War of Wings Read Online Free PDF Page B

“Bretabian.” The angel responded with a bow, and Lucifer cringed inwardly.
    “It’s been a while, Lucifer. Haven’t seen you since the performance at the Ludus Paradisus,” said Thyaterra.
    “I’ve had much going on, Terra,” Lucifer answered, turning his attention back to her.
    “I’ve missed you.”
    “I see Bretabian has taken care of you in my absence.” Lucifer fixed him with an unwavering look.
    Bretabian looked uneasy. “She has missed you, Lucifer. It’s good to see you,” he said.
    “That is appreciated, Bretabian.” He was not interested in the least in what Bretabian had to say. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Lucifer placed a hand on the small of Thyaterra’s back, just beneath her wings, and guided her to a small alcove. She put up little resistance though when she turned to face him, her eyes were wide, almost luminous.
    “I’ve missed you too,” he said, “but I have been taking care of something important.”
    “I’m worried about you, Lucifer. Something feels wrong. Are you upset about the announcement of God’s Son?” His insides seemed to cave in on themselves. “So it’s true?” He needed to hear it from Him. Thyaterra looked at him with those soft eyes. He couldn’t take it.
    “It is what it is. You don’t seem too worried. I’m sure between God and Bretabian you keep occupied.”
    “I don’t understand why you say that.”
    “I’m different now. I think differently. I see things that others cannot, and I don’t like much of what I see.”
    “What you are trying to say?”
    “Maybe Bretabian can explain it to you since he is so accommodating in my absence.”
    “Stop it, Lucifer. You are being unkind.” Two of her wings folded protectively around herself, their feathers brushing against her chin as if ready to cover her face.
    “Well, you know I love your opinion on matters, but I’m not fond of Bretabian following you around.” He buried the real hurt from what had just shattered his world.
    She took a step away, her wingtips now over her mouth while the glow from her skin shone through them. “He is a kind angel, but you know he does not mean what you mean to me. I have always been there for you.”
    It was true, and he found himself wanting to step close to her, to draw her wings from her face. Then his reason for the trip overwhelmed his thoughts again, and he could not keep the edge from his voice. “You have, Terra. I have to speak with His Highness, but I also want to take you somewhere and discuss things soon.”
    “Are you all right?”
    “Yes. I have much to tell you if I can trust you to keep it from others like Bretabian.”
    “Of course, you can trust me. I will help you, whatever you need.”
    “You will be proud of me, Terra. As proud of me as you are of God. I’ll see you soon.”
    He turned to leave before she could respond, hurrying off the platform and up to the third tier, almost too quickly—the hollow rush of feeling that had once been euphoric now made him ill and light-headed. He had to reach the throne. He had to see the so-called Maker.
    The seraphim all had their eyes covered, but still they faced Lucifer as he approached as if they knew he was coming. Did they know what was about to happen? Lucifer looked around at the platform made of the finest jewels in existence. He deserved to be on this level. Every structure was covered with millions of different types of gemstones all glowing brilliantly, and they taunted him. It made him realize how unimportant he really was to God.
    He had already wasted too much time. He ascended the final staircase to the throne and approached God’s blinding light. He had made it. It was time for his moment of truth. One of the four seraphs who guarded the throne slowly walked up to him with two of her wings covering her eyes, two covering her feet, and the other two standing tall and outstretched behind her back.
    “The Lord our God is holy and worthy to be praised,” said the seraph