Present Day111Please respect copyright.PENANA6MLQBNgu5S
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The Devil's Beach House111Please respect copyright.PENANAcakP7HuoWk
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Looking out at the ocean on the balcony of the Devil's Beach House reminded me of Butterfly Island. I don't know why I suddenly remembered the place, and I started to wonder how people back there are doing. When all of this is over, I intend to go back there for a visit. I did promise Stella that I would.111Please respect copyright.PENANAklFoQUc1ql
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I heard footsteps behind me, and I could tell it was Lucius. Likewise, I continued looking at the ocean as he came to stand beside me.111Please respect copyright.PENANASwNuFZReU2
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"Hey," he said as he turned to look at me. "Are you okay?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAWM199C2qgG
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A smile automatically appeared on my face. "I'm fine, Lucius," I said. "I should have known from the very beginning that Death sent that thing after me."111Please respect copyright.PENANAUSJUyu3WTJ
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"Well, there was no way of knowing. I mean, you just learned that any supernatural being can control a shadow monster if they want to."111Please respect copyright.PENANAGjocBSDzy0
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"Yeah." I folded my arms. "Death did say he would do anything to get to me. The shadow monster is quite a surprise."111Please respect copyright.PENANA0ZCXLsyVge
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"Aren't you scared?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAORpve1zitD
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I now look at him. "Of Death? We will all die eventually, except for immortals like you. That's if someone manages to cut your head off."111Please respect copyright.PENANAAGTWyWYEpj
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I turn back to face the ocean. My life hasn't been sunshine and rainbows, not since I turned into a supernatural being. I've had trouble come my way, and I've had to deal with it relentlessly. I didn't have much of a choice then, and I still don't. Even trying to have a normal teenage life has been difficult. Pretending that nothing has been going on with me becomes tedious every day, especially when things happen around you that you can't even explain to your family and friends. A few people know about my supernatural abilities. My cousin, Katy, and my two younger brothers, not to mention a close friend of mine back home.111Please respect copyright.PENANAhZFYZaPzMc
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"So, what are you going to do now?" Lucius asked me.111Please respect copyright.PENANAIU3wMfPycS
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"About what? The shadow monster?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Usually we would wait for it to mind its business in the shadows since it doesn't like the light. However, this one is different. It's clearly set on capturing me. So, I won't have much of a choice but to face it."111Please respect copyright.PENANA8sFm6P2IFD
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"I thought you would think of travelling around the world where the sun still shines." Lucius gave a chuckle.111Please respect copyright.PENANAfBWaov5oYn
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"Sounds like a plan, but you know it's pointless. I have to stop it from chasing me somehow."111Please respect copyright.PENANAp7YOS9is99
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Lucius now had a serious look on his face. "And when you do, how sure are you that he won't just send another one?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAbBUmH6W6Tl
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He's right. The thought of it sent a chill down my spine. There's no point in trying to avoid it. Death wants my head, and this time, he seems to have laid down his trump card. Or is there more up his sleeve? I swear, my life is slowly starting to take a turn for the worse.111Please respect copyright.PENANAnydiSAxL8q
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"If that happens, she can come and live on the island," Stella answered as she walked up to us to join us on the balcony.111Please respect copyright.PENANAGISZ1iRSUb
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"Really?" I asked as I turned to look at her. "Why there?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAmeAW8gfHTk
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"You know how the island has an impressive defensive barrier." She came to stand on my other side. "It will be a safe haven for you for a little while until we find a way to get rid of the shadow monster."111Please respect copyright.PENANANJN5Zd9viU
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"I was just about to suggest that she come live with me," said Lucius as he nervously chuckled.111Please respect copyright.PENANAcGuKEUnfNB
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"Wait, at your father's residence? No way," I rebuked. "No offence, Lucius; that palace is creepy, along with everyone who lives there. I'm surprised that you're the only one who isn't."111Please respect copyright.PENANAVozfR5DYEx
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"Courtesy of my mum, I guess," he said as he now looked at the ocean, lost in thought. "Besides, the shadow monsters under my father's control won't do anything to you."111Please respect copyright.PENANAOdc6v6woGI
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"Yeah, but what's the assurance that the shadow monster isn't going to come and attack me there? Hell is where those things are strongest, you know."111Please respect copyright.PENANAXlGkjPfjRR
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"True," said Stella. "You can come with me, then. Lucius is invited to come and see you whenever he feels like it."111Please respect copyright.PENANAF0CgAJg63r
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"Really?" Lucius now looked at Stella, and I couldn't help but notice the stars in his eyes.111Please respect copyright.PENANABa0tVbQykR
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"I'm not yet ready to go back there yet," I said, my eyes now downcast. "You know how I left. I feel if I do, I might make things worse all over again."111Please respect copyright.PENANAge9VzE4cub
