Playing with Devils

Twenty-Three

"How much time do we have left," Coralynn asked simply.

"Plenty," Azura answered. "You both look like you need to take a breather."

"We keep moving," I said grimly, continuing forward.

"Reaper," Coralynn said worriedly. "I don't think I can keep going. Just let me rest for a few minutes."

I stopped in my tracks. "If we don't keep moving, they'll find us again."

"Either way, I'll be slowing us down," she said quietly. "Just a few minutes. Please."

I shut my eyes tiredly, turning around before opening them again. It took only a second to tell how exhausted she looked. Her skin was paler. Her cheeks were a little thinner and sharper.

I had done that.

I dropped my gaze to the ground, shame creeping up in my throat. "You're right," I swallowed. "You should lay down for a while."

She let out a relieved breath. "Thank you," she said softly.

"Don't," I rasped. "Don't thank me. Just lie down."

Hurt confusion flashed in her eyes, but she did as I asked and found a seat against the walls of the tunnel.

Then she shut her eyes and fell asleep almost instantly.

I took a seat across from her, gazing at the aftermath of a crime I didn't commit. I was born branded by this need. I never fed in excess. Not like this. I took what I needed and moved on. I left the gluttony for those residing in the Third.

I often wondered what life would've been like if the rebellion had ended differently. If things had shaken out according to Lucifer's plans, the mortal plane may very well have been a lot different than it was currently. I had no idea what his intended result was. There were so many speculations that it was a common topic before a bar brawl.

"So what's your deal," I heard Azura sigh sitting down a few feet away from me. "How'd you end up with the priestess?"

I lazily looked over at the female.

"Long story," I muttered.

"I've got a few minutes," she chuckled. "Feel free to give me the basics."

"I don't tell my stories to people I don't trust," I said coldly.

She gave a thoughtful sound, taking a moment to think. "I could've just nailed you in the face in that ballroom. Made it easy on myself and taken her–"

"So why didn't you," I asked sharply. "At this point you would've done me a fucking favor."

She let out a soft whistle, laughing awkwardly. "Slow down," she laughed. "I'm not your enemy."

"Then what are you, agent," I asked, my voice nearly a snarl.

She inhaled deeply. "I know who you are," she said quietly. "And I know what you're after."

Rage seeped into my bones forcing my fists and jaw to tighten until it hurt.

"Say another word and I'll do what I should've done from the very beginning. Do not test me, agent," I warned.

"Just relax," she said quickly. "I can save your life."

I laughed bitterly. "Really," I scoffed. "How? What'll it cost?"

"It's better if I work independently. And nothing much," she said. "All I ask is that when you get out, you return to your father."

"No," I growled.