Samael smirked at the sight of the Archangel being carried away by Morpheus's servants. It was about time that son of a bitch got what he deserved. Michael's true suffering had only just begun, though. He would make sure of that.
The Lord of Dreams cleared his throat, and Samael threw him a sideways glance. Though he'd had his doubts about being in league with him, Samael had to admit, Morpheus had played his part well. Michael had walked right into their little trap.

"I hadn't expected you to actually do this," remarked Morpheus. "You, who are supposed to be 'neutral'. I hope you realise you've dealt a heavy blow to the good side."

"There is no good or bad," replied Samael. "That's just how people perceive things. We are what we are, after all. Michael's always treated me as something... unnatural. Even before I was born."

"Does he know who you truly are?"

"No. And we want to keep it that way for now." Samael glared back at him.

The Lord of Dreams wisely recoiled and inclined his head. The Angel of Death scoffed in disgust. Morpheus truly was a coward. Now, if that powdered-up relic continued to play his part right, everything would fall into place. But he would still feel better if someone else kept an eye on Michael. Someone loyal to him, and him alone.

"What do you want me to do with the Lord Protector now that we have him?" Morpheus asked as they made their way back to the stairs of the palace.

"If it were up to me, I'd have you break every bone, spill every drop of blood, and pluck every feather. But unfortunately, that's not what he wants." Samael handed Morpheus a dark vial. "Inject Michael with this before you put him in the Dream Chamber."

"To what purpose?" Morpheus took the vial with a delicate hand. 

"It will simply add sweet and bitter truth to whatever fantasy his mind dreams up."

The maidservant who had guided Samael and Michael to Morpheus awaited the pair in the entrance hall. Her cheeks were wet from crying. A collar with pins was strapped around her neck. Its sharp points had already nicked her white skin, trickles of crimson blood staining the cloth on her body. She offered Samael a small box with a deep, wincing bow.

"This is the other thing you requested," said Morpheus.

"Very good." Samael nodded approvingly.

"What of the Horsemen?"

"Are you that keen to release them into the world?" asked Samael, flashing a grin.

"The mortals are already under their influence, even from here. It makes no difference to me."

"You're not worried about what Michael said, then?"

"A most unlikely scenario. And besides, the true power lies in nightmares, anyway. There will be an abundance of them when the Horsemen roam free. Even if there is some truth in what the Lord Protector said, it will still be a long time before the mortals are left empty shells. What of you, though? You'll be left without a job if the Pale Rider reaps what his comrades sow."

"Don't worry about me. I'll soon be in my rightful place."

"In that case... the best of luck to you."

The Angel of Death gave a curt nod and descended the palace's steps. At the bottom, he lingered.

"They will send someone for him."

"Do not worry," said Morpheus. "All may enter the Dream Realm, but none leaves without my permission."

"I can," Samael pointed out.

"You seem to be the exception to the rule, yes. It is curious that you of all peo-"

"If you know what's good for you, you won't finish that thought," warned Samael. "Don't let Michael escape."

He threw Morpheus one last glare before making his way back through the garden. The palace behind him disappeared as he stepped through the void, following the torches to the door on Mount Hekla. Samael knew exactly what Morpheus had wanted to say. He had heard it a million times from angels and demons and from the souls he guided. They all said the same thing, whispering behind his back; he was different. An oddity. Nothing but a freak of nature. A fault in the design. A monster. Was it any wonder he resented the man responsible?

Michael robbed me of everything before I even had something to call my own. He'll soon know what it's like to lose it all. Even if I have to destroy his precious angels myself!

***

Joan grew anxious as she waited. She didn't know how long it would take for the Nephilim and Gabriël to notice she was gone. Silently, she prayed and hoped Rasputin would soon return with Lucifer before they came looking for her.
Suddenly, as if God had answered her prayer, a swirl of smoke and flames emerged where the monk had vanished. His face was the first she recognised as the smoke cleared. Her breath caught when her eyes fell on the man beside her. So beautiful.

"Joan, my dear girl, is everything all right?" Lucifer immediately reached out, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"Yes, I'm fine." Joan forced a smile and summoned all of her strength to keep from flinching at his electric touch. "So is the baby. Thank you for your concern. And for... whatever you did with Borgia. There haven't been any more attacks. At least not that we've heard."

"Of course, think nothing of it. Borgia needed a lesson anyway. But please, tell me; why did you ask me to come? Grigori said you wanted to make a deal?"

