{"id":95,"date":"2024-04-12T10:33:30","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T16:33:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.CatesPress.com\/?page_id=95"},"modified":"2024-04-12T11:11:30","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T17:11:30","slug":"as-above-so-below-chapter-16-18","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.CatesPress.com\/?page_id=95","title":{"rendered":"As Above, So Below: Chapters 16 – 18"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CHAPTER 16<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next morning had passed uneventfully. Kira had woken up in her bed, Mr. Fluffypants stuffed under her chest. She\u2019d spent little time getting dressed and gone downstairs to get a coffee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pam was in the cafe and eager to chat. They sat by the window, Kira staring out at the street, and Pam going on and on about her favorite bands, tv shows, and movies. Every word seemed to blend together and Kira grew increasingly bored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou sure are thinking hard over there,\u201d Pam said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira snapped out of her trance and pulled her gaze from the window. \u201cSorry. I guess I do have a lot on my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI saw him come out of your apartment last night.\u201d Pam added out of the blue, winking. \u201cI wasn\u2019t spying or anything, but I happened to be up and heard your door open and shut. I thought maybe you needed a nightcap.\u201d She idly stirred her coffee with a spoon. \u201cWhat\u2019s it like?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHuh? What is what like?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know\u2026\u201d Pam lowered her voice to a near whisper and leaned over the small bistro table. \u201cFucking a demon. Is it good?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWoah!\u201d Kira\u2019s eyes were wide as she frantically glanced around the cafe. As if, just by talking about him, Azrin would walk in at any moment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re just friends. He\u2019s helping me\u201d she searched for the right words. \u201cAdjust. He\u2019s just helping me adjust.\u201d She rolled her eyes, \u201cSheesh, Pam. You have a dirty mind.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell I was just curious is all.\u201d She took a sip of her coffee. \u201cI mean, I would do it. If a demon had any interest in me, especially Azrin, he\u2019s gorgeous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She wasn\u2019t wrong, Kira knew it. Azrin was gorgeous. Everything from that night black hair, his muscular body, even his tail and horns were attractive in a weird sort of way. But it was his eyes, those pools of moonlit night, the way they had danced on her face last night, that made something inside of her stir to life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re just friends.\u201d she said again. \u201cI think I need a nap. Thanks for the coffee, Pam.\u201d Kira was up from the table, taking her mug to the dish station. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pam called out, \u201cAnytime girlfriend, I\u2019m here if you need me!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHAPTER 17<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back in her apartment, Kira shuffled through the closet full of clothes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat, exactly, does one wear to meet the Prince of Darkness?\u201d she wondered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She held up a slinky blue dress, then tossed it to the side. She inspected a tattered Black Sabbath t-shirt. Too literal, it went into the pile as well. Eventually, everything she owned was in a pile on the bed. She stood in the middle of the room, in her underwear, thinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll probably have to walk for a while. They don\u2019t have a train in the old city. Maybe something comfortable. Yeah. That makes the most sense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She settled on a pair of black leggings, a cropped white t-shirt and her neon pink sneakers. She pulled her hair up into a high ponytail and added a coat of mascara to her lashes. It seemed silly that she wore makeup in hell, but if she was being honest, everything about this place seemed silly sometimes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira was sitting at the kitchen island drinking a glass of much needed liquid courage. It was mostly cranberry juice and only one shot of vodka. Ok, one and a half shots of vodka. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The knock on the door was like lightning to her senses. She opened it to see Azrin standing there in a highly tailored military style suit, black of course. His jacket was adorned with gold pins and a few ribbons of various colors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs that what you\u2019re wearing?\u201d he asked by way of greeting, brows high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with it? Should I change?\u201d She looked down at herself, nervously, then back at him with more confidence. \u201cI\u2019m not changing.\u201d she replied. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat the fuck are you wearing?\u201d She gestured toward his finery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azrin dusted his hand over one side of his chest, smoothing the material. \u201cA uniform. In the service of his majesty and all that.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He peered past her into the apartment. \u201cSorry I\u2019m early, can I come in?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira stepped aside to let him into the room and his eyes caught on the drink sitting on the island. