The truth was, I only knew what I was told.Information was not readily shared in Heaven, especially information about those in the fiery pits.
No, Matthew always said we were only given the information and tools to do what was needed of us.It gave us all a sense of purpose, and we didn’t need to wonder or feel anxious about not knowing something.Heaven itself was designed to be a pleasurable place.A respite.
I thought about it as his words settled on me.A strange twist in my stomach made me feel nauseous.
“I only know what I absolutely need to know, in order to do my job,” I bit.
“And what’s that?”he asked, his tone light, curious even.
I supposed it was just general conversation, it wasn’t like I’d be giving away trade secrets or anything, so I didn’t think twice about answering.
“I am a concierge,” I said proudly.
Endor scoffed.“So your job is to be pretty and get the coffee then?”he drawled sarcastically.
I scoffed at his insinuation.My job was important!I was an integral part of the order of Heaven!
“I suppose Hell is in such utter chaos all the time, that you would notbeginto understand the importance of my job.”
Endor scoffed in return.
“I am responsible for looking up souls and giving them their assignments.Their jobs, homes...”
“That sounds kind of similar to what I do, actually.”He grunted.
“Except there is no coffee in Hell.Not in my office, anyway.”
“Good God, it really is the pits down there,” I said, wrinkling my nose.
“It’s not so bad.Most of the time, anyway.It’s always hot, sure, but it’s the only home I’ve ever known.”
I pause for a moment, his words settling on me.
“What do you mean the only home you’ve ever known?Do you not remember your time alive, on earth—”
Endor sighed.“I’ve never left Hell, Valory.I was born there.The only way out for me is if I become a reaper, which I fully intend to do.”
His words were startling.I had no reason to believe he was telling me the truth, that this wasn’t some ill-conceived plan to throw me off guard or something, but his words felt heavy and true.
I’d been told demons were made, that they were rotted human souls, possessed by great evil.
But Endor wasborna demon.
Life was a gift from God himself, wasn’t it?
His talk ofhomemade me think about my own.I still remembered my home on the surface, my parents, my life.But it wasn’t home anymore, and it hadn’t been for a long time.Home was...Heaven.
And I didmissit.
Delilah and her collection of romance books, my dog.
I even missed my job at the Annex, working under Matthew.
Matthew...
Thinking about him made my skin crawl.The way he touched me, the things he insinuated...
Not looking where I was going, I walked directly into Endor, nearly taking him down.
