Going with Mammon to the Second Hell, to the back of the Water City, also known as Phantom City, the world was blanketed in snow. The streets were narrow yet lively, bustling but not noisy. The waters of the River of Anguish flowed along both sides, white mist and snowflakes falling like a woven net.
At the foot of Mount Aiken stood rows of sleds pulled by deer. The coachmen waited nearby. The deer’s fur was white, their spots and antlers silver, and on their backs grew white, branch-like bone wings like plum boughs.
Mammon, holding me, ran over and paid the coachman an anra. We sat in the sleigh. “Straight to the Snowmoon Forest,” he said. The coachman nodded, patted the deer, murmured a few words in its ear, and the snow deer flapped its wings and took us up into the sky.
I stared wide-eyed as the ground shrank beneath us, the coachman below still smiling and waving.
“He’s not coming with us?”
“No. The deer will return on its own later. We can take another sleigh back down.”
“Just like Santa Claus.”
“Don’t bring up Christmas in front of demons.”
The higher we flew, the more the snowflakes turned sea-blue, drifting and twirling like stars falling from a night sky, crossing and overlapping, filling the heavens.
The vast snowy world blurred the road back.
The higher we went, the darker the sky grew. No moon could be seen, only the jewel-blue glow of snow below. The snowflakes fell like fine down, like dancing spirits. The trees stood solitary and cold…like his back.
Snowmoon Forest. An icy blue world.
Seven-petaled snowflakes fluttered down like goose feathers, drifting with the wind.
The forest was a vast plain. Crystalline branches shimmered on the trees, occasionally shaking loose jade-like snow and a few beads of frost like tears.
Mammon and I stepped down from the sleigh, boots crunching against the packed snow.
The land for miles around was dyed silver.
It was the coldest season in the Demon Realm. Anyone without magic coming here would be asking for trouble. Mammon was a prime example. He clung tightly to me, his fingers constantly trembling. Yet he absolutely refused to admit he was cold. Helpless, I could only keep a small fireball circling us both.
A bright moon rose at the edge of the forest, illuminating delicate ice sculptures sparkling like crystals.
Beneath the moon were two beautiful figures in a tight embrace.
The man unfurled his six black wings, wrapping the woman in them. She leaned quietly into his chest, content and shielded from the wind.
Snowflakes spun before the great silver moon, one after another after another.
His tall frame stood out even more next to her. When he spoke to her, he had to lean down slightly.
Snow fell onto the silver earth, blurring the way home.
Mammon stopped walking. Instinctively, I grabbed his collar.
Neither of us spoke. We could only hear Lilith’s soft voice, whispering something into Lucifer’s ear before burying her face in his chest with satisfaction.
Under the moonlight, Lucifer’s gaze was incredibly gentle. “If you want to come again, I’m always free.”
Mammon muttered, “Perverted old man. He never has time for me, but when it’s Mom, he forgets everything.”
Lilith spoke softly. “But… what about our child?”
My hand clenched painfully. Mammon froze.
Lucifer held her tight, resting his chin on her head. “I’ll stay with you every day from now on. You won’t have to worry about a thing. Just rest.”
Lilith’s voice choked slightly. “But… you don’t want me to give birth to him.”
“That was foolish of me. I’m sorry. I won’t do that again, I promise. Our baby will grow up strong and healthy.”
The two of them drew closer still.
Then Lucifer released his arms, lowering his head to kiss her.
She lifted her slender, white-gloved arms and gently embraced his neck.
They kissed deeply. Endlessly.
Long enough for me to forget to think. Long enough for my hand to finally let go.
“I want to tell you something, but you can’t get angry,” Lucifer said, lightly pinching her cheek. Only when she nodded did he continue. “Actually, even during pregnancy, you can still…” He leaned in to whisper the rest.
Lilith paused, then punched him hard. “You-!”
Lucifer smiled. “Back in Heaven, didn’t you say you didn’t mind?”
“But lying is still wrong. If you want it, just say the word. It’s not like I’d say no…”
I was now completely confused.
Why did their conversation sound more bizarre the more I listened? Something about back in Heaven? Could it be that back then, Lucifer and Lilith were already…?
Mammon tugged my hand and pointed ahead. “What is all this…?”
Looking closely—rows upon rows, sculptures of Heaven’s architecture.
The Hall of Splendor, the Tower of Luminescence, Shima’s gates, Shima’s housing district… And in the middle of it all stood an ice sculpture of a four-winged angel and a six-winged one. The four-wings a lively, slender youth; the six-wings, a graceful and beautiful man.
They held hands. Ice chains, shaped like silver links, wrapped around their wrists.
