Dance of Wings (Curse of the Guardians #7)

50. Scarlet

Chapter 50

Scarlet

Sex God:

It’s finished.

Sex God:

Present for peanut.

Snow globes aren’t baby appropriate…

Sex God:

It’s not a snow globe…

But OMG, I need to get peanut a snow globe!

Maybe a little one?

Seriously?

Sex God:

Erm… yes.

Peanut needs to start their collection early if they ever want to match mine.

If it’s not a snow globe, then what is it?

Sex God:

A surprise.

You’ll love it.

And yes… it has glitter.

L ooking to the sky, Scarlet took in a deep breath.

Her back ached, the scars still fresh. It was strange walking around without the weight of her wings, and at first she’d been devastated. She’d been brought up believing her worth was directly attached to her ability to fly.

But now they were gone… she was free.

Free to do what she wanted.

Free to live how she wanted.

Free to love who she wanted.

Searching for Lucifer, she found him beside Kyra, their words too quiet to be carried across the distance. He must have sensed her, his smile growing when he turned to meet her gaze, and then drop to where her hand absently rubbed her lower stomach.

She hadn’t puked that day, which was a bonus, but her stomach was still unsettled. Nervous as she waited in the clearing beside the house.

Scar had never wanted a child, and yet she couldn’t explain this protectiveness that came over her when she’d first been told the reason she was sick. It had surprised her, that instinct to protect was almost violent when the doctors showed concern with the conception.

It was Lucifer that had reassured her that everything was going to be okay, that he’d been researching Fallen children along with Jax. She’d conceived while still a full celestrial, which meant her child would be born with wings.

She hadn’t known that Cassiel was trying to impregnate her, she only hoped he’d been honest when he’d said it would be clinical. The idea that he’d done stuff while she’d been unable to defend herself… she refused to think about it.

Her baby may have been created in the most detached circumstances, but they’ll be born into a family that will always give them freedom. There won’t be expectations, and they can grow up to be whoever they wanted to be.

“You ready?” Xander asked, standing beside her.

Scarlet swallowed, feeling the wind ruffle her hair like a caress. “No.”

Xander gently nodded, his eyes cast to the earth. “You don’t have to do this yet. You can wait until you’re ready.”

“I might never be ready to say goodbye,” she said, watching Lucifer as he came over. “But Silas deserves his peace.”

Taking her hand, Lucifer guided her over to where Kyra had prepared the pyre.

“What if this doesn’t work?” she whispered, staring into the dancing flames. “What if it just hurts Silas more?”

Lucifer stroked along her cheek before using a finger to tip her head back. “Trust me?”

There was no hesitation. “Always.”

“Then say goodbye.” He pulled out a small mirror, holding it against his chest until she was ready to take it.

Her hands shook, but still she turned it so she could look into the reflective side. Silas stared back, his brows drawing together in confusion. She hadn’t seen him in a few weeks, every single mirror in the house covered so she didn’t accidentally manifest him.

“Hey, Si,” she whispered, feeling a tear burn down her cheek.

‘Y sad?’ he asked, tapping his finger against the glass.

“I’m...” Her voice cracked, so she cleared it before trying again. “I just wanted to see you one last time.”

Silas’s hand moved slowly, his eye darkening with panic.

“Hey, look at me,” she said softly. “Do you remember when we were kids? How I was always better at target practice? Yet dad always took you hunting until I demanded to come too.” She spoke of their childhood, distracting him from the pain. She spoke of their parents, and the times they’d watch the stars wondering what life outside Aetherna would be like.

She wanted to tell him about her adventure, about Lucifer and the baby. But she didn’t, because every minute he was deteriorating.

He didn’t deserve to be kept there just because she wasn’t ready to let him go.

“It’s time, Si,” she said, swallowing past the emotions threatening to clog her throat.

Silas tilted his head, his jaw moving as if trying to speak. After a moment he nodded. ‘U safe?’ he asked, writing the question across the glass. He didn’t ask about Kit, and she didn’t bring it up. He didn’t always retain the newer memories, and honestly, she was happy that he was lucid enough for her to say goodbye.

For over a year she’d fought for his peace, and now it was time, she found herself hesitating.

“I am.” Her voice cracked, her eyes burning. Lucifer settled his hand on her shoulder, keeping his body out of the reflection so as not to obscure Silas. His presence was enough, giving the strength she needed.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Silas had drawn a heart. Tapping in the centre three times.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

“I know,” she choked, unable to stop the tears from falling. “I love you too.”

Blowing him a kiss she handed the mirror to Kyra, who held her hand over the glass. Lucifer pulled her against him, wrapping his arms around her tight.

“Are you ready?” Lucifer asked, pressing his lips to her shoulder.

It took her a moment, but finally she nodded. “Please give my brother peace.”

Giving her a final kiss he unwrapped his arms, passing the pyre to place his hand over Kyra’s. Xander stood to the side, tensing once the mirror cracked, cutting Kyra’s hand.

The fire crackled, sparking with each drop of her blood.

“He’s here,” Xander said softly. “He wants you to know how proud he is.” Scarlet stared into the flames, her eyes blurring.

“And he hopes you find happiness.”

A sob escaped, then another.

Lucifer drew back his hand, holding it above the flames before Kyra dropped the mirror. The fire reached up to engulf it, the flames burning blue.

Kyra lifted her arm, stemming the blood. “It’s done, he’s gone.”

Scar dropped to her knees, but Lucifer was there to break her fall. His fingers brushed away her tears, his eyes panicked as she finally released everything she’d kept locked inside for so long. At the sorrow, and the guilt.

Her brother was finally free, and now it was her turn.