Chapter 52: Bond

The flickering of the fire in the cave floated through the cavern, bringing a sense of reminiscence for the two males. Honey eyes glanced at the angel who was washing his face from the dirt and debris when saving him. Only in a thin robe, he could see the mark at the back of the brown-haired angel's neck. The mark of removal that signaled to all that God no longer deemed this angel worthy. His hand reached to the back of his own neck to feel the invisible mark.

Though he had found a way to survive, to gather power, and his skin being able to heal easily… this damn mark had already scorched through his skin. The imprint was there even though the skin had healed over it. When he looked back to his former brother, he saw his green eyes watching him with a knowing look. Letting out a sigh, he tilted his head at the angel.

"Gabriel," he sent a smirk, "You wearing 2 robes is still a thing, I see."

"Shut up," the angel frowned at him, "If I were wearing one, then I would had been bare."

"Why not?" Lucifer grinned curving his eyes, "You have a nice body. There is no need to be ashamed or embarrassed."

"Lucifer!" The angel shouted pointing at him before dropping it to his side, but his brows were still dipped.

"Hm? No brother or Lulu?" The former King of Hell lounged casually, grinning at the mess of his former brother.

"Lucifer," Gabriel glared at him with only a small amount of his emerald eyes can be seen.

"Gabby?" The demon quirked a brow as his head leaned against his hand, propped up by his elbow on the floor.

The angel shut his eyes and let out a deep breath, before walking over to the lazy man.

"How are you-" before he could finish, he saw Lucifer sat up quickly with widened eyes.

He watched the man quickly got up, not adjusting the robe that fell open slightly. Held on by a small clip, the robe swooshed as the raven-haired demon headed to the hole in the wall- the one he created when saving him. Walking quickly behind him to follow, he quickly found his face mere inches from the other.

"You stay here," the words were thrown out and the angel shook his head.

"No, I am coming with you!"

"You cannot enter Hell," Lucifer stated grabbing his shoulders, as if to shake him to sense.

"Your daughter went to Heaven," Gabriel reminded, "The unspoken law between you and Father is already broken."

"He will know you are there. That you are with me. There will be no going back and I cannot let that happen," the demon stated and the grip on his arms tightened, "You know what you will need to sacrifice if you choose to join me."

The angel felt his body stilled in what was just said. Was he willing to give up his title, his old life, his entire existence to be with his former brother- the demon of the underworld? In his confused and shocked state, Lucifer released his hold and left him alone. Blinking as the figure disappeared into the dark, he felt so cold wrapped in the warmth of the fire.

Lucifer quickly climbed down the steep hill but stumbled and somersaulted down. Body slammed to the ground, he groaned feeling his bruises and bones shaken. Thankfully, he was healing slowly as he pushed himself to walk through the once occupied spaces. It was quiet, but some voices of those still living sounded. He ignored them as he quickened his pace, jogging to his palace.

He felt it.

The stretch of line that connected father and daughter pulled, and at the instance he knew.

She was alive.

He saw his castle before him. Large and bright, his palace was unmistakable as it called the attention of all. Pushing through the doors, he heard startled voices of some of his workers, but his eyes searched for his daughter. Heading straight to the throne room, where the pull was strongest, he turned the corner and saw her.

She was on her throne, beautiful even in sleep.

Letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, he quickly went to her and pulled her against him.

She was alive. That bastard couldn't defeat her. He found the tickling of his laughter crawling to leave his throat, but he held it down.

"My lord," the elder servant smiled, "Welcome back."

His bright eyes turned to the demon and he felt his lips curl up. Turning back to his daughter, he tucked her bangs behind her ear.

'Welcome back.'