oath was meant for my mate.”
“I didn’t want to swear to your omega.” Vox drawled through his gritted teeth, hands still gripping Alastor’s. “I wanted my oath to be true.”
Alastor snarled again. “You do realize that conspiring about an uprising and naming another king is treason?” He shook him again. “I could have you executed."
Vox smirked, “Isn’t knowing of the potential uprising and keeping that information from your mate also treason?”
Alastor’s eyes widened slightly.
Vox smiled again. “I know you haven’t told him. And you don’t want to. You forget how well I know you, Al.” He laughed. “It’s why I’m perfect as your second. I know how much power means to you. And I want to help you get it.”
No…I’m different now.
Alastor thought to himself.
I…I gave up my power for Lucifer. I’ve changed.
Alastor growled once more before dropping the other alpha, “I’ll be watching ever closely, old pal.”
“Oh, I don’t doubt it, I would too.” Vox dusted off his jacket. “After all, we are in this together now… we have both committed treason, your majesty.”
Alastor stiffened as Vox mocked the title..Lucifer’s title…and walked out…
He had to tell Lucifer.
He…
He had to let him know…
But…he had committed treason too…if Lucifer spared him because he’s his mate….he would look all the more weaker to his subjects… give them more fuel to try and dethrone him.
Fuck…Alastor should have told him.
He….
Fuck, it was happening again…
Power, even the thought of it, had kept him from telling Lucifer something.
Something important.
It was the same cycle…
He hadn’t changed…
***
The lobby was alive with its usual rhythm: sinners filing in and out of workshops, Husk grumbling behind the bar, Niffty darting through with stacks of blankets twice her size again. Charlie stood at the reception desk, a stack of clipboards under her arm.
She had to keep the hotel running. Keep redeeming people. That was her job for this war. Save human souls.
Save them from a war she was causing…
The guilt was killing her.
She was halfway through assigning new ballroom rotations for workshops when the mail chime echoed through the lobby.
She went to the slot and pulled out a small stack.
Two golden redemption letters, four death threats, and one addressed to her…in a handwriting that looked…angelic.
She flipped it over and saw that it was sealed with one of Heaven’s crests.
Charlie froze.
Her heart picked up speed. She exchanged a nervous glance with Vaggie across the counter, who immediately set down her pen and stepped closer. “What is it?”
Charlie shook her head. “I don’t know..” She handed off the other letters to her partner, fiddling with the mysterious one in her hands.
She quickly broke the seal.
Princess Charlotte Morningstar,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing it because I would like the chance to meet with you personally…away from the pressures of our courts, councils, and crowns. A simple conversation, between two who share a legacy they never asked for.
Your potential new friend,
-Abel.
Charlie’s breath hitched.
Abel.
Adam and Eve’s son.
The one Heaven had just pushed toward her like a chess piece.
Her stomach turned.
Vaggie leaned over her shoulder, reading quickly. “You’re not actually considering this, right? He’s Eve’s son. This is exactly what they want, to separate you, to corner you.”
“I…” Charlie swallowed, folding the parchment tight against her chest. “I don’t know. Maybe if I talked to him, I’d understand what they’re really trying to do here. It…sounds like he feels the same way. Maybe he doesn’t even want this.”
Vaggie’s peppermint scent bristled. “Or maybe it’s a trap.”
Charlie looked at her partner, her eyes wide and conflicted. “Vaggie… I have to at least hear him out. If there’s any chance he doesn’t want this either, I need to know. If he’s being forced into it the way they’re trying to force me…”
Her voice wavered.
“I… don’t want to judge him without giving him a chance.”
Vaggie sighed, running a hand down her face. “Of course you don’t.” She pulled Charlie into a protective hug, her tone softening. “You’re too good for all this, babe.”
Charlie smiled against her shoulder, clutching the folded letter tight.
Abel wanted to meet.
And that meant that…either this was genuine. Or Heaven had already moved another piece forward in their game.
To protect her people….She had to meet it head on either way.
Later that day, Charlie sat alone on one of the stone benches nestled in the hotel’s garden. Her hands fidgeted in her lap.
She stared at the gate, heart thudding.
After talking to Vaggie, they both decided it was best to have the home field advantage for this meeting. That it would show more of his character if he had agreed to come down here.
So…She had sent her reply…
Abel,
Thank you for your letter…
If you want to talk, come to the hotel. I’ll be in the garden. We should both come alone.
-Charlie
Her mind hadn’t stopped spinning since she sent it.
About what her father would say.About how many people had died the last time she went to Heaven and offered a conversation.
But Abel had replied.
And now she waited.
The gate creaked open.
Charlie stood quickly.
He stepped through with stumbling just a bit in celestial white and muted yellows and pink, blond hair under some hat. His eyes were soft and kind.
