The night rumbles with anger. Rain beats against the earth in waves so heavy it drowns the city streets, each droplet slamming with enough force to break open a house.
Thunder roars across the heavens, a terrific drumbeat that shakes the hospital walls. The pitter-patter is continuous, a song that rocks the sleeping city.
Inside a dimly lit hospital room, the rain outside feels miles away. Lucinda lies on the bed, sweat still wet on her eyebrow, her body quivering from exhaustion yet dazzling with joy.
Her husband, Ralph, sits beside her, his hand never leaving hers, his eyes locked on the tiny bundle in her arms.
Their newborn baby screams, his cries loud and piercing, but his eyes, bright, startling blue, sparkle like gems under the harsh fluorescent lights.
Lucinda laughs through her tears, pressing her lips to the baby's tender head. "He is so handsome and beautiful, he doesn't take after you."
Ralph chuckles, unable to look away from his son. A smile spreads across his face. "He doesn't take after you either, but he does have your eyes."
Lucinda giggles, brushing her finger against the baby's small aquiline nose that looks like that of his father's and then through the strands of golden-blonde hair crowning his head.
The sound of her child's tiny giggles breaks something inside her, releasing years of hidden pain.
Hot tears ran down her cheeks. She never thought she'd have this. A child. A normal life. Not after spending a lifetime bound to Lucifer as his human bride.
"Don't cry, darling," Ralph murmurs, his voice a soothing balm. He wipes away her tears with the gentleness of a man in love.
"What should we call him?" Lucinda whispers, her gaze lifting to him.
"I don't know. We will talk about it tomorrow." Ralph smirks, then adds with love, "I am sure Medusa will be happy to hear that you have safely delivered the baby. I will go and give her a call. Take care of yourself."
He bends down, kisses her forehead, and leaves the room with noiseless steps.
Alone, Lucinda rocks her son against her chest. "My little baby, you fill my heart with so much joy. You are the baby I never knew I wanted." She kisses his soft cheeks, but his cries increase.
With a sigh, she pulls up her shirt and offers him her right nipple. His small mouth latches, his hand pressing against her other breast, and Lucinda watches in admiration as he feeds.
Love flows in her chest like warm honey. Exhaustion finally claims her, her head sinking back onto the soft pillow. She drifts into sleep with her son still suckling.
***
Far below the clouds, in a place where light dares not reach, Lucifer watches from his throne. In his palm, a vision of Lucinda flutters. His eyes burn with anger.
"Lucinda has given birth to a human baby for that stupid angel," he growls.
Hades, his brother, stands behind him, the darkness bending to his form.
"What do you want to do now, brother? I thought you wanted your trident. I didn't break the seal to earth for nothing," Hades says, his tone serious and impatient.
Lucifer's lips curve into a wicked grin. "I know, and I know just what to do. She cannot live a happy life with me around. She is bonded to me. I should be the father of that child, not that worthless angel. But I am not going to let this slide. I will have my revenge." His voice drops in volume, his eyes darkening with fury.
Hades waves his hand, and a glowing map flashes into existence in front of them. "I have located your trident. It's with that fucking guardian of the earth. I can't believe that man doesn't age."
"That's because he was created with qualities beyond comprehension," Lucifer says, his grin stretching. "And his trident will be mine as well. Though it's white, hardly my style." He laughs, the sound echoing like blades scraping stone.
"You think you can take it? That trident will turn you to ash if you touch it," Hades warns.
Lucifer bursts into mad laughter, clapping his brother's shoulder. "Once I get my trident, I will use it to trap his. Nothing will stop me, not even Deacon." His voice bubbles with disgust at the name.
"So what's the plan?" Hades presses.
"There is no plan," Lucifer says coldly. "I do whatever I want. And besides, if I speak it aloud, it ceases to be a mystery." With that, his body fades, and together they disappear into thin air.
***
Back in the hospital, Ralph stands in the hallway, speaking with the nurse. His voice is calm, but his eyes keep drifting toward the door.
"Can my wife be discharged tomorrow?" he questions.
"Yes, sir. She is a very strong woman. She doesn't even look like she just went through labor," the nurse replies, admiration in her voice.
"That's good." Ralph hands her a shopping bag. "Here are a few things I arranged for her to eat."
The nurse frowns. "Why are you giving this to me? Shouldn't you give it to your wife?"
Ralph eases open the door. The room is hushed. He parts the heavy blue curtains and peeks inside. Lucinda and the baby are asleep, her face turned toward the child.
"Shh, they are asleep," he whispers, pressing a finger to his lips.
"Oh." The nurse nods, lowering her voice.
"I don't want to disturb them," Ralph whispers back.
"I will give it to her tomorrow," the nurse assures him.
"Thank you. You are the best." He smiles, though his eyes betray unease.
Before leaving, he sneaks another glance at his wife and son. His smile returns, soft and wide, and he blows them a kiss. Still, his heart twists with a warning he cannot name.
"Sir, you can't stay. It's late. You should go home," the nurse whispers.
"I know," he murmurs. He turns, walking slowly, each step heavy, as though his feet don't want to leave.
Inside the room, Lucinda sleeps soundly, the baby curled against her chest, his tiny lips still latched.
A sudden cold breeze bursts through the window, swinging it wide. Rain sprays inside, droplets landing on the floor and bed.
Lucinda doesn't move. The storm's song becomes a lullaby, and she snores softly, lost in dreams, unaware that Lucifer was on his way to her.