Gabriel squinted into the dimly lit corridor. "Mammon?"
The shadowed figure stiffened, then rushed toward him. "Gabriel! Thank the heavens—or, well, maybe not. We're running out of time."
Mammon led the group deeper into the labyrinthine prison, their footsteps echoing off the cold stone walls. Anastasia matched pace, her mind racing as she glanced at Gabriel. "Mammon? As in one of the fallen? The one who helped create Pandemonium?"
Gabriel nodded grimly. Unease flickered in his usually composed features, and given their location—a literal pit of hell—Anastasia wasn't sure why she was even surprised. Nerves gnawed at her stomach, threatening to consume her whole.
They reached a heavily reinforced cell door, its darkness so absolute that even angelic sight failed against it.
From within, a voice croaked, drenched in sarcasm. "Well, it's about bloody time. I was beginning to think you lot forgot about me."
Gabriel exhaled sharply. "Sorry, mate. We were really enjoying our lunch. Thought we'd finish dessert first."
A slow, deliberate clapping followed. Then, from the shadows, a figure emerged, stepping into the dim glow of torches lining the walls.
Lucifer.
Anastasia sucked in a sharp breath which didnt go unnoticed. The legends hadn't done him justice. He was tall—unreasonably so—with sharp, perfect features that looked sculpted by divine hands before being drenched in sin. His eyes gleamed like molten gold, his dark hair tousled with effortless perfection. And then there were the wings—massive, feathered, and a deep, rich crimson, as if dipped in fresh blood.
Lucifer's gaze landed on her, and a slow, knowing smirk spread across his face. "Well, thank you, love. You're almost as breathtakingly gorgeous as I am. Almost."
Anastasia's face heated against her will.
Lucifer's smirk widened. "I could just gobble you up."
Gabriel let out an exaggerated sigh, rubbing his temples. "If you're done undressing my comrade with your eyes, can we leave now?" As he walked out his cell, he was still raking his gaze over Anastasia.
"Oh, but I haven't even gotten to the best part," Lucifer mused. "It's been dreadfully dull in here. I haven't seen a beautiful woman in ages."
Anastasia rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. ""If you're shopping, this store is closed. Move it, Lord of Bad Decisions."
Mammon snorted while Gabriel made an approving gesture. Lucifer, however, let out a rich chuckle. "Oh, she's got bite. I like her, Gabriel. Can I keep her? I promise to feed her and take her for walks."
"I refuse to dignify that with an answer," Gabriel replied dryly. "We're in the middle of a war, Luci. Can you not—just for once—be serious?"
Lucifer feigned deep thought, then snapped his fingers. "Hmm. No. That sounds terribly dull."
They sped up their step up the stairs to go back towards the entrance.
Gabriel exhaled sharply. "You and Anastasia's brother are going to get along splendidly. You've got the same insufferable mouth."
Lucifer tilted his head toward Anastasia, curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Human? I smell human on her. But there's something else. Angel? Intriguing."
"Her brother is human," Gabriel answered.
Lucifer looked disappointed. "Shame. I was hoping for something more durable. I do enjoy flicking mortals across fields just to see how far they'll go."
Anastasia spun her head, glaring at him. Lucifer, utterly unbothered, gave a playful little cat-like growl in response.
"Try it, and I swear I'll introduce you to my knee—up close and personal. You and my brother would get along," she deadpanned. "You both have the mental age of thirteen."
Lucifer threw his head back and laughed, loud and unapologetic. "Oh, please let me keep her."
"Lucifer!" Mammon hissed. "Shut up before you get us all thrown back in a cell."
Lucifer grinned wickedly. "This time, I won't let them. I rather like the idea of incinerating those who inconvenienced me."
Anastasia wasn't sure whether to be terrified or impressed. She was still deciding when a guttural growl echoed from the hallway ahead. Three grotesque guards charged toward them, their fangs gleaming, claws extended.
Everyone tensed.
Everyone except Lucifer.
He stepped forward, unhurried, and the guards faltered at the sight of him. A slow, predatory smile spread across his lips. "Oh, please, don't let me stop you. Show me what you traitors have got."
The creatures lunged.
Lucifer's golden eyes flared to fiery red. Flames erupted in his palms, surging outward. In an instant, the guards were engulfed, their screams cut short as they crumbled into ashes.
Lucifer dusted off his hands, his eyes returning to normal. He adjusted his collar and gave them a pleased smile. "Shall we?"
Anastasia's mouth hung open.
They ran down the corridor, finally reaching a massive chamber where their wings could unfurl. Just as they prepared to take off, Anastasia blurted, "Gabriel! The trolls!"
Sure enough, the massive, grotesque creatures were thundering toward them, clubs raised.
Lucifer sighed, stepping forward once more. "Oh, do let me handle this."
The moment the trolls laid eyes on him, they skidded to a halt. A beat of silence passed. Then, to Anastasia's shock, they knelt.
"Now, now," Lucifer drawled, sounding immensely pleased. "I know you lot aren't the brightest, but I'd expect even you to recognize your true lord."
The trolls exchanged glances, then nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, milord," they grunted in unison.
"Marvellous! As you were." Lucifer turned to go, then paused. "Now, if you happen to see any of those bothersome little demons who tried to overthrow me, do feel free to squash them like bugs. Or eat them. Dealer's choice."
"Yes, milord!" The trolls looked disturbingly eager.
Anastasia wrinkled her nose. "That's disgusting."
"And yet, highly effective." Lucifer waggled his eyebrows at Anastasia as they took off into the sky. "Don't look so scandalized, love. You'll come to find my charm quite irresistible."
Anastasia rolled her eyes and rocketed ahead at lightning speed.
Lucifer chuckled. "Oh, she is spicy. I do love a challenge."
As far as jailbreaks went, Anastasia had to admit—this one was pretty damn entertaining.