In front of us, leaning against a counter and crunching on an apple, was the devil, looking fondly down at Ammi as she gestured wildly with her hands. Upon noticing our arrival, he stiffened, and Ammi froze midsentence.

“It’s okay, babygirl,” Marcus murmured in my ear, his hand coming up to rub my back. “Let’s just focus on getting you your chocolate chip pancakes.”

I nodded, my throat suddenly too dry to force out words.

He sent an evil look towards the devil, attempting to steer us past. Unfortunately, that plan was ruined when Ammi reached up to cuff her husband-something I still couldn’t wrap my head around-on the back of the head. With a sigh, he stepped forward, his wing coming out to block our escape.

“Lucifer,” Marcus’ voice was laced with a heavy warning.

“I’m not here to fight, Marcus,” the Devil’s voice was so freaking intimidating. Low and rumbling and thunderous. I had no idea how Ammi didn’t turn tail and run every time he spoke. I know I certainly considered it.

“I don’t give a fuck. You can’t just come up and-”

“It’s okay,” I placed a calming hand on Marcus’ bicep, which, like the rest of his body, was taut with barely restrained tension. “I’ll hear him out.”

I didn’t want to hear him out. Who in their right mind wanted to spend more than a fleeting moment in Satan’s company? But Ammi was on her way to becoming one of best friends I’d ever had, even in the short time I’d known her. And, from the almost puppy-like look in his eyes when he looked at her, they were a package deal. I owed it to her to listen to what he had to say.

If he acted like he had before, however, I was just fine letting my Champion defend me again.

Marcus grumbled at my words, but did as I asked, though his glare towards the Devil hadn’t lessened in the slightest.

The angel sighed, raking his fingers through his hair. “I wanted to apologize to you, Kaiah. My mate pointed out to me last night that I was being unreasonable-”

“My exact words were, ‘a judgmental asshole’.” Ammi piped up, though she quieted when he narrowed his eyes at her.

He cleared his throat. “She was right, as usual. I don’t know you, and you clearly aren’t Cursed. I don’t know your story, but you don’t appear to share many characteristics of my little brother.”

I couldn’t help but disagree, though I didn’t say so. If only they knew. I was just as dark as he was, as he’d made me to be.

“Either way, my brother is dead by my hand and I need to move on. I apologize for my harsh treatment of you.”

I sucked in a sharp breath at his words, my world swaying beneath my feet.

“Kaiah?” Ammi’s voice was shrill with panic.

“Fuck!” Marcus growled, sweeping me up into his arms. “I knew this was a fucking bad idea. She’s fucking afraid of angels, you dumbasses!”

Lucifer, for his part, also looked concerned. “Should I call for my brother?”

“I’m fine,” I whispered, “I’m not sick.”

“Bullshit, babygirl, you’re white as a sheet.” Marcus growled, setting me on a counter top and feeling my forehead with gentle touches.

“What did you say, Lucifer?” I whispered, peering around Marcus’ broad shoulders. “Please tell me I heard you wrong.”

His brow furrowed, “I’m not sure what you mean.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, little tears leaking from the corners despite myself.

“You’re wrong,” I shuddered, shaking my head back and forth. “You’ve all been fooled.”

“What do you mean, babygirl?” Strong hands came up to wipe my tears away. “Talk to us.”

I opened my eyes, making contact with all three of them.

“You didn’t kill him,” I told them softly. “My father is still alive, and he wants us all dead.”