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Stella put her hand on my shoulder. "You worry too much," she said. "You've no idea how the High Order misses you. Mei and Ryan miss you the most, though they won't admit it."111Please respect copyright.PENANAeYe4ua59Gb
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I laughed as memories of Mei, Ryan, and the rest of the High Order came to mind. "Trust me; I miss you all a lot. Now isn't the time. I do want to go there, but not because I'm in trouble. I want to go there when I'm ready to, and now doesn't feel like the best time."111Please respect copyright.PENANAtMoaTfzReC
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"Okay, but you had better keep your promise to me. You and I have a lot of catching up to do."111Please respect copyright.PENANAwhba9O5QMp
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"What actually happened back there?" Lucius asked.111Please respect copyright.PENANAK5kNp5Koc4
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Stella and I turned to look at him. "It's a long story," we answered.111Please respect copyright.PENANAdFSSv68W0b
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"Don't worry, one of these days I will tell you," I said, giving him a smile.111Please respect copyright.PENANAL2I318eu5G
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"So, what are you going to do now?" Lucius asked.111Please respect copyright.PENANAJ81QLJ8u0Q
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"Well, I'm still trying to figure something out," I said as I averted my eyes to the clear blue skies. "I not only have the shadow monster, but the Golden Elite on my tail. And it won't be long till they both catch up to me."111Please respect copyright.PENANAsSFW52Ey3s
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"Gosh, I forgot about those guys," said Stella, shaking her head. "And we have their soldier."111Please respect copyright.PENANAO94nAoytY6
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"They will catch up, that's for sure. They probably know of his location right about now."111Please respect copyright.PENANAVyW1S05R6C
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"How are you sure?" Lucius asked.111Please respect copyright.PENANAagF4YCYUqN
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"They implant GPS tracking devices on their soldiers. I would've removed it before teleporting here, but just like I said before, there's something that I want to figure out first."111Please respect copyright.PENANAsdVoV5JqPR
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"And what could that be?" Stella asked.111Please respect copyright.PENANABvTh82ucpf
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I take a deep breath, the salty air filling my nose so much that I can taste it on my tongue. "Isn't it weird that the Golden Elite and the shadow monster came after me on the same day and at the same time?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAGtpT3LVhj6
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I looked at the two, and they looked curious and somewhat confused. I should really think over my questions sometimes, but it seems old habits die hard.111Please respect copyright.PENANAF1wQw1rdFb
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"I never thought of it," said Stella. "That's an excellent question. Why come attack you at the same time?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAnQPVZTvYWd
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"Why don't we just ask that Golden Elite soldier?" Lucius suggested. "He must have the answer."111Please respect copyright.PENANAvjb1406TgT
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"Don't," I said. "It won't take you anywhere. He is just following orders, and he doesn't know what the higher-ups are really planning. For soldiers like him, they are told that supernatural beings are the cause of all destruction in the world, and it's their mission to eradicate all of them."111Please respect copyright.PENANAfayrOnERaT
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"That's why I hate those guys," said Stella. "They can be so annoying. It's like they really don't know the difference between good and evil."111Please respect copyright.PENANAoJLIhuggXu
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"That's because those in control tell them so, and they believe it. I won't lie, but it's annoying to me too."111Please respect copyright.PENANA0pCMCfFrWA
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"But if he won't help us, how are we going to find out?" Lucius asked. "The Golden Elite won't hesitate to have you in their clutches if you were to ask them. And I don't think Death would say anything either."111Please respect copyright.PENANAfIFycGxz4n
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"True," I said. "That's why I was thinking that maybe your father might know."111Please respect copyright.PENANAXs2uXTilv2
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"My father?" Lucius now looked perplexed. "What would he know about all this?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAOPQAUGhpIJ
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"I didn't want to tell you this, but I feel there's something he's keeping from me. I think he knows why all of this is happening."111Please respect copyright.PENANANjHIozVvBR
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"Then we better ask him," said Stella. "And we better go check on that Golden Elite friend of yours. Now that I think of it, I shouldn't have left him alone with Lucifer."111Please respect copyright.PENANAPSzPpymDGi
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I quickly turned around to go back into the hall when, all of a sudden, my hairs at the back of my head were raised, stopping me in my tracks. I quickly turned back to the open balcony, where Stella and Lucius remained standing.111Please respect copyright.PENANAQtrK4M6Q3L
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"Guys, you better move out of the way," I warned.111Please respect copyright.PENANAtnFFz8Hu9r
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Before they could react, a strong gush of wind came from the beach, knocking Stella and Lucius to the side. I, on the other hand, fell backwards to the floor. Before I could do anything, I felt something tight wrap around my throat like a thick rope, pinning me to the floor. I scratched at it, trying to get it loose.111Please respect copyright.PENANAt810URCNgx
