I'm The Devil - Chapter 279

Chapter 279: Birthday Invitation

The swirling vortex of light and shadow deposited Lucifer and his wives into the God Plane, the air here thick with divine energy that hummed in their ears and pulsed through their veins. The realm opened before them like an endless tapestry, its skies swirling with shifting hues of crimson and gold, the distant stars seeming closer and brighter than those in the mortal plane. Mountains jutted into the heavens like jagged spires, their peaks adorned with glowing runes that whispered ancient secrets to those attuned to their song.

In the heart of this realm stood Devil’s Peak, a looming fortress carved from obsidian and etched with fiery veins of magma that glowed faintly in the eternal twilight. Its spires rose like talons, and its balconies overlooked an endless abyss, where the void and creation seemed to merge after Lucifer upgraded it when he returned from the dead.

On the Balcony

On one such balcony, Medusa and Leto were seated at a wrought iron table, the faint clink of porcelain cups punctuating their quiet conversation. Medusa reclined lazily in her chair, her serpentine hair coiling and twisting lazily as she brought a teacup to her lips. Her emerald-green eyes glinted with a sharp intelligence as she laughed softly at something Leto said.

Leto, ever composed, sipped her tea with elegance, her golden hair gleaming in the soft, ambient light. Her expression was serene, but her sharp gaze betrayed the vigilance of someone who was always listening, always watching.

The soft hum of energy as the portal opened drew their attention. Both women turned toward the shimmering gate just as Lucifer stepped through, his tall frame emerging first, his cloak billowing dramatically before settling around him. Aphrodite, Amaterasu, Bast, and Hestia followed, their combined presence radiating power that made the air grow heavier.

Medusa’s eyes widened, her pale skin flushing faintly as recognition dawned. She rose abruptly, nearly knocking over her chair in her haste. Her teacup clattered onto the table, forgotten, as she bolted forward. Her movements were graceful yet frantic, her bare feet barely making a sound on the stone floor.

“Lucifer!” she cried, her voice trembling with a mixture of relief and joy.

Medusa flung herself into his arms, her serpentine hair winding around his shoulders and waist as if to hold him tighter. Her slender arms wrapped around his torso, clutching him as though he might disappear again. Her breath hitched as she buried her face in his chest, the cool silk of his cloak brushing against her flushed cheek.

Lucifer stiffened for a fraction of a second, surprised by the intensity of her embrace, but his features softened almost immediately. His arms came up to encircle her, one hand resting lightly on her back while the other gently stroked her hair—or rather, the serpents that coiled affectionately against him, their tongues flicking out as if recognizing him.

Medusa pulled back slightly, just enough to look up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “You were gone for so long,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “We didn’t know if you would come back… or if you could.”

Lucifer gazed down at her, his dark eyes softening in a way few ever saw. “I’m here now,” he said quietly, his voice low and steady, the faintest trace of guilt threading through his words. “I’m sorry for worrying you.”

Medusa’s lips trembled as a tear slipped down her cheek, but she laughed softly, shaking her head. “Just… don’t do that again,” she murmured, her tone light but pleading. She leaned against him for a moment longer before reluctantly stepping back, though her hands lingered on his arms as if to reassure herself he was truly there.

Leto remained seated, watching the reunion with a faint smile playing on her lips. Her golden eyes flicked to Lucifer, assessing him silently. “It seems your journey was not without its consequences,” she remarked, her tone calm but curious. She set her cup down with a deliberate motion, rising to her feet with the grace of a queen.

As she approached, her elegant robes flowing around her like liquid sunlight, she clasped her hands in front of her. “Welcome home, Lucifer,” she said softly, her gaze warm but questioning. “What brings you back now?”

Lucifer exhaled a long, quiet sigh, his shoulders loosening slightly as he turned his gaze from Medusa to Leto. The weight of the journey still clung to him, visible in the faint tension in his jaw and the weariness that flickered in his dark eyes.