Lucifer led Lilith to another sculpture. “I plan to install your new one. What do you think?”
Lilith clutched his hand, joy lighting up her face. “It looks… it looks just like me.”
He wrapped an arm around her waist and slowly led her beneath the trees, like a waltzing pair of moonlit spirits.
Snowflakes drifted endlessly behind them. The new sculpture still stood where it had been, noble and solemn. Long hair flowed down from the shoulders to the waist, and six wings unfurled behind the back. A holy sword hung at the waist, and a single gem gleamed at the center of the forehead. The pose was nearly identical to the statue in Jerusalem, but because of the ice crystal’s clarity, it looked somehow gentler.
“Are you happy?” Lucifer’s voice came low and slow, like a mournful cello.
I saw her nod with all her might.
“Isar, I was wrong. Don’t be mad at me.”
“I’m not, I’m not.”
“Can we start over?”
“Yes.” Her eyes curved into a smile.
He gently pushed her against a tree; their faces close.
I couldn’t quite hear what he said next.
“I know, I know, you’re such a nag,” she replied playfully, tugging at his long hair. Her mock annoyance quickly melted away. She tilted her little face up, smiling—but with such sincerity: “Lucifer… I love you too.”
The fireball flickered in the moonlight, casting Mammon’s face into relief. Still holding me, he gazed at Lilith, then quietly took a few steps back behind the tree. His curls fell over his bright eyes, and the rose on his cheekbone darkened to a purple-red under the silver-blue glow.
A gust of wind shook snow from the branches.
I clung to Mammon’s head, burying my face in his hair. The pompoms on my coat swayed like the snowflakes. I clenched my jaw tightly—I really needed to change back to my adult form. Being in this smaller body made it far too easy to cry.
Mammon spoke loudly with a blank face: “Let go, let go! I can’t see where I’m going!”
I instantly let him go, understanding his intent, and followed up with: “You little brat—let’s move!”
Mammon paused, then turned and kept walking toward Lucifer, still holding me. Lucifer and Lilith had returned to the sculpture and were looking back at us together.
Feigning surprise, Mammon said, “Dad? Mom? You’re here too?”
Lilith smiled. “Mhm. You two out playing?”
Lucifer cast a calm glance our way but said nothing.
“Dad, can I have a word with Mom alone?”
Lucifer didn’t mind at all. He nodded. Mammon looked at Lilith for a long while before offering his arm. She placed her hand on it, and he led her away.
Under the lonely moonlight, only Lucifer and I remained.
“Does Your Majesty come here often with Her Majesty Lilith?” I flapped my wings to keep myself level in the air so I could look him in the eye.
“Mm.” Lucifer’s expression was clear and tranquil, as if everything we’d just seen was nothing more than a dream.
“Not busy lately?”
“Even the busiest man should have time for his wife,” Lucifer said with a soft smile. “Did you and Mammon make it to the Valley of Draconic Wrath?”
“Not yet. We went to the history museum first. Unfortunately, aside from Lord Jerry’s remains, we didn’t find anything useful.”
“A shame. Jerry passed long ago, probably just bones left now.” He turned to study the six-winged angel’s sculpture behind him, but showed no interest in the person who inspired it. I didn’t want to meet his gaze anymore—not even to look at the statue. I was afraid that if I did, I might lose control again.
“Your Majesty, if you’ll excuse me—I should change back to my adult form. It’s improper to remain like this.”
“Pretend you didn’t see any of this, and give me the chance to make it disappear. Is that it?” Lucifer gently caressed the sculpture’s delicate face. “Michael, even I’m not afraid. What are you scared of?”
I hesitated, caught off guard, a little embarrassed. “When did you realize we were there?”
“When we were leaning on the tree. Mammon’s footsteps aren’t exactly quiet.”
“Then allow me to say something Your Majesty might not want to hear,” I stared at his hand. “Don’t you think doing something like this… is a little self-deceptive?”
Thick, full snowflakes settled on my lashes, blanketing the world in spotted white.
I was trying my hardest to endure, to not look at him, not look at anything connected to us. Afraid that if I slipped even once, I’d lose control again and throw my arms around him.
Lucifer smiled, serene. “I don’t think so.”
“Does Lilith have awareness of her own?”
“Lilith is conscious. So is my queen.”
I suddenly looked up. “What do you mean?”
“Lord Michael, you’re asking too many questions.”
A sudden stab of pain shot through my abdomen, like a steel needle piercing straight through, radiating into the back of my skull. My skin bristled in alarm. Instinctively, I clutched at my stomach—then quickly pulled my hand back.