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDrinking already?\u201d he asked casually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust a little liquid courage. Want some?\u201d she answered, reaching for the glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His shoulders sagged and he sighed heavily. \u201cYes, but make mine without the fruit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She poured the vodka into a glass and handed it to him. He let out a little huff as he sipped from it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCan demons get drunk?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, but I do enjoy it. I guess I spent so much time above that I\u2019ve become accustomed to it, the taste, the ritual.\u201d He sipped at the drink again, sucking in a breath between his teeth as the alcohol burned his tongue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira looked up at the ceiling, as if she could see the earth and grass, buildings, people, and sky above her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She had once seen a poster in a bodega that read \u201cAs above, so below\u201d. It had an illustration of a tree with its branches full and its roots spread in a mirror image below the ground. She had never thought twice about that poster, or the fact that it might have been the most accurate thing she\u2019d ever seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azrin finished his drink and set the glass on the counter, \u201cWe should go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The train ride was noisy, busier than she\u2019d usually seen it, but Azrin didn\u2019t talk, so she didn\u2019t either. There was nothing to say. They were walking toward some kind of fate, some unavoidable decision for both their futures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira paid attention this time as they walked toward the place where the barrier would be. She noted when the sidewalk gave out, how the ground gradually turned darker, and the lack of greenery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She still never saw the barrier, even when they approached it and heard Azrin take a steadying breath. There was no wall, no light, no shimmer or mirror. It just was the hell she\u2019d grown to know and then it was the one she\u2019d learned about in Sunday school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She started to step into the other world when Azrin paused and shifted uncomfortably. His back twitched and he craned his neck from one side to the other in a quick jerking motion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira leapt backwards as massive wings sprouted from Azrin\u2019s back. They were dark, membranous wings, like a bat\u2019s, she thought, with veins of red and dark ochre running through the thinly stretched skin. Black talons, larger versions of his finger nails, stood atop the points of the wings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have wings?\u201d she asked tentatively, gawking at him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, I have wings,\u201d he answered flatly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me? I\u2019ve never seen them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey’re conjurable. I prefer to keep them hidden as they tend to frighten the residents.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCool\u201d she said, drawing the word out. She walked a slow circle around him, studying them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But when she reached out a hand to stroke the skin that looked so taught and soft like velvet, he turned quickly to face her. She was inches away from touching his chest when she yanked her hand back to herself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPlease don\u2019t touch them. We need to keep going and if you touch my wings, I won\u2019t be able to walk straight,\u201d he said and Kira\u2019s eyes widened at the implication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was a skinny, curving path that cut through the jagged stone. Obsidian, Kira realized. Stones made from cooling lava, shining and sharp as knives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they walked she stared in wonder at the scenery around her. The whole place looked like it had been carved from obsidian. There were caves in the cliff walls and fires were burning everywhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She assumed that it would be very dark here if it weren\u2019t for all the lit fires and torches, but it definitely made the place feel like hell. She heard that familiar animal laughter and stepped closer to Azrin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey won\u2019t bother you. Not if you stay with me.\u201d he said to reassure her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the distance she could see the castle. She didn\u2019t know what to expect, but the white, shining collection of towers was not it. The firelight danced off the white stone facade and played with reds and yellows along the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPrince Azrin.\u201d A serpentine voice spoke out of the darkness and a bulky figure appeared. He was dressed in the same uniform as Azrin, had the same wings, but he was larger, had a darker, rust-colored complexion, and was generally more menacing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something about the darkness in his eyes was the darkness of nightmares, not like the comforting darkness of Azrin\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azrin paused to greet the other demon, \u201cPrince Belial.\u201d He stuffed his hands into his pockets and dipped his head in a mocking bow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt would be my luck to run into you today.