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"Hey, Diana," whispered a voice in my ear. "Did you miss me?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAhp2ikPd9lz
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My eyes widened with fright as I saw staring down at me the cold, dark eyes of a supernatural being I considered one of my biggest menaces. Aside from Death, of course.111Please respect copyright.PENANAnEkpe3z7xC
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I struggled as I felt the rope around my neck tighten. I was almost out of breath as I tried to loosen it. That's just how he operates. He can tie anyone down with his black tentacles that he can summon from anywhere when they least expect it and kill them on the spot if he wants to.111Please respect copyright.PENANAaPCjJw9vpZ
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"Oh, Diana," he said in a singsong voice as he knelt down on one knee, still with his dark, cold eyes fixed on me. "It's been so long, hasn't it? And of all places, you end up showing yourself out here."111Please respect copyright.PENANAzwbZSCVkf5
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He stretched out his hand to touch my face, and I could feel the cold silver rings he wore around his fingers pierce me like needles. I tried to flinch, but I couldn't.111Please respect copyright.PENANAWnF3OOQC59
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"What do you want?" I asked, almost out of breath. I gasped for air as much as I could.111Please respect copyright.PENANAGpGFCwFH3M
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He straddled my waist as a slick smile appeared on his handsome face. He bent his face towards me as he answered:111Please respect copyright.PENANAjS2PAkaLLC
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"You, of course."111Please respect copyright.PENANAovPPb3ks8l
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I kicked and trashed my legs around, wishing for the chance to kick him. There's only one way I'm going to get out of this.111Please respect copyright.PENANAUfJxhyt4wT
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"Diana?" I hear Lucius call out to me, sounding a little groggy. I can't see him from where I lie, but I knew he wasn't going to like what he was going to see.111Please respect copyright.PENANAaT192SqXF1
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My left hand, holding the black tentacle around my neck, instantly lit up in flames. I was careful not to burn my skin. The tentacle burned in an instant, and before the person on top of me could react, I held the collar of his black leather jacket and brought him closer to my head, making hard contact with his nose. Then I quickly tossed him aside, and he flew, hitting his back first onto the wall.111Please respect copyright.PENANAhdOW4iK77p
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I quickly got up from the floor, but he was quicker than I was, and we stood there looking at each other. He had his hand on his nose, checking to see if he was bleeding. Luckily enough, he wasn't. My left hand was still dancing in flames, ready for his attack.111Please respect copyright.PENANALSVIYd43rp
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"Lucero?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAzJq6Acqxot
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I turned to see Lucius look at his older brother in bewilderment. Even when I didn't show it, I was just as surprised as Lucius at first.111Please respect copyright.PENANAqVYvzynvLs
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Lucero, with a smirk, turned to Lucius. "Nice to see you again, little brother," he said.111Please respect copyright.PENANAZoHQeKMiZE
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"Brother?" Stella asked as she came into view on the balcony. She was holding her left shoulder since she was also pushed aside when Lucero flew in. Lucero really did know how to make an entrance.111Please respect copyright.PENANArgOpy4jq8T
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"He's more of the black sheep of the family," I said, my eyes still not leaving Lucero.111Please respect copyright.PENANADh3h8pC2mb
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His wavy black hair that reached his shoulders flew in the air as he turned his head to look at me. Anyone would've passed him as a celebrity model with his chiselled cheekbones and broad jawline. As cold and dark as his eyes were, anyone would find them mesmerizing. It's usually how he catches his prey—his eyes. He could lure you into doing anything he wanted, even with immortals. If you're strong enough to fight his quest for control, then well and good. If not, you're like a fish on a hook, and you'll need a miracle to break through his spell.111Please respect copyright.PENANAYpGj1nVLbT
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"I like the way you put it, Diana," said Lucero. "I would like to stay and chat, but you and I have a date."111Please respect copyright.PENANA63k1Rkec6F
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"I'm not going anywhere with you, Lucero," I said. I felt ready to light up my other hand.111Please respect copyright.PENANAZvvwqZT3Jt
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"You're so stubborn. It seems like I just have to get you by force."111Please respect copyright.PENANAmoFDvVHjBa
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Lucius came to stand right in front of me. I raised an eyebrow. He didn't have to defend me against Lucero.111Please respect copyright.PENANAhpFNQXyi0Q
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"You aren't taking her anywhere," said Lucius.111Please respect copyright.PENANAXIC3fsieMa
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"It's funny how Diana can put up with you, Lucius," said Lucero as he put a hand in the pocket of his black jeans. "You're so annoying."111Please respect copyright.PENANAvZMR9ci2Yi
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"What's going on here?" Stella asked as she entered the hall.111Please respect copyright.PENANAtFZcjHoDb5
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"Love triangle," Lucero answered as he turned to look at Stella. "Well, you look stunning. Sorry for pushing you aside earlier, beautiful."111Please respect copyright.PENANAXDqUZGAlD8
