The Codex: An Angel's Guide To Seducing A Human

by Joe Duck

  I kicked the door open. Inside, a few startled humans stared at me then at Emily. Nathen wasn't here, and I knew no one else I could trust. My steps quickened, and I ignored the questions shouted at me. I’ll just carry her to her room. She can’t rest with so many people around, talking. I wouldn't want to be left on the floor when there is a bed so close by.

  I climbed the carpeted stairs and rushed through the hall, leaving a trail of water behind. Opening the door to her room, I laid her on the bed and tossed her staff to the floor. There. Now I’ve done everything I could. Turning around, I walked to the wall that had been hastily repaired with boards and ripped curtains.

  But a nagging feeling made me stop, and I glanced back.

  Emily's body quivered ever so slightly. Her wet clothes stuck against her skin, revealing her stunning figure.

  I stared at her, unable to tear my gaze away. She looked so pretty, her legs so smooth and her moist lips calling out for me to touch them with my own. I wanted nothing more than to hold her hand and never let go.

  The Codex coughed and brought me out of my brief madness. Well, this is interesting. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?

  What? I am not thinking anything!

  You never do... but you should really take her clothes off. They are only making things worse for her. After that, you should do the same and rub her with your naked warm body to transfer the heat.

  Blasphemy! Castilia said. Do you have no shame, whore? Helping a demonspawn is one thing, but forcing himself on her? I mean, look at her! Helpless! Vulnerable!

  I did, and my mind churned even more at the sight. My breathing grew rough, and I wanted to give her a long hug to feel her with my body and help her. No. I shook my head, clearing it of such dangerous thoughts. I... I am just going to take off her clothes and put a blanket over her.

  The Codex snorted. Please. You want to see her naked. Why not take the extra step and use your body, as well?

  With heat rushing to my cheeks, I unbuttoned her blouse and took it off. I then removed her boots, socks, and skirt, leaving her only in her undergarments. Seeing her scantily dressed body, the urge to rub myself against her and kiss her returned. Maybe Codex is right. I should just take off my own clothes— No! I grabbed my head and squirmed. She's a demonspawn... she's a demonspawn! I shouldn't even be here!

  Emily sneezed, and brought my mind back to reality.

  Trying not to stare, I pulled up the blanket and covered her, leaving only her face visible. The only reason I am doing that is because she seems a bit cold. Nothing special. I would do that for anyone. Yes, I would do it for anyone, and Emily is anyone.

  Castilia sighed. Good for you, Narius. I don't like the fact you are letting a demonspawn live, but this seems like the moral thing to do.

  Moral thing to do? It's a sin to miss an opportunity like this. Codex grumbled but didn't argue further.

  With the voices in my head quieted and Emily tucked into her bed, I smiled, glad to be so close to her. Yet deep inside me, it felt wrong, like I had lost my favorite book and couldn't find it no matter where I looked. Emily was a kind and caring human, and, like an idiot, I had pushed her away, never to get her back. Why did I want to hurt her? Why was I so stupid?

  I turned to the door. I had stayed for far too long. It was time for me to leave.

  Emily stirred in her sleep, brushing against the blanket. “Narius…”

  Instinctively, I took her hand, taking comfort in the softness of it, but then realized what I had done. What! What am I doing? Overcoming the unnatural desires within me to keep holding her hand, I released my grip.

  I didn't want to leave her, but I had to. Mother would be furious if she knew Emily was still alive. The two thoughts made my head hurt.

  To distract myself, I found a dry piece of cloth on the nightstand. Remembering a passage I once read about how humans healed themselves, I summoned a jug of cold water to soak it in. I placed the cool cloth against Emily's forehead like humans did for their sick.

  Brushing her wet hair, I uncovered the rest of her face. She looked too pretty, her raven hair breathtakingly beautiful, laying there catching the light. I wanted nothing more than to feel her soft skin, and before I knew what I was doing, I found myself leaning towards her lips, ready to kiss her and tell her how much I missed her.

