28. Faith, Hope, and Love #2
“So why’d they all end up in Hell?” came the question from the crowd.
“Only because they turned that love toward each other,” Azariah continued, his eyes glued to me.
“And to the angels, instead of using their abilities to spread the Holy Word. They were punished by a young God millenia ago, before anyone realized that maybe it was their imperfections ,” he breathed, “that made the Lord’s first creation so beautiful. ”
“Are you done?” I growled through gritted teeth.
This was so uncomfortable. I figured he’d go off preaching, but had no idea he would prop me up this much. My guys, all three priests, beamed at me from the sidelines, and I wanted nothing more than to hide behind Stavros' wide shoulders.
“Succubi also have the ability to heal injuries.” Az grimaced as he stretched his injured wing. “All through simple physical touch and harnessing the power of love.”
It was all I could do to not slap a hand to my forehead. He wasn’t stopping.
“Why didn’t she heal you right away?” someone asked.
“Because it hurts like a motherfucker.” A few gasps arose from his choice of words.
“And we didn’t exactly get off on the right foot.
” He nudged me with his arm and I wondered if God would listen if I prayed to be swallowed up by the floor.
“But we’re here today to put your fears to rest, and to let you all witness what God’s first children are capable of. ”
He sucked in a pained breath as his wing fully extended, the muscles stiff at the recently twisted joint, and openly displayed the bald spot of missing feathers. “Go ahead, Deyva.”
“I hate you,” I muttered, turning into him and wrapping my arms loosely around his torso.
“Good. Give me some of that hate-fucking that Kais filled you up with.”
“Shut up and let me concentrate.”
He laughed amusedly, chin brushing one of my horns as he draped his arms around my shoulders. I ignored the shiver that ran down my spine as a result. Damn horns, why did they have to be so sensitive?
I turned my cheek to rest on the center of his chest, closing my eyes to block out our spectators. My palms splayed against his back, and I pulled up every good moment since I arrived in Bethel.
The subtle shifts in my priests as they began to trust me.
Stavros being the first to bravely, openly want me, and how he was never satisfied until he kissed every inch of my body and wrapped me up in a cuddle.
I focused on Zach facing his feelings and his fears—which were one and the same until recently.
He was so much happier, lighter now that he got to be himself with Stavros and me.
It would hurt him so badly when I’d have to—
No. Positive emotions only. I already felt the dread tainting the flavor of healing energy I was gathering.
I pushed it away and turned my thoughts to Kais putting the marigolds on the table.
I drew up our flirting and sexual innuendo, gathering up the morsels of peace I was able to give him from his nightmares, the recent shift of his burdens being lifted as he realized his people were as strong and capable as he could wish for them to be.
I gathered up all the sweetness and warmth I’d ever felt in my long life, the vast majority I’d tasted here in my time with these humans. Drawing my hand across Azariah’s ribs, I flattened my palm to his chest and pushed it all into him.
His arms tightened around my shoulders, mouth parted on a soft groan as feathers sprang through the exposed skin. The plumage grew to full size in a matter of seconds, a shining pale gold, with no black of Hell tainting it. Gasps and murmurs arose at the sight.
“Deyva.” Az breathed my name almost amorously, his fingers cupping the back of my neck, stroking along my jaw as his lips hovered above mine.
“Extend your wing,” I whispered, wrapping my hands around his forearms.
He did, fanning them up and out to the sides like an eagle soaring.
They were in perfect symmetry now, majestic and breathtaking.
He beat them once, pushing a strong current of air through the gym.
Everyone’s hair and clothes fluttered as he beamed down at me, seeing only me. Not his adoring fans surrounding us.
“Thank you, Deyva.” His breath fanned over my face, lips angling like he wanted to kiss me.
I took his hands from my face as I slowly backed away, getting a full view of his wingspan in all its glory.
“You’re at full power now.” I gave him everything I had, my last parting gift.
“Get back to your men and recharge then, you little Energizer Bunny.” The angel sent me off with a playful swat and a beaming smile.
I walked stiffly to the wall, ignoring the eyes following me, the ones that saw me in a new light. I tasted the shifting emotions in the air, but everything felt like sand on my tongue in that moment.
“We’re proud of you, babe.” Stavros drew me into his chest and planted a kiss on my forehead. Zach leaned over and smacked one on my cheek.
I soaked in their pride and love, putting on a smile to keep my hollowness from showing through.
With Azariah at full strength and the citizens learning to defend themselves, Bethel didn’t need me anymore.
Azariah deserved this place, these people.
And this town deserved an angel as ridiculous and precious as Azariah.
They would fight for him, against all the armies of Hell, but it would cost them.
And if I finally sucked it up and went back to Hell?
Maybe they wouldn’t have to pay that price.
Maybe I could convince Kimaris and Belial to just take their anger out on me, and me alone.
Even with Az at full power, no battle came without a heavy dose of risk. And any loss was too much for this little human settlement I’d grown attached to.
I couldn’t afford to stall anymore.
I had to return to Hell.