Page 33 of Whispers From The Dark

Steam fills the small bathroom as I watch Petra from the ceiling. It’s not the first time I’ve watched someone while they are unaware, but this time feels like a violation.

Petra is naked, hands spread wide on the bathroom counter, looking at her reflection as the mirror grows foggy. She’s not sleeping well. There are dark bags under her eyes, and her heart rate is faster than normal. I’d bet anything she’s dehydrated too.

It is possible that I’m the cause, though I’d hate to presume having such an effect.

And yet the proof of my impact on her is still there; a crescent-shaped indictment against me has begun to scab across her shoulder. She picks at it, keeping the wound fresh. With such attention, it may never heal.

She’s getting ready to work her third or fourth shift at my bar, and she doesn’t know I’m going to fire her. Despite what has transpired between us, she is a weakness within me that I cannot abide. I’ll give her the money she needs and send her to California before she steps foot through the door.

“Brother.”

The invasion of Lucifer’s voice into my mind is no less disconcerting after all these millennia. He is stronger than the rest of us, so I can’t invade his private thoughts as he can mine. The imbalance vexes me more than anything else.

“What do you want?”

“Are you done with Satanus’s plaything?”

I tense as Petra turns, and I worry Lucifer is nearby. I do not want him to see her. Or take her from me. She’s wondrous despite the fluorescent lighting. Her body is the gold standard of this age, with the self-inflicted scars from her past and malnutrition doing little to detract from her beauty. She steps into the shower, breathing a sigh of relief as the heat hits her sore muscles.

“I believe our brother is confused. There is no wrath in this creature. Pleasure in excess, but no wrath.”

Lucifer hesitates, and that’s never a good thing. “He claimed her first, Mephistopheles as his witness.”

“I’ve been inside her mind. What evidence does he have of her future act of wrath? Nothing in her past gave any indication of such.”

Another moment of silence. I watch Petra as she squeezes a dollop of shampoo into her hand, hoping that any relaxation she feels will calm my own spirit.

“Genetics, brother. An inheritance of cruelty, I suppose. He worries about your attachment, and it seems to be a justifiable concern. I trust you to be done with her if she commits such an act?”

“What is the limit?” I ask. “Most humans are full of wrath these days. You’ve seen what they’ve done to themselves. Lashing out is understandable, is it not?”

Lucifer sighs, in only the way an older brother can. “Permanent injury to any singular person. That’s the limit. Satanus asks for less, and I know you’ll ask for more. You both confound me so. Fighting over them like toys.”

“I will inform you if such a thing occurs. I swear it.”

“I should think so, Asmodeus.” And with that, he’s gone.

If there is a fight between myself and Satanus over her, I shall win it, I’m sure. But my brother is not dim-witted. For my interest to stay on Petra, to disregard Satanus’s claim, Lucifer will know she is rare amongst mortals, special and dear to me.

My weakness has been found out, and it’s too late to send her away. The desire to fulfill her wildest dreams, to put money and most of a continent between us by sending her to California with her brother—obliterated. Now, I must keep her close. Satanus cannot have her.

Petra cleanses her body with a sugar scrub, gently avoiding where my bite has begun to bleed anew. As if she’s desperate to keep the evidence of my touch.

Her phone vibrates on the counter. She has several texts lighting up her home screen. The newest one is from Sam, and I’m immediately cross.

Sam

Yeah, basically I’m the world’s most well paid prostitute.

Well, he paid me, not you. So am I an escort? idk the difference.

best deal i’ve made in my fucking life. Thanks for your ASSistance.

I paid him too fucking much.

Gabi

is 2 okay? Henry doesn’t think it’ll take long. From the pic you sent, it’s just an insert job, not a full replace.