Fighting the Beast: Lucifer's Clock, #3

By T. Hayden

Angelica's worse nightmare has come true. She is living in Abyssal with her father, Lucifer. Their reunion is not at all what she imagined it to be. He is intent on bringing forth the beast within her by any means necessary. With help from an unexpected ally she is able to escape her father's clutches, but for the first time in her life she doesn't have a guardian angel or any family by her side to help her. She is totally on her own and intends to keep it that way if she wants to keep her friends and family safe.

The beast within her is starting to surface more often than not and Angelica is slowly losing control over it. Sooner than later she realizes there is only one battle that matters and that is the one within herself. One way or another Angelica will have to have to fight the beast....

• Language: English
• Publisher: T. Hayden
• Release date: Apr 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201909215

T. Hayden

T.Hayden resides in Newport, Minnesota with her three kids and significant other. She loves her family, but she frequently fantasizes about eloping with a vampire or having a forbidden love affair with a Greek God. To curb her traitorous desires she writes paranormal romances. 

Book preview

Tibor

Tibor gently wiped the blood from his mouth with the sleeve of his jacket. He looked at it for a moment before he licked it. It would be a shame to let one drop of the innocent blood go to waste. He glanced around him and whistled happily as he stepped over the bodies of the innocent girls sprawled across their dormitory room floor. He giggled as he remembered how they had screamed and tried to escape him. That alone had made the kill so much more exhilarating.

In the hallway, he looked one way then the other just to be sure there were no other signs of life. He had drained everyone that lived in the dormitory, but he wanted to be sure he didn’t leave one drop behind. For the first time in his existence, he was in Corporis, the realm of the innocents, so his supply of fresh blood was endless. He sniffed the air hoping to catch a whiff of sweet, innocent blood and let out a dramatic sigh when he didn’t smell anything.

He exited the girl’s dorm building, stepping out into the humid, Louisiana, night air.  The moonlight shined on him as if it was a spotlight and he was a star on the earth’s stage.  A breeze blew his black locks across his face along with a scent that made him freeze and think before taking another step. He growled, his fang’s extended as he prepared himself for an attack. He could sense them lurking in the shadows of the trees.

Show your face, he commanded, his eyes scanned the property looking for who he knew was already there.

One by one, his life-long nemesis slinked out from behind the large, oak trees in their human form.

You are far from home prince, one of the werewolves snapped.

Tibor tried not to show his surprise at the werewolves knowing who he was. Had word spread that fast about the vampire prince being in Corporis?

What is it to you? He asked, quickly descending the steps, and not failing to notice that the werewolves had strategically spread themselves out on both sides of him.  He could easily handle a couple of werewolves, but he had never fought this many at once.

You don’t belong here! Another one snapped.

Tibor acted unaffected and bored at the exchange. Last time I checked, you don’t either, now get out of my way.

The werewolves ignored him and shapeshifted into their wolf form instead. Tibor grew angry at their disobedience. Why did everyone underestimate him?  If it wasn’t his father underestimating him, then it was one of his fellow vampires. Yes, he was a spoiled prince, but he was also a born killer. With a blink of an eye, he attacked the nearest werewolf, catching the others by surprise. He decapitated the werewolf with nothing but his hand and smoothly caught the head with the other. He gave it a disgusted look and dropped it as if it was the most abhorrent thing he had ever seen, then turned his attention back to the others.

Now get out of my way.

The werewolves howled and charged at him. Before the nearest one could reach him, a silver arrow entered its eyeball and through its skull. Tibor backpedaled in shock. Another werewolf went down with an arrow through his forehead. Tibor became the least of the werewolves worries as they looked around for the culprit. Tibor spotted him crouched behind a tree on bended knees and a bow and arrow pointed in their direction. The werewolves spotted him at the same time and turned their attention to him. They charged at him, but they were no match for his silver arrows which he shot with astonishing accuracy and speed. Each one fell in record time.

