Page 67 of Sorrow & Strangers

“You know why,” he growls. His hold on my arm tightens, and I know it’s going to bruise. His handprint will be etched into my flesh, and I know I will study it tonight in bed.

“Get the fuck out of my life,” I hiss.

“No.”

I glare at him, trying to pour as much venom into it as possible.

His head whips toward the faint sound of footsteps, and he growls. “This is not over,” he snarls under his breath.

“Miss Tuatha De Daanan?” the headmaster says as the stranger disappears.

I clear my throat, feeling the blush creeping up my neck. Why do I feel like I’ve been caught doing something I shouldn’t be?

“Good morning, sir.”

“Were you speaking to someone?”

“Just myself,” I lie, my cheeks burning.

He frowns but continues, “I heard Lucifer paid you a visit. I believe he was less than pleased with me.”

“Yes, as expected, he wanted to take Rafe.”

His jaw tightens. “We should speak inside. There’s something you need to know.”

I look around and realize that we are barely a hundred feet from the house. With a soft sigh, I turn and lead the way back. Once we are inside and the door is closed, I turn to look up at him.

His silver eyes connect with mine, and he says, “He’s not just a Fallen.”

I watch him. This is what I suspected, what I was afraid of.

“He’s the heir apparent to the throne of Hell.”

“It’s confirmed?” I ask, looking away.

He nods. “There is a prophecy that one of the seven archangels would Fall and ride with a crown of bone and ash within the fires of Hell.”

“Lucifer.”

He shakes his head. “It’s Rafe. Lucifer’s offspring are not Fallen. His heir had to be Fallen from an archangel family.”

I frown. “I don’t understand. Rafe is not one of the Seven.”

Headmaster Emrys nods. “I know, but the rest of the prophecy leads to Rafe. Perhaps something has not unfolded yet within the Morningstar family.” He frowns. “Lucifer could not have an heir that was not his match in every way. He was a Fallen archangel. So his heir must be the Fallen son of one.”

“Does that mean Lucifer’s children are demons?” I ask.

“As you are probably aware, information on Lucifer’s family is almost impossible to find, but I do know that he and his wife have had at least one. Lilithim. The prophecy does not allow for a demon leader of Hell, only a Fallen. Otherwise, the balance would be skewed.” He looks at me gravely. “Lucifer will do whatever it takes to bring his heir to his realm.”

“He seemed pissed that you had been here. I’m sure his next visit will not be so fleeting.”

“You are more than likely correct, but I enrolled Rafe. Lucifer cannot take him until Rafe allows it.”

“Even with this new information?”

He nods. “Avalon is the safest place in all the realms if you are an enrolled student.”

I think about last year and wince.