Page 108 of Trust the Fall

But there’s plenty of blame to go around. It’s just not Michael who deserves it placed on his shoulders.

“It’s my fault.”

The words fall brokenly from my lips for the entire room to hear.

“He stayed on Earth because of me. This war happened because of me.” The words continue to spill out, pulling me further into despair.

On my knees, I bow my head, close my eyes, and fold my hands.

Dear Heavenly Father, please hear me. It is I who deserve punishment. It was me who turned my back on Heaven. It was me who tempted the Devil and held him captive.

I’m the reason he was away. I repent, and I’m willing to take his place. Save him. End my existence if you must take a life.

A deluge of tears falls down my cheeks and sobs rack through me. My heart breaks with every moment that goes by. He’s dying, if not already dead, and I can’t do anything to stop it.

I cry over his lifeless body for several minutes, and nobody tries to pull me away. For that, I’m grateful. I would fight anyone who tried.

“My child, stand.” God’s booming voice has my head snapping up.

“God,” I say, scrambling to my feet. “Please. Help. I⁠—”

He cuts off my words with a raise of his hand. “Victoria, this was all for a reason. Greater powers are at work. Lucifer is needed here in Hell. I cannot allow him to perish. However, an example needed to be made, because war is coming, and he has deserted his post far too many times.

“Another war?” I ask.

“A mighty war. Far greater than any before.”

“When?” Leeanna asks, and I nod several times, seconding her question.

“Not today.”

I have to control my urge to groan. There are never answers when God’s involved. It’s all riddles and half replies.

He shakes his head. “There are reasons I cannot say, Victoria. Reasons you would not understand. None of you would.”

“Try me,” I say, a little too testily, considering God is here and offering his aid to Luke.

Thankfully, he chuckles. “Victoria, I do miss your wit. Heaven has been rather dull in your absence.”

I smirk at the compliment.

“You must all prepare for the battle between good and evil. It is upon us.”

I have so many questions, but I know I’ll never get the answers I seek, and in truth, all I need is Luke back to health. All the other accusations on the tip of my tongue die as I remember the purpose for my calling out to him.

“And so it shall be,” he says, smiling down at me. “Now come.”

He pulls me back to my knees next to him. “Place your hands over Lucifer and pray.”

I do as instructed, putting my entire will into praying for Luke’s recovery.

With my eyes still closed, I only hear his sharp intake of breath, followed by a coughing fit. My eyes fly open, and Luke’s shine up at me.

“Victoria,” he grumbles.

I crash my body to his, peppering kisses all over his face.

“You’re alive. God, he’s⁠—”