\u201d Azrin\u2019s lips curled up in a sneer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt has been an age since I last saw you in the city, brother. Enjoying your time with the mortals, I assume.\u201d His bottomless eyes turned to Kira and a shiver raked down her spine. \u201cEnjoying one more than the others? She is a delicious creature.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hulking beast of a demon took one step toward her, his pointed tongue passing between his lips. His eyes dragged from her feet to the top of her head and back down to her face. Azrin moved to position himself between them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe is a guest of his majesty. So, brother\u201d The word came out like an insult, \u201cif you\u2019ll let us pass, we\u2019ll be out of your way.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA guest of his majesty? A mortal?\u201d Belial hissed. \u201cCurious indeed. I surely hope you haven\u2019t been up to your old habits.\u201d A sinister smile fixed on his face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acid, his voice was acid eating away at her soul. She couldn\u2019t stand it, the sulfuric taste it left on her tongue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCome on,\u201d she said, grabbing Azrin\u2019s hand. \u201cWe need to keep going.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She looked up at the dark demon and steeled her expression. \u201cSorry to interrupt this family reunion or whatever the fuck it is, Prince Belial. But we have shit to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azrin\u2019s lips widened into a grin as he stepped away from Belial and followed Kira\u2019s steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Belial called out from behind them, still on the path, \u201cGood luck with that one, brother. I think you\u2019ll need it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira turned to look up at Azrin, still gripping his hand. \u201cPrince?\u201d she asked, her brows knitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He loosed a sigh, \u201cAnother time. I\u2019ll explain, but not now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They walked a bit further when Kira cut through the silence. \u201cThat guy was horrible. Is he really your brother? I couldn\u2019t decide if he wanted to fuck me or eat me.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEither? Both maybe,\u201d Azrin shrugged. \u201cSome of my\u201d he paused. \u201cSome of my relatives are, let\u2019s just say, a bit old fashioned. Belial probably hasn\u2019t seen a human woman in centuries. His flirting skills are a bit rusty.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira rolled her eyes, \u201cYours aren\u2019t much better.\u201d She laughed and his chuckle was melodic in her ears, replacing the acid of Belial\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It felt as if they had been walking this path for hours and yet the landscape never seemed to change. Occasionally she spotted one of those little round baby demons poking out from behind a rock, their clicking and hissing language drifting around her. The white palace still loomed ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At long last, they reached the entrance, and Kira realized that the castle was not made of white stone, but bones. Bones from every kind of creature. Bones carved with intricate scenes and words in a script she couldn\u2019t read. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She reached out and dragged her fingertips along one of the bones in wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHuman, animal, demon, angel. Every kind of bone.\u201d Azrin said. \u201cHonestly though, best not to go around touching everything.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira pulled her hand down and stuffed it into a side pocket on her leggings. As she did, Azrin placed his hand on one of the heavy looking doors. The one that he touched swung open slowly, and creaked ominously. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before them was a circular room carved from that shining black stone. The floor was glittering so much in the torch light that it looked like a deep pool of oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira stepped carefully, following closely behind Azrin toward a massive wooden door braced with steel. There was another winged, almost human demon standing at the closed door. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This one was less menacing than Belial, but his features were sharp, severe. He had deep red hair that hung to his shoulders in loose waves and his skin was the color of freshly tilled soil. His eyes weren\u2019t black, but liquid gold. They fixed on Kira instantly as he bowed deeply at the waist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBrother. Miss McKinley. It is with great pleasure that I greet you\u201d This demon was formal and even spoke with a measured, almost archaic accent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azrin bowed at the waist and nudged Kira to do the same. \u201cBeezlebub. I assure you, that the pleasure is mine. Your greeting is a welcome sight.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira stared at this demon in awe. He was old, older than Azrin or Belial, maybe one of the oldest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sensual female tone spoke from behind them \u201cPrince Azrin,\u201d she crooned. \u201cI heard you were coming today, but didn\u2019t believe it. It has been very lonely without you, little brother.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She came up alongside Azrin and trailed her fingers along his forearm. She was beautiful, dangerously beautiful. Her leather pants hugged every curve of her hips and a black leather corset pushed her full breasts up and out on display. