Lucifer's Cage (After Dark Book 6) Read online

  And then, everything froze. Lucifer stopped, the hairs on the back of his neck pricking up. He eyed Candace, but she’d been frozen in place too. There could only be one explanation.

  “Father.”

  “Hello Lucifer.”

  He stiffened.

  What the fuck is He doing here? Of all the times He could have come, why now?

  “I am here because the time has come for you to learn your final lesson.”

  He’d forgotten he couldn’t hide anything from his father. It had been so long since he’d heard the Divine’s voice. So long since he’d been in his presence, he’d forgotten what it felt like.

  “And what lesson would that be?”

  Fuck His lessons. It’s just another way to punish me for my inability to be His perfect son.

  “I’m going to give you a choice. Either way, you will have to sacrifice something you care about.”

  Candace.

  His heart constricted painfully. Anger blazed in his veins. His father using the woman he loved against him was a whole new low.

  “She has always been the one you must sacrifice.”

  “Haven’t you done enough? Do you want me to break, Father? The son you called strong willed and unbreakable now has a weakness and you clearly intend to exploit it. Your cruelty knows no bounds.”

  His father said nothing in response.

  Sacrifice. Sacrifice.

  The realisation dawned on him like a ton of bricks slamming down on his heart.

  “She who is born under the two stars. She who belongs to two worlds. She who comes to you in darkness. She who comes to you in light. She will bring the dawn and cast out the night. She will restore you. She will be your sacrifice.”

  The air around him seemed to drop a few degrees. The lights flickered.

  That idiotic prophecy. Why am I not surprised? I should’ve known it was about us.

  Darkness. Light. Dawn. Devil. Light bringer. Morningstar. The references were clear as day now.

  “It is your choice, Lucifer. Is she really worthy of you?”

  “Of course she’s fucking worthy. It’s me who’s not worthy of her.”

  “You would place a half witch, half fae girl above yourself? That is… unexpected.”

  He rarely surprised his father. He supposed this was a change in pace.

  “If you’d bothered to look in my head, you’d know why. I love her.”

  “The last time we spoke, you hated mortals. Tell me. What changed?”

  Everything. She changed everything. And I don’t hate her for it. I always needed her. She fills the void in my soul.

  “I don’t need to tell you anything. What is this choice you wish me to make?”

  His father sighed deeply. Lucifer didn’t turn around to look at him. He had no wish to see the one who’d taken everything from him.

  “That girl is more powerful than she realises. If she is truly worthy of being your queen, then she must prove it. She stands at a crossroads. She can turn her back on her people and live a lifetime with you before I take her soul to Heaven. The second option requires her to take a life. Her mother’s in exchange for eternity. To live and rule by your side, she must commit a mortal sin. The choice is yours.”

  He almost fell to his knees at his father’s pronouncement.

  He expects her to damn herself to prove she’s worthy of me? What the fuck kind of sick joke is this? How can He ask me to decide? How can I ever force her to kill her own mother to be with me forever?

  “You’re sick, you know that, right? After you forced Azrael to murder the woman he loves I thought you’d be done with punishing us. Clearly, I was wrong.”

  “This isn’t a punishment.”

  “It fucking feels like one.”

  His heart broke. This wasn’t a decision he could make. And there was one very important thing she didn’t know.

  “Let me talk to her.”

  “No.”

  “Let me speak to her. I won’t tell her what you’ve said. I just need a moment with her, please.”

  If He’s going to make me go through with this, it’s the least He can fucking do.

  Why did his father always have to make things so difficult? He’d taken Azrael’s warning about God being restless seriously. This was why. He was sure of it.

  “If you attempt to tell her about it, I will take away your choices.”

  “I’m not stupid,” Lucifer muttered.

  Candace unfroze, blinking rapidly. Her eyes went wide. He turned to her, taking her hand in his.

  “What’s happening? Why is… Are they frozen? What’s going on?” she said.

  “Shh, look at me, little witch.”

  She turned to him, confusion in her expression. His heart lurched.

  “Why are they frozen?”

  “It doesn’t matter, I need you to listen to me carefully.”

  He let go of her hand, cupping both her cheeks.

  She’s so beautiful, so pure, so perfect. How can I ask her to damn her soul for me? How can He ask me to make this choice on her behalf?

  “Do you love me?” he asked.

  “You know I do. What is this about?”

  “Just listen and answer my questions.”

  “Lucifer, you’re scaring me. Why is everything frozen except us?”

  See what you’ve done, Father? She’s not ready for any of this. Fuck.

  He didn’t want to make this choice. She should decide. This was her life and her soul on the line.

  “I’m sorry, please don’t be afraid. You said you wanted forever with me. How much would you give up for that?”

  “Everything.”

  There was no hesitation in her voice.

  Fuck. She has no idea what that really means.

  “Little witch, are you sure you wish for eternity in Hell with me? Am I really worth giving up your entire life for?”

  Her violet eyes widened.

  “Why are you asking me this? I thought it’s what you wanted. You told me you couldn’t live without me.”

