Hell's Gift

by Haigwood, K. S.

  In mid-swing my branch snapped and, with wide eyes, I watched my fingers close around air.

  I fell.

  Chapter 31

  Josselyn

  Josselyn didn’t have a clue where to find Malcolm, so she started with central. She had noticed it was where he spent most of his time anyway, in the LOD room.

  There seemed to be a ruckus going on when she arrived. Several people were just standing outside, by the fountain, looking at the entrance with worried expressions.

  She studied them a moment, then left them standing there and walked through the door in a rush.

  In the grand hallway, she was almost plowed over from behind by two male angels in tactical LOD wear. They were so consumed by their conversation that they never saw her or even apologized after the fact.

  She fell casually into step behind them and enhanced her hearing to hear their quick, muffled voices better. Whatever had happened must have been pretty confidential. She had never seen anyone, not even members of the LOD, act that way.

  “I don’t know. Troy said he was unconscious when he walked into LOD. I’ve never heard of an angel losing consciousness. Have you?” One of the males asked the other.

  “Wait…” Josselyn said, and placed her hand on the arm of the angel that had been talking. She had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach that she knew the answer to the question before she even asked it, but she had to know what was going on. “Who are you talking about?”

  The male looked at her like he hadn’t been aware there was anyone else listening to him besides his buddy. “Uh…I’m not really at liberty to say, ma’am. You shouldn’t even be in here—”

  Josselyn grabbed the guy by the front of the shirt and slammed him up against the wall. “Tell…me…what happened.”

  His eyes widened in shock and he held his palms out to show her he was unarmed. “Uh…um…I don’t really know. Malcolm was found in front of the speculum a bit earlier, and he was unconscious. We couldn’t get him to respond. His eyes were open, but they looked weird…like crazy weird.” He glanced down to her hands wound tightly in his shirt. “Will you put me down, now?”

  Josselyn immediately let him go, and he dropped the three inches to fall squarely on the soles of his always perfectly polished boots.

  She glanced away from him, nervous because of what she had done to the male, but even more anxious to find out what had happened to Malcolm. “I’m sorry. I…I—gotta go.”

  Josselyn took off, running in the direction of the LOD room, but a group of angels were clustered around the doorway that led to the hall to Isaiah’s office.

  Everything appeared to slow down as two, then four, then eight angels turned to stare at her as she grew nearer to the archangel’s door.

  Troy was up near the front, sitting on a bench, and when he looked up and her eyes locked with his, she knew. Isaiah knew—they all knew. But that still didn’t explain what had happened to Malcolm.

  She kept walking, her head held high. If she was going to be banished, she had every intention of doing it with her pride intact. Perhaps she could really help Rhyan once she got down there with him, she thought.

  The crowd of people parted the center of the aisle so she could enter into Isaiah’s business quarters. It was obvious the archangel had been waiting for her. Tears stung her eyes and she willed them not to fall, demanded they not betray her, but nothing worked. The drops of emotion rolled over her cheeks and then vanished as they fell from her jawline.

  Troy stood and took her hand in his. She wanted to jerk it away and run from the presence of all the inquiring eyes. They’d only needed a little more time. There was no way Isaiah would listen to her; she had no clue where Rhyan was in his quest, and now something had happened to Malcolm. How could something bad possibly happen to an angel in Heaven?

  She wet her lips nervously and glanced at the huge pair of hands encasing her own. “How is Malcolm?” she said, and then cleared her throat.

  Troy shook his head, his forehead creasing in confusion. “I dinnae whit’s happened ta ma friend. Isaiah seems tae think that ye dae. He started mumbling aboot demons and Rhyan and ye, but he’s no responsive.” He framed her face in his big hands and encouraged her to look him in the eyes. “I will help. Aw ye need tae dae is ask, Josselyn.”

  “Josselyn,” Isaiah said calmly from inside his office.

  She nodded to Troy. He removed his hands and took a step back so she could pass.