  No, no, no! I jerked back and slipped on the wet floor. I landed with a thud and lay there, unable to believe what I had been about to do. Getting up on my feet, I crept towards the hole on the wall that acted as a window. I did everything I could, short of healing her!

  Why don't you? Codex asked.

  Well, she's a demonspawn. We can't just heal her. Mother would find out after her hunt for Heliose, and she would be very angry if I tried to help Emily right now.

  And what do you think you were doing up to this point?

  Being very polite?

  Really? Are you that thick—

  Emily's stomach grumbled, the sound ringing throughout the room.

  Surprised by the sound, I cupped my chin and thought about my next course of action. But... but maybe I should make a soup, so that she won't be hungry. No one should be hungry. She made me one before, so I am merely returning a favor as an honorable angel would. I nodded at my flawless logic, and, with my mind made up, I ran to the kitchen, glad I could spend a little more time with her.

  Narius

  After heading down to the kitchen and figuring out the complex human tools used for cooking, I crafted a steamy stew and sneaked back into Emily's room. Though my fingers were scorched by the oven and suffered a few cuts from the cooking knives, the crimson soup was complete. Who knew I had such talent? Even the archangels wouldn't be able to create something so wonderful. I set the soup on the nightstand. There. Now, I've done everything I could. Now I can leave with my head held high.

  The soup looked delicious with pieces of decapitated vegetables sunk beneath the waves. Emily... I mean this random human would love it. I grinned at my work of art, delighted that I could make something Emily could, and settled down onto the chair. And since I did a lot of work, I deserve a small rest. I bobbed my head at my wisdom. Just looking at her won't hurt at all. She's still asleep.

  The Codex hummed a cheerful tune and giggled. You know there is a good chance she is just waiting for you to throw those heavy blankets off and hump her so she can recover quickly.

  What?

  Of course, it would be a little awkward at first, but you have the stamina. Just remember to get her excited first then you can put your giant spear in her.

  Spear? I am not going to kill her. Not anymore.

  The Codex sighed. No... you idiot. Okay, how about this. I want the two of you to combine together and share with her how big your feelings can get.

  I scratched my head. What? How? But, no. I can't share my feelings with her. My head drooped at the thought of Emily shouting curses at me. She probably hates me.

  Really? Are you that stupid? Even after your psychotic episode, she spent all that time looking for you! Would someone who hates you do that? And don't you remember how she was asking you to stay before she passed out?

  I... I don't know. I laid the side of my head against the nightstand and stared at Emily’s drooling lips, listening to her soft snores. I should have been smarter... noticed the signs... tried to help her... tell her not to use her powers. But, all I did was try to kill her. I sniffled and pushed back the tears. Do you think she’ll ever forgive me for what I tried to do?

  Yes... trust me. Once she sees you’re back, she will probably rip off your clothes and drag you into bed to hold your hand.

  Really?

  Love's love. Or at the very least, she is that horny.

  Love? You think she loves me?

  Of course.

  I stretched my wings and smiled at the warm fuzzy feeling inside me. The world seemed a little brighter and happier with that thought. Reaching out, I touched Emily's forehead. It was still too hot. The pain in her f
ace grew with every breath she took. I needed to do something. It was the only thing I could do to ask for her forgiveness. Closing my eyes, I laid my hand on Emily's forehead and channeled my magic into her. I pushed back the sickness.

  The fever was hard to break, something inside of her made it difficult for me to finish, and sweat dripped from my brows as I continued my efforts. It took some time, and by the time I finished, my magic was spent. I felt exhausted. I tried to walk away, but could only manage to slump into a nearby chair. My eyelids closed by themselves. No. I can’t face her like this. I need to… Sleep seeped into my mind, and I fell helplessly under its seductive assault. But... a short nap can't hurt. I'll wake up long before she does and get out. Then I will tell her how I feel when I am ready...

  Emily

  I woke to the sound of someone’s breathing. The pain in my head had disappeared, and I felt refreshed, as if I had slept for days. Where am I? I was in the rain trying to find Narius. I opened my eyes. The light from the morning sun blinded me at first, but when my sight finally adjusted, I realized I was in my room.