"Of sorts, yes. I was hoping to discuss a few matters with you first, though."

"Well, let's make ourselves more comfortable, shall we?"

Lucifer waved his hand, and a table appeared with two chairs on opposite sides. He took his seat and invited Joan to sit as well. A pair of cups materialised next. She threw a quick glance inside the one before her. It looked and smelled like a fruit smoothie.

"No alcohol for you, of course," said Lucifer, smiling. "You need your vitamins."

She looked up at Rasputin. His encouraging nod somehow reassured her. 

"And now to business then," continued Lucifer after taking a sip from his own cup. "What is it you want to discuss, my dear?"

"Your deal with Gabriël covers my safety and his, correct?" inquired Joan.

The Devil nodded.

"What about the baby? Did you discuss the baby's safety as well?"

"Hm, very perceptive of you." He smirked. "No, we did not."

"That's what I thought." Joan sighed at Gabriël's foolish mistake. "And if either can't provide what was agreed?"

"Well, I vowed to keep you two lovebirds safe, which, so far, I have done. And I see no reason not to keep doing just that. Unless, of course, Gabriël doesn't keep his side of the deal. But he is sworn to my service. He has no choice."

"So there's no way to break your deal with him?" Joan's voice quivered, but Lucifer didn't show he'd noticed.

"His service will end when he dies or when I no longer require him," he said. "But I have no intention of giving him up, Joan."

Nor I.

"What about the message you gave Gabriël to pass on to Michael?"

"Nothing for you to concern yourself with."

"I think it is my concern, especially since Michael's missing and Gabriël is now his successor."

Lucifer's eyes widened in surprise. All colour drained from his face. He was clearly distressed by the news. But what had done it? The news that Michael was gone or that he could lose Gabriël?
Joan glimpsed at Rasputin, who had followed the conversation in silence. By his furrowed brow, she could tell that he, too, was intrigued by the reaction Lucifer gave. 

"Michael is... missing?" Lucifer spoke so softly she could barely hear it.

So it is about Michael, thought Joan. But why would Lucifer react to his disappearance like this? Why does he care?

"Grigori, leave us. Go back to my quarters and stay there until I return."

Rasputin bowed obediently (and reluctantly) and left Joan alone with the Devil. Lucifer stood up and turned away from her. He gripped the back of his chair tightly. The most uneasy feeling washed over Joan as her mind raced through her memories. 
Suddenly, she remembered what Gabriël had told her about the first Fallen Angel and his connection to Michael. She recalled that Fallen Angel, the one called LightBringer, was the same demon who had invaded Gabriël's mind. But that meant...

"My God," she whispered. "You were Michael's -"

"We are not here to discuss my past, Joan. Say what you have to say, offer me your deal or make sure Gabriël keeps his. But you will not say one more word about that man in my presence again!"

Joan registered this moment. The sorrow she'd seen when he learned about Michael going missing, which then changed into raw anger at the mere mention of their past relationship. She could use this to serve her purpose when the time was right.

"Very well." Joan straightened in her seat. "Release Gabriël from your service. You know as well as I do that the moment he goes back to the Vale, he can only serve one. And that one isn't you. Gabriël will torture himself over this decision. He wants the Heavens to be safe, but he won't leave me for fear of breaking the deal he's made with you. You said he can be released by death or by your word. Death isn't that convenient with an Archangel, so it's up to you."

"Suppose I release our precious Gabriël; what's in it for me?" Lucifer glanced at her over his shoulder. "My protection doesn't come for free, however much I like you, Joan. I expect something of equal value."

"How about me?" offered Joan casually.

Lucifer slowly turned back around, eyeing her curiously. She grabbed the cup from the table and drank. The exquisite taste of berries exploded in her mouth. It was refreshing, but fruit smoothies definitely did not count as 'liquid courage'.

"I want to alter your deal with Gabriël," she continued. "You protect him, myself, and our baby, now and after the birth, you release him from your service and in exchange... you'll have me. And the baby."

"You would give up your child to save your lover?" 

"I never said I would give it up; I said you could have us both. You must promise me I may care for my child and you will never separate us. I don't care where you take us, only that we remain together."

"And Gabriël? You don't want him with you?"

"Of course I do. But he will never stop feeling guilty if he abandons the Vale in their hour of need. I'll have peace knowing he's where he belongs."

