FIFTY-EIGHT

Bonded Servants

The Dark Prince sat on his golden throne. One day, not far in the future, he would no longer need this facsimile of Paradise. One day, he would return to his former glory.

“I was wondering when you both would realize that the Uncorrupted will never appreciate you like I do.” Lucifer smiled when he saw the latest additions to his royal court.

Abbadon and Azrael shone in their golden raiment. They were dressed for battle, as they had been that day so long ago, during the glorious rebellion, when Lucifer had first tried to take Paradise for his own.

Their wings beat against their backs, and their golden armor glowed like beacons in the night. Their faces were calm and serene, extraordinarily beautiful. His lovely dark angels.

Lucifer sat in his white robes, gleaming, shining with a light more wondrous than anything they had ever seen. This was the morning Star. The lost prince of Heaven.

They walked up to the throne and knelt at his feet.

“We come to pledge our allegiance in return for an unmaking,” Abbadon said.

“Our swords are yours to command,” Azrael added.

“What proof do I have of your loyalty? You betrayed me once before,” Lucifer demanded.

Jack was prepared. “You shall hold our souls hostage until we are free. When our debt is paid, we will regain them along with our freedom from the bond and each other.”

Mimi nodded.

“So be it.” The Dark Prince smiled. With Azrael and Abbadon at his side, his return to Paradise was assured. “Arise, my friends. Welcome back to the fight.”