Chapter 15
After what seems like countless days of killing demons in the pit, Michael finally lets me get some rest. As I stagger back through the archway and move toward the spiral staircase, I hear a noise, almost like a hum.
Looking back I see the seal is reforming. Grabbing the handrail, I slowly work my way back up to Heaven. When I reach the top the wall opens automatically and there is Lucius, trainingin the arena.
He sees me and runs over, his face almost turns white.
“What the hell happened to you?” he asks as he grabs my arm and supports me. I’m struggling to keep upright. I’m so exhausted. I guess the look of being covered head-to-toe in demon blood, chunks and gore, is concerning.
“This is what happens when you train with the Archangels,” I reply with a chuckle. “Here, help me to my room, so I can get cleaned up and I’ll meet you at the food hall.” I continue, trying to stand.When did I sit down?
As I get to my feet, I throw my arm over Lucius’s shoulder and he leads us. “How long was I down there?” I ask as we make our way to my room. We pass Frida’s and my heart aches. Fenrir whimpers.
“You were only gone five hours, why?” he replies, giving me another concerned look.
So that means I wasn’t in that pit for five fucking weeks… he wasn’t kidding about the time thing.
“Nothing, just something Michael said,” I reply, yawning. “I’ve got it from here, bud, thank you,” I say, resting my arm against the door and smearing blood all over it, almost falling to the ground.
“No, you’re not, c’mon, let’s…” he starts, but I cut in.
“Really, I’m good. I just need a shower, food and some sleep.” He helps me into my room.
“I’ll wait outside. If you need anything, just holler.”
Sighing, I nod. “Will do. I’ll be out in a bit,” I mutter, waving him out the room. When he closes the door, I start removing my tattered and blood soaked clothes, then make my way to the shower.
I stand there as the water washes away all of the blood gore and filth. I can’t help but think about Frida once again.Us swimming in the waterfall. The sun shining in her red hair. How happy she looked.
Groaning, I grab my soap and quickly wash. As I rinse, I close my eyes. I’m met with flashes of not only what I did in the pit, but what I learned. Standing there I feel my strength starting to return to me as the last of the blood washes away.
I glance down at my hands, clenching my fists and think about how much stronger I am now. I just hope it’s enough to get Frida back.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Who the hell is pounding on my door?
Throwing a towel on, I leave the bathroom, and storm to the door.
“Lucius, I said I’ll be out in a…” I shout as I swing open the door and see Uriel standing there. “What the fuck do you want?” I snap.
“Watch your tone with me, you filthy mutt. Just because you’re Michael’s new pet doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want,” he growls. Storming into the room, he grabs me by the throat and attempts to pick me up off the floor, but can’t.
When he looks down he realizes that I’ve partially shifted and I have my claws dug into the floor.
Reaching up, I grab his forearm and begin to squeeze, as the look of shock washes over him. Pulling his hand off of my throat, I force him out of my room.
“Get this through your fucking head, if you get in my way I will kill you and nobody will stop me,” I bark through gritted teeth. I am done with his shit.
Shoving him out the door, he takes flight and disappears. “Fucking coward,” I mutter as Lucius steps around the corner.
“What the fuck was that all about?” he asks. I shake my head.
“Just Uriel trying to act all tough, but that’s all he is; an act,” I say with a tone of anger as I calm down and shift back.
“I’ve never seen him back down like that from anyone but Michael and Gabriel. What the hell kind of training did they put you through?”
“Trust me, you don’t want to know,” I call over my shoulder as I walk back into the room to get dressed.