  Josselyn walked the rest of the way down the short hall and knocked on the doorjamb of Isaiah’s business quarters.

  “Enter, child, and shut the door behind you.”

  Josselyn took a shuddering breath and did as she was told.

  Isaiah

  Isaiah tossed a journal on his desk and walked to the large open window on the East side of his office.

  Heaven was simple, yet exquisite. He looked out at the mountains in the distance, the never-ending amethyst sky, plush green grass, soft enough to lie on without worry of receiving a stain. From where he stood he could see the magnificent clear blue of the Deep Canyon Waterfall. It was one of his most favorite places to go when he needed to think. And thinking was something he’d done much of, of late.

  He sighed and shut the window, noticing once more the beauty of his Father’s Kingdom before turning to face Josselyn. There was a single dark spot on the horizon that had only grown in size since he had last observed it. He should have called a meeting sooner.

  When he caught her terrified expression, he cringed. He was to blame for everything that had happened, and the angel thought she was at fault, that she was to be banished for her actions.

  Isaiah motioned to one of the burgundy leather chairs in front of his desk.

  Josselyn sat and folded her hands in her lap to keep them from visibly shaking, but that hardly helped when her whole body was trembling.

  Isaiah noticed it surprised her when he sat in the other chair beside her instead of sitting in the chair behind his desk. Her eyes widened even more so when he offered her his hand.

  She was hesitant, but slipped her hand onto his soft palm. “I don’t understand.”

  “Neither do I, child, but I’m praying we can fix the damage together.”

  “Where is Malcolm? What has happened to him?”

  He pressed his lips firmly together and, for the first time in his long existence, had trouble finding the right words.

  After taking a healthy breath, he focused on her again. “Josselyn, were you fond of lima beans as a human?” He already knew the answer, but needed her to speak the answer out loud for her benefit.

  Her brow furrowed at his unusual question, but she shook her head and responded without further ado, “No, not particularly.”

  He nodded. “I would like for you to tell me that you love lima beans,” he said and then patted her hand.

  “But I can’t—”

  He nodded in understanding. “You must try, so you will understand what I am trying to explain to you.”

  “I love lima beans.” Josselyn’s eyes widened in shock and she covered her agape mouth with her hand.

  Isaiah huffed, but squeezed her hand gently. “Malcolm was possessed by a demon and I am the only one to blame.” Josselyn gasped, but Isaiah only continued. “I knew what the two of you would do when you left here after our last meeting; I may have even subconsciously encouraged it a little. Rhyan would not have ever been able to do this mission without your help. Malcolm is good at putting up a shield, but not as good as he thinks he is. I followed every move you made, dear.”

  Josselyn took back her hand and nervously looked at her lap.

  “I know of you working with Thoros.” Her head shot up at his comment and he smiled. “I see no harm in it as long as you know where your boundaries lie and refuse to let him cross them. Murry is your enemy, and often the enemy of your enemy is your ally. You will need more than the two guards stationed at Kendra’s house when Murry does come, unless you can get T
horos to back you up when that time comes.”

  He felt the confused stare at his back when he stood and walk to the window again. “Malcolm should be fine by now. An exorcism has been performed and the demon has been caged. When Malcolm opened a portal so he could pull Rhyan’s spirit to him from Hell, it connected to the LOD’s speculum and allowed evil into the Heavenly Realm. That is why you are able to lie, why every angel has been granted the privilege of an untrue tongue.”

  “So, what can we do about that and still help Rhyan?”

  “I have sealed the portal, but I’m unsure of the damage it has already caused. I pray the demon we extracted was the only one that slipped through. Malcolm is still Rhyan’s guardian. If he isn’t up for the job after what has happened, then I will take over and try to help Rhyan as best I can. Malcolm has done a fine job so far, but I’m positive he isn’t pleased with me keeping all this knowledge a secret. Until recent events, Rhyan was almost out of the Syde of Sloth.”

