Lucifer and I talked as I spent time washing. "How is Deirdre? I miss her."

He moved to perch on the edge of the tub, crossing an ankle on a knee. "I persuaded the Benningtons to come early, so she is at least entertained. She misses you, though. I told her you were doing Death business. She seemed to accept that."

I nodded. "Thank you, Lucifer."

"Of course, love. You know that I care for Deirdre."

I stood, water rolling off of me, and reached for a towel, but Lucifer snapped me dry. "Have you eaten since breakfast?" he asked.

"No. I don't have much of an appetite."

"Yes, I know, but you should have something before going to a party. Wine on an empty stomach is not wise."

I agreed only because I knew I should. "Okay."

He snapped again, and a small pile of clothes appeared on the edge of the sink. I was grateful to pull on my favorite pair of jeans and a soft t-shirt. "Come on. I will snap you up whatever you want out on the terrace. Then, I will dress you."

I chose to have what had become the usual comfort food for us: an omelet, bacon, and toast with strawberry preserves. I didn't eat all of it, but I ate enough to satisfy Lucifer. We made our way to the dressing room where Lucifer repeated the process of the previous night, only working with a rich red color. I requested that the dress be easier to handle, and so, when his task was complete, I found myself in a classic mermaid dress which hugged my hips down to my knees before flaring at the bottom. The material was stretchy, so the dress was still comfortable to move in. I sighed in resignation to realize that it would be easy to get up over my hips when I needed to have sex.

He snapped on the ruby and diamond necklace, bracelet, and earrings he had given me to wear on our first date, then included the matching ring Azza had later gifted me. I left my hair down, but Lucifer insisted on adding a small ruby and diamond tiara to the ensemble.

Dressing complete, he told Maximillian, "Contact Erebus and let him know she is ready." He turned back to me. "I must go, love. I have deals at the Vatican that cannot wait."

I nodded. "I understand." I desperately wanted to touch him, but I refrained.

He snapped lightly, and I felt a gentle breeze caress my skin. "I love you, Olivia."

"And I, you, Lucifer."

He snapped a portal and left. I felt empty. I went out on the terrace to watch the sunset as I waited for Erebus to arrive. When he did, I let him fold me into his arms, desperate for a kind touch. He sent Maximillian away so that we could talk.

"Azza says that Nyx has something planned with Lazarus tonight. I fear you seeing him will not be as you expected."

"She's going to hurt him, isn't she? Torture him in front of me just because she can."

"That's likely, yes. And then you will heal him."

I sighed. "I am tired of being used, Erebus. I'm tired of being frustrated, and I'm tired of sex."

He kissed my hand. "Yes. I will leave you alone as much as I can tonight, Olivia. We may have to have sex publically at least once to maintain some kind of cover. Nyx mustn't know we are becoming friends."

I looked at him. "Are we becoming friends?"

He kissed my fingers again. "I would like that very much. My sister," he paused, "is not my favorite person. I am assuming this is also true for you."

"So, the enemy of my enemy is my friend?" I questioned.

He sighed and nodded. "I hope it will be more than that; I find you to be an intriguing woman. But for now, it is a start."

I agreed. "Yes. As long as she thinks you are using me for your own desires, I think she will be satisfied."

"Well," he said, holding out an arm, "On that note, may I escort you to the party?"

I gave him a weak smile. "Thank you. Yes, you may."

My stomach flip-flopped when I saw that they had rearranged the Temple such that the main floor's attraction was the Altar of the Night. It set the stage for a very different atmosphere for the night's party. Last night's party had been about celebration and sex. Tonight? It felt dark and foreboding.

As I looked around, the shadows seemed deeper, and the air felt heavier, creating a much more sinister space. Something about the whole place felt ominous. I leaned into Erebus. "What's changed?"

"The shadows are full of nightmares," was his hushed reply.

Realizing what he said was true, I felt a cold sweat spread over me. I clung to his arm a little tighter, unable to control myself.

He answered my fear by tucking me into him, wrapping his arm around me. "Come. Don't be afraid. I am the God of Shadow. While I can't dispel my sister completely when she is fully in her power, I can carve us out a little area of relative comfort."

We made our way to the same alcove as the night before. When we stepped into the pool of light created by the candle on the table, it seemed to brighten, and I felt a lessening of pressure in the oppressive energy of the Temple. I breathed a sigh of relief.

He turned me to him for an embrace. "Tell me, is the compulsion Azza set still with you?"

I looked into his eyes. I felt a spark of seduction, but not the overwhelming need I had felt before the activities of the day. "No. It's gone." I sighed, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. "I will confess that I am tired of sex; while I find you attractive, my libido is low. If I am to feed Lazarus tonight, we need to have Azza reset it."