  “Please, just humour me for a moment.”

  His father had so many things to answer for. This most of all. He couldn’t come out and tell her why he needed to know. He just had to be sure of her answer. Sure of her resolve.

  “You are worth sacrificing everything for, Lucifer. You know how I feel. I love you. My soul is yours. I am yours.”

  Her soul.

  She’d given it to him. That’s why his father was forcing him to decide. He knew what he had to do. He pulled her closer, pressing his mouth to hers. She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his waist.

  Please don’t hate me.

  “How could I ever? You’re everything. Nothing you’ve done or will do can change that.”

  When he pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers, staring down into her violet eyes.

  “Promise me you’ll do what’s necessary, little witch. Do what you need to survive. Show me how much you love me.”

  “I promise even though I don’t know why you’re being like this.”

  “Lucifer, it’s time,” his father said.

  He stiffened. There was only one thing left to say and he had to do it now.

  “Little witch… Candace…”

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “There’s one thing you should know before you go in there.”

  She blinked, her lip twitching.

  “I love you.”

  There was a moment of silence. Her eyes fixed on his.

  “You what?” she whispered.

  “I love you, my little witch. I always will.”

  Tears pricked at her eyes.

  “Shh, don’t cry,” he said.

  “You… you love me.”

  “Yes.”

  Her hands came up, capturing his face before she kissed him. There had been no reason to keep her in the dark any longer. She needed to know before she went in there and changed her life forever. He’d made a decision.
He could only hope she kept her resolve never to hate him for anything he did.

  I love her and she loves me. That has to be enough.

  “I grow weary of your stalling, Lucifer,” his father said.

  Lucifer pulled away from Candace.

  “It’ll be okay, little witch, I promise,” he whispered.

  She nodded, staring up at him with adoration on her face.

  Fuck. I hope you still look at me in the same way when this is done.

  “Have you decided?” his father asked.

  “Yes. Don’t make me say it.”

  “Who are you talking to?” Candace said.

  “It doesn’t matter. Remember I love you. Remember that when everything seems dark, okay?”

  She nodded again.

  Just do it, Father. You know my answer.

  “Let go of her. She has to do this alone. You cannot help her,” his father replied.

  Lucifer kissed her forehead before stepping away.

  “You’re strong enough, Candace. I trust you. Do this for us.”

  He knew she wouldn’t know what he was talking about, but he had to say it anyway.

  “Are you not coming with me?” she asked.

  He shook his head. It wouldn’t do for him to be visible to her mother. She knew that.

  “I’ll be here for you, but we talked about this. It’ll only make it worse for you if she sees me.”

  She looked at her feet, wringing her hands.

  “I know.”

  The sounds from the fae filtered through to them and he knew God had restarted time.

  Candace gave him one last significant look before she strode into her mother’s dining room. He trailed along behind, standing just inside the doors before they closed.

  No one but his little witch knew he was there. If he interfered in anyway, then all would be lost. His heart lurched.

  Little witch, you can do this. I know you can. I know you.

  §

  Candace curtsied to her mother before her chair was pulled out and she sat down. The queen looked over her outfit with approval.

  Well, at least I’ve not disappointed her yet.

  She wore a long, dark green dress with gold embellishments. Mall had helped her pick it out when they’d returned to Hell for a few days. Her heart contracted.

  Lucifer.

  He’d been acting strangely before they’d come in and she had no idea how time had suddenly been frozen. It was best not to think about it. He’d told her it didn’t matter.

  “It’s nice of you to join us,” her mother said.

  Candace kept a straight face.

  Can’t rock the boat just yet even if she’s being a sarcastic bitch right now.

  “I apologise, Mother.”

  “Cadmi, it has been an age,” said a deep voice to her right.

  Candace turned at the sound, seated next to her was Theodus’ father, Prince Mitah Farlane. She really couldn’t stand him.

  “Yes, it is a shame you were not able to attend the ball. How are your other children?”

  “They are well, thank you. Novus has just returned from Europe.”

  She drowned out his chatter, nodding at him at appropriate moments. Her eyes drifted over to the doors where Lucifer stood. He looked tense. She knew only she could see him, so she didn’t allow her gaze to linger. Knowing he was there made this a little easier.

  “Candace,” her mother hissed.

  She leant a little closer to Gwilliana, wondering what on earth she wanted.

  “Why have you not said hello to Theodus?”

  As if I want to say hello to that prick.

  She half smiled at him from across the table, giving a little nod. He smiled in return, but it didn’t meet his eyes.

  “Happy now?” Candace hissed back.

  “No. What is wrong with the two of you?”

  “Wrong? Nothing.”

  “Do not lie to me.”

  She wants to do this now? Fine. I don’t want to be here any longer anyway. This is what I came here to do. I need to end this ridiculous sham.

  “What’s wrong is he’s a prick and I’m not marrying him.”

  Gwilliana’s eyes flashed with anger.

  “Are you trying to test me?”

  Candace took a breath.

  Now or never.

  There was never a more perfect moment to tell her mother exactly how she felt.

