Dark Abigail

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Dark Abigail Page 4

by Thawer, Tish


  Garrett eased out of bed, trying his hardest not to disturb his beautiful wife in the process.

  “Where are you going?” Holli asked as she rubbed her eyes.

  “I need to visit Heaven and see if we can obtain permissions to use the angelic seeing stone to watch Lucifer. I have a bad feeling that something’s going to happen soon, and I want to be on the offensive side of things when it does.” He eased out of the bedroom and walked into his lavish closet. Donning his favorite suit and tie, he returned to Holli and placed a kiss on her plump lips. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Get some rest.” With a final wave goodbye, he materialized just outside the shimmering golden door to the inner kingdom.

  Clearly aware of his presence, the door opened and out walked Michael. “Funny meeting you here,” Garrett teased.

  It had taken some time for Michael to get used to Garrett and Raven’s banter, but once he had, their humor was easy to understand and most the time enjoyable to witness. Now, however, wasn’t the time. Michael ignored Garrett’s witty comment and got straight to the point. “You were right. Lucifer has broken the covenant and the woman we saw does, in fact, work for him.” He pulled out a small crystal and smiled. “We’ve been given permission to use the seeing stone to monitor the situation.”

  Garrett breathed a sigh of relief and clapped the archangel on the back. “That’s good news. Were you told anything else that could be of help?” Garrett asked, still feeling the portents of dread seeping into his psyche.

  “No. We’ve been instructed only to watch and wait until Lucifer or the woman makes another move,” Michael explained.

  “Raven’s not going to like that.” Garrett shook his head, knowing his best friend wasn’t the ‘sit and wait’ type.

  “Trust me, I know.” Michael and Garrett walked back out through the sparkling halls and approached the thick, see-through crystal door. Through the massive slab, Garrett could make out Raven, her pitch black wings spread wide as she flew toward the Heavenly castle.

  Michael laid a hand on the thick crystalline door and pushed through the opening as soon as it vanished.

  “My love, what’s happened?” Michael embraced Raven as she collapsed into the plush clouds that covered the ground.

  “It’s Holli,” she sobbed, “she’s gone!” Raven tried to hide her tears but couldn’t.

  Michael looked up to meet Death’s gaze. Garrett’s eyes had turned black just before he disappeared with a resounding BOOM!

  “It will be all right, my love, I swear it! We’ll get her back.” Michael transported Raven to their home and tucked her into bed. “Stay here, and do not leave. Not even for your retrievals.”

  Raven nodded and continued to cry, as Michael grabbed his sword and dissipated directly to Death’s throne room.

  8

  Garrett stood over his gazing pool with his scythe in hand and Svell, Holli’s ice-hellion by his side. “Do you know what happened?” Michael asked as he approached the two.

  “It’s unclear, but we have two more dead Reapers,” Garrett’s tone was cold and deadly.

  “So the woman was here again?”

  “I believe so, but I have no idea how she gets in or out. Only my Reapers can use the portals, and besides you and the other Gods, no other beings are allowed entry.”

  “I believe you just answered your own question,” Michael interjected. “Loki has been here before, and it’s clear he’s working with Lucifer now.”

  “Yes. I suppose you’re right. So, what should we do? How do we catch them?” Garrett asked.

  Michael took a step back, flaring out his wings and pulling his sword from the sheath on his back. “Where is she?” he demanded.

  Death turned around with a smirk on his face. “That certainly didn’t take you long.” The air shimmered and Loki’s illusion disappeared. “How did you know it was me?” Loki’s blue eyes sparked as he smirked and raised his staff, cutting through the remaining filaments of magic as the fake Svell disappeared.

  “Because the man I know wouldn’t be here contemplating how to catch you when his wife had just vanished,” Michael stated the obvious.

  “Yes, yes. I suppose that was a dead giveaway. And you’re right. I was hiding in the shadows when Death arrived in a thunderous swirl, frantic and yelling Holli’s name. Once he verified she wasn’t here, he disappeared an instant later. I’m sure he and my daughter have already been reunited in Hell.”