  I tilted my head, and a dry cloth slid down from my forehead. Confused, I looked towards the sounds of soft breathing. There, Narius sat on a chair, his eyes closed and his head bobbing up and down while his wings swayed with his rising and falling chest. He seemed to be at peace, despite his burnt and blistered fingers.

  My heart pounded against my chest at the thought of being so close to him. I reached out to stroke his head when my stomach grumbled, and I spotted a bowl of tomato soup on the table next to him, waiting for me. Did you make that for me?

  I took the spoon resting against the bowl. Wait. What color are my eyes? Are they red? Nervous, I raised the silver spoon and looked at my dull reflection in it. My eyes were blue. I let out a sigh of relief, and I dipped the spoon into the crimson soup and took a sip.

  It was way too salty. And cold, as if it was cooked last night.

  Still, knowing the soup was from him made it taste wonderful, but each bite grew sour in my mouth. He’s willing to do all of this even after what I’ve done. Why? Why didn’t I just talk to him? My appetite disappeared, and I pushed the bowl away.

  No. Don't think like that. This is a chance. When he wakes up, I’ll give him the best surprise he ever had. Maybe I should make a cake for him. Anything to get him to forgive me. Taking the blanket off, I got out of bed and immediately realized I wore nothing but my bra and underwear.

  My face warmed. Did he undress me? Did he see my chest? Was he disappointed? A swarm of thoughts whirled in my mind. I looked down at my flat chest. Damn it! Why couldn’t they have been bigger? I shook my head and calmed myself. No, size doesn’t matter. At least I don't have back problems. Besides, I will win him over with food and money.

  With my newfound confidence, I used my feet to scoop up the damp shirt and skirt lying on the floor. I quickly dressed myself before Narius could wake up and see me in my underwear.

  After I had buttoned the blouse and made sure my skirt was wrinkle-free and hanging properly from my waist, I looked at Narius.

  He still slept peacefully, a warm glow surrounding him as his armor reflected the sunlight. He looked absolutely divine, and my heart tightened at the sight of him.

  What are you going to do, Emily? Wake him up and hope everything will be fine? Maybe, if the gods smile on me, but that's not going to happen. I let out a sigh. Looking at his sleeping face, I knelt beside him and stroked his head. "Narius, I'm sorry for everything. I—"

  At that moment, Narius awoke. Our eyes met, and his widened in surprise. Narius fell forward and crashed onto the wooden floor. He yelped and scrambled to his feet. “What? You can’t be awake! Go back to sleep!”

  I wanted to hug him, kiss him on the lips, and beg him to forgive me. But I needed to be strong and confident. So, I placed my hand on my hip and smiled while my heart threatened to put me on the ground from its beating. "And what if I don't?"

  Tears like bits of raindrops formed in his eyes, and my feeling of bravado evaporated. No! Why did I say that? I should have been on my knees begging. Is it too late? Should I do it now to—

  Narius threw his arms around me and squeezed, driving the wind out of me. ”I'm sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I tried to hurt you!”

  At his words of acceptance, the weight in my heart lifted, and a smile spread across my lips. "I thought angels didn't cry."

  "I am not crying," he said as he wailed. "I am just sweating." Narius covered me with his wings, his soft feathers brushing against me and making me feel as if I was sleeping in a silk bed. “I won’t let you out of my sight, Emily.” His arms tightened. “No matter what happens, I am not letting you go. I... I don't care that you are a demonspawn. You are still Emily. You are my Emily.”

  My heart warmed at his words. I returned his hug. "Thanks. Thank you."

  Not wanting to let him go, I held him, just feeling the warmth of his body. Finally, Narius loosened his grip. He pulled his hands away and wiped the "sweat" coming from his eyes. "This is what humans call a trade, right? I'll stay with you if you stay with me. Is this fair?"

  I shook my head. He probably hasn't told his mother... and if she finds out I'm alive... There is only one thing I can give to him. "No, this isn't fair at all. You are risking too much for me. And there is nothing I can give you back except... well... me. I want you to have me."