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I turned to look at Stella, and just by the look in her eyes, I could tell that she had been captured by Lucero's charm. She looked dreamily at him.111Please respect copyright.PENANAjEhsUATLdv
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"Don't fall for his spell, Stella," I warned. "Once you do, there's no telling what he could tell you to do."111Please respect copyright.PENANAE2Zdk90fz8
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Stella shook her head a little, as though she were waking up from a dream. "Wow, I nearly fell for him there," she said. "Thanks, Diana."111Please respect copyright.PENANADBI8FUgtJ8
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Lucero looked at me. "I should've tied you up properly and gagged you. But I missed that feisty side of yours."111Please respect copyright.PENANAHwKFBIj6bs
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"Next time, surprise me," I said. "Is it okay for you to be here? Your father will not be pleased."111Please respect copyright.PENANAp28O8tYkXi
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"It's why I only wanted to grab you and leave." Lucero took a step closer towards Lucius and me. "But I didn't realize that seeing you after such a long time would make me pause for a bit and slip up."111Please respect copyright.PENANAb9TgtHtoDE
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"Great," came a voice behind me. "The scum always find their way back."111Please respect copyright.PENANAu0Ve56PH4l
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Lucifer came up from behind. Lucero smiled. "Hello, father," he said.111Please respect copyright.PENANAa3fkaIDJnr
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Stella looked at Lucero and then at Lucifer. "You should really teach your son some manners," she said. "He almost knocked me off the balcony."111Please respect copyright.PENANATWnNQAlbWh
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"I apologize," said Lucifer, his eyes never leaving Lucero. "He just happens to be one of my many children who happen to have forged their own path."111Please respect copyright.PENANAUHvB8U0mha
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"Please, you complain about me when you're the one who started this when you got kicked out of heaven," said Lucero. "I just happen to be following in your own footsteps. You should be proud."111Please respect copyright.PENANA11XVqoD0mq
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"I don't have time to be involved in your long-time family feud," I said. ‘Can we please just focus on what’s at stake?’111Please respect copyright.PENANA5MQRVqMor4
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"Ah, this was just about to get interesting, Diana," said Stella, looking a little annoyed.111Please respect copyright.PENANAKu6g4hZBBn
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"Diana's right," said Lucero. "If you come with me, we won't have to fight."111Please respect copyright.PENANAQE4zPjpYuF
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"Oh, no, she doesn't," said Lucifer as he surpassed Lucius and me. "Diana is my guest, and you're uninvited. As soon as you entered my territory, I would've had you captured and locked up. But out of courtesy, I didn't, so I'm kindly asking you to leave."111Please respect copyright.PENANA9ZAM1MrYzz
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Lucero scoffed. "Admit it, dad. Your guards don't stand a chance against me, even if they tried. I am your son, aren't I?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAcakYN0GIOz
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I noticed Stella looked a little confused by that last statement. That's because she didn't know what Lucero was capable of. Most of us supernatural beings have common abilities like strength and speed. But there are those with so much skill and precision that they can surpass mere supernatural beings. Lucero's speed is like nothing I've ever seen. I may be on par with him, but it always felt like he was one step ahead.111Please respect copyright.PENANABWuY0zOOb3
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"Leave, Lucero," his father warned again. "I'm not going to say it again."111Please respect copyright.PENANARrDrA3BCEj
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"I'm not leaving without Diana," said Lucero, standing his ground. His eyes found mine, and he winked. I blushed and furrowed my eyebrows at the same time. It's funny that he had such an effect on me.111Please respect copyright.PENANA4rcra52JQz
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"We've got more important matters to worry about than you taking her out somewhere," said Lucius.111Please respect copyright.PENANAPVBsNLKQJi
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"If you're talking about Diana's safety, then I'm also thinking the same."111Please respect copyright.PENANASCG6vkuYh3
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We all look at Lucero, and I, for one, couldn't believe what he was saying. How did he know that I was in trouble?111Please respect copyright.PENANAbPYARR70Sy
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"You’re concerned about her?" Lucius asked. "Then you shouldn’t have come in like you did, don’t you think?"111Please respect copyright.PENANA5shgedme4F
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"Now is not the time for this. Diana, we better leave right now," said Lucero.111Please respect copyright.PENANAek3dv8ITKO
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"You just want to lure her into your trap, Lucero," said Lucius. "You’re not fooling anyone here. Stop acting like you care when we all know what you really want."111Please respect copyright.PENANAuzvYQQVDdY
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"I don’t," said Stella. She will know soon enough.111Please respect copyright.PENANAnoxgT71A0P
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"Lucero, do you know what’s going on?" I asked.111Please respect copyright.PENANABPW0lJdnCv
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Lucero looked at me. "I’m just trying to protect you."111Please respect copyright.PENANAwRSTtCPpVz
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"You aren’t protecting me if I continue to run. I need to face the problem. If you must know, I've got a shadow monster after me, and I don’t think wherever you take me is going to protect me from it. That’s if there is always daylight. Not to mention the Golden Elite will be knocking at the door at any moment."111Please respect copyright.PENANA1o8n6Yzayl