  “I’d imagine not. If it wasn’t for being so relieved that we are not going to be banished, I might be a little irritated with you, myself. What recent events?”

  “Rhyan has found himself in a bit of trouble, but I believe he is strong-willed enough to find his own way out. The demon used Malcolm’s weakness against him through the speculum, resulting in it taking total control of his mind and body. He couldn’t help Rhyan, couldn’t even hear him, but I could.”

  “Malcolm’s weakness? What is his weakness?”

  A knock on the solid wood door had Josselyn looking up in alarm. Isaiah walked to his chair behind the desk and sat.

  “It isn’t my place to tell you what any angel’s weakness is. Perhaps you should ask him. Enter, Malcolm.”

  Chapter 32

  Rhyan

  The beasts were no longer snarling and snapping at me. They had both transformed back into their original forms. The male and female were nude, as they laughed and leaned against the trunk of the tree that I thought only moments before had sent me to my imminent, yet temporary, death.

  I almost wished it had. Because now I was waist deep in quicksand and every time I moved I sank a little farther down. I wasn’t within arm’s reach of anything except more quicksand.

  My head low, my jaw set and murder on my mind, I glowered at my company that seemed to find my situation a little on the hilarious side. I didn’t find it the least bit amusing.

  I had another, more troubling problem to deal with, though. Since I had fallen into the sinking sand, and my body was forced to stay still, the fatigue had begun to set in once again. I could feel my muscles relaxing and the need to sleep was overwhelming. My anger at the two laughing hyenas was the only thing keeping me awake, and already I could feel that dissipating away to a mild irritation.

  I would sleep soon, and then my unconscious body would be dragged from the cavity and toyed with. I couldn’t allow that to happen. I had to do something.

  “Rhyan—”

  “Malcolm, Jesus, where the hell have you been? I could use a little help here.”

  “We’ve had some trouble up here, too. I was possessed by a demon. There is evil in the Heavenly Realm. Nothing you need to worry about. The portal is closed now and I can’t pull you through or send you anything. On a brighter note, Isaiah’s known the whole time we were helping you, but instead of punishing us, he’s going to help.”

  “How is that helping me now?”

  “Stop being a sour-puss and get yourself out of that mess.”

  I looked down. I was up to my pectorals and the speed I was sinking was increasing. I gritted my teeth together. “How do you suppose I do that? You can’t send me a rope to throw over any of the branches to pull myself up, so what are my other options?”

  “Well, your spear is strapped to your back still, and you’re only about ten feet from the tree. The weapon is only about seven foot long, but the length of your arm should more than make up the distance. Stab the tree.”

  “Why didn’t I think of that?” I said, and the corner of my lip curved up into a half smile.

  The faces of the demons sobered, and they seemed to be more cautious of me all of a sudden as they glanced at each other nervously. I’m sure my expression made it clear I knew something they didn’t. I just prayed it would work.

  I reached behind my right shoulder and grasped the wooden hilt of the spear. Weariness crashed down on me even harder, making it extremely tough to pull the lance free of the thick sand. The motion caused me to sink to my armpits. The topside of my hourglass was about to become empty.

  “What are you doing? Just give up!” the female shouted at me and took a step closer, but the male gently placed his hand on her arm.

  “Remember what he said,” the male warned.

  She seemed to pale a little, and I could only assume he was referring to Damien, or maybe even Lucifer, by the look on her face.

  I chose to ignore them. Letting them distract me would only cost me precious time.

  The spear out of the muck, drawn back at arm’s length and ready to be thrust at the tree, I hoped I was as good of an aim as I used to be. There had been no use for spear throwing or jousting as an angel. There was a strong possibility the blade could go astray with how hard I would have to throw it to stick in the thick bole deep enough so I could pull myself to the bank without it coming back out. If that happened…I was screwed.

  “Stop doubting yourself and bloody throw it before you sink, Rhyan.”

  My eyes closed and I let out a mighty roar as the stick left my hand. I heard the thud as metal jabbed wood and my eyes immediately opened.