Lucifer cast me a glance, his expression tightening. “What’s wrong?”
I pressed my lips together and shook my head.
Lucifer frowned, slowly walking toward me.
Just then, Mammon and Lilith returned. We both turned to look. Mammon let go of Lilith and asked nonchalantly, “Dad, where’s Mom?”
“Are you asking where Lilith is, or the one who gave birth to you?”
Mammon looked stunned.
“If you’re asking about Lilith, you likely won’t find her. She should be in the Human Realm now. As for her exact location, ask Samael.”
“Samael?”
“Samael is her husband. He should know her whereabouts better than anyone.”
Mammon shook his head. “Dad… what are you talking about?”
“Lilith is Samael’s wife, Jenny’s mother. Is that so hard to understand?”
Samael’s wife?
The ballerina in Swan Lake who danced both the black swan and the white?
Mammon looked from Lucifer to the Lilith standing beside him. “Then who is she?”
Lucifer smiled faintly. “You already know. Why ask me?”
The Lilith beside Mammon stood completely still, wearing a gentle smile, as if none of this concerned her. Mammon asked, “You’re saying that… you and this puppet… had me?”
Lucifer looked briefly toward me but said nothing.
“I don’t believe you… You’re lying…” Mammon shook his head wildly, gripping my hand and pulling me to leave. “Michael, let’s go.” His voice was flat, but the white fog escaping his lips grew rapidly.
“Mammon. Let go of him.”
Mammon paused—then scooped me into his arms and continued forward.
“Mammon.” Lucifer’s voice wasn’t loud, but every word rang clear. “The one who gave birth to you was me.”
Mammon stopped dead. His face went blank.
I clutched his collar.
Lucifer’s cold voice rang out behind us: “You and your brother were twins. You survived. He didn’t.”
Mammon turned slowly, a mocking smile creeping onto his face. “Dad, you want me to believe that you, once the Archangel Commander, and Michael, once a four-winged angel… gave birth to a two-winged archdevil like me? That my twin brother was a fallen angel, and I’m a devil?”
“Yes. That’s exactly why you lived. Blood of Loyalty resists darkness naturally. The resistance weakens with age, but as a newborn, neither of you could withstand it. Your brother, with no resistance and in a fallen state, coupled with my body’s instability… his death was inevitable. My coma back then was because I forcibly used dark magic to mutate you into an archdevil. But your brother couldn’t survive it. Under the curse of the Arterras, he died.”
“You’re still telling me that I was originally an angel?”
“Fallen angels still carry half the blood of the divine. As long as that blood runs in you, you are bound by its contract. Devils have stronger vitality. The only way to save your life was to make you fully demon.”
“Sorry. I don’t believe this.”
“Mammon, look at all the archdevils in the Demon Realm. Which one of them isn’t fierce and terrifying? Even the ones considered handsome have thick muscles and that shadowed, predatory look—you’ve been surrounded by archdevils your whole life. You should know better than I do what they typically look like. And you think your angelic face is just a coincidence?”
“I don’t believe it.”
“The mark on your cheek, the rose on my chest, they were left by the Holy Sword, Flame. They’ll never go away.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Even though you’ve become an archdevil, meaning biologically and genetically you’re no longer related to Michael, he is still your father.”
“Are you finished? Can I go now?” Mammon scooped me up and turned to leave.
“Mammon, wait.” I tugged lightly on his collar.
Mammon acted as if he didn’t hear and kept walking.
I returned to my true form and stepped in front of him.
Behind Mammon were sculptures of transparent ice, made even more luminous by the milky moonlight. Lucifer stood there, watching us, gaze cold and distant.
I brushed Mammon’s bangs aside, my fingertips tracing down his forehead, the corner of his eye, over the rose-shaped mark on his cheek, and to his delicate chin… I’d always thought he looked familiar—had assumed it was because he resembled Lucifer. But I had never realized until now how much his defiant expression mirrored my own from long ago.
Mammon’s face began to shift.
I pulled him into a tight embrace. “You are my son… Something I’ve been scared to even fully fantasize about—yet here it is.”
Mammon’s voice was low, tense. “You really believe what my dad said?”
I closed my eyes and buried my face in his hair. “If it’s from him, I’ll believe anything.”
Mammon fell silent.
Lucifer lowered his gaze slightly. His expression was vacant, as if something vital had left him.
Mammon shoved me away, gripping my arm. “Fine. Then tell me—what do you want me to do? Call you ‘Dad’? Even if what he said is true, we share no blood!”
“I won’t force you.”
Mammon slapped my hand away. “Michael, I’m going to pretend none of this happened today. And you—don’t bring it up again. Got it?”