Abel.
He looked… nothing like what she expected.
She could see how he resembled his parents…kind of… but the bloodlust and rage in Adam’s eyes was nothing like the peace and kindness in his son’s.
He looked around the garden before bringing his eyes back to hers. “Did you plan this on purpose? Cause it’s so ironic.”
“Plan…what?” Charlie asked.
The angel looked around the garden again before gesturing. “Ya know. The garden? Cause if like…you know…our parents?” He said awkwardly.
Oh…
He’s genuinely kind and innocent.
Charlie thought to herself.
“Um…no?” Charlie laughed just as awkwardly. “Didn’t even occur to me until just now…that’s uh…kind of funny.”
“It is!” Abel chuckled happily again. “Hope you don’t turn into a snake too. What a crazy way for history to repeat itself.” He joked and then sighed and walked towards her. “Princess Charlotte,” he greeted.
“Charlie,” she corrected.
Another smile touched his lips. “Charlie, then. Thank you for agreeing to meet.”
“I didn’t do it for you or me…,” she said quietly. “I just wanted to hear how you felt about this.”
He nodded once. “Me too.” He stepped closer. Till she could smell his honeysuckle scent. “This isn’t easy for me either, you know. I didn’t ask for my name to be thrown into this.”
Charlie looked at him sharply. “So you don’t want this alliance?”
“I want peace,” Abel replied. “I want Heaven and Hell to stop turning people into weapons to prove points. I want just…a fun time. So no… I don’t want to marry a stranger to secure a throne I have no claim to.” He exhaled. “ I thought that I could try to slow the damage at least if I couldn’t stop it.”
Charlie stared at him, “So you’re here to protect Heaven’s image.”
“I’m here,” he said, meeting her gaze, “because I wanted to see the girl they’re so afraid of.”
Silence stretched between them.
“I’m not dangerous,” Charlie murmured. “I’m just trying to help people.”
“I know.”
She blinked at him. “How?”
Abel sat down across from her, folding his hands neatly. “Because no one schemes this hard to silence someone who isn’t changing things.” He tilted his head. “They’re afraid of what you’ve built here. Afraid that redemption is actually working. And what the winners and sinners think about it since the exterminations destroyed so many human souls…for no reason… And so… Heaven is terrified of what happens when you inherit Hell with that kind of power.”
Charlie looked away, overwhelmed.
Abel’s voice softened. “You’ve done something incredible, Charlie. They’ll never admit it. But it’s why they’re trying to corner you now.”
“By marrying me off?”
Abel shrugged, a hint of bitterness sneaking in. “It’s what Heaven knows how to do. Bind, cage. And if that doesn’t work? Destroy.”
Charlie went still. “Is that what they’ll do if I say no?”
“I don’t know,” he answered honestly. “But I think you already know what your answer is.”
Charlie sat back on the bench. “You’re… not what I expected,” she admitted after a beat. “You’re not smug. Or righteous. Or-.”
“Or like my dad?” Abel laughed a bright, bubbly sound that didn’t belong in this tense atmosphere. “I get that a lot,” he teased. “But no. I’m just… me. I wasn’t made for politics. I was born for a war I didn’t sign up for.”
Charlie tilted her head. “Welcome to the club.”
He smiled. “Is that what this is?”
“It’s either a club or a prison sentence.”
They both chuckled, tension giving way to something warmer and friendlier.
Abel’s gaze drifted toward the hotel behind her, its towering walls and glowing stained-glass windows. “I never thought I’d step foot here in Hell. Your father’s name alone used to make people flinch back home.”
“He still makes people flinch here,” Charlie muttered.
“I heard about his press conference when I got down here, it was on all the screens.” Abel said gently. “He spoke well. Passionate. Proud. Exactly how his reputation is in Heaven.”
Charlie looked down, her voice dropping. “He’s tired. He pretends he’s not, but I can see it. The stress of this war…of putting our people through this, it’s hitting harder than he lets on.”
“He’s protecting you.”
“I know,” she whispered.
A pause.
Abel spoke carefully. “You love him.”
“Of course I do. He’s my dad.”
“I meant it the other way too,” Abel said. “He loves you. It’s obvious.”
Charlie smiled softly. Then, more seriously, “He’s just... He’s why I originally wanted this hotel to work. I wanted him to…be proud of me… and to help him feel better about…well…what happened…that it wasn’t his fault. Not completely. That he shouldn’t feel guilty for the sinners that got here, because there would be a way that they could be saved still.” She inhaled, “And now I’m the one causing a war.”
“You aren’t the reason that this war is happening, Charlie.” Abel cut in firmly. “No more than I am.”
Charlie looked at him for a long moment. Then slowly rose to her feet, turning to face him fully. “Then tell them no. Tell them you won’t marry me. Refuse the match and end it.”