“Nothing much,” he said finally, his voice carrying an edge of restraint. “Just that I had to bring them back to the God Plane.” His gaze swept briefly to the horizon, where Devil’s Peak loomed over the divine expanse like an eternal sentinel. “And… I feel something here will require my expertise.”

Leto tilted her head slightly, her golden eyes narrowing in a subtle but keen observation. She stepped closer, her movement slow and deliberate, the faint rustle of her robes the only sound. “The God Plane has not been idle during your absence,” she murmured. “If you sense a storm brewing, then you are not alone.”

Lucifer’s lips quirked into the faintest ghost of a smile, though it was more bitter than amused. Before he could continue, the air around them rippled with a sudden surge of divine energy—a luminous brilliance that coalesced into a radiant figure.

The light dissipated to reveal Celestia, stepping forward with the graceful confidence of one accustomed to commanding attention. Her long, white hair cascaded down her back, shimmering like moonlight, while her piercing blue eyes fixed on Lucifer with an expression that mixed deference and familial affection. She was dressed in flowing robes of white and lavender, embroidered with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer as though alive.

Behind her stood two cultivators, their stances disciplined and their expressions solemn. One was a tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp features and a faint scar running down his left cheek. His dark robes bore the emblem of the Divine Celestial Myriad World, and his eyes gleamed with unwavering loyalty. The other was a petite woman with soft features and a serene countenance, her hair tied back in an intricate braid. She exuded calm strength, her hands resting lightly on the hilts of twin curved blades at her waist.

“Uncle,” Celestia greeted, inclining her head slightly in respect. Her voice was melodic but firm, carrying the authority of her station. Her lips curved into a faint smile as her eyes swept over him, lingering on the subtle weariness in his stance. “It’s been far too long.”

Lucifer turned to face her fully, his brows lifting in mild surprise. “Celestia,” he said, his voice warming slightly as he acknowledged her. “What brings you here?”

Celestia’s smile widened just a fraction, though her tone remained measured. “I’ve come to extend an invitation,” she said, her hands folding neatly in front of her. “Mother’s birthday celebration is fast approaching, and it would be remiss not to have you in attendance. She would be overjoyed to see you.”

Lucifer’s brows knit together slightly, his expression thoughtful as he regarded her. “A celebration?” he echoed, his voice carrying a hint of skepticism. “And you traveled all this way just to deliver an invitation?”

Celestia’s smile turned wry, and she inclined her head in acknowledgment of his unspoken question. “There is always more to the story, Uncle,” she said lightly, her eyes glinting with mischief. “But for now, let’s call it what it is—a chance for the family to reunite. It has been far too long since we’ve all been together.”

Lucifer studied her for a moment longer, his gaze unreadable, before exhaling softly. “You’ve always had a way with words,” he said, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Medusa, who had been watching the exchange with growing curiosity, stepped closer to Lucifer’s side. Her serpentine hair stirred restlessly, reflecting her intrigue, though her expression remained guarded. “Your niece?” she asked, her tone casual but tinged with interest.

“Yes,” Lucifer replied simply, glancing at Medusa before turning his attention back to Celestia. “And one of the few who knows how to find me.”

Leto, still standing a short distance away, observed Celestia with quiet intensity. Her golden gaze flicked to the cultivators behind her, assessing their postures and expressions with the precision of a seasoned strategist. “Your arrival is well-timed,” she remarked, her voice calm but probing. “There is much afoot in the God Plane that warrants discussion.”

Celestia’s smile didn’t falter, but there was a flicker of understanding in her eyes as she nodded. “Indeed,” she said softly, her gaze returning to Lucifer. “But for now, let us speak of lighter matters. Will you come, Uncle? Mother would be most pleased.”

Lucifer’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression pensive. After a moment, he inclined his head. “Very well,” he said, his tone measured. “But something tells me this is more than just a celebration.”

Celestia’s smile widened, her eyes glinting with a mixture of amusement and something deeper. “You’ll see soon enough,” she said cryptically.

With that, the group stood together on the balcony, the air humming with unspoken questions and hidden intentions, as the God Plane seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of what was to come.