them.
We made ours—her.
Now she must make hers.
If she runs, I will run with her. If she stays, I will lead with her. Whatever my little monster wants, I will be there. We will never be apart again, not even the fates themselves could stop us now.
She places her hand in Lucifer’s, who nods knowingly. A wind blows through the room, one of change, as he turns her and guides her back through her people.
Her people.
Ours now.
Where she goes, I will too.
I once walked away from the throne, the crown, for her. Knowing she was coming and she needed me, and now I am willingly walking back towards it. Not to wear myself, but to support the one wearing it.
We can all feel it, the tug of destiny guiding her to take the throne. No one else deserves it, no one else could lead us. Monsters will follow her. These people will fear and love her, and the humans will be protected by her.
She isn’t a hero, not the good guy coming out on top like one is taught when learning good versus evil as a child. But she is what the world needs, someone willing to bloody their hands to protect theirs, someone willing to give up everything they are, everything they have, to protect those weaker than them.
She is a true leader.
A true queen.
I don’t know what this means. I don’t know how to lead. My mind is jumbled, my emotions out of whack. I just wanted to save those people, to protect my mates, and all the women and men hurt by Gabriel and his schemes. How did I end up being led to the council’s throne?
Why me? I am no one, just a monster.
Yet the people in this room watch me with something akin to worship, why? They should stare at Nos like that, he led them there. Or Dume, who waded into the nephilim and killed them. Or Aska, for bringing the sleeping council back when no one else could. Or Griffin, who underwent torture, pain, madness, and now betrayal to stop the men responsible. Or even Jair, who stayed strong through the worst thirst to try and stop them. To free the people who willingly helped me.
They deserve this. Not me. I never wanted to lead anybody, I just wanted revenge.
Actions have consequences, my child. These are yours, your chance to make a difference. Do not fail or all will be lost, seek those who hold the key. Those of the old world. Make them new again and help them defeat the darkness. Only when the bloodlines are filled will your people be safe.
The voice floats to my mind and I whip my head around, searching for the person responsible, examining the sea of people, but no one stands out and it’s clear no one else heard it. So, who was it?
And what did she mean?
You will learn in time. Until then, unlock the secrets of your mates’ past, for they hold the truth. We will be watching, fate chosen.
I’m so distracted by the voice that I don’t even realise we have reached the golden throne. It’s not my style, too…over the top. If I sit, I know I’m making a promise. To help these people, to protect them even with my life if needed. It’s a lot of pressure and responsibility, but when I look back to my mates, they are there.
Every single one of them is watching me, waiting. Willing to follow me into this new test. I’m not alone. Never again, not even now. Turning back to the throne, I lower my voice so only Lucy can hear me.
“Is this forever?” I whisper.
“No, they chose you, but it’s a democracy. There will be other council members, there are laws and traditions to follow, but I always hated those, so I’m fast-tracking this,” he murmurs.
“Why?” I ask, looking to the devil beside me.
“Because today you did more than any ever has, including me. I’ve been walking this world for a long time, sleeping and then awakening to cause chaos and bloodshed. I was warned once to make the right choice, and this feels right. Little walker, you are the future. I feel it now. It’s time the old is tossed aside and new blood leads. I will be there throughout it all.”
“Waiting to see if I fail so you can kill me?” I grin.
“Yes,” he replies with no remorse. “My duty.”
“You don’t seem like a person who follows that a lot,” I counter,