Page 2 of An Unexpected Ascension
When I open my eyes again, he points to the left of the gate at a small black box with a single red button on it.
“Right.” I stretch my hand out, but before I hit the button, I turn to him. “This might sound insane, but… where are we?”
He quirks a brow and combs an inked hand through his dark hair.
“Heaven, Angel.”
Rolling my eyes, I let out an amused scoff. “Right.”
He smirks, now crossing his arms over his chest as he presses me with his stare, urging me to get on with it.
“So, you’re really not going to tell me, then?” With a hesitant finger, I push the button, triggering the gate to slowly crawl open.
“You’ll find out soon enough.” He stretches out his arm, gesturing me through. “After you.”
I push past him and strut forward, but then realize I have no idea where I am going. Looking behind me, I expect to find him trailing along, but he’s already headed in a different direction.
“Wait!” I call after him, jogging to catch up. “Briar. My name.” I pause for a moment to take a breath. “My name is Briar.”
Botched it.
“Okay, Briar.”
There’s that smirk again. Maybe if he stopped doing that, I’d be able to focus on my own thoughts enough to speak like a normal human being.
His pace picks up as he walks ahead of me.
“Aren’t you going to tell me your name?” I ask as I try to match his stride.
“No.”
Huh. Okay then...
“Rude.”
“Trust me, you don’t want it.”
“Okay, stranger. Where am I supposed to go?”
He nudges his chin behind me toward a building with an overly large banner deeming it the Welcome Center. Before I can turn back around to thank him, he’s disappeared.
I climb the steps to an old, off-white colonial building with a roof that’s held up by four large pillars. Then, yank open the heavy, navy-blue door. Its hinges are much quieter than I expect. Although, to hell with expectations because I still have no idea where I am.
Inside is an empty, well-lit foyer with white marble flooring and a reception desk at the back of the room. It's stationed in front of colorful stained-glass windows that allow the natural light to leak through in just the right amount.
On the desk is a bell that sits directly in the center. There’s no chair or computer, no paperwork... just a bell.
I listen to hear any sign of other people, but I’m met with a stifling silence. This building looks like it should have folks bustling around, bumping into one another in a rush to get things done. Only, there’s not a soul in sight.
So, I do what my gut tells me to do and ring the bell. The sound chimes loudly, echoing against the walls and glistening floors. Spinning on my heels, I follow the noise to the front of the building and wonder if I will see anyone descend the stairs to the right.
No one. Not a sound.
“What the he?—”
“Not Hell.” A chirpy little voice startles me.
Shocked by yet another person appearing out of nowhere today, I jump at her words, twirling back around to face the desk.