The stranger came out of his hiding spot and slowly walked towards Tibor. Tibor sniffed the air as the stranger neared him. The scent of werewolf mixed with an innocent filled his nose. The werewolf killer was a bounty hunter. This was surprising since bounty hunters were rumored to be a distant relative to werewolves. Why would a bounty hunter kill his own for a vampire? He smirked to himself. This had his father’s scent all over it.

Prince Tibor, my name is Julius, and I am here on your father’s behalf, the bounty hunter said, confirming Tibor’s thoughts. It’s too dangerous for you to be here in Corporis.

Tibor snorted. I don’t need you or him to tell me what is dangerous for me. With those words he turned into a bat, and flew high into the air, leaving the bounty hunter behind. It wouldn’t take long for the bounty hunter to find him again. They were very good at tracking down their targets because of their heightened senses. This didn’t worry him. It just meant he couldn’t linger too long in one place.

He transformed back into himself when he arrived in the bustling city of New Orleans. He strolled out of an alley into the midst of innocents wearing masks and odd costumes while dancing and playing loud instruments. Male innocents howled in the air at innocent girls on balconies who were lifting their shirts and baring their breasts.  The air was thick with intoxication and debauchery. This almost felt like home to him, except for the endless supply of fresh innocent blood surrounding him. A pair of innocent girls running past him, backtracked and placed beads around his neck then took turns kissing him.

Happy Mardi Gras! They laughed and continued running through the crowd. He smiled at their bravery and stupidity at kissing such a deadly stranger. Tibor looked around not knowing where to start his assault. This was going to be much easier than he had expected. Another couple of girls walking past him threw more beads on him. This time one of them grabbed his hand and pulled him with them as they danced and laughed in the street. Tibor didn’t object. He let them pull him down the street and into a nearby hotel.

Do you want a drink? One of the girls asked, gesturing to the glass of beer in her hand.

I have something else in mind, Tibor said licking his lips as he looked at each of the girl’s necks.

The girls giggled, giving each other looks of understanding. My room or yours? The blonde, blue-eyed beauty asked her friend.

It was mine last time! the equally beautiful black haired Asian-American one exclaimed.

They raced through the halls of the hotel until they reached one of the rooms. The blond one pulled Tibor into the room and started kissing him while the other one started undressing. Tibor kissed the girl back. She moaned as his lips moved from her lips down her cheek to her neck. Her moan quickly changed to a yip, then a scream as Tibor’s fangs pierced her neck and he hungrily guzzled her blood. The other girl started screaming too as she hurriedly picked up her clothes from the floor.

What the hell is going on out here? A new girl stumbled out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel.

H-He bit Andrea! The half-naked girl squealed. She backed up, tripped over her feet, and landed on the floor.

Tibor threw the blond-haired girl to the floor like a piece of discarded trash and swiftly yanked the terrified girl off the floor and into his arms. She fought him, kicking, biting, and thrashing to the best of her ability. Stop fighting me. He demanded. A vacant expression clouded the girl’s eyes. Her arms fell to her side and her head lolled to the side as if she was a newborn infant with no control of her neck muscles.

Oh no...you’re him.

Tibor looked over his shoulder at the girl still standing in the doorway of the bathroom. He smiled at the sight of another tasty morsel. He left the entranced girl standing there, swaying under his hypnosis as he waltzed towards his next victim.

I’m who? he asked.

You’re a v-vampire.

Tibor smirked. Yet you aren’t afraid?

A tear rolled down her face as she shook her head. No, I’m not afraid. I knew you would come one day. I just didn’t know when.

Tibor ignored her strange words. He was inches from her now and his hunger had taken over. Death is inevitable my lady.

Yes, it is...even for you. She leaned her head to the side, inviting Tibor to do what he was meant to do.

For the first time ever, he felt uneasy about his prey. He had never come across an innocent that was ready to die by his hand. He waivered for just an instant, then he yanked her to him and sank his fangs into her neck. He could have numbed the pain she would feel, but he didn’t. He wanted to hear her scream, but the scream he waited for never came, instead she began to speak in an indifferent, emotionless tone.