  “You did it! Now, grab the end before it’s out of your reach.”

  I took in a deep breath and let it out. I had done it, but with the sand up to my neck and the warmth of it cradling my body like a cocoon, I wanted to let it take me under.

  I lazily opened my eyes to the shocked faces of the demons, and could tell the male was beginning to realize how much I wanted to give in to my tiredness.

  “It won’t be long now,” he said and smiled. “I knew his love for the princess wouldn’t be enough to beat Lucifer.”

  “Grab the hilt, Rhyan.”

  I closed my eyes and welcomed the comfort of the sand as it rose above my chin.

  “Rhyan…dammit, grab the bloody hilt! You can’t let him win!”

  I could hear Malcolm mumbling something in my mind, and I knew I should have done what he told me to do, but I’d lost even the energy to pay attention.

  “Rhyan?” Abbi’s voice broke through my mind loud and clear and my eyes shot open just as the quicksand reached my nose. “I’m not giving up. You made me promise that I wouldn’t give up on us, so why are you? Please—”

  “Abbi? I love you and I’m coming. I won’t give up.” And with that, I grabbed the end of the spear and pulled. My weight, plus the suction and grip the quicksand had on me, made it a near impossible task, but I would do it. I would not rest until Lucifer bowed his head in defeat and handed Abbi’s soul back to her.

  “C’mon, Rhyan! I know you can do this,” she chanted.

  I was tired, but I ignored the fatigue and pulled harder. Determination rushed through every inch of my body, including my eyes that were locked on the two demons at the end of the spear. I pulled harder and fought off the urge to give up. My muscles strained and burned, but I drove them past the breaking point and accepted the pain as my only salvation out of this hell hole.

  The girl demon rushed for the metal blade lodged into the tree and began working it back and forth in an attempt to release it, but the male demon threw a gust of power at her and she fell to the ground. She gave him a heated stare, but stayed where she was.

  Something appeared behind the female, grabbing the focus of every being present. It was a white door. The door to the next syde. The girl jumped to her feet and ran for it. I could hear the searing of her flesh and the shrill yell that followed as soon as her hand fell upon the knob. It was obvious she hadn�
��t earned the right to pass through it.

  I had to keep myself focused and I pulled myself the last foot to the bank. When I glanced up, the male demon had his hand stretched out in front of me. I studied it a moment, then looked up to his face.

  He nodded once. “You have my respect, angel. Nobody here will keep you from going through that door.”

  I clasped my hand around his and he pulled me free of the quicksand.

  Chapter 33

  Rhyan

  My teeth chattering could’ve been heard in Lucifer’s chambers from my location, and I would have gambled my soul again that he was sitting on his throne with a big smile on his face at my discomfort.

  I had to put the acid jacket back on, but it didn’t help much against the kind of blizzard I had to walk through to find my way out of that syde—the Syde of Pride, if Malcolm’s research turned out to be correct. I’d sent him to double check and to hopefully figure out what I needed to do to earn my way out. Staying there a minute longer than I had to was another minute in sheer, agonizing pain.

  The temperature had to be hovering around zero Fahrenheit or below, and it seemed the winds were tugging and nipping at my jacket, desperately trying to find a way inside to chill my bones even further.

  At least there were people here, but none that looked even the least bit friendly. Some were huddled around burning pits or barrels, trying to keep warm, while others only wandered aimlessly as if lost and searching for their lost souls—or maybe they were looking for their sanity. I knew I had to get out of here quick, or there was a good possibility I would lose mine.

  The only positive thing about being in a syde made of ice? I could no longer feel the blisters that covered my feet; they had gone numb, along with my hands, only minutes after opening the door.

  Malcolm said he thought Velan was the prince, and I needed to find him so I could retrieve my object. At first I thought he was crazy to even suggest such a thing, but it didn’t take me long to agree it was the best idea. I could’ve named about ten things that I needed at the moment. Hot chocolate and earmuffs were near the top of the list.