Punishment

by ML Guida

  “I see.” Saber leaned back in the chair. “You do realize he was destined to go to hell for his crimes, including killing your sister.”

  “I know what he did,” Abigail said. “But I-I-I forgive him.”

  Saber gave her a hard stare, his eyes penetrating her soul. A shiver ran through her, but she refused to cower from his gaze and tilted her chin. She didn’t know why she uttered those words, but she was even more surprised she meant them.

  His eyes softened. “So, you do.”

  “Are you going to stand in the way of me helping my brother?” Scythe demanded.

  “No.” Saber pushed himself from the table, and Abigail gasped. The angel was actually taller than Scythe and Blade. “But waltzing into Hell isn’t going to be a Fourth of July picnic.”

  He meandered toward them. Abigail trembled and clasped her hands together to keep from shaking into a million pieces. Scythe put his hand on her shoulder. She stopped trembling, feeling his strength rush through her. He would protect her. She wished Ringmaster and Poison would walk through the door, but the door remained closed.

  Scythe squeezed her shoulder, and she glanced up at him. He was handsome, damn handsome, but she missed Blade’s long hair and stony face. With his commanding presence and sarcasm, he made her feel safe. Could he die in hell?

  Saber stood next to her and gazed out the window. “Beautiful, isn’t it? God’s Glory.” He sighed and turned. “You’ll need my help to get into hell.”

  Scythe released her shoulder. “And?”

  “Don’t trust me, Scythe?”

  “Not in the least.”

  “Tsk, tsk.” Saber half smirked. “I thought we were going to be life-long friends.”

  Scythe eyed him suspiciously. “What’s the catch?”

  “If Blade isn’t contrite, he remains in hell.”

  Abigail sucked in her breath. Contrite? She didn’t think Blade had this in his nature. Didn't offering to trade his life for her brother’s count for anything?

  “Contrite?” Scythe growled. “You’re kidding, right?”

  Saber half sat on the table and folded his arms across his broad chest. “You know the rules, Scythe.”

  Abigail couldn’t stand it anymore. “But he traded places with my brother.”

  Saber sighed. For a minute, pity flashed in his hard eyes. “That deed makes this rescue possible, my dear, but it doesn’t wipe out what Blade did as a demon.” He gestured toward Scythe. “He knows it. I know it.”

  She glanced between the two angels. “What does Blade have to do to show that he’s remorseful?”

  “Lose his lousy attitude for one,” Saber grumbled.

  Scythe muttered something under his breath, but she couldn’t decipher it. Saber ignored him. “He must face all of his accusers, including your sister.”

  Abigail couldn’t breathe. She gasped, trying to comprehend what Saber was telling her. “Jessy?”

  “Yes, he will be judged,” he said, his voice cold and calloused.

  “Judged by Jessy?”

  “Abigail,” Scythe said softly. “Each victim will face Blade. He will have to show repentance for everyone, including Heather.” He lowered his head. “And they will have to forgive him.”

  His voice was so soft, and she had to strain to hear him.

  “And if they don’t?”

  “He remains trapped in Hell forever,” Saber said.

  Abigail sat on a chair stunned. Dizziness swept over her and she thought she’d faint.

  “Blade must answer for his sins,” Saber said. “And convince Saint Peter to allow him through the pearly gates and then, and only then, will Saint Peter take his atonement to the Almighty.”

  “You mean Saint Peter as an in the Apostle of Christ,” she gulped, “and God?”

  The light headiness increased. She fought to concentrate and not pass out like a prissy woman.

  Saber flashed a fatherly smile. “Why yes. You didn’t think angels existed without God, did you?”

  “Yes, I mean no.” Out the window, a colorful rainbow of yellow, green, orange, and red arched between Buffalo Mountain and a smaller mountain. She wished she could slide down it and forget all this holy mess and find Blade waiting for her with a smirk on his handsome face. “I’m just trying to comprehend this tale. Angels, demons, and God.”

  “Your faith in yourself and Blade,” Scythe said, “Will be the only way to save his soul.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Abigail tried to sift through what Saber and Scythe had been telling her about heaven and hell and all the players. It was like being in a holy version of the movie The Avengers.