Abel stood as well, brushing off his sleeves.“I have told them no,” he said gently. “Twice. They stopped asking. Now they’re telling.”
Charlie’s jaw tightened. “And you’re just going to go along with it?”
“No,” he said, still calm. “But I’m also not going to put my people at risk if there’s a chance I can mediate something. Maybe I can buy time. Stall their worst instincts. At least until you and your dad figure something out.”
Charlie crossed her arms. “So you’re playing peacekeeper.”
“I’m trying to be.”
Charlie crossed her arms harder. “You’re still standing with Heaven. With them.”
Abel’s smile faded, but his voice didn’t rise. “And you’re still standing with Hell. With them.”
Silence pulsed between them, both of them breathing a little harder now.
“I don’t want this war,” Charlie said softly.
“Neither do I,” Abel echoed.
“I don’t want to marry someone just to make it stop.”
“Neither do I,” he said again. And then he offered a smile, smaller, and more vulnerable. “Even if you are really pretty.”
Charlie snorted. “Flatterer.”
He shrugged. “I may be peace-loving, but I’m not blind.”
Another pause.
“I should go,” Abel said, stepping back toward the garden gate. “Before your father realizes I’m here and personally lights me on fire.”
Charlie gave a half-hearted laugh, but her heart was heavy.
As he reached the gate, Abel turned back one last time. “Charlie?”
“Yeah?”
“I don’t know what’s going to happen next. But I meant what I said. I’m not your enemy. And if there’s any way I can help without making things worse… I’ll try.”
She met his eyes. For all the history between their families, all the blood and pride and pain, she could see it… he meant it.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “It’s nice to have a new friend.”
Abel smiled genuinely once more and then he was gone.
***
The war room of Heaven was a stark contrast from the one Lucifer had set up in the hotel.
Much more official.
Michael stood before the table in his full armor, his broad shoulders tense, wings tight behind him. His hands were clasped behind his back, and his sword glinted by his side.
Sera paced. “Six months,” she murmured, watching the glowing map of Hell above the table rotate slowly. “The siege will begin then. Enough time to marshal resources, solidify generals-.”
“And enough time for our enemy to strengthen their army” Lute snapped from her side of the table. “We should strike now. Full force. No more delays.”
Michael’s eyes didn’t leave the map. “We do not move blindly.”
“They are,” Lute said sharply. “Lucifer’s thrown Hell into full war mode. He’s naming war councils, building weapons, uniting the Sins and Overlords. And worst of all, like his fucking daughter, he’s inspiring hope. That’s more dangerous than anything else.”
Sera nodded slowly. “She’s right about that. The hotel’s success has gotten out. Some of the winners now know… that Sinners were redeemable from the beginning.”
A silence fell.
Michael’s jaw clenched. “How many?”
“Too many,” Sera said softly. “Enough to start asking questions. Enough to make the exterminations...look like massacres instead of us trying to protect heaven. But...they were massacres.”
All three angels stood still.
“With the success of the hotel, .” Michael finally broke the silence. “And the knowledge that we killed off loved ones of theirs…Our own people may turn against us.”
Lute scoffed bitterly. “Then that’s all the more reason to strike now, before more doubt spreads. We descend with Heaven’s might and we take them out. We command redemption under our rule, not the princesses’ twisted version.”
But Sera turned to Michael. “Lucifer remaining in power is the safest route, for now. If a rebellion overthrows him first, Hell becomes unstable. Too many vying for the crown. Too much chaos to control.”
Lute folded her arms. “So we’re stalling while Hell tears itself apart? I mean, I suppose we could let them kill each other off. We swoop in after. Maybe if we’re lucky, that little brat and her bitch omega father will be caught in the crossfire before we have to deal with them.”
There was a sharp, resonating snap as Michael’s wings flared open.
Lute startled, stumbling back half a step.
Michael’s voice was cold as his alpha scent spilled into the space. “Speak of my brother or his daughter like that again…”
His alpha surged. Lute’s breath caught. Her omega instincts betrayed her as Michael's burning orange scent surrounded her and she dropped her gaze as her shoulders curled inward in submission.
Sera’s hand shot out in warning. “Michael. Put yourself back in line before I do it for you, Commander.”
Silence.
Then slowly, Michael stepped back from the omega general. His wings folded again, though the tension in his jaw remained.
“We wait for six months,” he said, voice flat. “We prepare. Quietly and thoroughly.”
Sera exhaled. “And what about the rebellion in Hell?”
Michael stared into the center of the map, his face unreadable. “Let it bloom for now. But keep eyes on all of them. Especially the Sins and overlords.”
Sera nodded, “If any move against Lucifer, we strike at both sides. Heaven… must win…”