  Breaking out of his embrace, I lay on the bed and turned onto my side to face him. I crossed my legs a little—trying to ignore my embarrassment—and positioned the rest of my body to look as seductive as possible. I tried to undo the top button of my blouse, but I fumbled with it until I gave up, hoping he didn't notice my small failure. "I-I want you to have your way with me. To do whatever you want with me here and now. Like kissing... taking my clothes off... and..."

  Narius blushed and twiddled his thumbs. "Are you sure? I... I would be happy to if you don't mind."

  I readied myself for what was to come.

  Narius, after a moment of hesitation, removed his armor and stripped down to his shirt and pants. I could see muscles that had previously been hidden as he climbed into bed.

  He lay beside me, our faces almost touching. "Are you ready?"

  "Yes." My face felt hot with anticipation of what he would do next. It might be too quick, but whatever happens, I will be his first, and he will be my first. He'll always remember me.

  Narius grabbed my hands and pulled them up between us. His hand radiated warmth that spread to the rest of my body, but instead of continuing, he stopped. "Could I do this as long as I like?"

  I sighed. The mood to continue gone. What did I expect from an innocent angel. Still... this feels awfully nice. "As long as you want."

  Narius closed his eyes and smiled. "Hehe... I am finally holding your hands in bed."

  "That's all you wanted?"

  "Yes."

  "Narius, this is nice, but what are we going to do about my... problem?"

  He took his right hand off and shushed me. "Let's talk about it later. For now, let's just enjoy this."

  Unable to argue back, I held my tongue. For some time, I tried to stay awake, to say something back, but a sense of peace and happiness overwhelmed me, and I slowly drifted off with Narius holding my hand...

  Emily

  When I opened my eyes, it was mid-afternoon, and Narius slept beside me, breathing in and out, his skin glowing golden with sunlight.

  It felt wonderful to have him by my side again. I should go bake him a cake, make him drool a bit. Then kiss him while he is distracted.

  Smiling at the thought of our lips touching, I quietly got out of the bed. But just as I snuck to the door, trying to decide between vanilla and chocolate, I saw a note on the floor.

  I picked it up, and read the elegant handwriting. We need you for the ritual. Come to the cathedral dedicated to Halfaya today at dusk, alone. I must say that watching the two of you sleep was interesting. The way Narius thinks holding your hand w
ould solve all of his problems. Of course, you know better than that. I know what you are thinking. Don't. I am sure you could try to tell him—get him to heaven or find some other way to protect him. But if you do, I will find you, and I will kill Narius while you watch, making you wish you'd ended your miserable stinking life instead. Yours truly, Heliose. Archangel of love.

  My hands trembled. The strength in my legs gave out, and I sank to the floor. I read the message again, hoping it was some sort of joke Nathen had left. It wasn't. They are watching me. They can get into my room. I shuddered at the thought of Mafis or Heliose watching the two of us sleep. Narius isn't safe here. I glanced at the angel. Should I wake him? Could he convince his mother to help us? No. She would most likely try to kill me. I bit my thumb. What can I do? Wait... maybe this is a chance. Maybe I can fix this. Stop Heliose and prove to his mother that I can control myself. Yes, and with Narius asleep, he won't be able to stop me. This is perfect. I need to go to the cathedral.

  I crumpled the paper in my hand and tossed it away. But could I kill an archangel? Maybe. Not every one of them can be as strong as Narius's mother. Besides, do I really have another choice?

  I glanced at the sleeping beauty. I could talk to Narius.

  No. The only thing that would accomplish would be putting him in danger because I was stupid enough to be in this position in the first place. I can't ask him to sacrifice any more for me than he already has. I need to clean up my own mess.

  Grabbing a parchment, I pulled Narius's feather out and scribbled a note. I wrote to him, explaining where and why I was going. Once it was finished, I kissed him on the forehead and left the room, quietly closing the door behind me. Narius, I hope I can see you again.

  Chapter Twenty

  Narius

  I opened my eyes and found myself lying on Emily's bed, alone. What happened?