Lucifer Damned (Morningstar Book 3), Percival Constantine [electric book reader .txt] 📗

Lucifer quickly came to the conclusion that if he was going to get out of this, he would have to do it on his own. He still had the sword, though it wasn’t a whole lot of use against cutting through hellfire. But if the rider’s concentration was split enough, that might work.

“Who’s this master you mentioned?” asked Lucifer.

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

“Ever consider what he might do to you once you’ve outlived your usefulness?” asked Lucifer. “Or what might happen when the other Hell Lords learn about what you’ve done?”

“Shut up!” shouted the rider. “You’re not gonna scare me with any of your threats!”

“Not a threat, more of a promise,” said Lucifer. “You do know who I am, don’t you? And you know what kind of power and respect I still command down here?”

For a brief moment, the rider glanced to Lucifer. And in that moment, Lucifer saw the rider’s growing uncertainty. It was working.

“Are you sure you want to make the Morningstar your enemy, kid?” he asked.

The rider bit his lower lip. And in that instance, his concentration faltered. The net weakened and Lucifer was able to reach a hand out and grab the rope. He pulled and the net dissipated around him. Lucifer continued to climb up the rope. The rider tried to shake him off, but he held tight.

Lucifer used all his strength to pull himself forward, then released the rope. He jammed the sword into the dragon’s side, using it as an anchor. The dragon protested by flailing, giving the rider some difficulty holding on. Lucifer pulled himself into another leap and this time landed on the rider’s back.

The rider thrashed, trying to throw him off. Lucifer released the rider and tried to balance himself on the dragon’s back. The rider turned and Lucifer jumped at him, slamming his shoulder into the rider’s chest. The rider lost his footing and fell off the dragon.

Lucifer took the dragon’s reins and tried to claim command over the beast. The dragon wasn’t very accommodating and fought against him, spinning and flailing in the air. It was a battle just to remain steady on the dragon’s back.

The dragon seemed to calm, but then suddenly flipped. Lucifer lost his grip and he fell, watching as the ground quickly came rushing up to meet him. He felt that the end was upon him but before he struck, there was a bright flash of light.

It was the last thing he remembered before he succumbed to darkness.

12

Belial stuck a finger in his collar and tugged at it, trying to give his neck more space. He was dressed in a suit, something he never did, and he couldn’t understand why anyone would wear these things. Particularly the tie. The suit combined with the sunglasses he wore was a uniform, though. Required if he was going to pose as Odysseus Black’s bodyguard as the sorcerer visited Eden.

Although Odysseus rarely visited Eden, he had a standing invitation. All the powerful movers and shakers in the supernatural world were welcome through its doors. That enabled Heaven’s ambassadors on Earth to maintain lines of communication in the event diplomacy proved necessary to resolve conflicts.

“You don’t like the clothes, do you?”

Belial looked to the rear of the limo’s cabin where Odysseus sat, his arms held straight out and hands resting atop his cane, which was planted right between his feet.

“Not in the least,” said Belial. “Why do men wear these ties?”

Odysseus gave a shrug. “It’s part of the formal attire.”

“How does wearing a noose around one’s neck indicate formality?” asked Belial. “Humans truly are a strange breed.”

Odysseus gave a chuckle. “Just gotta put up with it for one night, m’man.”

“I appreciate the assistance, by the way,” said Belial. “I know you prefer to remain off Heaven’s radar.”

Odysseus nodded. “True. Eden’s not my usual choice of watering hole. But you’ve been doing good work, and it’s always nice to have the Devil owe me a favor.”

The divider right beside Belial’s head lowered and the driver glanced at him over his shoulder. “We’re pulling up now.”

Belial nodded and the divider closed. The limo came to a stop in front of the entrance to the Willis Tower. Belial got out of the limo first and held the door open for Odysseus. Once Belial closed the door, the car slowly rolled forward.

Odysseus led the way, Belial trailed a few steps behind him and acted the part of the bodyguard by turning his head in different directions. They entered the elevator and waited until it kept rising past the floors. Once they were alone in the elevator, Odysseus traced the sigil that served as a key to enter Eden above the buttons. The white button that allowed entrance shimmered into view and he pushed it.

Once they finally entered Eden, several curious patrons turned their attention on the pair. Not only was Odysseus Black a rare sight in here, but the last time Belial came, he nearly started a fight.

“What in the name of the Presence do you think you’re doing here?”

The voice echoed throughout Eden, silencing the conversations and commanding everyone’s attention. The guests parted like the Red Sea to give Belial an unobstructed view of the angel, Uriel. He stormed towards the new arrivals and pointed an accusatory finger directly at the demon.

“You’re no longer welcome in Eden, you traitorous piece of shit!” screamed Uriel.

Belial’s fingers curled into fists. If Uriel was prepared to fight, then he’d be more than happy to oblige. But Odysseus had other ideas and moved between the two.

“I don’t believe we’ve been properly introduced yet,” said the sorcerer with a beaming smile on his face. “Odysseus Black at your service, the finest sorcerer in the Midwest.”

He stuck his open hand in front of Uriel and the angel looked stunned by the gesture. Odysseus took the initiative and grabbed Uriel’s hand and gave it a good shake. Uriel pulled his hand back and regarded the sorcerer