Page 30 of An Unexpected Ascension
I hold what others do not, a gift from Lucifer himself. The gift of borrowing his holy powers to make good on a promise I made back on Earth; to end the Fentonelli line.
Staring out into Hell, my mind tortures me, wandering dangerous terrain. How quickly my fun was ruined.
Closing my eyes, I see jade, a deep, rich shade of green. A color made for Heaven yet embedded in a woman born for Hell. The very idea of her settling by the side of the Gods is blasphemy. I may be soulless, but that woman, she is stemmed from rot. Seeded by a man far worse than the evil thought to be writhing inside Lucifer.
The kind of sin that taints an entire bloodline, born over and over again, never spreading thin that rooted malevolence.
I should have ended her right then and there. Her little show of unfortunate life events lingers in the forefront of my mind, but my pity is reserved for those who deserve it. Every bit of misfortune in her life was the curse I left her bloodline the day I died, so I refuse to be bothered by any of it.
Besides, there are far more important things than eradicating a measly angel.
Hmph.
Angel – what a disgrace to all others, to call that woman an angel.
Stripping down to my undershorts, I climb into the blackened silk sheets, beneath a duvet filled of the softest feathers, and let my body melt into the welcoming bed. Nothing rids my festering thoughts like a blissful slumber void of any dreams.
Chapter 11
The Angel
“Briar?” Will’s voice cuts through my reverie.
Perched on the grass, beside the pool of the fall, I force myself to look away from the point of my descent. I don’t think I’ve let my mind wander too far from the incident moments ago, or maybe it’s been hours. Time here isn’t my friend.
He aims for me with a woman towed behind him, her hand clasped in his. Though her wrinkles match his in age, her short platinum bob lacks any grey. I would say she can’t be any older than Will.
I push myself up to my feet, brushing the imaginary grass off my backside.
“Hey,” I greet, offering a small wave.
There’s an unrestrained smile gracing his face as they near. My gaze rifled with curiosity.
“This is Jessie, my sister. I didn’t realize she had even... passed, but I happened to bump into her at the market the other day and it seems I must have lost track of time.”
Will found his sister...
“Wow!” I finally say, pulling myself from my own thoughts. “That’s crazy. I’m so sorry your life ended, but I’m glad to know you two have found each other.” I grasp her hand in mine, shaking it.
“What a pleasure to meet a friend of Will’s.” She smiles politely.
Friend might be a stretch, but I’ll take it. I could use as many friends as possible here.
“We were just catching up before he realized he had plans to take you somewhere. I didn’t mean to keep you waiting,” she apologizes.
“That was... days ago.”
Will’s face falls. “I am so sorry, Briar! I had no idea how badly I lost track of time.”
“It’s fine, don’t worry about it. This—” I motion between the two, “—is definitely more important.”
“Well, if you’re still up for it, we can go see the Garden of Eden. You wouldn't mind if Jessie joins us, right?” he asks.
My mind reels with inked swirls and murderous blue eyes, with threats of Hell and a death plummet from mere moments ago. I had shared some of my most intimate pieces of my life with a demon, only to be shoved off a cliff with a promise of damnation.
Cluttered and in pieces, I politely decline. “No, you two go. I’m sure you have a lot to catch up on.”
Will’s eyes glitter with question, wondering if he should insist.
