Chapter 5 The One She Doesn't Know She Belongs To

Chapter Five: The One She Doesn't Know She Belongs To.

Lucas watched as Ava walked off with her friend. The streetlight above him flickered once, then stilled. He stood by the tree, half in shadow, his lips curling into a quiet smile.

"Soon," he whispered, "you'll come back to me."

He turned to head inside-but froze. His body tensed.

Something was off.

He felt it immediately-an energy that did not belong here. Not in this town. Not in this time.

Lucas's eyes flashed red. A deep, inhuman growl rumbled from his chest. His back arched as dark wings tore through, wide and powerful. They unfolded with ease, like he had done this a thousand times before.

One strong flap, and he was airborne.

The world below blurred until he landed on the outskirts of town-in front of an old, abandoned house. The place looked forgotten by time: overgrown grass, broken steps, boarded windows. No one ever came here. At least, no one human.

Lucas landed on the cracked front steps and pushed open the rusted door. The air inside was thick-not with dust, but with something else. Something darker. It felt like anger and memory had soaked into the walls.

He did not have to look far.

A figure stood in the shadows at the back of the house, facing away. Lean build. Confident stance. Too familiar.

Lucas's eyes narrowed. "Derek," he called out, his voice echoing. "What the hell are you doing here?"

The figure turned slowly, a smile already forming. Derek's eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Brother," he said smoothly. "It's been a long time. Thought I'd check in on you."

Lucas's jaw tightened. "That's not an answer. What are you doing here?"

Derek stepped forward casually, arms wide like they were old friends. "Relax. I came for my bride. Isn't that obvious?"

Lucas's wings twitched. His fists clenched. "She's not your bride. And she never will be."

Derek laughed, brushing imaginary dust off his jacket. "Still so possessive. You've had a thousand years to let it go."

Lucas took a step forward. His voice turned sharp. "She belongs to me. You are not going near her again."

"Belongs?" Derek smirked. "Bold words for someone who already lost her once."

Lucas's wings flared, tips glowing with a slow, pulsing flame. "Stay away from her, Derek. I'm not warning you again."

Derek shrugged like this was nothing. "I'm not here to fight... yet. Just wanted to say-if I couldn't have her then, I'll take her now. And if it goes like last time, well... history tends to repeat itself."

Lucas's voice dropped lower. "Even Father won't save you from me if you touch her. I'll tear your wings off."

Derek grinned wider. "Lucifer," he said mockingly. "You never change. Honestly? Kinda impressive. You think God our father is going to step in this time? Or are we all just pretending the rules still apply?"

Lucas did not respond.

Derek lifted into the air, his wings spreading wide as he rose toward the broken ceiling. He hovered there, looking down at him.

"Next time we meet, big brother," Derek said, "you'll be the one begging. You'll watch her sit by my side, fall in love with me... just like she was meant to."

And then he vanished.

Lucas stood in the silence, fury burning through him. He let out a scream so deep and raw it shook the ceiling beams.

Then he left.

Back in the night, his wings disappeared, fading into the version of himself that humans could see. He walked, pulled by instinct toward the same place he always ended up-Alex's house.

He reached out-not physically, but with his mind.

Goora.

His thoughts brushed against hers like a whisper.

A moment later, the front door creaked open.

Ava stepped out, arms crossed, her face confused. Like she had woken up without knowing why.

Lucas stayed hidden in the shadows, watching her.

If only she knew.

She stood on the porch for a second, scanning the trees. Her gaze swept across the spot where he stood-and paused. But of course, she could not see him.

Not yet.

She shivered and went back inside.

Lucas waited until the door shut, then vanished.

He reappeared in his own room. Everything was still. The only light came from the moon outside his window. He walked over and rested his hands on the windowsill, his eyes distant-somewhere far away from this town and this life.

He felt her before he saw her.

A familiar presence.

"Death," he said without turning. "What are you doing here?"

A figure stepped into the room behind him. Tall. Sharp features. Red hair falling in waves past her shoulders. Curved black horns. A tail flicked behind her once.

"Oh, Lucifer," she said with a grin. "You're no fun anymore."

He turned, his red eyes glowing. "Why are you here?" he asked again, voice darker now.

Death leaned against the doorframe, relaxed. "No one's watching Hell right now. I got bored. Thought I'd visit the humans for a bit. They're messy. I like it. It has been a while since I was sent to end someone."

Lucas stepped closer. "Stay away from her."

Death tilted her head, amused. "You always get so protective over her. Even after all these years, you still carry her name in your soul. A thousand years of searching, and you still haven't let go."

"I mean it," Lucas said coldly. "Touch her, and I will end you."

Death smiled wider, her teeth just a little too sharp. "Darling," she said, stepping forward, "I'm already dead."