Battle With Fire (Demon Days & Vampire Nights)

“He already communicates with the different sect leaders.”

“If vampires will be living there, or trolls, they will need to have a voice.”

My eyes widened. “And he went for that?”

“No, not as such. He will relent when the angels open their world and allow ambassadors as well. I wouldn’t hold your breath for that to happen. But he did mention that he’ll need someone to manage other races that choose to live in his kingdom—so he can hear their pleas and ensure they are following the rules.”

“He has a bunch of demons to choose from.”

“I think it is a half demon he had in mind. One with the power and bravery to assert her will. One with connections across all the worlds.”

I could feel the color leave my face. No thanks was on the tip of my tongue, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it.

Darius didn’t push. He probably felt my rush of excitement through the bond.

“I’d like to go see him,” I said.

“And you will. Just now, he is probably getting everyone settled from the battle, but once that is done…”

“What about Archion and the other dragons? How is Penny and everyone?”

“The dragons went down to the Underworld with their peers for now. They are allowed to travel freely between the magical worlds, though, so you can reconnect with Archion wherever you choose. Even in Roger’s shifter commune, if you’d like, since it is a closed section of land with no worry of human eyes.”

“I’ll meet him in the Underworld and see what he wants to do.”

Darius nodded. “Both dual-mage pairs are downstairs. They’re eager to see you. Roger, Romulus, and Charity probably have their hands full right now, what with the changes to the Realm. They didn’t lose nearly as many as they could have. The unicorns kept good watch over them. Maybe too good. Roger wasn’t incredibly excited that he was kept away from the heart of the battle.”

“Sucks to be ground-bound, I guess.”

“Indeed. The Red Prophet has gone missing. Karen has signed on with Roger as a consultant.”

“And the vampires?”

“Vlad is in the Underworld just now, scouting areas that we will entrench. The vampires’ main lair will be moving, and each of the elders will recommend their choice of location. They are eager to hear what I have to say, but I’d like to speak with Lucifer first, if you would arrange it.”

My stomach flipped, and a dopey grin lit up my face. “You’re moving to the Underworld?”

“I will maintain my homes in the Brink, of course, and my network of spies in the Realm. I can live anywhere and be content, Reagan. Anywhere you decide to stay, I will be there. It’s time for me to realize my promise. It’s time for us to put down roots and see what grows.”

My stomach flipped again, and I kissed him deeply. “That isn’t a very grand proposal…”

“How dare you assume that was a proposal.” He scoffed. “If it were, I would be no better than the fool within those pages.” He gestured at the book on the bed.

I laughed and stood, retrieving the book for him. “Here you go. See you downstairs when you finish. I’ll go say hi to the mages.” I dressed but paused in leaving. “Oh, and did you speak to Vlad about…his role in your past?”

He hesitated, looking at the outstretched book. With an annoyed sigh, he grabbed it and leafed open the pages. “No. I didn’t want to leave you.”

I nodded and left him to his book. I wouldn’t tell him that the author planned to do a bait and switch, and he’d be much happier with the outcome than he thought.

A chorus of voices greeted me as I neared the kitchen. Inside, Penny and Emery sat on one side of the table, their faces closed down in anger. Dizzy sat across from them with a half-full glass of wine. Callie was cooking something at the stove.

“I definitely think he’s more powerful, Emery,” Penny said, pointing at some distant location. “He froze everyone, not to mention time, could rifle through people’s heads, fly—”

“Lucifer can fly,” Dizzy said.

“Lucifer can’t rifle through people’s heads,” Penny responded.

“Reagan can hover,” Dizzy intoned.

“Reagan can’t rifle through people’s heads either, or see their memories. Lucifer cannot freeze freaking time, Emery, give me a break,” Penny said, her face red with anger.

“All I’m saying is that everyone has different powers, and you have no idea how many angels were helping with all that,” Emery replied. “It wasn’t just Michael doing that—it couldn’t have been. Lucifer is a fallen angel, clearly, and Michael’s his brother, Penny. His brother. They have the same power scale, just different kinds of magic. Lucifer can fight godly—or angelic, I guess—magic. Remember?”

Michael was my uncle? Gross.

Penny scoffed. “You’re being obtuse.”

“Hey,” I said, leaning against the doorframe. “Made it, huh?”