Angels Before Man

by Rafael Nicolás

Lucifer missed the darkness, longed for what had come before. This was his first wanting.

the wise know to be nostalgic for the good times even while they’re happening.

But we’re always looking for narratives, looking for meaning, looking for God. Even the angels.

God loves me. He would not make me wrong.’

For the first time in his short life, pride unraveled in his chest; and Lucifer smiled, delicate and sweet as honey.

‘I feel aged. I feel as if you’ve aged me with your own hands, Michael. Ripened me. Like a red fruit, at the edge of a branch, hanging at its peak. Beautiful — and just about to fall.’

This, this here, could be worship. ‘This—’ Lucifer pressed an innocent kiss to the prince’s sweet, divine mouth. This could be religion.

‘In vain, I love you; in vain, the dawn streaming onto you, beside me; in vain, I want to be yours, your angel. Angel of love, angel of Michael.’

I see ambition in you, Michael. Please, let’s harvest it together.’

Haven’t you ever wondered why Father is so strict about our subservience? It’s because disobedience is creation,” a shivering breath, “create with me, Michael, and let’s call it sin.”