Chapter 49

** The Confidant**

Lucifer Pov.

Lucifer sat in his throne room, his fingers lightly drumming on the armrest as he waited for Azazel to return. It had been a week since Azazel had started teaching Athena about her abilities, and while Lucifer was infinitely patient, his curiosity about how she was progressing had grown. He wanted to know everything. The thought of Athena—his beloved, the woman whose soul was bound to his—mastering the power to traverse realms was both exhilarating and concerning.

When Azazel finally appeared before him, stepping out of the shadows like he always did, Lucifer straightened in his seat. Azazel bowed slightly, a formality Lucifer had long dispensed with, but his loyal lieutenant insisted on it.

"Azazel," Lucifer began, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity, "how is Athena progressing?"

Azazel stepped forward, his usual smirk barely visible. "She's learning quickly. Faster than expected, actually."