Lucifer narrowed his eyes at her. It was a far better deal than he had with Gabriël; he should realise that. Sure, he would lose an Archangel, but he would gain a Fallen Angel and the miracle child of one of Heaven's elite. That was leverage.

"You and your baby, for Gabriël's freedom and protection for the three of you," he agreed.

"And my child and I are not to be separated," she specified.

"I wouldn't dream of separating a mother and child, Joan. History may paint me as a monster, but I assure you, I'm far from one."

Lucifer flicked his wrist, and the table and chairs disappeared from between them. He stepped up to her and raised his hand, but Joan did not shake it yet.

"One last thing," she said.

"Yes?" Lucifer raised his brow.

"Was it real?" Joan looked right into Lucifer's eyes. "What happened between me and Gabriël? This baby? Or was it all your doing?"

Lucifer stared at her, clearly taken aback by the question. Joan felt fear creep up inside her as his dark eyes seemed to pry their way through her thoughts. There had been a part of her, a tiny part, that still did not believe what Gabriël told her about the Archangels being able to give life when loved. She needed to know. If not for her own peace of mind, then for Gabriël.
He deserved the truth.

***

Gabriël searched every room of the Sanctum twice. The kitchen, the training room, the library... everywhere. But it seemed as if Joan had vanished into thin air. He grew worried. He needed to find her, talk to her. Raphael would be back any moment, expecting him to return to the Vale with him. But he couldn't do that without discussing things with Joan.
Gabriël entered the infirmary. Olympe and Juan had just returned from preparing the rooms for their family members. Richard had gone to the entrance hall to greet them upon their arrival, which could be at any moment. Anne, Thomas, and Hypatia had all gathered around Adeline's bed. She was still out of it, but her son seemed to be on the mend. The boy was propped up against his pillows whilst Anne fed him hot broth. The two mages hovered over Adeline in deep concentration, their mouths moving as they muttered inaudible spells.

"Sorry to disturb you, but has anyone seen Joan?" Gabriël asked.

"Where did you last see her?" asked Olympe, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"She was here an hour ago with Hypatia."

"She said she was tired and wanted to rest," said the Egyptian woman, not looking up from the task at hand.

"I've checked all the rooms twice; I can't find her anywhere."

"You think she might have gone outside?" wondered Juan aloud.

Dear God, I hope she's not been that stupid, thought Gabriël.

"Juan, help him look for her," said Anne from Remy's bed. "I'll join you in a moment."

"Reste ici, Anne. Je m'en occupe."

Anne nodded gratefully as Olympe joined the men out in the corridor. A white flash of light illuminated the dark halls.

"That's Raphael," said Gabriël.

"Madre de Dios, we haven't had this many Archangels visiting us since... well, ever really. ¿Que esta pasando, Gabriël?" asked Juan

"I'll tell everyone later when I know more myself, Juan. Can you two keep looking for Joan?"

"We don't have to." Olympe pointed to the entrance hall. "She's right there."

And yes, there she was. Safe and sound, at the physician's side. The initial relief that washed over Gabriël was quickly replaced by exasperation. Why could this woman never do as she was told? He strode over to her, ignoring everyone else.

"What the hell were you thinking going out there?" 

Joan scoffed. "Excuse me for wanting some fresh air."

"Don't give me that! You know very well you can't go outside on your own, Joan! You could've..." The Archangel took a deep breath, silently counting to five to calm down. "Never mind. We need to talk."

"Gabriël, there's no time." Raphael came up to him. "We have to go."

"Not before I talk with her!" 

Gabriël took Joan by the hand and led her away. He heard the Nephilim ask Raphael questions, but didn't pay any attention to the words. When they reached Joan's room, he practically forced her inside and locked the door behind him. He lingered with one hand on the handle. This was going to be hell.

"Joan, there's something you need to know," began Gabriël, keeping his head low. "The reason Rafe is here is that... Michael's gone missing. And he... left instructions for me to... He wanted me to take his place as Lord Protector."

"Yes, I know," said Joan. "I overheard you and Raphael talking earlier. I know everything."

Gabriël hurried over and slid his arms around her waist, his hands covering her belly. He swore he could feel a faint movement from within.

"I don't have to go," he said. "They can name any other Archangel as Lord Protector until Michael is found. It doesn't have to be me. I don't have to leave you. I won't leave you."

"You should."

"What?" Gabriël drew back to look at her. "What did you say?"

Joan clicked her tongue and huffed in annoyance. She pried Gabriël's hands off of her and stepped away from his embrace.

"You should go," she repeated.

