Page 11 of Signed in Blood

“So, now how does this work?” Murphy questions. “What happens next again?”

Jake peers down, exclaiming, “Now we wait for Satan to follow through.”

My stomach churns at the thought of having to grant these monsters their sacrifice, but a deal’s a deal. And they have no idea what awaits them after. Because there is always an after, and no one ever seems to prioritize that.

I have to hold up my end of the bargain, it’s why evil turns to me anyway. This is what I do.

“What about the body?” Warren asks.

Jake shrugs. “We leave her here. The animals will eat her. She won’t last more than a day with the bears and coyotes. They already smell her blood.”

A physical pull keeps me from entering the forest until they finally leave her there alone. Their arrogant laughs echo through the trees as the crows caw above my head, growing louder and louder. Wild animals begin to loudly make noise, feeling the evil dwelling among them.

Me.

More of my birds, my companions, flock to the branches above her body.

Once the band’s gone, I hurry to Lilith and for a second, I allow myself to try and save her in any way I can. There’s a faint beat of her heart, but little by little, the life in her disappears before my eyes.

For another minute, I take in the sight of her again, closer this time. Lilith’s limp body is tied down on a circular wooden board, locking her in place as she’s naked with goosebumps and blood covering her from head to toe.

Her nails are broken. Her hazel eyes bloodshot.

Slowly, I lay my left hand on top of my right over her face, focusing all of my energy into her very soul. I absorb all the pain she’s feeling, allowing her death to be gentle. I try to comfort her, give her any peace despite the impending doom they caused her soul.

Although her mascara runs and her tears are frozen on her reddened cheeks, I feel her rage and I leave it there, she’s going to need it. Or perhaps it’s selfish of me. Because I know the foolish choices anger can make. For the first time, I allow myself to feel close to a human. For centuries, I’ve lived alone, not allowing any light or love into my life. I’ve felt nothing but loneliness.

One glance at her and it was like my heart began to tick again and yet I know, I can never be what she wants.

But I can be what she needs.

I relish in that, seeking a bit of comfort. I’m not good, yet you wouldn’t know that with how I feel right now.

I let her feel every bit of fury at her sacrifice and what they put her through.

The old magic requires an incantation.

One I’ve never uttered.

I’ve never desired to, and I know the outcome is irreversible. But I need this. She needs this too. I know it so. I know this rage. I’ve lived with it for far too long. I can help her. All she has to do is agree.

Maybe it’s my way of making amends for my family’s souls, or maybe I just need someone to stand beside me on my throne. I can’t tell you one way or another, the only thing I can do is make a deal with her in the same way I did with Satan centuries ago. It’s all I can offer, it’s the only peace she’ll ever get.

The past always has a way of catching up to you and she’s mine to keep. My hands are calloused from a life of brutality. Against the softness of her chilled skin, my heat and magic force a gasp from her lips.

Yessss.

Her last breath.

It is mine.

She is mine.

At least…

Her soul is.

Chapter Seven