Page 121 of Trust the Fall
EPILOGUE
ONE MONTH LATER
The past month has been a whirlwind, rounding up the remaining traitors and bringing them to justice. In between helping in Hell, I’ve been back and forth to the reaper kingdom, learning about my people and getting to know my mother.
Today, my mother has called a meeting with Lucifer and the archangels to announce her plans and where I fit into them.
“I’ve called you all here because I have decided not to retire.”
The angels murmur their surprise to each other, but it’s River who has my attention. His eyes are wide, signaling this is the first he’s heard the news.
My mother has made it clear to me that whatever was between her and the reaper is over. She doesn’t wish to give him false hope, and as much as my heart hurts for him, it’s for the best.
I’ve come to know Camille, and her heart lies firmly in Michael’s hands, even if her love is unrequited as far as she’s concerned.
It isn’t. I see the way that even now, he can’t take his eyes off of her. His back is straight and his hands are clenched at his side. His typical scowl isn’t present. In its place is a longing so fierce, it cuts the air around us.
“My only goal in doing so early was to get Victoria back. But I never needed to retire for that to happen.” She smiles at me, and I return it. “I’ve spoken with Victoria, and she has agreed to serve on my council.”
River finally looks my way and nods his approval.
“She has some wonderful ideas that I think will truly make a difference in the reaping of souls. She brings with her youthful, bold ideas that I think the whole of the universe will benefit from.” She turns to me. “But I’ll let her share those ideas with you.”
She sweeps her hand out, effectively turning the conversation over to me.
I clear my throat, wanting—no needing—every being in attendance to jump on board.
“My goal is to remain here in Hell alongside Lucifer, as queen.”
Gasps replace the murmurs as the weight of my announcement settles over the room. It’s mostly coming from the archangels, as Camille has already been briefed on my plans.
Although she remains skeptical, she’s come to realize that I can’t be persuaded otherwise.
I’m in love and she can either accept my choice and get to know Lucifer as I do, or we can be estranged. My choice is him. Always.
“He’s asked you to stay in Hell?” Leeanna asks.
I flash my left hand, showcasing the gleaming black diamond that’s far too big for my liking. Luke’s the flashy type, and he claims that the queen of Hell must have the appropriate diamond. I smile at him, remembering the night he asked me to be his forever.
Luke had arranged a picnic, complete with all of my favorite things. Beignets from Café Du Monde, ripe strawberries dipped in decadent chocolate, the finest champagne I’ve ever tasted, and a host of other finger foods to keep us sated during our tryst.
Hell is a dark abyss, but somehow, he managed to lasso stars into the black sky. They shone down on us as though Heaven itself was giving its blessing. We made love underneath the star-blanketed sky, basking in our unending love and devotion to one another.
Throats clear, bringing me back to the present. I sigh, continuing on.
“I will be given passage to the reaper kingdom to serve on the council, and when the time comes, hopefully not for centuries”—I grin at Camille—“I will rule from both kingdoms.”
More murmuring flits through the room, but I don’t pay attention to any of it. My gaze is locked on Luke’s.
“How do you plan to do that?” Leanna asks.
I blow out a breath. I should’ve known this wasn’t going to be as simple as saying it.
“I have time to determine how that will work best, but at this point, the way I see it, I will have a chancellor, or someone who rules in my absence. I have no idea yet who that will be. It will take a great deal of trust,” I say, glancing toward River, who sits stoically. “However, that’s not a conversation that needs to happen today, as Camille has no intentions of retiring for some time.”
Camille nods. “I shall help in securing a trusted board of advisors along with whatever additional positions she requires, when the time comes.”
“You mentioned a change in how reaping is conducted. What does that include?” Leeanna asks, sounding like a human reporter rather than an angelic being.