Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 144404 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 722(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 144404 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 722(@200wpm)___ 578(@250wpm)___ 481(@300wpm)
It wouldn’t be Gladys or his father’s sword. Lee wouldn’t do that.
This, I realized, this was what we needed, and I felt myself relax. There were times to kick ass and times to use what we had to negotiate, and it was obvious Lee understood.
A growl came from Lucifer’s throat. “Something you stole.”
“No, sir.” Lee went entirely serious. “By all the rites of the Hell plane, this item belongs to me because this weapon was used to kill me. Since I survived my human demise, I claim the right to wield the Dark Dagger.”
A gasp came from Lilith, and I noted that Myrddin had moved further away as Lee reached into the bag and pulled out the short sword they called the Dark Dagger.
If myth was correct, it was made of one of Lucifer’s bones, and he didn’t like having those missing.
“Mine,” Lucifer growled.
“Yes, it is if you heal Dean Malone,” Lee offered, his voice perfectly calm. “I will give you this piece of yourself back. You haven’t had this piece for millennia, and I can’t imagine how good it will feel to put it back in place. It’s been a weapon used against vampires for centuries. It’s a weapon that my father could use in his war against Myrddin, but I am willing to give up that advantage in exchange for Dean’s life and health. You can cure the Uro spell with a thought, can’t you?”
“Yes, he can,” Lilith offered. “But it’s not in his nature. He’s a transactional creature. He does nothing out of the kindness of his heart.”
“Who had it?” The question ground from Lucifer’s mouth, and I could see his fangs had gone long and sharp. “Who killed you?”
Such a weird question to have to answer, but Lee’s life hadn’t exactly been on the normal side.
“My Lord,” Myrddin began, “it was a rogue agent. And Lee Donovan-Quinn was caught attempting to steal from my Coven House.”
“Dude, seriously? It was his home.” I couldn’t stay quiet forever. Hypocrisy was this guy’s middle name. “He was literally born there. You stole it from his parents.”
“And that will mean nothing to Lucifer. But this will,” Lee continued. “It was his agent Alexander Sharpe, and I am certain Myrddin is the one who gave him the dagger.”
“I did nothing of the kind.” Myrddin dismissed the accusation with a wave of his hand. “I’ve never seen that weapon before in my life.”
“Yes, you have.” Liv stepped up, and I could feel the magic crackling off her, but this time I wasn’t afraid of it. The collar Lily had made to contain her magic was on the floor, but I knew she didn’t need it now. Something had broken free in my friend and while I knew she would never be the same carefree girl she’d been, I also knew I would love this version of Liv as much as I had the one before. “The Dark Dagger was kept in the Coven House. Myrddin knew about it and where it came from. I don’t know for sure, but he’s likely the one who stole your bone and created the weapon.”
Was Lucifer about to kill Myrddin? Because that would be the capper on a wild day. It would almost make the whole “Gray’s mom tried to evict my baby’s soul from his body” thing worth it.
We needed so much therapy. I really hoped the royals found the Days because we could use some Felix sessions right about now.
“You cannot prove that.” Myrddin’s tone had gone stiff. “Lord Lucifer, you granted me safe passage and a boon. Are you going to break that sworn vow?”
Lucifer was at least eight feet tall now, and I could see him gathering his body, red mist flowing from the balcony below. If he kept it up, those massive horns would poke through the roof soon. Rage coursed off him, and I worried he might kill us all without a thought.
Lilith put a hand on his arm and the mist evaporated, the threat fleeing the room liked she’d popped a balloon. It was good to know someone could control the Lord of Hell. “Don’t make this worse. You know you can’t kill him, and you cannot prove what the witch has said. Her memories are too twisted for me to read them for truth, and I cannot read that bastard at all.”
“I need him. I hate needing him.” Lucifer shrunk again, becoming the handsome rogue I’d met before. “My plans will fail without him, and now I must go into them blind because I cannot allow pieces of myself out in the world. Prince Lee, you have your deal.” He flicked his wrist. “Your friend is healed. He should wake up in an hour or so, and I’ve transported him back to the Midnight Kingdom. Give me the dagger.”