“Milcom, would you like to answer that?” Lucifer says, spinning to look at the large demon, who looks terrified. It’s nearly comical, if the stakes weren’t so high right now I would likely be enjoying Milcom’s tongue lashing. Lucifer’s eyes are flaming red, and my question from earlier is answered when it comes to that particular trait.

“My lord, I’ve apologized. It was a mistake. I didn’t know.”

“Your mistake has caused both of my daughters harm. How can I let that slide, Milcom?”

“Please, my lord. I’ll do anything.”

“Yes, yes, you will.” The dagger I stabbed Mara with is still beside me, until Lucifer conjures it into his hand, holding it against Milcom’s neck. “The perfect sacrifice I need to create my darling Mara a body of her own.”

“No, please. I’m sorry.”

Lucifer tsks. “This is going to sting a bit.” Lucifer slashes his throat. “Daxaddon, be a dear and hand me that basin.” Immediately I’m on my feet handing him the crystal basin from the table. He holds it under his throat, collecting Milcom’s blood. I still have no idea what he plans to do. Mara and I watch in fascination as Milcom’s soul slips from his lips and his corporeal body crumbles to the floor. “I’ll deal with your soul later,” Lucifer says. Who knows if Milcom understands? He won’t be able to possess anyone in Hell, just another lost soul with no purpose roaming the fiery pits. He can run, try and hide in this dimension, but it would be a waste of time. Lucifer will find him and completely destroy his soul for his betrayal.

“Mara, darling. Please leave Blair’s body. I promise to give you a nice, new, shiny one of your own.”

“How can I trust you?” she says.

“I’m many things, Mara. A liar isn’t one of them. You are my daughter and I plan to make things right with you. I didn’t know you lived. I sent Milcom to Earth to see if any of my children held my gift. He came back and reported that you were completely human, with no magical ability. Lilith found Blair and told me about her. So every year on her birthday, I made sure her body was stable enough to handle the demon part of her nature.”

“Why doesn’t Blair know who you are?” she asks.

“Is she telling you that?” he asks her.

“Yes,” Mara replies.

“I thought it would be easier for her to live her life as a witch. As hard as I tried, and thought that creating demons on earth was the motivation, it’s become transparent that I have more feelings than I considered.”

“You love her?” she asks.

“I love both of you, and I would like to make things right,” he says.