  “No, that’s the truth. I came here today to tell you the engagement is off. I’m going to spend my life with the man I love, not with someone you chose for me because you’re obsessed with a stupid prophecy that isn’t even about you.”

  She looked over at Lucifer again. She’d thought a lot about what the prophecy meant. Who it alluded to. Something clicked a few days ago when they’d been in Hell. Lucifer had been sprawled out on the sofa playing with a ball of light. Before he’d fallen, he’d been known as the Morningstar. She’d almost fallen off the stool when she’d realised.

  “It’s about me and him.”

  Chapter Twenty Eight

  Lucifer stiffened at her words.

  She knows. How long has she known it was about us? Does she know what she has to do?

  Candace looked away from him, back to her mother. The queen’s expression was thunderous.

  “You dare say such things to me,” Gwilliana seethed, no longer keeping her voice low.

  The other fae at the table looked to their queen, frowns on their faces.

  “I dare?” Candace replied, pushing her chair back and standing. “You’re the one who’s been lying to your court for centuries. You’re perfectly capable of carrying children. I’m not your saviour, Mother, nor your sacrifice. I refuse to be a part of this any longer.”

  Gwilliana jumped to her feet, her eyes blazing with unconcealed fury. He saw the flash of magic in her hand before it flew at Candace. His witch blocked it with efficiency, creating a pink barrier around her which glittered with both witch and fae magic. She stepped backwards around her chair.

  “You little bitch. I knew you were going to be trouble. You’ve always been your father’s daughter.”

  “You want to know why that is? Because he raised me, not you. He taught me how to be a witch, not one of the fae. All you and your court have done is scorn me for being a half breed. No more. I’m more than just your little obedient daughter trapped by what she thought was her duty. I learnt a lesson when I was in Hell, Mother. A lesson about freedom and cages. Freedom comes at a price and I much prefer to choose my own cage rather than be stuck in chains by you.”

  Her mother sent further spells against Candace’s barrier, but they all bounced off harmlessly. The rest of the assembled fae looked shocked, but they didn’t move to help either of them.

  That idiot prince looks as though he’s finally realised she’s never going to be his. Serves him fucking right. She’s mine and she always will be.

  He wanted to go to her, but he held back.

  “Tell me, daughter, how do you know the prophecy is not about the fae? Who is this he you speak of?”

  “Do you really want to know? Are you sure you can handle the truth?”

  Lucifer stiffened. If she told her mother, would he be able to stay hidden? Would she want him to reveal himself? He couldn’t. His father would see it as interference.

  “It seems your true colours are shining through, Candace. Might as well reveal all your secrets.”

  She didn’t look his way. She wore a smirk, her eyes wild with amusement.

  “Darkness and light, Mother. There is only one being in this world who personifies those two things equally. Only one who brought the dawn. He goes by many names, but you will only ever remember him as the one who set your daughter free.”

  Gwilliana staggered backwards, placing her hand on her heart. Her violet eyes went wide.

  “You… you cannot possibly be serious?”

  The rest of the fae looked at each other with confusion. Candace shook her head. He knew exactl
y what she was thinking.

  Fools. They cannot see what’s right in front of them.

  “Tell them, Mother. Tell them who it is.”

  “Lucifer,” her mother whispered.

  He rolled his eyes at the collective gasp around the room.

  Bunch of stuck up fuckwits. They probably think I’m evil and not to be trusted.

  “That’s right. The prophecy is about me and him, not you. It was never about you. I finally know that now. So, as I said to you earlier, I won’t do what you say. I belong to him and no one else can have me.”

  She pulled up the hem of her dress, exposing her ankle. The blood drained from Gwilliana’s face. No one spoke for a long moment. The queen’s expression hardened as she continued to stare down at her daughter’s ankle. Candace let her dress fall back. She looked so strong, so assured.

  My little witch, you might have defied your mother, but this isn’t over. I hope you know that.

  “You don’t deserve to be called my daughter,” Gwilliana seethed.

  Her mother struck, her magic flaring out and breaking through Candace’s barrier. Candace put a hand up, pink smoke flaring out and stopping her mother’s spell in its tracks. Her expression darkened. He noticed a change within her immediately. Little flecks of pink glitter swirled within the smoke.

  Her magic has fused. The two sides of her. Fuck. He was right. She is more powerful than she realises.

  “You’d rather kill me than live knowing your daughter is in love with the Devil?” Candace asked, anger in her eyes.

  “You’re sick, daughter. Sick. Allowing such evil to seep into your heart.”

  “Evil? The only evil in this room is you. Too long have you kept everyone under your sway. You know nothing.”

  “And you deserve nothing.”

  The next moment happened so fast, no one moved for a long moment when it was done. Both women had cast a spell, but only one found its mark. Gwilliana looked down at the patch of her dress where her heart lay. It was rapidly darkening, stained with blood. She looked back up at Candace. His little witch stared at her mother without any visible emotion on her face.

  “You… you…” Gwilliana said before she collapsed to her knees, clutching her chest.

  “Goodbye Mother.”