  The weight of freeing Blade felt heavy on her shoulders. She had lost her faith a long time ago, thanks to Martin, and the death of her parents and the death of her sister.

  Tears threatened to fall, but she blinked them back. There would be time for tears later if they failed, but now she had to be strong. She pushed her shoulders back. “I have faith in Blade.”

  “You’d better,” Saber said. “One sliver of doubt will be enough for Balthazar to drag him back to Hell.”

  Abigail took a step back from his harsh voice. Obviously, he didn’t believe her.

  “She’s only human,” Scythe said. “Of course, she’ll have doubts. You know that.”

  An ominous chill trickled down her spine. Neither one of them thought she had enough faith.

  “Yes, I know.” Saber squeezed Scythe’s shoulder. “That’s where you come in. Whether you like it or not, we must work together to save your brother.”

  “So, what exactly am I supposed to do?” His voice was tired, as if he knew what was expected and was dreading it.

  Saber lowered his hand. “Put your hand on her heart, Scythe. Pass your faith in your brother into her. I can’t do it, since obviously I don’t believe your brother could possibly change.”

  Scythe didn’t answer him and held her gaze. “Will you allow me to do this?”

  “Somehow I think there’s more to this than you just laying your hand on my chest.”

  “He must reach inside your chest and touch your beating heart,” Saber said in a-matter-of-tone. As if it was everyday an Angel of Death stuck his hand in your chest and grabbed your beating heart. Well, maybe for them it was an everyday thing, but it scared the shit out of her.

  She put her elbows on the table and rested her head in her hands. “There’s no other way?”

  “No, there’s not,” Saber said. His voice was icy and uncaring.

  Scythe reached for her, and tingles swept over her. She jumped out of the chair, crashing it to the floor.

  “Abigail,” Scythe warned. “You must stand still.”

  “Or something bad will happen, like you ripping my beating heart out?”

  “Did I say he was going to rip out your heart, girl?” Saber snapped. “Angels don’t go around ripping out human hearts. That’s what demons do.”

  “Do you love my brother?” Scythe lowered his voice, and it was almost a caress. She felt drawn to him, wanting to move, but her fear kept her skidding away, unable to take her eyes off his hand.

  She licked her lips. “Yes, I do.”

  “Then you must do this for him. This will not hurt…just feel uncomfortable.”

  She squirmed. “Uncomfortable?” Why did he remind her of a gynecologist that said the same damn thing before he probed his fingers up her ass?

  Saber darted behind her, his hands gripped her arms, and he pinned her back to his chest. Her breath came out in gasps. She wanted to break hold of their grips. Panic pumped through her. It was happening all over again. She was powerless to move, not in control of her body. “Raphael,” she cried out. “Help me.”

  Poison flashed next to Saber. “Raphael couldn’t come and sent me.” She frowned. “What are you two he-men doing?”

  “Scythe wants to stick his hand through my chest and seized my beating heart,” Abigail said, her squeaky voice rose two octaves.

  Saber
tightened his grip on her arms. “It’s the only way to banish her doubt and save Blade.”

  Poison shook her head. “So, you two geniuses thought that you would pin her like a caged animal and her fear and doubt would vanish?”

  “You know nothing of these matters, Poison,” Saber growled. “You’re no longer an Angel of Death. Leave us.”

  “Ah, I don’t think so,” Poison said. “Besides haven’t you heard, oh fearless leader, that Abigail happens to be one of Raphael’s and I work for Raphael.” She waved her hand. “Release her.”

  “Fine,” Saber said. He released Abigail, and she darted beside Poison.

  Saber pointed at her. “But because of your lack of faith, Blade will rot in Hell.”

  Abigail bit back a sob. She wanted to save Blade, but she couldn’t shake the terror flooding through her body.

  Poison rolled her eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic, gruesome one. I didn’t say we wouldn’t do this. Just not your way.”

  Abigail trembled at Poison’s words.

  Poison gazed into her eyes. “Abigail, please give me your hand. I promise I won’t hurt you.”

  Abigail wasn’t sure she should trust her and stepped away. Poison stretched out her hand. Abigail stared at it for a long minute afraid it would change into a snake and bite her.