"Your future I can see,

laid out before me,

Love will blind you,

loyalty will bind two,

Clear as the blue sky,

by the beast hand you will die"

Tibor retracted his fangs and released his hold on the girl. When he stepped back, she was smiling at him and then she collapsed to the floor. Checkmate, she whispered before her eyes rolled back in her head, dried up and crumbled to dust, leaving black holes in her face.

Tibor frowned at the ghastly sight. He had never encountered anything like this before.

Someone chuckled behind him. Look who killed a seer. Tibor didn’t turn have to turn around to know it was the bounty hunter.

It’s said that if you kill a seer, they will tell you your demise. Did she tell you anything interesting?

Tibor looked at the girl and swallowed, remembering her cryptic words. No.

He didn’t put up a fight when Julius hauled him off to Abyssal and he didn’t mutter a sound when his father punished him by locking him in his room for the next ten years with meager blood rations.

All he could think of was why would Lucifer kill him?

1    

Bite Me

Tibor stormed out of his father's residence in anger. His father, Magyar was furious that Tibor hadn't completed the mission of persuading Angelica to come back with him. Tibor had assured him that they still had a chance and Angelica had showed interest in his offer, but that wasn't enough. Magyar accused Tibor of possibly getting them exiled from Abyssal or worse killed if Lucifer found out they had been responsible for the innocent's escape. Tibor promised him that he had nothing to worry about because he would solely take the blame.

At this point, Tibor almost didn't care if he lived or die. Without Angelica he felt like he had no purpose. He had been so sure he could convince her to come back with him. He wasn't used to begging and pursuing females when he was the one always being pursued. Ludicrous thoughts plagued him, such as kidnapping her and using his power of persuasion on her to be with him, but that wasn't what he wanted. Tibor wanted her to come to him of her own free will.

He returned to his room and grabbed a blood bag from the stash he had gotten from Nikola. He couldn't stomach drinking from another innocent, not after seeing Angelica. Her intoxicating scent clung to him like a babe to its mother’s breast.  He closed his eyes as he recalled how her smooth, beautiful skin felt against his lips, and her warm, delicious blood tasted running down his throat. He had never received such intense feelings from drinking any innocent's blood. Just the thought sent chills through his body. It would be a moment he would remember for the rest of his life.

He sighed and drained the bag. Just as he took the last sip, a knock sounded on his door.

Come in.  He hid the blood bag behind his back. If other vampires found out he was drinking from a bag, they would know something was wrong with him. He usually fed on at least two innocents a day, while his reputation portrayed him as eating hundreds of innocents. His reputation was exaggerated, but it needed to be for his namesake, and he couldn’t let a piece of plastic change that.

A short, brown imp poked his grotesque, bulbous head into his room. Prince Tibor, Lucifer has summoned everyone for a meeting at the mountain.

Tibor nodded, dismissing the creature. He was seriously over the whole meeting thing. They were creatures of chaos and madness, not structure and organization. What were they... The mafia? He begrudgingly made his way to the mountain ignoring the worried stare his father gave him when he spotted him in the crowd. Tibor didn't care. Let Lucifer do whatever he wanted to him. He didn't regret his actions. If he had the choice to do it again, he would; just so he could see Angelica again.

Tibor watched as Lucifer made his usual entrance through the crowd toward the mountain. The other creatures cheered and celebrated as he passed them. Tibor didn't see what the big deal was, it was just another stupid meeting. He exhaled loudly as Lucifer glided past the crowd, waving at everyone. He was about to turn his head away when he saw her. His breath caught in his chest and for a moment he thought his eyes was playing tricks on him. Then he realized this is what the crowd was celebrating. Angelica had finally come home to Abyssal.

She was trailing behind her father, her eyes swollen and red. Tibor gritted his teeth and tried to relax his fingers; he had to restrain himself from running to her. Just then she looked directly at him, and he could have been going crazy, but he thought he saw a hint of relief in her eyes. His mind began to race with questions. What was she doing here? Did she know she was coming here? Was she taking him up on his proposition?  