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"I wouldn’t be here if I knew where to take you now, wouldn’t I?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAJvW2ByJul3
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Bingo. He does know what’s going on because he doesn’t look the least bit surprised that a shadow monster and the Golden Elite are after me. I thought I would be able to ask Lucifer why all this was happening. Lucero seems like he could, but he can be difficult. I look up at Lucius, and I start to wonder if his coming to see me was nothing but a coincidence and not because he thought the same as Lucero. He did look a little perplexed when I brought up the issue before Lucero suddenly appeared. However, you can never know.111Please respect copyright.PENANAEnfNMKqzdH
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"I’m not going anywhere, not until I know why all this is happening today of all days," I said.111Please respect copyright.PENANAD8tjBgUFZ6
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Lucero shook his head. "Stubborn as ever," he said. "Do we have to fight just for you to come with me?" He smiled. "Bring it on, then. I’ve missed your punches, my goddess."111Please respect copyright.PENANAftVtsaHQfr
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"You and I really need to talk about the men in your life, Diana," said Stella as she came to stand beside me.111Please respect copyright.PENANAvELuYKf4oD
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"After we deal with him," I said, lighting my hands on fire.111Please respect copyright.PENANAiqjxBDNGRO
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"No one is fighting in my house!" Lucifer’s booming voice shook the whole house. "Are you crazy? Diana is already bringing an army, and you want chaos in my own house? You can go outside if you want. But like Diana pointed out just now, we've got bigger things to worry about."111Please respect copyright.PENANAeOZ5ZadmQF
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"Let’s forget about this, Lucero," I said. "No matter what, I’m not coming with you. And if you really want to protect me, then we better be thinking of dealing with the Golden Elite and whoever sent that shadow monster after me."111Please respect copyright.PENANA7am4iF3HMW
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"Do you know who it is that sent it?" Lucero asked.111Please respect copyright.PENANAdiPts4PZVE
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"No," Stella answered. "We were pretty surprised at first that anyone could take control of a shadow monster."111Please respect copyright.PENANAjklSZxAvYJ
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"Let me guess; you all thought he was the one?" Lucero asked, looking at his father.111Please respect copyright.PENANAD30uJ41ruL
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Stella and I nodded. "We are only here to get clarification," I said. "It turns out, it wasn’t him."111Please respect copyright.PENANAepWT8JA2q5
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Lucero smirked at his father. "You’re still keeping your promise to her, aren’t you?" he asked. "You’re growing really soft."111Please respect copyright.PENANAJTh3DGKhLY
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"If I’m soft, then you should've just dragged her out of here in one fell swoop," said Lucifer. "But just like any mortal man, you’re quickly led by what’s in your pants."111Please respect copyright.PENANAydof4D87uj
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Stella and I looked at each other. This argument is going to reach new heights if we don’t do something soon.111Please respect copyright.PENANApkH7wKTLUK
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"You all know that there’s no woman in the world compared to her," said Lucero as his dark eyes found mine again.111Please respect copyright.PENANAiJ5NLMec7K
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"Don’t try to flatter me," I said. "Just like everyone after me, you all want to use me for your own desires."111Please respect copyright.PENANALgkVLBHJuc
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"Since we’re talking about desires," Lucero licked his lower lip so seductively, and he ran his hand through his hair. "Then you aren’t well-informed about mine."111Please respect copyright.PENANAohexhBv2rR
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"Okay, enough," said Lucius. "It’s either you leave or you stay here and help Diana."111Please respect copyright.PENANAFxBxRFyxSD
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"Wait, you want him to stay?" Lucifer asked as he turned to look at Lucius. "This is my house, and what I say goes."111Please respect copyright.PENANAEPbjCiwgwE
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"Then this house will just have to burn," I said, extinguishing the flames on my hands. "Lucius is right. Lucero isn’t going to budge so easily, and I’m not going to go with him if he is going to lock me up like he did last time. If we have to reason here, he can help me out by staying to figure out how to handle what’s out there."111Please respect copyright.PENANA8hvJzYkZ32
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"Thank goodness you’re reasonable," said Lucifer to Lucius. "I would’ve chased you out of here like Lucero a long time ago."111Please respect copyright.PENANAfJv83iOWLU
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"He must get that from his mother," Stella complimented.111Please respect copyright.PENANAgXExV1o17i
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"What are you trying to say about me?" Lucifer asked as he looked at Stella.111Please respect copyright.PENANAmaLAt9d5Pe
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Lucero scoffed. "That you are scum through and through," he said. Lucifer hissed at him. "I hate to admit it, but Lucius is right. I’m not going anywhere without Diana. And since I care about her so much, I would rather be here protecting her." He looked at me. "After this, you and I should get on an island together. What do you think?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAVFjy3oe21j
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I roll my eyes at him. "You and I will have to fight over that," I said.111Please respect copyright.PENANAXPZJ0NH9wU