Before I could respond, Mammon yanked me by the collar, slammed me back a step, and kissed me hard.
Lucifer stepped forward abruptly.
Mammon released me, wiped his mouth, and flashed a mocking smile. “I’ll say it again: we’re not related. So don’t use that as an excuse to chain me down. Come with me.” He dragged me forward by the wrist.
I didn’t budge. “You go ahead.”
Mammon stopped briefly, then kept on pulling me.
“Mammon, I have something to say to your father.”
Mammon turned, then leaned in and tugged my collar. “I’ll come find you tonight. You better be as passionate as you were at the museum. Understand?”
I quickly glanced toward Lucifer.
Mammon licked the blood from the corner of my mouth, turned, and I draped my oversized coat, originally made for a child, around his shoulders.
He walked ahead without looking back.
As Mammon’s figure disappeared into the snowfall, I asked absently, “You never thought of hiding the truth?”
“Covering the truth often takes more effort than revealing it,” Lucifer said.
“That’s true.” I chuckled and kicked the snow off my boots. “When did Lilith leave?”
“Your Highness, please allow me a bit of privacy. Thank you.”
The cold wind whipped past us, and I couldn’t help shivering. “So that means you’re not willing to tell me anything.”
“Are you cold?”
“I’m fine. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern.”
“Let’s talk inside.”
And so the three of us—me, him, and that ever-smiling woman—boarded the sleigh and left Snowmoon Forest together. As we descended, the wind grew even colder. Lucifer cast fire magic to warm us; it was far more effective than my own watered-down version.
Back at Rhodheoga, in the Hall of Baisiel, we sat before the ancient but grand hearth. Lucifer ordered warm milk, and we each cradled a cup, wrapped in thick white fox furs. My body finally began to thaw. Yet Lucifer still wore a glove on his right hand.
I gestured to it. “Still cold?”
He nodded.
The stardust in the fireplace crackled and danced. For a moment, neither of us spoke.
In the end, he broke the silence. “Have you ever considered Mammon?”
“I always thought of him as a son. I never expected it to be literal.”
Lucifer lowered his head, then nodded, as if struggling to suppress a smile. “Oh. That’s unfortunate.”
“Your Majesty Lucifer, you’re terrible at hiding your amusement.”
The corners of Lucifer’s mouth twitched upward. “Still, Mammon’s grown up now. You don’t need to take responsibility for him anymore.”
“You always make it sound like raising children is some kind of torment.”
“It’s not for me. But for you, maybe.”
I felt a flare of irritation. Breathed deep. Let it settle. “You’ve got bigger things to worry about than that.”
“It’s only when life begins to wind down that a person realizes the ones he loves are what matter most. I’m simply choosing to value them before it’s too late.”
“Then who do you love most?”
Lucifer took a sip of milk and glanced at me sideways. “What do you want me to say?”
“Nothing in particular.”
“I’ve already given up on you.”
“Same.”
“Though I still think about you… often.”
I stared into the fireplace. “So do I.”
Lucifer rose, lifting his coat. “That’s good, then. Having someone in your heart is better than having nothing at all. It is what it is.”
I stood as well and walked with him to the window. Then I suddenly said, “Lucifer, sometimes I think of you. And then I’d wonder… when I’m thinking of you, are you thinking of me too?”
He turned to look at me. “Moronic question. I refuse to answer.”
I shrugged, was about to say goodbye, when something glittering on the windowsill caught my eye.
I picked it up. A black pearl.
“Mammon was here…” I murmured, lifting my head to look at Lucifer. “He was here. And he left without saying a word.”
Lucifer said, “Let him go.”
I shook my head. “No. I’m going to find him.” I turned to grab my coat.
Lucifer caught my wrist. “Mammon’s already acting out. Do you want him turning into some spoiled big brat who cries and begs for affection?”
“What if something happens to him? I don’t care—I’m going!” I yanked my arm away from him—and in doing so, accidentally knocked off the black glove on his right hand.
I stared at his hand in utter disbelief.
His hand was ghastly white, stripped of flesh. A skeletal hand.
Lucifer snatched the glove back and pulled it on wordlessly, turning to fly out the window.
I blocked him. “What happened to you?”
Lucifer’s voice was cold. “Move.”
“Tell me what happened!!”
Scowling, Lucifer tried to shove me aside.
I wrapped my arms around his waist and held on with all my strength. “You’re not allowed to leave! Not allowed!”
Lucifer pushed me to the ground, hard, then turned and flew without looking back.
Author: Tav Tav
Translating
The Right Wing of God, the one seated at the right hand of the Most High.