He watched as she and her dad teleported to the top of the mountain. Lucifer really needed to get over his ‘thrown out of Caelus’ issue. He was constantly making a mockery of the innocents' Bible. Because several important events in the Bible occurred at a mountain, Lucifer decided that's where their meetings would take place. The ex-angel needed therapy. He had serious daddy issues and now it looked like Angelica had her own. 

At the top of the mountain, Lucifer took Angelica’s hand in his and raised it in the air. Today, I am honored to officially introduce you to your princess Angelica! We have waited patiently for sixteen years for her to lay claim to her throne! With her by my side no one can oppose us! We will destroy the innocents and their world as they know it!

6 6 6

Angelica burst into tears as she closed the bedroom door behind her. What had she done? If only she had known what Gabriel was doing, she would have never made this grave mistake. She laid across the California king size bed looking around the bedroom. It looked like a suite out of a luxury hotel due to Lucifer's witches putting an enchantment on a cave. Angelica had watched as the cave was transformed into a beautiful house that Lucifer assumed would be better living standards for her. Angelica would have rather slept in the cave. It would have matched how she felt inside; cold, dark, gloomy, and hopeless.

The sound of her bedroom door opening made her sit up quickly. Unlike the first time he had come into a bedroom she occupied; Angelica was relieved when she saw it was Tibor.

Because of his feelings for her she knew he wasn’t there to hurt her. Angelica had seen him in the crowd and had felt a little comfort at seeing a familiar face in her new surroundings. He didn't say anything as he closed the door behind him. She stood up, suddenly not feeling comfortable on the bed, especially after what had occurred the last time she was in that position.

What are you doing here? he asked quietly.

Angelica swallowed nervously at his attentive stare. I made a pact with Lucifer for my mother and Nala's life.

He smirked. So, you made a deal with the devil?

I didn't have a choice. I didn't want my mother or my friend to suffer because of me. Her eyes began to fill with tears again.

Tibor's amused look quickly changed to concern. What did the pact consist of?

Angelica huffed, Isn't it obvious? That I come with him to Abyssal.

Tibor chuckled to himself. "So, your pact was to come with him to Abyssal, not to stay with him in Abyssal."

When Angelica realized what he said she became excited. She had held up her end of the bargain, she could leave whenever she got ready. Oh my gosh! I can leave!

Sure, you can! Just go ahead and walk right out of the door and while you're at it, hitchhike a ride to Corporis.

Angelica sighed. It would be impossible for her to get out of Abyssal. She didn't even know how they had arrived here. Once they had entered the portal everything was a blur and then she was standing in a cave.  And if she somehow miraculously did find a portal, she didn't know where she would end up. Connie had once told her that portal locations in and out of Abyssal were never the same place in Corporis. One could enter a portal from Abyssal and end up in the bottom of the ocean. Only a resident of Abyssal knew which portals went where and when. She looked at Tibor with a newfound purpose.

He arched his eyebrow and shot her an inviting smile. 

Angelica inched closer to him. Please help me.

Tibor's smile slowly faded. She didn’t care about what she had to do; she just wanted to get back to her family. Knowing what her next words meant she said them anyway, Tibor, I’ll do anything.  She tilted her head to the side and moved her hair, exposing her neck.

Tibor quickly released his fangs at the sight of her neck and pulled her to him in one swift motion. Angelica braced herself for the sting that she had felt previously.

No....that's not what I want, he said in her ear, desperation clinging to his voice.

What do you want? Angelica gulped. She was afraid to hear his answer.

I want your love. He softly kissed her neck, then nipped it, eliciting a gasp from Angelica. I want your blood. He pulled Angelica’s head back to an upright position and whispered, I want your body. He leaned in to kiss her and Angelica stepped back, stunned at the emotions he was stirring in her. She shouldn't, no, she couldn't feel like this, not when she loved Michael. 