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"I won’t let you take her anywhere," said Lucius.111Please respect copyright.PENANACzByhhBL3H
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"Then you and I will have to fight over her," said Lucero with a smirk on his face as he started to approach his brother.111Please respect copyright.PENANAaj6uAKNLdv
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I came around to stand in between the two. "There will be no fighting over me, or else I would knock you both out," I said.111Please respect copyright.PENANApedPLgAnUK
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Lucifer scoffed. "If you’re going to be here for a while, Lucero, I expect you not to do anything stupid," he warned.111Please respect copyright.PENANA3eQuEuBo2G
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"I thought being stupid ran in the family," said Lucero with a smile.111Please respect copyright.PENANA1BoafL6tAN
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"Now that we’ve reached an agreement," I quickly cut in before Lucifer would say something vulgar, "why don’t we all go to the study and work out a plan? The last thing I need is for me to create a war with the Golden Elite on this beach."111Please respect copyright.PENANAgTL9HNaE5w
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"Wise choice," said Lucifer. "You can’t run away from them forever."111Please respect copyright.PENANA6dsiO797nV
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"I know they have been after me for a while, but there’s something about their urgency today that feels a little off."111Please respect copyright.PENANArfeMCJYDNG
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I turned to Lucifer, and he didn’t seem the least bit fazed by my statement. Just like his sons, he is also hard to read.111Please respect copyright.PENANAxJe9ASyRNn
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Lucifer started to lead the way back to his study. I just hope Mutale is alright in there. Lucifer is known for torturing Golden Elite soldiers for pleasure. However, I had a feeling I was just overthinking things.111Please respect copyright.PENANAyTAOjqFaZp
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As I followed Lucifer, walking alongside Stella, I felt someone from behind pull a strand of my hair. I let out a disapproving sound and turned around to see Lucero smiling at me.111Please respect copyright.PENANAj8qbFDYi8k
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"What is it?" I asked.111Please respect copyright.PENANATG2IRzKEcN
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"Where have you been, huh?" Lucero asked as he bypassed me. His eyes never left mine as he did so, and when I turned back to follow the rest, we were now walking side by side.111Please respect copyright.PENANA1Z95NCJHQZ
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"I’ve been alive and well, as you can see," I answer him.111Please respect copyright.PENANA6Nhp1D5nVo
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"Well, true," he said as I noticed him raise an eyebrow. "But you had gone quiet for a while; a lot of people thought you were dead or had moved on to the other world. Your aura is different, too. It’s not like it was before. Did you do something to yourself?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAzYoM4ayzfl
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I knew he would ask about my aura, but now isn’t the time to tell him, or anyone else for that matter, about my whereabouts these last few months. The fewer people know, the better.111Please respect copyright.PENANAPnLXYv07dV
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"Now is not the time," I said as I came in sight of the door to the study.111Please respect copyright.PENANAlz94tCRvyw
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"Do you want to talk over it during a dinner date?" Lucero asked.111Please respect copyright.PENANA7luM1RK3Pv
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Lucius, in front of us, turned his head to look at the two of us. The last thing I need is for the two of them to be at each other’s throats.111Please respect copyright.PENANAnYYpsnAItS
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"No, thanks," I replied. "The only reason my aura is different is so that no one will notice who I am. You know I don’t like all the attention."111Please respect copyright.PENANAWLZhGuRTmh
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"Figures. How did you do that?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAWPmNHjnawP
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"Now that you’ll have to figure it out yourself."111Please respect copyright.PENANAYxjw7GAzl9
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"That’s why I like you," Lucero said as he came closer and our shoulders touched. "You’re always so full of surprises."111Please respect copyright.PENANALk6Rl237gR
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Lucifer opened the door to the study, and we all walked in. My eyes quickly searched for Mutale, whom we had left behind sitting on the same couch. Aside from his broken leg, he was perfectly fine. Lucifer didn't do anything sinister to him after all.111Please respect copyright.PENANAvBzpV4YT83
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"Who is this?" Lucero asked, looking at Mutale. The look on his face could tell that he recognized him through the black outfit that he wore. "You’re a Golden Elite soldier. How are you still alive?" Lucero turned to look at his father, who had walked up to his desk.111Please respect copyright.PENANARmhp8ZfA7h
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"He’s Diana’s guest," Lucifer explained. "More like a prisoner."111Please respect copyright.PENANACZU5JnlKvF
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"I need him alive," I said as I took my seat next to Mutale’s.111Please respect copyright.PENANAR3VcncogTc
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"You know he will lead them straight here, right?" Lucero asked.111Please respect copyright.PENANA0OCxJUVZnY
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"That’s what I want." I folded my arms and leaned back on the sofa. "They aren’t going to back down easily, but I chose the right spot to take shelter in for a little while."111Please respect copyright.PENANAbY9Eokaisa
