BTW, I don’t know if I’m going to continue my Bachelor’s degree at UNC. I might just take a break from school altogether. If my work doesn’t give me a promotion here soon, I’m going to find a new job.
I miss you too. Come back home.
— Jackie
ABADDON
The newly returned Messenger requested my early presence at dinner this evening.
While I might have liked to refuse, if only to avoid the displeasure of his company, he prefaced the request by stating his intentions to relay a message from The Council. Thus, I reluctantly agreed, as is my duty as a Principality.
I now find myself being briefed by him at my dining hall’s table.
War preparations are underway, and the Messenger has been assigned to oversee communication lines between Elohim and a multitude of satellite stations for the growing army of human disciples. Open-ended field assignments require a high degree of trust—only the top echelons of officers are given such a long leash.
“So they have promoted you,” I remark once he is finished, by way of question. “As a reward for bringing the girl to me.”
“Yes.” Malak scowls. Always so obvious with his emotional expressions, that angel. “I’ll be the primary liaison to the 144,000.”
“And?” I look at him blankly, expectantly. He knows exactly what Iam asking.
As if ashamed, the Messenger averts his eyes and lowers his voice. “And they have restored my position of Chief Messenger and Archangel of Lightning.”
“Very well.” I nod once, quick and curt.
Excellent. This is all going according to plan. I’m quite certain the disgraced angel knows nothing of my involvement in swaying The Council to restore his status—for my benefit, of course. Not his. It is hard to hate a pest that will no longer be underfoot.
He clears his throat, keeping his eyes lowered. “And I would like to ask you for a favor.”
As unexpected a request as that is, I keep my mild surprise from showing on my face. It must be of quite importance for him to ask politely rather than demand. I suppose I could give him a small gift for finally ridding me of himself.
“Go on, then. I may be inclined to agree.”
“It’s… about Kae.” My blood boils at hearinghername onhistongue, but I don’t interrupt. “She will be upset when she hears how long I’ll be gone. And before you say shit about our interpersonal relationship, you should know that I have always taken her training very seriously.”
“You are asking me to instruct the girl in your place?”
Malak nods, but not without a grimace. “As much as I hate to admit it, our interests are aligned when it comes to helping Kae reach her potential. Do not take this to mean that I like or trust you.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
“I’m glad we can agree on that much. So perhaps you’ll understand that I want you to swear an oath that Kae will be unharmed in my absence.”
“You would have me swear this to the Power of Oaths?” I’m moderately offended, but I do not let my body show it. “I have no intention of harming her.”
“Please, Abaddon.” He brings his eyes to me, pleading with his expression as much as he is with words. It’s unsightly and pathetic. “Swear you will protect her from harm.”
Not that I need him to beg for me to agree, but it is a satisfying feeling nonetheless. Such regular interaction with Kae will directly conflict with my intentions of staying far away from her, but when offered such an opportunity on a silver platter… I cannot resist.
I put a hand over my heart, as I’m told the humans often do when taking an oath. “I, Abaddon the Destroyer—King, Angel, Principality of the Abyss—swear in the name of Kesbeel to protect Kae Lambros from all who wish to harm her during your absence.”
The oath does not feel like anything in particular. Perhaps I should have drawn blood to solidify it? I wouldn’t know; I have never sworn to Kesbeel, and I don’t keep up with the Elohim rabble’s near-heretical practices. I’d be surprised if the Second Sphere angel was even still active in this solar system after being manipulated into serving the angels of Earth twice already. To this day, I do not know how they found and convinced him to create the pocket dimensions.
“Good. So now that’s settled, we can…”
I stop hearing his words when the doors to the dining hall open.
I do not typically like when events surprise me, but being graced with Kae’s sudden presence is more pleasant than I could have expected. Strange, that I did not sense her coming. It’s not like me to be so distracted.