Tibor stepped toward her with a burning desire in his eyes. I want you, Angelica.

Of course, you do.

Angelica's heart dropped when she saw her father materialize behind Tibor. Tibor's stricken face matched how she felt when he heard the voice of his master behind him. A scaly, spiked tail whipped out from behind Lucifer and struck out at Tibor. Angelica quickly came to his aid. She needed him if she was going to escape Abyssal. With a wave of her hand, she moved Tibor out of her father's reach.

Please don't hurt him.

Tibor quickly dropped to one knee and bowed his head. I did not mean to offend you Master.

Lucifer laughed while clapping enthusiastically. And here I thought I was coming to your aid! It seems my little girl doesn't need daddy after all.  Lucifer took a seat in a chair that appeared out of nowhere. He gave them a mischievous grin.

It seems you have been keeping secrets from me. Both of you. Angelica and Tibor both looked at each other nervously, neither of them brave enough to speak.

Do you love her? Lucifer asked Tibor.

Tibor looked at Angelica when he spoke. Master, I do not know what it is to love. All that I know is that Angelica encompasses my every thought. I feel as if she is my oxygen, my blood, my very purpose for existing.

It sounds like you have a new master. Lucifer smiled deviously as he also turned his attention to Angelica. And how do you feel about him?

I-I care about him. Angelica looked down not wanting her eyes to portray her true feelings. One person had her heart, and he couldn’t step foot into Abyssal.

Lucifer smiled. You know, if you’re going to be the daughter of the devil, you should practice lying better. I have seen the love you have for my enemy, Michael.

Angelica swallowed nervously. I'm not lying. I can show you. The lie burned her throat as she shuffled over to her father and offered him her hand.  He stared at her hand still smiling, and then took it. Angelica concentrated on only showing him the make out session that had occurred at Julius's house. When he finished, he slowly let go of Angelica's hand? He looked from Angelica to Tibor.

Angelica swallowed nervously. Now do you believe me?

Angelica, you can't trick the devil. I'm the greatest trickster of all. I tricked the innocents into believing I didn't exist, now you will prove to them that I do.

No, I won't do anything you tell me to do!

Lucifer laughed. You won't have to because he will. He pointed at Tibor as he leaned back in the chair and crossed his legs.  Bite her.

Angelica frowned at her father's command. Why would he want Tibor to bite her?  The memory of the ecstasy she had felt when Tibor had bit her flooded her mind. Did Lucifer know about the feelings Tibor’s bite stirred within her? If so why would a father want to see his daughter have a damn near make out session?

What kind of sick game are you playing? Angelica gave him a look of disgust.

I like to call this one bite and seek! Lucifer laughed. Now come out, come out wherever you are A.C. He snapped his fingers at Tibor.

Angelica looked at Tibor, who looked as if he was going to vomit. He took a deep breath and approached her.

Tibor no! Angelica backed up away from him. You don't have to do what he tells you to do!

Like hell he does, Lucifer grinned. We all can't be rebellious like you. Well, I can, but I'm Satan. I do what I want.

With just a thought Angelica sent Tibor flying into the wall. She pinned him against it as if he was a piece of paper.

She sneered at Lucifer. You are his master not mine.

Tsk tsk tsk. Those angels ruined you. You have no respect for your elders, and you think you can be disrespectful without consequence, Lucifer stood up shaking his head. As your father I have to teach you some respect. The bible says spare the rod, spoil the child.

Angelica held her hand out. Stay away from me!

"Honey, I told you I'm not going to touch you, he is."

Angelica screamed as Lucifer used his abilities to fling her across the room onto the bed. She tried to jump back up, but she couldn't move. She was pinned just like Tibor had been against the wall. As she struggled, Tibor and Lucifer walked over to the bed.

Lucifer tilted his head and smiled at her. She's such a firecracker, isn't she? A chip off the old block.

With a smile pasted on his face, Tibor said, Indeed master. 