Erebus texted on his phone. Azza must have been close by because he joined us in the alcove in a matter of moments. Behind him came Nicco.

I sucked in a breath at seeing Nicco. Both of them were shirtless, dressed in black leather pants, boots, and leather armbands. Any other time and I might have appreciated the look. Instead, I found myself stepping back, distancing myself from them. Erebus immediately stepped a little in front of me, protective.

"Nicco. Why are you here? I sent for Azza," Erebus demanded.

"Oh, I'm just here to watch," he said, taking a seat at the table and slumping into the chair. "I want to see her die again." He ran a hand over the bulge in his pants. "Though, if you're inclined to share, I'd love to feel her die while sucking me off."

Erebus reached for me to draw me closed. "No. I am afraid I am greedy tonight. No one else will have her."

I melded myself to him in gratitude.

Azza joined Nicco at the table, waving the compulsion to life in me as he did. "Lazarus needs to be healed. Do it now."

My eyes went wide as a mix of worry and desperation made my stomach roll. I glanced at Erebus, and he caught me in his gaze. His hand dove into the hair at the nape of my neck and his tongue into my mouth. I leaned into his kiss and knew he would soon fill me, whether I wanted it or not. Fortunately, I did, if for no other reason than to save Laz.

He drew back and nuzzled my ear away from them. "Forgive me, Olivia. I, too, am tired of having you only when compelled. Perhaps one day, we can come together and explore without it."

I nodded, of course, since I wanted him desperately. He ran his hands down my body and over my ass to grab my dress and hike it up over my hips. I saw a movement from Azza out of the corner of my eye and felt my thong dissolve away. Erebus pushed me down so that I rested my upper body face down on the table. I turned my head away from Nicco but couldn't bring myself to look at Azza either. I closed my eyes.

Erebus slid himself through my slickness, coating himself before entering with slow movements. I moaned involuntarily but sincerely.

"While I would love to stay and watch you fuck her slow, Erebus. I am on a mission here," Azza explained.

"Yes, you are right. Pleasantries later," Erebus agreed and began to thrust into me in earnest.

"Can you make her scream?" Nicco asked. "She screams so well."

"I don't have your tastes, Nicco," Erebus replied. "I prefer that she beg."

"Please, Erebus," I implored. "Please let me come for you."

"Yes, Olivia, come for me and heal your Lazarus."

His command was enough to send me over, and I drained every bit that I had into my love.

Olivia...

Erebus kept me from sliding to the floor. Even with his support, I had a hard time finding my feet when I awoke. I reached above me and grasped the other side of the table and held on as he finished in me. He let me rest for a few moments before withdrawing.

"Go get in the bed," he said.

I stumbled away, collapsing on the black bed. I managed to get my dress pulled down, and my head turned away before the tears began. I squeezed my eyes shut, holding back the whimpers that wanted to accompany them.

"Thank you, Erebus," Azza said. I heard two chairs scrape along the floor. "Be sure to bring her to the show."

"She's earned the right to see Lazarus," Erebus stated.

"By fucking a few people?" Nicco asked. "I can think of several more things that she could do."

"Well, Nicco," Erebus began, "her agreement is with Nyx, not you. So, you have no say. Take it up with my sister if you have a problem with how she runs her religion."

This seemed to shut Nicco up, and I heard the silk curtains flap as he stomped out.

"Prepare her, Erebus, if you can. It's a 'hang and slash' tonight," Azza explained in a hushed tone.

"I will explain before it begins."

"Thank you. Now, let me find Nicco before he gets distracted. We are on our way to get Lazarus."

The great curtains moved again. Erebus joined me on the bed, facing me.

I looked at him and felt the compulsion, but he pushed my hands away when I reached for him. "No, Olivia, resist the compulsion for a few moments. I need to tell you about Nyx's plans."

I nodded. "What's 'hang and slash'?"

"Lazarus will be suspended, then she will carve sigils into his flesh. Tonight, it is just about the power the symbols will give Nyx. Tomorrow, it will be about his blood and his sacrifice."

I sat up. "Azza says that she intends to kill him to renew her life."

"That is correct."

"But, doesn't she have to have a willing sacrifice?" I whispered.

Erebus caressed my face. "My sister is very good at convincing people that death is a better alternative than to remain in her care."

"I won't let that happen, Erebus."

"I hope you are successful, Olivia."

"I just can't believe this is happening. I don't understand how He could be allowing this to happen. Why doesn't He intervene? Or allow Lucifer to do so? Or someone?"

"I don't know, Olivia. God has his own agenda."

I swallowed past the growing lump in my throat and felt hot tears on my cheeks again.

Erebus reached for me and pulled me to him. "Come here. Rest. Azza and Nicco will be bringing Lazarus soon."