"Watch out!"
When Lucifer appeared behind Michael and drove his hand into the archangel's back, the Believers outside the Church cried out instinctively, trying to warn the Prince of Heaven.
But it was no use. Sound could only travel so fast; it could not reach a few seconds into the past. After their cries, they could only watch as Lucifer's hand pierced Michael's body. The former King of Angels tore a powerful golden heart from his chest.
"Lord..."
"Is Lord Michael going to die at Lucifer's hands?"
The believers below cried out together. Some even closed their eyes, unable to watch what came next, unable to see the Michael they loved and revered die at Lucifer's hands.
Countless others watched the scene unfold on the livestream.
Devout Believers prayed with their eyes shut, hearts aching with grief and anger. Less devout Believers struggled to decide whether to rejoice or despair. The nonbelievers had no such doubts: joy spread across their faces, impossible to hide.
If they had not feared divine retribution for posting online, they would already have been celebrating.
To a nonbeliever, what difference was there between a God bent on ending the world and an Evil God?
But Michael paid no attention to the onlookers. He turned toward Lucifer, who held his Angel Heart. His radiant eyes regarded his former companion with indifference. "It's no use, Lucifer."
"I know." Lucifer tightened his grip and crushed the Angel Heart. His golden eyes were calm. "I just don't want to be God's puppet. I don't want to follow the script, even if I can defy it only once."
"What do they mean? What's no use? What puppet? Can someone explain?"
"Clearly you don't know Christian scripture. It says plainly that God can do anything He wishes. Those He favors, He