Angelica tried summoning the powers she had used on Tibor earlier, but to her dismay they didn't work.  From the smug look on Lucifer’s face, he was somehow inhibiting her from using them.

All right Tibor, let's get to it. Chop, chop or should I say chomp, chomp! He doubled over with laughter while slapping his knee. I crack myself up!

Angelica felt the bed shift as Tibor sat beside her.

Tibor, please don't do this.

I have to do what the master commands, Tibor said loudly, then he whispered quickly in her ear, trust me.

Angelica didn't know what he meant by that, but she heard the urgency in his voice. Did he know something she didn't?  She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. When she felt his cold breath on her neck, her heart quickened. She tried not to flinch when she felt the familiar prick of his teeth on her neck and waited for the wonderful feeling of ecstasy to engulf her like before, but she felt nothing, but the suction of Tibor's lips against her neck. The longer he sucked though, the more she could tell he was enjoying it. He pulled her closer to him and she could feel his fangs go deeper in her neck.

That's enough. Lucifer commanded.

Tibor reluctantly withdrew his fangs out of her neck. Angelica could hear his ragged breathing in her ear as she struggled to open her eyes. They felt so heavy as if she was sleepy. She looked at Tibor who was now standing with blood dripping from his mouth. He looked like he was drunk or high. The last thing she needed was for her blood to be a drug for vampires.

Angelica sat up and glared at Lucifer. Are you happy now?

Lucifer gave her a puzzled stare. No worries my dear. Don't mind me and my madness. I will expect you in the Throne room to welcome our new residents within the hour. Get cleaned up and at least try to look the part of the devil's daughter. I'm sure Tibor won't mind showing you the way. Also, Tibor if you ever touch her again, I will rip out your fangs, and make sure you never drink from another innocent again. He winked at them and disappeared. 

Angelica scowled at the spot where he had stood. How could I have ever thought that he cared about me?

Lucifer only cares about himself. Tibor wiped the remains of Angelica's blood from his mouth with a handkerchief. Then he handed it to her.

Yeah, that's pretty obvious. Angelica sighed as she held the handkerchief to her neck. A small part of her had hoped that he did care for her, even if he was the devil. Why did he want you to bite me?

Tibor hesitated before answering her. The last time I bit you, you turned into...someone else.  

Someone else?

Yes, you weren't yourself. Your dark side surfaced.

Angelica stared at him with surprise scrawled across her face. That was the last thing she had expected him to say, but that would explain why Lucifer had wanted him to bite her. Are you sure?  

Tibor nodded. The pain you felt when I bit you, awakened that part of you.

Angelica did remember the uncomfortable sensation she had felt before the pleasurable feelings. Why didn’t I didn't feel any pain this time.

A vampire can either make their bite painless or excruciating. It depends on the vampire. Most vampires like to hear their victims scream. It makes the kill much more.... exciting. When I bit you at Julius's I didn't hold back. I expected to hear you scream, but instead you did the opposite. You enjoyed it.

Angelica stood up from the bed, shifting her weight from foot to foot. She was uncomfortable with the reminder of how she'd felt that night. What are you saying? My dark half likes pain just as much as you?

No, what I'm saying is pain is her alarm clock.

Angelica handed him back his handkerchief. Her neck had stopped bleeding. She laid back on the bed and exhaled in frustration. Wow, just when I think I can’t get any weirder. Now she knew what the others had been hiding from her when she had woken up. Instead of them condemning her for the horrible creature she had been, they had done nothing but show her compassion and forgiveness. Her heart swelled at the thought of her distant family.

Tibor smiled and took her hand.  You’re not weird. You’re an exquisite anomaly.

Angelica snatched her hand away. You are just saying that because you like my blood.

Tibor looked surprised at her comment. I’ll admit your blood is unlike any being I've ever tasted, but that is not my sole reason for being here. These abnormal feelings I have for you are the culprit.

