Page 102 of Trust the Fall

“You really do love him.” It isn’t a question, but I feel compelled to answer.

“Yes. With my whole heart.”

She sighs, eyes searching every inch of my face until she appears to have found what she was seeking.

“I’ll help you with the cause of Hell, but I cannot give my blessing for a union between you and Lucifer without knowing his true motives, Victoria. Can you understand that?”

I don’t like the fact that she can’t trust me enough to know I know his intentions are good. Or the fact that she thinks I need her blessing. But right now, all I care about is her help defeating Nolda.

“That’s fair. As long as you’re willing to give him a chance.”

She bows her head in response. “We must go,” she says. “Nolda’s forces must be just outside of Lucifer’s castle by now.”

“We can’t fight in this,” I say motioning between our dresses.

She purses her lips. “Close your eyes and concentrate on what you desire.”

I do as she says, and when I open my eyes, I’m back to feeling like myself in my fighting leathers.

I don’t miss the fact that Camille is dressed similarly.

“It truly is uncanny,” she says, and I smirk.

“Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, I suppose.”

She smiles. “I look forward to getting to know you better, Victoria.”

“Me too. Now let’s go save the Earth.”

“You two ready?” River says, bounding back through the door with Leeanna hot on his tail.

“I don’t suppose you still have that blade you gave me?” I ask River, and he grins.

“I have something better.”

My eyes narrow and then fly open when he pulls Solis from behind his back.

“How the hell did you get that?”

“I have my ways.” He grins. “Thought you’d want this for the battle ahead.”

I reach for her like a kid reaching for their new favorite toy. Solis and I have fought many battles together, and she’s never let me down. I didn’t even realize how much I needed her until this moment.

My hands wrap around the hilt and warmth spreads up my arms and over my shoulders.

“Let’s get you back there,” he says, grabbing my free hand and squeezing.

He’ll never know how much this means to me. Whoever ends up with River down the road is a lucky girl.

“It’s time. Round up the troops, Camille.”

WALKED THROUGH HELL

LUKE

The battle rages, as Nolda’s forces continue to push into Castle Morning Star.

My home.