Chapter 46

Lucifer's POV

Jack and Jake hadn't been home in quite a while, not that I blame them, they had a lot on their plates. Mate bonds, Criminal activity, protecting their family, you name it they probably have to think or deal with it. As Jake watched us, playing with Jameson, Jack and I watched the rapist that changed their lives groan in pain at the burns over his body.

"You know, I didn't think that the thermite pit would be that effective, and I have never been happier to be proven wrong."

"What brought you to us today, Lucy? You usually don't visit us unless there's something behind it," Jack said as he threw a cigar my way, lighting his own and taking a long drag, he inherited my lungs.

"Well, I haven't seen you guys in a while, and you found Gloria at the restaurant earlier so I thought I'd have a talk and see what insight I could give. Maybe even clue you in on what her plan is currently, It's not as bad as you would think, but it is Gloria so you've always got to be careful there. Archdemons are scary, but nothing is as scary as an angry female demon, not even you, Jack."

"I know, I know," Jack said, plugging his phone into the speaker setup they had looming over the pit, playing "Monster" by Boondox, it got Jake's attention as he stood and sent Jameson on his way. He sang along to lyrics, but instead of "Monster, how should I feel?" he sang "Meister, how shall I fear?" as that was the question he asked whenever he was unsure of himself or his future.

"You shall not fear anything, Jake. With Jake by your side, the only reason you have to fear is love, and Jack shall guide you whereas I cannot. As for you, Jack never forgets why you were chosen for Jake," I said, eyes ablaze with a dark flame, it was in a tone that Jack knew all too well. I knew he dreamed of the day when he would kill me, but he and I both knew that day would come too late if he didn't fulfill his destiny as he was led by Alex's side.

"A tiskit a taskit, the scarecrow's out his casket, turn out your lights and lock your doors. Praying that he passes," Jake sang lowly as the song changed, watching his rapist wither in the pit before him. He wasn't a bad kid before he died he might as well have been an angel, but he fell from that grace when that sack of shit took advantage of him and his trust.

"Jack, never forget your mission, and you'll do fine. Jake, take Jacks' training as you have, but don't forget where you came from. Ever."

Jake's POV

I finished singing "Seven" as Lucifer turned his gaze from Jack towards me, a sight that would normally send most people cowering in fear, but to me, it was a gaze of compassion for the battle I had lost. I had lost one battle, and under the gaze of God, I was judged and found wanting, only to be sent to the void where I had met Jack. I was terrified of the void until Jack showed me the fire that burned within, a will to survive I had yet to even notice myself, but he could see it; He showed me the beauty of fire, a way of illuminating my path in the void until I found myself at Lucifer's mansion. He offered me a deal that day, Jack's power and spirit, in exchange for my loyalty to him and his cause. In hindsight, I wish I had asked for more because my end of the deal might as well have been a cakewalk.

"Cause mayhem on earth, remind them of why they fear the dark," Was all he told me before sending Jack and me up from the void, and that's what we did. Day after day, week after week, year after year; It got so bad that one year Lucifer called us back down, claiming that he needed us to take a month's hiatus because of how backed up it was getting downstairs. That was almost a century ago, and now we had a completely different mission, one that neither of us was ready for nor did we think we would ever be capable of being ready for.

"Witness the carnage you two have made, and before the ashes of the past, allow the present to arise with grace so you shall be gifted with the love that has been missing in you all these years."

Jack knew I was terrified of this, let ourselves be loved?? How were we supposed to do that when all we've known is carnage and chaos?

How does a monster of the void learn to love, when all he knows is destruction? Apparently, the answer was Alex, and we had to wait and see what would happen, but knowing us that would be a lot easier said than done.

Jack's POV

As Lucifer dissipated, returning to his mansion, I stood there on the edge of the pit trying to comprehend what he had told me. He knew I wanted his throne, his status, his fame, and his fortune; after all, if anyone deserved it at this point it was me, but he and I both knew that I couldn't earn it until Alex claimed Jake as hers, and they were officially bonded. It would be great if it weren't for the fact that it all came at the cost that Gloria would allow it to happen. I don't pray often, but I prayed that she wouldn't be focused on us, and focus on Milo. He deserved his happiness just as much as we did, if not more, but he was on his own; He quite literally had to find his way through the void of his own will, not the will of his guides, and he was terrified. I hadn't talked to him in a long time, but I knew just how much he feared taking his leap of faith, and if he couldn't take it he would be stuck in the void for eternity.

"Gloria, shield your gaze from the crowned princes of hell, and turn it towards Milo, he deserves your help more than most; And needs it more than he will ever realize."