Angelica shook her head. You need to get rid of those feelings.  I appreciate you helping me while I'm here, but all I can offer you is friendship...I can’t promise anything else.

Tibor searched her eyes for another truth, that she was sure he wouldn't find. Finally, he said, Well, if that is all you can offer, I will gladly accept it.

Angelica held out her hand for a handshake. Friends then?

Tibor took her hand and quickly pulled her to him. He softly kissed her on the cheek. Friends, he said softly in her ear. Angelica didn't realize she was holding her breath until he backed up.

Aww, well that sucks. I thought for sure I was going to have something juicy to report back to Connie.

Angelica turned around surprised to see Adaira, Connie's familiar sprawled across the bed.

Adaira! Angelica snatched up the plump, white, Persian cat and hugged her to her chest.  What are you doing here? Are the others here! Ohmygod, is Michael here? How do I look?

Adaira jumped out of her arms and landed smoothly on the floor. "Woah hormonal, half-supernatural, crazy teenager calm down. I'm the only one here.

Angelica didn’t attempt to hide her disappointment. Where are the others?

I'm not enough for you, huh?  Adaira teased.

Adaira?! Angelica pleaded.

They’re still in Corporis. I'm guessing they are working on a way to get you back, but I don't know yet. Connie sent me after you when you went through the portal. She told me to keep an eye on you, report back to her and let Tibor ravish me... Okay, I made up the last part.

Angelica couldn't help smiling when Adaira winked at Tibor. Tibor frowned at her.

What if we don't have to wait for the others? If you and Tibor work together, both of you can get me out of here. Angelica had an excited gleam in her eye as she looked from Adaira to Tibor.

I don't object to working with this hunk of a vampire. Adaira licked her paw and smoothed down a tuft of cat hair that was sticking straight up. But it’s going to take a lot more than a fairy and a vampire to get you out of here. Every portal to Corporis is guarded by supernaturals. You're a supernatural celebrity here, so we won't be able to navigate Abyssal without someone recognizing that pretty face, and just outside this house, you have a group of supernatural, not so secret, demon guards assigned to follow your every move.

Angelica groaned, That's not good.

I know. That's exactly how I felt when I ate those marshmallows and woke up in the witch’s caves—

The witches! Angelica yelled out.

Ugh, they are hideous, cruel, disgusting bit—

I know, but what if they have a potion, I could use to disguise myself?

I'm sure they do, but how would you get one?

Angelica flashed Adaira a huge smile.

Adaira sighed. Have you not heard the story about a sweet, innocent fairy that was tortured by them and almost was a sacrifice in one of their sick rituals?  There's no way I'm going back in there. Send him.  She pointed her paw at Tibor. It's time that he put those good looks to use.

Angelica looked at Tibor. After all he had rescued Nala from the witches.

You couldn't pay me with your blood to go back into that den of hags. Tibor shuddered.

C'mon guys. This could be my only way out of here. We have to at least try.

Why don't we just wait to see what my witch and the others come up with before we decide to go on a suicide mission? Adaira suggested.

Angelica threw her hands up.  Fine, if you won't help me, then I will do it myself!

Don't be foolish, Tibor growled.

Ha, you don't know Angelica. Foolish is actually her nickname. Adaira ignored Angelica's dramatic eye roll. Let's run down the list of foolish things Angelica has done.  Running away to her father, leaving with the bounty hunter, making a deal with her father, almost getting my bounty hunter killed, falling for her guardian angel—

Angelica raised an eyebrow. "Your bounty hunter?"

You heard me Sista. He wouldn’t be who he is today if it wasn’t for me.

Angelica couldn’t help smiling. Roman was an undeniable bad ass and she was thankful that Adaira had trained him. 

Angelica, I think for now we need to do what your pet says, Tibor interrupted.

Pet? I'm no one's pet. Adaira jumped up on the bed and began to pace back and forth. Why don't you come and pat my furry as—

I meant no harm. Tibor laughed at the ball of white fur who was glaring at him. All I'm saying is that I agree with you. We should wait until the others come or until we come up with something that won't get us all killed.