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"Then what will you do? Just as you said, they aren’t going to give up chasing you. Or do you plan to use him as a bargaining chip?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAvDt3oM56SK
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"Maybe. As much as they wouldn’t want to get into Lucifer’s territory, they are hell-bent on doing anything today. Aren’t I right, Mutale?" I look at him as I ask the question.111Please respect copyright.PENANA3jdXlFBtFz
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Mutale looks at me for a minute before saying, "We were told to capture you today, no matter the cost. This mission is far different from the rest that we’ve ever had with the supernatural. Many people are on board with this mission. Which is very surprising."111Please respect copyright.PENANAvRCpVXud7o
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"So whatever the case, they will need you alive," said Lucifer, looking at me. "What do you really plan to do exactly?"111Please respect copyright.PENANA3gbgmxjUy0
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"If you don’t mind," I give Lucifer a look. "There’s something that has been bothering me since I came here, and I just happened to have told Stella and Lucius by the balcony before Lucero came in."111Please respect copyright.PENANAjHLqtLRKAU
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Silence befell the room. It felt like no one was willing to speak, as I felt their eyes on me. Lucifer had an eyebrow raised, and the smile on his face showed that he had a feeling of what was coming.111Please respect copyright.PENANAamuF4utHYJ
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"You were always a curious living thing," he said as he leaned back on his chair. "I have a feeling, though, that it’s a question I would find rather uncomfortable."111Please respect copyright.PENANAnvNhZHBRCB
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"My life depends on it. What’s so important today that I have the Golden Elite and that shadow monster after me? Something is up, and I know you know a lot more than you’re saying."111Please respect copyright.PENANAOaOIfk43fb
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Lucifer smiled this time, and that left me wondering if he was going to say anything. Instead, he looks behind me. Lucero and Lucius were the only people who remained standing. I had a funny feeling that he wasn’t just looking at Lucero, but Lucius too.111Please respect copyright.PENANAOUCfYxgN5c
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"I’ll let those two explain," said Lucifer. "Besides, they are the ones who came after you in the first place."111Please respect copyright.PENANAGlWidDo1Le
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"I don’t understand why she has to ask me, dad," said Lucius. "I also don’t know what’s going on."111Please respect copyright.PENANAlzTdmtIt6j
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Lucifer smirked. "But you so happened to show up at her doorstep to take her far away from the shadow monster and the Golden Elite. Can you explain that?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAn37AgTvqfY
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I turned to look at Lucius, and I found him looking down at me. He opened his mouth to try to say something, but no words came out. Could it be that he knows and has been lying to me?111Please respect copyright.PENANADDtdTaJP39
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"Aren’t you going to say anything?" I asked.111Please respect copyright.PENANAy1DDFi8jlD
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"I’m only going to say this," he started to say. "The only reason I came is that somebody tipped me off that something bad was going to happen to you. And I know no one has known about your whereabouts till now, but this person did."111Please respect copyright.PENANAs3cXzkFgGC
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"Someone tipped you off?" I now stand up from my seat. "Who could that be?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAe4UwCdQMJ9
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"I was also tipped off," said Lucero, "and was given the location of this place. Could it be the same person?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAUljnxxDTv8
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"Strange, who could be doing this?" Stella asked. "And how? And why inform you two about the locations she’s been?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAu6j0hzFBC6
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"That’s not the only question," I said. "Who else could the person be informing about my whereabouts at this very moment?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAyUkDYvhykA
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"Well, I can assure you that no one can come into this territory uninvited," said Lucifer. "That’s if they aren’t as stupid as Lucero."111Please respect copyright.PENANAteuzlhRO3m
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Lucero chuckled. "I am my father’s son."111Please respect copyright.PENANA7313CxpLKR
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"Okay, that’s fine and all, but who is this person anyway?" I asked. "How did they communicate with you?" I looked at Lucius.111Please respect copyright.PENANARegfew5Aik
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"My phone," he answered. "I tried calling the person back, but I couldn’t even get through."111Please respect copyright.PENANA9WNtVBzVJ8
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"Same here," said Lucero.111Please respect copyright.PENANASJUQLPBff6
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My eyes start to fly around the room as though looking for something that isn’t there. This doesn’t look good. How could the person have known where I was to begin with? And if they had known, why wait all this time?111Please respect copyright.PENANAjQRC6qxT2V
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I felt like my head was going to burst. There's so much to take care of all at once, and now there's someone out there who might be a threat. Why send Lucius and Lucero to me? And who else will they be sending my way? Will they be friends or foes? Could it be that the same person might have told the Golden Elite about my location?111Please respect copyright.PENANAKVFAo1q5ON
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"Today keeps getting worse by the second," I said. I turn to look at Lucifer.111Please respect copyright.PENANASDn7ZdyorM