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her golden skin, much like Azrin\u2019s, glowed in the torch light and her long black hair hung in perfect curls around her shoulders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never removing her hand from Azrin, she trailed across his chest, to his other side and her finger tips landed on Kira\u2019s bare arm. She stood a few inches taller than Kira and surveyed her with heavy lidded eyes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So those were demon bedroom eyes, Kira thought as she held her breath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou brought a pet.\u201d She smiled like a cat at a caged parakeet. \u201cYou\u2019ll let me play with her, won\u2019t you Azzy?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Something stirred in Kira\u2019s core, heat building between her thighs. \u201cShe smells incredibly delicious.\u201d The woman\u2019s fingers dragged over Kira\u2019s bare stomach, claws lightly scraping the flesh. Kira tightened, trying to stay perfectly still. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough, Lilin. She is not your play-thing. Her presence here was requested by his majesty.\u201d Azrin said, pulling the woman\u2019s hand away from Kira\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lilin pushed out her full bottom lip in a pout. \u201cToo bad,\u201d she said, eyes roving over Kira\u2019s body, \u201cShe looks like fun\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beezlebub spoke up, clearing his throat, \u201cHis majesty is not here. He was called away to a most urgent matter. I apologize for this delay in your journey, Brother. He shall return tonight, though it will be late. He has requested that you stay in the palace and meet with him after he has returned and rested.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fear twisted Kira\u2019s gut. Staying the night in Satan\u2019s palace seemed like the worst idea, especially if these demons were roaming about with their appetites. She looked up at Azrin whose face was neutral, bored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is merely an inconvenience, Brother. Of course we will stay and await his majesty\u2019s return.\u201d He shifted his body a bit closer to Kira, it seemed a casual shift, but she knew it was for her comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExcellent.\u201d Beezlebub replied stoically. \u201cIf I had had more time,\u201d He turned his molten eyes to Kira, \u201cIf I had had time to prepare, my lady, I would have made a feast for you. To celebrate my brother\u2019s return, but I\u2019m afraid that isn\u2019t the case. Instead some refreshments will be brought to your room.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Damn it all if this demon wasn\u2019t the most respectful male she\u2019d ever met. Chivalrous, that was the word Kira used in her head. Like knights she\u2019d seen in old movies about Arthurian legends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps he had been one of those knights. He was ageless, afterall, and she assumed that if Azrin could walk in the waking world, so could his siblings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d love to accompany you to your room,\u201d Lilin crooned. \u201cI\u2019m sure we could find ways to pass the time.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lilin stared at Kira longingly underneath her thick black lashes. Kira felt envious of those lashes. Modern women would pay a fortune to have them. She assumed Lilin knew exactly how beautiful she was, probably she was crafted that way. Built to tempt men to their darkest desires, or some shit like that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lilin linked her arm with Kira\u2019s and she felt that traitorous heat building between her thighs again. Her cheeks flushed and became hot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azrin must have noticed, because he linked his arm through Kira\u2019s other and pulled her toward him. For a moment, Kira worried that the two of them would fight over her and rip her in half. But Azrin shot a glaring look at his sister and she released Kira\u2019s arm, backing away a step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI just remembered,\u201d she said bitterly, \u201cI left some toys in my own chambers. They\u2019re probably lonely. I should give my attention to them. A pleasure to see you as always, Azrin. And you,\u201d she slid her eyes to Kira, \u201cperhaps we\u2019ll meet again, under less restrictive circumstances.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She shot Azrin a glare now and Kira swore he snarled at her. Apparently, demons were possessive creatures. Who would have guessed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beezlebub led them up a winding staircase. Torches on the stone wall lit the way, but it was dark and Beezlebub\u2019s wings filled the space in front of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They reached a landing and Beezlebub turned the gold handle on a wooden door. Through the door lay a large room decorated with deep red wallpaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is where you are to stay tonight. His majesty said you were close. I hope you don\u2019t mind sharing this space.\u201d Beezlebub stood with his hand on the door, holding it open for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, this will be fine.\u201d Azrin answered. \u201cWe are grateful for his majesty\u2019s hospitality.