Angelica sighed in defeat. Okay fine.

Don't fret my dear. Adaira hopped onto her lap. I'm sure that muscular beauty of yours is preparing to invade Abyssal as we speak.

2

Saving A Tree

Michael stood in front of the portal that Angelica had disappeared through. It had been three days since she had left, three days since he had a continuous, throbbing pain in his chest. He had never felt anything like this before. It was as if a creature was inside him gnawing away at his heart. He wanted it to stop, but he knew the only way it would end was when Angelica was back in his arms.

If only she had talked to him. They could have figured something out. He should have known Lucifer was up to something. Why else would he send fallen angels after Robinette? The fallen angels were reserved for war not minuscule tasks. Lucifer had wanted to ensure he captured her soul, in turn using her as a pawn to get to Angelica. This was the exact reason why they had taken Angelica in the first place, because Robinette was leverage. Now, Angelica was gone.

Connie had plans that sounded good, but not promising. The only creatures that could access and navigate Abyssal were creatures from that realm. Yes, Connie had lived there, but she wasn't enough. Lucifer would keep Angelica well protected. They would need an army to get to her. Where would they find supernaturals who were brave enough to go to Abyssal? The supernaturals that were from Abyssal but lived in Corporis did not want to return there, no matter the price.

Michael punched a tree as he yelled out in frustration. The massive tree uprooted and keeled over. Just as the tree was about to hit the ground it froze. 

Now that was rude.

Michael turned around to look at the owner of the voice. She was beautiful just like the rest of her family. She had the same bright, blue electrifying eyes, long, white, blond hair, and shimmery skin. She had the same height and athletic physique like her mother, Carissa.

Michael frowned at her unwanted presence. What are you doing here?

Calypso scowled at him. Saving a tree apparently.

Michael watched as she used her magic to upright the tree and place it back in the ground as if it had never been uprooted. She then walked over to the tree and placed the palm of her hand against it while bowing her head.

Please forgive him. He didn't mean to take his anger out on you. She paused as if she was listening, then she continued. Thank you for understanding. Live long and peace be with you.

She turned back around to Michael and crossed her arms. You owe him an apology.

Michael looked at the tree and back to her with a confused look. The tree?

That is what you pummeled like a punching bag isn’t it?

Michael would have laughed at any other creature telling him to apologize to a tree, but not this one. She was a Candor witch. They communed with nature and could communicate with it in ways no other creature could.

He obediently walked over to the tree and sincerely said, Forgive me for taking my wrath out on you.  He backed up and looked at Calypso for approval.

She nodded.  He has forgiven you. He witnessed the hurt and anguish you suffered at the hands of Lucifer. He hopes you get justice, but most importantly, he hopes you find peace.

Michael felt his throat thicken with emotion and the ache in his chest seemed to deepen.  Thank you.

Now that that's out of the way, I have been sent to find you. It seems you are ignoring everyone's supernatural phone calls.

Again, Michael furrowed his brow in confusion.

Oh, my mother earth! People are summoning you and you are ignoring them!

How did you find me? Michael asked returning to his spot in front of the invisible portal to Abyssal.

You have been coming here every day since she left. It wasn't that hard to find you Waldo.

What do they want? Michael was tired of plans and proposals. He needed action. He was restless and agitated that they weren't doing more to get Angelica back. 

Is my name Google? she asked, crossing her arms across her chest.

Michael almost smiled at her sarcasm. The only reason he knew what she was talking about was because of Angelica. Angelica had opened his eyes up to so much in the innocent's world that he had been oblivious to. He grimaced again at the ache in his chest.

Look, all I know is that your kind is at the house looking for you.

Michael didn't say anything. He wasn't ready to face his brothers and sisters. He wasn't ready to see the disappointment or accusations in their eyes. He had fallen in love with Angelica, and lost her, ultimately failing at his assignment.  This was unspeakable for a guardian angel, especially an archangel of his