  “Please, Abigail.” Poison glowed softly. “I promise I won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do.”

  Her words were soft and comforting. Abigail took a deep breath and clasped Poison’s smooth hand. Strong fingers wrapped around hers. For such a tiny woman, she possessed strength, but Abigail kept forgetting Poison wasn’t a petite woman, she was an angel, a commander in Raphael’s army.

  Poison led her back to the table and pulled out a chair. “Here, sit, girl. You look like you’re going to pass out.” She scanned the conference room. “Is there any water in here?”

  Abigail shook her head. “No.”

  “I’ll get you a glass.” She glowered at Scythe and Saber. “You two Neanderthals leave her alone while I’m gone. Got it?”

  Saber stiffened. “I’m your superior.”

  “Ah, no you’re not. I’m no longer an Angel of Death, remember? I’m on Raphael’s team. He’s my boss."

  “This is a waste of time.” Scythe paced back and forth. “My brother is being tortured.”

  “Keep your pants on, Grumpy,” Poison said. “You’re terrifying her. If you scare her, you know it won’t work.”

  Scythe walked over to the window, put his forearm on the glass, and rested his forehead on it. He kept his mouth shut but grumbled again.

  As sweat tricked down Abigail’s back, her sweater stuck to her hot skin. She could barely breathe, afraid to draw the attention of the two pissed off angels. She hated herself for being such a coward.

  Poison reappeared holding a glass of ice water and gave it to Abigail. Abigail released pent up air. “Thank you,” Abigail murmured. She gulped the icy water, spilling it down the front of her sweater and splashing her jeans. She wiped her cheeks. “Sorry.”

  Poison flashed a heavenly smile. “Feel better.”

  Abigail nodded and licked her lips. “Yes, I do. I didn’t realize how thirsty I was.”

  Poison knelt in front of her and placed her hands on Abigail's knees. Warmth spread through Abigail. She couldn’t help but stare into Poison’s silver eyes.

  “Abigail, I know you’re scared. It’s a lot to ask you to do.”

  “But I do want to help Blade,” Abigail said. “I really do. But—”

  “You’re scared. I know.” She squeezed her knees and reassurance surged through Abigail. Her fear lessened.

  “I will be right here,” Poison said. “If you decided to do this, I’ll be right here. I promise.”

  Abigail took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “Okay, I’m ready.”

  “About time,” Scythe grumbled.

  Poison scowled. “Quit getting your wings twisted into a knot, Scythe.”

  Fear edged back up Abigail’s spine, but Poison gave her a quick squeeze and squashed it. Abigail stared at Poison, looking into her silver eyes, refusing to acknowledge Scythe, who knelt next to her. Poison tightened her grip, and Abigail clutched hard.

  “Breathe, Abigail, just breathe,” Poison said. “I promise I’ll protect you.”

  Abigail focused on her words and her deep eyes, feeling like she was drowning in silver. Scythe moved his hand toward her chest and shocks prickled over her skin. Her breath came out ragged. She pulled away from Poison, who tightened her fingers. “Stay calm, Abigail. It will be over before you know it.”

  Breathe, Breathe.

  Scythe touched her skin, his fingers sending an electric current through her. Abigail trembled, and her teeth chattered. His fingers probed deeper, piercing her flesh. The current intensified, and Abigail’s vision blurred. She went into convulsions and bit her tongue. Blood seeped into her mouth.

  Fingers dug through muscle and pain consumed her. It was like a lightning bolt hitting her chest. Her surroundings disappeared and only colors flashed in front of her face as the convulsions went into overtime.

  “Abigail, I’m right here,” Poison said, her voice penetrating the pain and fear.

  But she seemed so far away as if she were talking in a bucket.

  Abigail broke out into a hot sweat, and moisture dampened her mouth and eyes. She couldn’t breathe. It became harder and harder to exhale. Her heart thundered in her chest. She couldn’t gulp enough air. What was happening?

  “Easy, Abigail,” Poison urged. “Look at me.”

  Her smooth easy voice led Abigail to reality. She could focus. She was thinking of something earlier, but the thought escaped her. Blade has repented. He is sorrowful. He has changed. Those words echoed in her head. With each beat of her heart, the words became stronger, like a chant or song, clear, soft, beautiful.