  Michael took a step forward but was halted when a dark gathering of trees and fog began to form off to the right. Mesmerized by the effect, Michael watched as twisted branches stretched forward, cutting a path through the rolling mist. Footsteps sounded in the distance, as a shapely figure started to emerge.

  “I’d like you to meet someone.” Loki laughed, brushing a hand through his blonde hair.

  The beautiful red-head stalked through the tangle of limbs, coming to stand next to the Norse God as he continued to chuckle. “Allow me to introduce Dark Abigail, Hell’s very own Valkyrie.”

  The woman was now dressed in a gold silk gown and high-heels, instead of the casual attire they’d seen her in before. She slid a katana from the sheath on her hip but remained still, capturing his full attention.

  “Why are you doing this, Loki? What’s to be gained?” Michael asked.

  “Order, of course.” The God of Mischief raised his staff and disappeared, leaving Dark Abigail and Michael alone.

  “And what do you get out of all this?” Michael questioned the woman.

  “Freedom,” she replied calmly.

  “Are you sure about that? It looks like Lucifer and Loki have you on a pretty tight leash.” He wasn’t normally one to speak harshly to women, but Michael wanted to test this Valkyrie’s resolve.

  “I do as they ask, but of my own free will.” She raised her chin.

  “But could you stop if you wanted to?” Abigail’s jaw flexed as she tightened the grip on her weapon. “Apparently not,” Michael taunted.

  She began circling him, stalking her prey, and bringing an end to their conversation. Lucifer had been clear with his instructions, “Take out the angel first, then the rest will easily fall.” Watching him move, though, she knew she was in for a decent fight, but was excited by the prospect. This was one kill that would put her name in the history books for sure. They continued to pivot one another, until the angel’s back was aligned with her portal instead of the balcony that could offer him an easy escape. She raised her katana and charged forward.

  A white hot blast of air slammed into Abigail, knocking her to the ground. Michael hovered over her, his impressive wingspan stretched to its limit. Abigail cursed the dress Asmodeus’ suggestion had convinced her to try, so she sliced off the bottom and rolled to her feet. Charging again, she was met with the same blast from the archangel’s powerful wings. A golden glow illuminated his feathers, making them appear harder and more solid than she thought possible.

  “Did Lucifer lead you to believe this would be easy?” Michael inquired.

  Abigail pushed from the floor again, shaken, but not deterred. “It may not be easy, but it’s still going to happen. You will no longer threaten my realm.” She charged forward with her sword held high. Abigail’s arms shook when their blades connected, metal to metal. Michael’s weapon was much larger than her sleek katana, but luckily her blade held true. Slicing and dicing, Abigail spun and thrusted toward the angel at an accelerated rate.

  Michael matched her, move for move, easily parrying each of her blows. The clang of their swords filled Death’s throne room until Michael grabbed her arm, holding her in place after her last strike. “How is it that I’m threatening your realm? Explain! What lies has Loki told you?”

  She pushed their swords apart and backed off, pacing while she caught her breath. “They aren’t lies. I’ve seen it myself. Angels infiltrating Hell against the covenant. We won’t let you upset Lucifer’s rule.”

  Michael’s roar filled the room. “That is a lie! The only ones
who’ve broken the covenant are Loki and Lucifer, and if you’ve seen any angels in Hell, it’s been nothing more than one of Loki’s illusions.”

  Abigail began to argue but was caught off-guard when the black-winged female flew in through the balcony and landed behind them. Abigail spun, holding her sword aloft. The Reaper didn’t lunge forward as expected, but instead threw out her hands, casting strange, black wisp-like ribbons from her palms with the clear intention of capturing Abigail where she stood.

  Abigail turned and dove to the ground, sliding past Michael and skidding to a stop directly in front of the tangle of trees that hid her portal.

  “Where’s Holli? What did you do with her you bitch!” Raven exclaimed, recalling her Reaper ribbons and flying directly toward Abigail.

