Two images sprang from the pages. One he'd seen before - that of past-Death and past-Dark One agreeing on a deal that resulted in raising Wynn from the dead. The second was made two nights ago, after he left Deidre in the Atlanta apartment to help Andre research how to help her.
The Oracle listed the complete terms, but Gabriel was only able to see the portion concerning his domain. Deidre had bartered for Darkyn to remove the tumor and to do so without pain. Darkyn's end of the deal was hidden from Gabriel, but the deal was marked as fulfilled, according to the Oracle.
What had she paid for this favor?
More importantly, what was the deal that brought past-Death back to life? What had the two Deidres traded in order to be combined and let out of Hell? Gabriel knew Darkyn well enough to know the demon lord would exact no small fee for these favors.
And yet, he couldn't deny that Deidre was back or at least, a woman who had the knowledge of the goddess and the body and heart of a human. If not for the fact she was lying to him, she would be the perfect mate.
Gabriel rubbed his jaw.
The terms of their deal were over. If Andre verified there was no tumor, did it matter what she was hiding? What could be more important than being able to spend eternity with her?
Nothing was.
The thought eased his concern without completely removing it. Gabriel's gaze lingered on the images playing before him. Uneasy, he also realized he had to focus on mopping up the rest of his mess in the mortal world, so he could start to address the underworld.
Maybe this was the best solution: the two Deidres combined.
The more he tried to accept the idea, the harder it became to swallow.
It couldn't be that easy.
He was almost grateful he'd never trusted either Deidre completely. He'd be a wreck if he had.