“Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, and Barachiel?” Maggie gasped.
Lucian lifted his head and struggled to sit up. Maggie helped him as they both gazed at the angels.
“Not quite. You named four, and we are three. Your maths is off.” A female voice tinkled with laughter.
“Hana, do not tease,” a male responded.
Maggie wracked her brain.
“Haniel, the archangel of joy?” she asked. A sound of a whack and a grunt followed her question.
“Well done, Luc. Give it away, why don’t you?” Haniel complained.
“The only angel I can think of with Luc is Lucifer,” Maggie replied slowly.
“That would be fitting,” Lucian grunted from his position.
Lucifer laughed.
“Indeed. And don’t believe all the stories you read about me, I beg of you,” Lucifer teased.
“If you stand with archangels, there are clearly things we don’t understand. It is not our place to judge,” Maggie stated.
“Are we going to do this?” another grumpy male said.
“Metatron, you are so impatient!” Haniel scowled.
“He’s the archangel of life, ascension, or God’s Voice. No one can decide which,” Maggie whispered.
“Cats out of the bag now, brother,” Lucifer teased.
“I hate being the eldest,” Metatron moaned.
“I can sympathise with that,” Lucian interjected.
Metatron chuckled.
“Well, we haven’t done a good job of being sneaky like Gabriel, Raphael, Michael, and Barachiel did,” Haniel retorted. Maggie could almost sense an eye roll from Metatron.
“They already knew to expect angels. The Rakehell Six aren’t shy about sharing their story,” Luc said drolly.
“And because we aren’t scaredy cats like our younger kin. Haniel, give your gift,” Metatron demanded.
“Lucian, I grant you the ability to know genuine joy. The happiness that comes from being loved and accepted. If you hold on to it, the pain will be brief and passing. But joy will last,” Haniel said.
“I bestow on your line the reward of swift healing. There are dark times ahead, and it will be needed. And as you move forward with the tasks set for you, know I walk by your side. When you doubt yourself, I shall hold you up out of the darkness, seek the light, Lucian, because that is where I shall be,” Metatron said kindly.
“I offer you life again. To ensure what the children offered is honoured and respected, I seal their gift deep within you. Do not disrespect the presents given, and you shall live a long, healthy, happy life. But you have a task ahead of you. Find Benedict next. He is imperative for you to understand what the others face. Benedict has answers you don’t. And please give your friend my deepest sympathies, as Benedict is Henrietta Courtenay reborn!” Lucifer sounded more amused than angry as he directed his last words at Maggie.
“Isn’t he the devil?” Lucian asked quietly. Maggie and he both felt the scowl shoot their way.
“Gifts can be taken back, but no. I am not the devil; he is a separate entity from me and one I am sent to imprison. Do not believe everything you read!” Lucifer chided.
Lucian blushed in embarrassment as Maggie squirmed.
“Henrietta?” Maggie asked.
“That woman is a legend.” Lucifer chuckled. The light faded, as did they.