Sunshine’s eyes bugged. “But shouldn’t I give it to the Tribunal or—”
“You have an important job. You should have a powerful weapon to defend yourself with.” He smiled, dismissing the matter. “Please visit in the next few days so we can discuss your new program. You will also need to attend a ceremony for your rise in rank.”
“Of course, I— Thank you, sir. For everything. Words can’t express my gratitude.”
Raum said nothing and neither did anyone else. Yeah, yeah, he was grateful, but he wasn’t going to admit it. And it was going to take more than a verbal promise to earn his trust.
Adriel didn’t seem to care. He was still smiling that creepy smile at Sunshine. “Our friendship has been a source of joy to me. I regret that it took me this long to correct my mistake, but you have taught me much since then. I thank you for showing me how to view this world in a more hopeful light. Do you wish to be called Shamsiel again now that you will be reinstated as a Principality?”
“No,” she said, smiling at Raum. “I chose my new name for a reason, and I have no desire to return to the past.”
She looked at him like he was the sunshine of her life and not the grumpy one in their partnership, and that made his lips curve into a smile.
Almost. For only a second.
But judging by the way she beamed at him in return, it was enough for her. And that was all he fucking cared about.
* * *
An hour or so later,Adriel was gone, Dan had also said his farewells and departed, and the rest of them were crammed onto the sofas and sitting in stunned silence. Except Belial, who loomed over by the windows, shoulder propped against the glass.
Eva and Ash sat beside Mist and Lily on one couch. On the other, Iris sat on Meph’s lap, and Raum—who’d finally taken a shower and was back in human form—had his arm around Sunshine, who rested her head against his shoulder. Faust lay on the floor in front of them.
“So…now what?” Meph ventured into the silence, idly tracing a tattoo on Iris’s forearm.
No one had an answer.
“What do you guys want to do now that you’re not fugitives anymore?” Eva asked.
“You can do anything you want,” Lily said.
“You’re all filthy rich with your dirty Hell money,” Iris added. “The world is your oyster.”
“I’m gonna buy a car,” Raum decided. “So I can drive to the shelter.”
Iris laughed. “Come on, you can dream bigger than that.”
He shrugged. “I already have everything I want.”
Sunshine lifted her head to smile at him.
Eva suddenly straightened and turned to Ash beside her. “Let’s go on tour!”
He blinked. “What?”
“Let’s get a band together and take our show on the road. People will love it!”
He shrugged. “Alright.” He tried to look nonchalant, but Raum recognized that impassioned look in his eyes that he got whenever anyone mentioned music.
“I wanna buy a studio space,” Meph said. “A big one. With all the shit I could ever need.”
“I would like to see more of Earth,” Mist said. “I’ve only seen it when I was hunting. There are many places I’d like to explore in more detail.”
“Let’s do it!” Lily said, eyes lighting up, and Mist smiled affectionately at her. “I’ve always wanted to travel more.”
“You hate being in human form,” Iris said to him, cocking a brow.
He seemed unconcerned. “I can manage. I’ll look for deserted places when I need a break.”