  She broke her gaze with Poison and turned to Scythe. A silver river ran through his eyes, mesmerizing her. Her chest fluttered. Warmth spread through her as if someone had draped her in a soft blanket. She stopped sweating, and she inhaled and exhaled. Her heart pounded and with each beat, serenity swooshed through her. Scythe was truth. Wisdom. Goodness.

  And she believed it.

  Blade was good. He was hers. She was his. “I have faith,” she whispered.

  Warmth faded. She tossed her head and thought only of Blade, his lips, his touch, his kiss. She couldn’t breathe and couldn’t concentrate. Passion drummed through her, and she cried out as she burst into tiny fragments of ecstasy.

  She was dimly aware that Poison slowly released her hand. Abigail’s cheeks heated and she lowered her head. Had she just had an orgasm in front of three angels? She wanted to crawl under the table and hide.

  Poison patted her thigh. “Abigail, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You released the doubt and were filled with faith.”

  A firm hand squeezed her arm, and she looked into Scythe’s eyes. “Thank you,” he said. “Your faith will save my brother.”

  Abigail nodded, unable to speak, still feeling the glow of an orgasm rushing through her.

  Scythe stood. “I’m ready.”

  “You will need Benevolence.” Saber unsheathed his sword. Light illuminated the room.

  Abigail winced and shielded her eyes. It was brighter than the sun. Peace and goodness filled her.

  Scythe lowered his head and took the sword. “Thank you.” As the light dimmed, Abigail could open her eyes.

  Saber shrugged. “Despite what you may think, Scythe, I’m not a bastard.”

  He gripped Scythe’s shoulder. “If you need me, call. Don’t be a hero. You’re going into Hell. Balthazar won’t give up Blade without a fight.”

  Scythe stared at Abigail. “I'm not going alone. Blade’s true angel-mate is running through me. Balthazar can’t fight against love.”

  Abigail frowned. “Love?”

  “Yes,” Scythe said. “There is no weapon more powerful than love. T
ouch Benevolence.”

  His commanding voice startled her. She had an undeniable urge to touch the sword, nothing mattered but caressing the ebony handle. When she gripped it, Benevolence glowed white, then changed to red and silver. Tingling power flowed up her hand and through her body. Tremors shook her, and heat swelled inside her. She cried out as she collapsed onto her knees.

  Saber bent and clasped her hand. He brought her to her feet. “You’ve done well, girl.”

  Abigail nodded and opened her mouth to say something, but only exhaled a long sigh.

  A white glow outlined Scythe, and his wings shimmered. Warmth spread through her, not the fiery hot touch that Blade aroused in her, but a blanketed, peaceful feeling.

  “Abigail,” he said. “I’m going to get Blade. You must be prepared. Gather your strength. He’s been in Hell and will be a ravaged, angry man when he returns. Only you can heal him. Do you understand?”

  She swallowed. “I understand.”

  He dropped his hand. “You will not recognize him when he returns. Time is irrelevant down there. Minutes seem like years. Be prepared and pray.”

  Dread permeated her and chased away the glow. Would Blade recognize her? What if she didn’t possess the power to heal him?

  Both Saber and Poison got on their knees, their heads bent and mumbling. Their wings spread out, their palms pressed together. She knelt, next to Poison and recited the Lord’s Prayer.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Blade panted and pressed his back against the hard stone wall. He had only a few minutes before the next round of torture began. His chains were gone, but he was now in the center of the coliseum. Discarded human bones littered the rocky ground. The stench of gore and blood churned his gut. Demons were crammed in the stands and clapped and roared. This wasn’t going to be good.

  They chanted, “Kill the bitch. Kill the bitch.”

  Blade ignored the jeers and hoots. Growls and snarls sent his toes curling on the rough ground. A metal gate creaked and lifted slowly. Hellhounds pushed their noses through the bars, drool dripping from their gnashing teeth. Cold fear threatened to stab his beating heart. He wanted to run and climb out of the coliseum, but only smooth walls surrounded him. Even if he managed to climb out, the demons would toss him back into the ring.