\u201d He bowed his head and walked into the room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CHAPTER 18<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They bid Beezlebub goodnight and Kira followed him into the room, shutting the door behind her and checking for a lock. She was a bit disturbed to find that there wasn\u2019t one, but she pushed that fear aside and turned to survey the large space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The floors were stone, the same as the walls, but plush rugs covered most of it and tapestries hung on the walls. The largest tapestry depicted a battle scene, angels on one side, with their white, feathered wings and demons on the other, their black skinned wings shining against the light, swords drawn and rushing toward each other. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The furniture in the room was heavy, dark wood. A sitting area on one side with a cold fireplace and a large canopy bed on the other. She spotted the round table and two high-backed chairs by a window and decided it was the best place to sit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne bed, huh? I think I read a book like this once.\u201d She smiled as she said to Azrin, who was staring out the small window, shifting his wings back into their hiding place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cApparently Lucifer knows we\u2019re friends. He probably delights in pushing us together, and desires an awkward situation.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He turned around to face her. \u201cI\u2019ll sleep on the couch.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can fight about that later,\u201d she replied, and stood to walk over to the sitting area, anxiety propelling her through the room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A low table sat in front of the fireplace. It was laden with dishes full of fruit and cheese and bread, as well as a clear glass pitcher of some mostly clear, slightly golden liquid and two intricately cut crystal glasses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWine?\u201d she asked, staring at the pellucid liquid that she was pretty sure wasn\u2019t water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI doubt it. Even the finest vintage wouldn\u2019t be good enough.\u201d Azrin answered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He strolled over to the table and lifted the pitcher, sniffing the contents. He poured some of the light amber liquid into one of the glasses and handed it to her. \u201cHonied citrus water. Ambrosia, if you wish to call it that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira took a sip from the glass and let out a small whimper. It was the most refreshing, most delicious drink she\u2019d ever had. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She plucked a fat strawberry from one of the trays, \u201cCan I eat this?\u201d
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHelp yourself, I highly doubt he\u2019ll try to poison you. It\u2019s not his style.\u201d Azrin said as he poured the ambrosia into a glass for himself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He sat down in an armchair and made a flourishing gesture toward the fireplace. Fire sprang to life in the hearth and the warm glow filled the room, the light bouncing off his shining horns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira glared at him in amazement. \u201cYou have wings and magic?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKira,\u201d his voice was level, \u201cI’m a demon. I can conjure a little fire.\u201d His smile was slightly devious, causing more of those little flutters in her stomach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira plopped down into the armchair opposite him, taking small bites of the strawberry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo, wanna tell me what all that Prince Azrin business was about? How much your siblings have missed you?\u201d She blurted out, as if she\u2019d been dying to ask. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azrin sighed and set his glass down on the table. He leaned back in the chair and put his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling as he spoke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am a prince of Hell. Like Belial and Beezlebub, loyal servants to our creator. We were originally created to be great warriors, generals commanding lesser demons in the event of a war with Heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira\u2019s eyes drifted to the tapestry behind him, \u201cA war with Heaven?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNever happened,\u201d Azrin followed her line of sight. \u201cThat\u2019s just some made up chauvinism. The war never came and the soldiers were eventually reassigned to other duties. My siblings and I were given the task of emissaries to the mortal world. We traveled above, tempting humans into sin at first, and then tempting them to think; to reject Yahweh and to create and explore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLike what? The Renaissance? Did you do that?\u201d She interrupted, eyes wide with wonder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azrin smiled and shook his head. His hair had become ruffled in the journey and the movement caused it to fall into his face, black tendrils trying to curl in the heat of the fireplace. \u201cNo, humans did that. We merely planted the seeds. You clever humans did all the cultivating.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He rose to his feet and walked toward the bed, unbuttoning his jacket. The black, collarless, dress shirt underneath clung to his chest and he undid a few of the top buttons, revealing the gleaming skin beneath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tossing the jacket onto the nearby chair, he continued, \u201cMy brothers didn\u2019t care for the mortal world. They are older than I am and prefer the old ways of interacting with humans.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He took a deep breath, as if voicing something not only difficult, but maybe something he hadn\u2019t voiced in years, centuries. \u201cI, on the other hand, found humans immensely interesting. I enjoyed being with them, seeing how their minds and hearts worked. I liked the mortal world.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He slid his dark eyes to her. \u201cA lot, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira took a drink from her glass again and waited patiently for him to speak again, not wanting him to stop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Azrin crumpled back into the armchair, \u201cWhen Lucifer finally called us all home, I didn\u2019t come.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