  Abigail didn’t respond; she was out of time. Two against one were odds she wasn’t ready to face, especially when the two had wings and she did not. Walking backwards she was enveloped by the branches and obscured from their view, thanks to the fog. She smirked knowing neither of them could enter her portal, but was beyond excited to learn what happened to the other female who, to everyone’s surprise, apparently could.

  9

  “Why are you not still in bed?” Michael asked as he walked toward Raven.

  “Well, because. I’m me!” She tucked her wings behind her and took a seat on the white leather sofa in Death’s sitting room. “Yes, I was devastated when Holli disappeared, but she’s a Reaper and a Goddess, and I know firsthand she can take care of herself. I just needed a minute to get over the shock.”

  “Okay, care to tell me what happened, then?” Michael joined her on the couch.

  “Sure. When Holli and I started our day, neither you or Garrett were around, and when my first assignment came in it was a phenom outbreak, so Holli decided to go with me. We knew it wouldn’t take long to retrieve the escaped souls, since their numbers had fallen back to normal after Deaths experiments had stopped.” Raven shook her head and waved her hand. “Anyway, we went topside and Holli sucked all the souls into her sword in just a few seconds, but when we were returning to the portal, those strange trees and fog started to roll in. The woman stepped out with her sword raised but seemed surprised to see both of us there. I think she was just expecting me.” Raven shrugged. “She turned to retreat and Holli and I both flew forward to stop her, but when I got close to the trees I was shot backward, like it repelled me or something.” Raven looked up to meet Michael’s gaze. “Unfortunately, Holli wasn’t repelled and sunk straight through the trees and fog.”

  Michael nodded and cupped her cheek. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

  “I know, and thank you.” She leaned into his hand, placing a soft kiss on his palm then stood. “I think there must be some kind of portal inside that tangled mess. That’s how Abigail has to be moving in and out of all these places.”

  “I agree. When she appeared here, it was under the same phenomenon…the trees and fog.”

  “Well, it’s obvious she’s from Hell, so let’s go. We need to find Holli,” Raven paced around the empty table.

  “I’m certain Death has located her by now. I actually think we should stay here in case Abigail or Loki returns.”

  Raven spun around. “What? Loki was here? Thanks for leaving that little tidbit out.”

  Michael sighed. “Not left out, just hadn’t gotten around to it yet. Yes, the God of Mischief revealed himself to me here in Death’s chamber. He wore Garrett’s face as an illusion and tried to get me to reveal our plans to capture him.”

  “What a dick!” Raven exclaimed.

  “Yes, that among other things.” Michael chuckled. “At least we know for certain who all the players are.”

  “True. Now we just have to figure out the game.” Raven walked to Death’s gazing pool and stared at the still water, wishing she could see what was happening in the realm below.

  Abigail reappeared in Hell and heard a commotion taking place at the end of the hall. She raced toward Lucifer’s sitting room and lifted her katana, ready to engage.

  “Ah! You’re back,” Lucifer greeted gleefully, as if Death wasn’t standing in the middle of the room with his scythe poised at his throat.

  “Yes. I’m back. Is everything okay?” Abigail looked between the two men and found the dichotomy of their expressions somewhat humorous. Lucifer had a smile on his face and appeared jovial and carefree, while Death was clearly pissed.

  “Of course! Death and I just had a great discussion about why his wife was able to fall through your portal––accidentally, I assured him.”

  Abigail peered further into the room and found the other female Reaper standing in the corner. She was a goth-beauty with dark markup and long, platinum-blonde hair. Her snow-white wings were tucked back as she stood shyly behind her husband.

  “Oh. I hadn’t realized she had followed me through.” Abigail turned to Lucifer. “How is that possible?” she asked genuinely, not having felt Holli’s presence within her portal.

  Lucifer took a step toward her, distancing himself from Death’s glowing blade. “We’ll discuss it later, my dear. But first, let me make the proper introductions. Death, Holli, this is Dark Abigail, my personal assistant.”