"What? Joan, no, I'm not leaving you alone. I don't care if Michael's gone missing or if Raphael begs me on his bare knees or if God himself orders me to go back! I'm staying right here with you."

"But I don't want you here anymore."

Gabriël couldn't believe what he was hearing. She had to be joking. He grabbed Joan by her shoulders.

"Why would you say something like that to me?" he demanded. "Joan, look at me. Why did you say that?"

"Let go of me." She struggled against his grip.

"No, not until you talk to me."

"I can't. You... Dammit, you wouldn't understand! Now, let go!"

"Understand what? Joan, what the hell is going on?"

"Nothing!"

"You're lying! Tell me the truth, Joan! Tell m-"

"I HATE YOU!"

Gabriël froze at her outburst. He recoiled, but didn't let go of her. Joan's eyes bore into him. They were filled with such... revulsion. 

"All you've brought me is misery," she spat at him. "And I regret every minute we spent together. From the moment you came into my life, I have been in agony. I fell in love with you when I was still a mortal, trusting you and your empty promises. You made me believe you would always help me and be there for me. But I went through that torture alone. I burned alive alone. And when we met each other again in the Vale, I fought my feelings. For so long. Until you managed to play me, yet again. You dragged me along in your fantasy, but I was the only one who got punished when we were discovered. I was the only one whose wings were taken. I lost everything because of you. And I will never stop blaming myself for being so weak and giving in to you so easily, you goddamn miserable bastard. "

Her words hit Gabriël hard. This couldn't be what she really thought of him. They had made love mere hours ago. She had let him dip in her warmth. She'd kissed him, touched him, rode him, screamed his name as she'd driven them both to ecstasy. Joan's love couldn't have dissipated that drastically since then.

"You... You don't mean that." Gabriël's voice trembled. "Something's happened, something... I know this isn't you talking. You wouldn't -"

Suddenly, it hit him. Of course... It was staring him right in the face.

"Did you speak with Lucifer? When you were outside, did you speak with Lucifer?"

Joan licked her lips. The look she gave him now... Was it pity? Whatever it was, it only aggravated Gabriël's distress.

"Did you see Lucifer?" He yelled out in rage, shaking Joan by the shoulders. "Stop screwing around, Joan; this is serious! Just because I am sworn to him doesn't mean I trust him! I know Lucifer is planning something against the Vale! Against us! You have to stay away from him! If only to protect our child!"

She laughed. A melody usually so sweet was now so mean. So cold. It paralysed Gabriël to the core.

"Dear God, Gabriël, you cannot possibly be this simple? This isn't 'our' child."

"Wha-What?" He stumbled back. 

"And here I thought you were supposed to be the smart one among the Archangels." Joan sighed and shook her head. "Gabriël, use your head. Lucifer didn't just poison you; he possessed you. You really never wondered why he did so? You really never wondered why you suddenly got the courage to speak about your feelings and be with me? Did you not find it a coincidence that it was only after the attack at the Gates? He used you to get to me. Whatever love we believed we had for each other may have triggered the conception, but you were nothing more than a donor."

Gabriël felt the floor give way beneath him.

"No... No, that's not true," he stammered, eyes wide with shock. "You're... You're lying."

"I went outside to speak to him because I wanted to know if he needed me. If I was part of his big plan to win in the Final Battle. But he only wants the baby. He's using me as a vessel, a human incubator. Just like he used you. The minute I give birth, the baby will go to its real father, and I will be free from all of this. I'll be free from you."

Joan's icy glare pierced right through Gabriël's heart. It shattered him into a million pieces. He stared blindly into nothing, trying to make sense of everything she had just said to him.

Was this truly part of Lucifer's plan all along? Use me, use Joan, to create another baby, like the one he lost with Margaret? No... No, it... it isn't true. It can't be.

"Look at you." Joan's sneering voice made him look up. "How did I ever fall for that? How did I ever believe you were man enough for me? You're pathetic, little Archangel. Go back to the Vale, where you belong. I will take care of myself, give Lucifer his child, and move on with my life. I suggest you do the same."

Gabriël searched her face, looking for the smallest hint that would reveal everything she had told him was a lie. But all he saw was brutal honesty.

"Joan, please." He reached for her, but she slapped his hand away, adding salt to the wound that was his bleeding heart.

"Didn't you hear me? Go, Gabriël. Find Michael and see if he will still have you after he finds out how Lucifer used you. I sure as hell don't."