His shoulders slumped and his gaze darkened with an immense sadness. \u201cI stayed in the mortal world. I tried to hide from him. It was\u2026\u201d He paused. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was foolish. I was young and I took a risk that didn\u2019t pay off.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kira nibbled another strawberry, trying to affect a casualness she absolutely didn\u2019t feel. His words sent pangs of sadness through her heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course I was caught and brought back here, to the palace. Lucifer was, let\u2019s say displeased. The punishment was to strip me of my ranks, most of my power and my emissary duties. He put me on intake and acclimation duty, usually reserved for lesser demons, and I was no longer welcome at the palace, separated from my family.\u201d Shame, that was shame in his eyes. Shame that made Kira\u2019s chest hurt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t been to the palace in a very long time. So you\u2019ll forgive me if all of this is a bit difficult.\u201d His hand gesture was sadness, frustration, and resignation all in one movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAzrin,\u201d Kira breathed his name, her eyes were soft and shining with the beginnings of tears. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She rose from her seat and knelt next to his chair, gently touching the hand that had fallen to his knee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not the same, but I think I understand. I had my family taken away too. My mom died ten years ago and all my friends have gotten married and moved away. Before I came here, my life was one lonely failure after another.\u201d She\u2019d never voiced that to him, to anyone. Only to herself had she said those words, felt them to be true. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

His warm hand caressed her face as a fat tear spilled over onto her cheek. He caught it on his finger and wiped it away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have something that I want to give you,\u201d he said standing and helping her to her feet. \u201cIt\u2019s just a trinket, but it\u2019s something I found once in the waking world and I just,\u201d he reached into his pocket, \u201cI want you to have it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He pulled out a dark jewel on a delicate gold chain. The jewel was a sparkling black diamond set with tiny gold leaves around it. It was old, older than Kira could even imagine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou want me<\/em> to have this?\u201d She protested. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat belongs in a museum, Azrin.\u201d She studied the necklace dangling from his beautiful, but otherworldly hand. It was alluring, almost calling to her, as if it had always been hers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He shook his head, \u201cI want you to have it. Before you, my faith in humanity had waned. But meeting you, I feel like there is still strength up there, still people fighting, every day.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He held the chain up and began to unclasp it. \u201cSo, for that, and for being my friend. Please accept it as a thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There was no way she could refuse his honesty, so she turned in place and allowed him drape the necklace over her head and clasp it at the nape of her neck. His breath was a summer\u2019s breeze, and she shivered at his gentle touch as his claws tenderly scraped the back of her neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When she turned back to face him, his eyes were full of stars again. An entire universe of stars lay in his eyes. She clutched the gem now resting on her chest and did the only thing she knew to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Return to Chapter List<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

CHAPTER 16 The next morning had passed uneventfully. Kira had woken up in her bed, Mr. Fluffypants stuffed under her chest. She\u2019d spent little time getting dressed and gone downstairs to get a coffee.  Pam was in the cafe and eager to chat. They sat by the window, Kira staring out at the street, and…<\/p>\n

Read More “As Above, So Below: Chapters 16 – 18”<\/span> »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-95","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.CatesPress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/95","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.CatesPress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.CatesPress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.CatesPress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.CatesPress.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=95"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.CatesPress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/95\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":109,"href":"https:\/\/www.CatesPress.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/95\/revisions\/109"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.CatesPress.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=95"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}