  Abigail stared at Lucifer while Death practically choked on a cough. “I think you mean personal assassin,” Death snapped.

  “Assistant, Assassin...same thing,” Lucifer shrugged.

  Abigail stood tense but ready for anything and was completely surprised when Holli stepped forward and extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Holli, Death’s wife and personal Reaper.”

  “Um...hi! It’s nice to meet you too?” Abigail shook the beautiful Reaper’s hand then looked at Lucifer in shock. The King of Hell just smiled and turned his attention back to Death.

  “There, see all is fine. It was just a big misunderstanding.” Lucifer spread his arms wide. “Now, would you like to join us for dinner, or are you in a hurry to return?”

  “We’ll be leaving now, thanks.” Death’s cold stare made it clear everything wasn’t fine, as he and Holli disappeared in a swirl of shadows.

  “What in the world what that about?” Abigail asked.

  “That was valuable information gained, my dear. Valuable information.” Lucifer smiled contently as he eyed her up and down, taking in her new, albeit it tattered attire. “So much so, that I’ll forgive you for seeking out the females against my wishes.”

  Abigail froze, having been expecting the crack of Lucifer’s whip but was grateful when he simply turned and strode out the door instead. Perhaps Asmodeus’ suggestion for her to sex it up really did hold some value with the boss. She shrugged, happy to continue trying out her new look in hopes that breaking Lucifer’s rule wouldn’t get her in trouble later. She’d only wanted to see what was so special about the girls and make sure the dark one was occupied while she went to fight her boyfriend. Clearly, her timing had been off.

  10

  Garrett and Holli reappeared in his throne room and joined Raven and Michael at the table. Death waved his scythe in the air and provided them with a full spread.

  “Thank you,” Michael said as he held out his hand for Raven to take a seat.

  “You’re welcome. Now let’s get down to business. I assume Raven filled you in on what happened with the girls topside.”

  “Yes. We now know the trees and fog serve as camouflage for Abigail’s portal,” Michael explained.

  “Correct. A portal that repels everyone but her and apparently Holli.” Death raised his eyebrows. “I was able to steer the conversation with Lucifer away from the fact that Holli is originally from Hell, albeit a different version, but I’m not one-hundred percent sure he bought it. Clearly, this is the reason she was able to be pulled through.” Death turned to his wife. “Sweetheart, did you see or feel anything strange when you entered the portal?”

  Holli shook her head. “No. One minute I was running after the woman and the next, I was being pulled into a swi
rling vortex of red molten fire. It didn’t hurt and there was nothing to see until I stepped out into Lucifer’s castle. That was a pretty big shock.”

  “I bet,” added Raven. “Well, what you two don’t know, is that while you were having your discussion with Lucifer, Loki paid a visit to Michael here in your throne room,” she gestured toward the open space. “Then, Abigail showed up and was trying pretty damn hard to eliminate him when I arrived.”

  Holli sucked in a shocked breath. “They were here? In our home?” She covered her mouth as her panicked eyes searched her husband’s face for some sign of reassurance.

  “Don’t worry, baby, I’ll be sure to up the protections surrounding the castle, but from now on, I want you to keep Svell by your side at all times,” Garrett stated.

  Holli nodded and closed her eyes for a moment to concentrate. Seconds later, Svell came bounding into the throne room then walked over and deposited himself on the floor behind his mistress. Svell was Holli’s enormous ice-hellion/shadow-beast from Hell. They only resided in the frozen depths of Cocytus, where Holli originally ruled, and served as her deadly guardians. Svell was the size of a small elephant but resembled a horse with claws. He had black leather strips of skin that twisted and spiked away from his body. He was amazing and crazy scary with the ability to freeze you into a solid block of ice. Raven shook her head at the memory of being encased by Svell, but then smiled at the big teddy-bear lying on the floor now. They had all come to an understanding after that unfortunate mishap, and now he was loyal to their entire group.

 

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