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"Well, it seems pretty clear why your sons are here," I said. "Now answer my question. Why is all this happening on this day?"111Please respect copyright.PENANA3O4QbbuUNo
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"And why do you think I know the answer to that?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAVyBXVYvU9v
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I put my hands on the table to look straight into his eyes. "Because I know you know," I said. "You know why all this is happening. And you're afraid to tell me because I might find out something about myself that I know nothing about, isn't it?"111Please respect copyright.PENANA68pG4OLQvO
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Lucifer and I continued to look at each other for what felt like an eternity. I wanted to break eye contact with him, but I had to show that I was serious. Just now, he was trying to divert my attention elsewhere to his sons, and he planned it carefully. Did he somehow know about the person who tipped them off? And that mentioning this will draw my attention away from the question? He might be the devil, but somehow he seems more like an all-knowing being when you least expect it.111Please respect copyright.PENANAzIcmh804IY
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He finally smiled. "You seem to be getting smarter every time," he said. "If I were your parents, I would be really proud."111Please respect copyright.PENANAMbbugwxOI7
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"Being smart isn’t going to help me get out of this situation if you aren’t going to tell me what I need to know," I said. "What is going on?"111Please respect copyright.PENANA4FZYajx4GE
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"Nothing," he smiled. "You are the most wanted supernatural, aren’t you?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAGSAP8a4pyb
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"I already know that. But you aren’t telling me what I need to know."111Please respect copyright.PENANAq58eeRcLoL
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"You’re special, Diana. Until you accept it, you’ll realize that you’re capable of many things."111Please respect copyright.PENANACa97D53eQZ
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Here we go again. The ‘I am special’ speech that I have always hated. Stella and the others at Butterfly Island have given me such speeches before. I wish someone could tell me, but time is running out. The Golden Elite could be outside the barrier of the Devil’s territory right now, and there’s no telling what they are going to do.111Please respect copyright.PENANAGPPtXJpZ0i
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"Diana, we aren’t going anywhere with this," said Stella as she came to stand right beside me and hold my shoulder. "We can figure that out later. We better prepare a plan to face the Golden Elite if they attack."111Please respect copyright.PENANA5uhGSpavjY
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"Not to mention that we have to be wary about whoever might be coming from anywhere," said Lucius.111Please respect copyright.PENANASjb2EbAC0W
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I lowered my head and sighed. They were right. If I had it in me, I was going to give Lucifer a piece of my mind. But I can’t since I’m in his territory, and that would only attract unwanted attention elsewhere. I straighten up and look at Lucifer.111Please respect copyright.PENANAJrytGZx4NJ
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"This isn’t over. You do know that, right?" I asked.111Please respect copyright.PENANAUOw7Web1tJ
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Lucifer scoffed. "You keep asking the same question, Diana," he said. "But haven’t you realized that the only reason you’ve never gotten the answer you're looking for is because you keep asking the wrong people?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAvxXuLeL4Ns
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My eyes widened. Isn't he the right person to ask? Now isn’t the time to think about who would be willing to give me the answers I so desperately need. I have to plan to prepare for the worst right now.111Please respect copyright.PENANAmWZ7GShPeA
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I turn away from him. "Let’s get to planning," I said, shaking off the uneasy feeling I had. I turn to Mutale. "You are going to help us."111Please respect copyright.PENANA8v02lb2Tis
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"And if I refuse?" Mutale asks.111Please respect copyright.PENANAXlOEwgBWBk
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"I don’t like hurting people, but I will let Lucifer do whatever he wants with you back in hell," I noted.111Please respect copyright.PENANAljfAm8iP3W
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Lucero looked at Mutale and chuckled. "This is going to be fun," he said.111Please respect copyright.PENANAHjHmVdP6WB
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"Alright, I hope you've got everything figured out, Diana," said Lucius.111Please respect copyright.PENANAP6yaj478i0
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"Not everything," I said. "I have a feeling that a fight will be inevitable."111Please respect copyright.PENANAenphib7wPy
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"I would consider a war breaking out," said Lucifer. We all look at him. "What? You have to consider the possibility, right?"111Please respect copyright.PENANAJkkuH5pdRZ
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"Stop joking around, dad," said Lucius. "A war is the last thing we need, and you don’t want it to begin in your backyard."111Please respect copyright.PENANAFRgJ93NiGk
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"Hey, I'm just saying. Some things are inevitable."111Please respect copyright.PENANA9X1HsHrMxV
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I felt Lucifer’s eyes at the back of my head as I turned back around to face the others. I had joked about the Golden Elite starting a war earlier. Now that Lucifer mentions it, a chill runs down my spine. There's no hiding from it.111Please respect copyright.PENANAicurBjfKaK
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A war is likely to happen.111Please respect copyright.PENANAmKEPfx24yY