“Eternal chains in the darkness of Tartarus if you take one step out of line,” God said to Satan. “The hybrid Nephilim race your old friends created—when they took wives—was forbidden after you deceived Eve with the fruit.”
The Sea of Glass shimmered beneath the White Throne. A cosmic courtroom paved with gold, located in the center of Heaven, surrounded by pillars of swirling galaxies of impossible scale. The soft glow from the glass beneath was quiet but alive, breathing warmth into the vast vaulted chamber suspended between Earth and the North Star. Standing before God, Satan straightened, his essence coiled with purpose. Will justice prevail?
“I will do whatever it takes to secure free rein. After I prove my worth with Job,” Satan said as he narrowed his eyes. “You’ll see I’m ready to tempt them, without a petition for each instance.” He was paralyzed. Not for fear of punishment. But because he wanted his goddamn freedom.
Yahweh scratched his chin. Not amused. “This is your final audition. If I am to cast you out of Heaven without a leash, this trial shall be the last.”
“Your strict limits are clear,” said Satan as he curled his toes. “After Eve, you stopped trusting me. I will obey.”
“Good.” Jehova’s face tightened. Red thunder struck one of the pillars. The stars disappeared. The flash created a ripple, making the Sea of Glass cast a shadow on the ivory clouds that surrounded.
Satan flinched, but it was fast and small, but God noticed the tremble. “If I cross a line, will you still love me?”
“Unconditionally,” said Elohim without a second thought.
“Truly?”
“Free will is the foundation of my love for all of creation.”
“If you still love me, why condemn me?”
“Actions are not without consequences.”
“You give me permission to act but still aim to torment me day and night forever and ever in the Lake of Fire,” Satan said.
“It’s what’s in your heart that leads you to eternal damnation.”
“I expose those who secretly curse your name!” said the Prince of Darkness. He had no power here. Everything Satan had, was given to him before he was created by the breath of God.
“Any evil you intend, I use for good.”
Satan took a sharp step forward. He felt the glass turn cold. “How are my actions wicked if you bless them with your word?”
“Without free will, there is no love,” said the Lord and faded into the infinite light.
Satan hesitated. He expected more.
The Sea of Glass vanished into darkness, and Satan fell to Earth. Lightning struck where he landed, burning his number into the dry wheat beneath his feet. He saw Job’s fourteen sons and six daughters picking thistles from the field. Satan moved his hands in circles like a cyclone, forming a pillar of dust that stretched to the sky.
“I’ll start with them.”