The Lariat (Finding Justus Series)

by Ashley Dotson

  I was in trouble. What was I thinking trying to take on Samael by myself? Of course he wouldn’t fight fair, but why was Lillith with him when he just wanted to get rid of her? It was likely that she didn’t even know of his plan.

  “How long do we have to wait here, Sam?” Lillith’s voice broke through the silence, “The air in this place makes me twitchy. There’s too much life, too much humanity. I can’t stand it. I need to kill something.”

  Only his eyes moved, “You will follow my lead while you are here, or I will do more than send you back to your home.”

  “Oh really? Like what?”

  “Like strip away your powers and leave you here.” His voice was even and he meant every word.

  “May I have a vote?” Orias said smiling only slightly.

  Lillith only pouted.

  “You don’t have to wait long. Layla is already here.”

  My stomach dropped to my feet. The blood drained from my face. Panic was setting in and I fought my fear. Where was my drive? Where was my anger?

  Where are you daemon?

  I couldn’t face them scared as I was. I needed…something. I was missing something.

  “Hey,” the voice came from behind me. I almost came out of my skin until I felt it was Orrin that had jumped behind me. He had taken my hand sending me all the love he had inside him.

  “They know I’m here,” I said to him.

  “I know.”

  I’m scared, I mouthed to him.

  Orrin leaned in and kissed me. “You are the Beacon. This is why you were created.”

  I nodded.

  “I’m coming with you.”

  And that’s all it took. His words, I’m coming with you, brought my daemon to life. It roared to life within me. It resonated in my body and came out as strong flames in my fingers and the crimson of my eyes. Surely those three Vile and all of downtown heard its cry. My over-protective daemon didn’t want Orrin anywhere near danger. I knew I couldn’t stop him from coming with me and the possibility of someone I loved being harmed was just what I needed to shake my fear.

  Orrin was like that. He always seemed to know what I needed without me even saying the words, and not because he read my mind, but just because he was Orrin. Just because I was his.

  So I took a breath, cooled my fury and grabbed his hand, “This is for me to do. You have to follow my lead this time.”

  He opened his mouth to protest and then closed it. He nodded and winked. Even with imminent danger he could be charming. We walked together quietly. It was pointless to try, anything we could possible say to one another, they would hear. I wondered where everyone else was.

  Dad. Cyrus. They’re probably looking for me.

  And with that thought my phone beeped inside my purse which I had fallen off my shoulder when Orrin snuck up behind me. But I couldn’t answer it now. I prayed they would find me, and I prayed that they wouldn’t. I wanted to see their faces just one last time, especially Cyrus. At the same time I didn’t want their last memory of me to be my death.

  Orrin squeezed my hand, sensing my riotous emotions and I could feel his resolve. He was with me all the way. My previous doubt in him was washed away. His love and faith gave me the strength to do what I feared most.

  I could confront these daemons and my own.

  I would take my fate into my own hands.

  There was no use worrying about what I couldn’t control. Samael, Lillith and Orias were standing side-by-side under the flickering street light, with the Montrose, their own pillar of evil, and that black fog protecting them like a guard dog.

  I didn’t shrink back. Instead, I embraced my bravery instead of my fear, fisted my hands and freed my wings and let them see who they were really threatening. I may have been young, I may not have made all the best decisions, but I knew I could beat them- I just didn’t know how yet.

  Looking at Orias, I could see arrogance in his eyes. He watched Orrin, his own son, and me walk together to face a fate which he had handed us. And it was clear to me now, the reason he was here was not because he wanted Samael to succeed, it was because he needed to fix a mistake he had made years ago.

  He told me what I needed to do. I needed to surrender. I needed to give my life, but surely that didn’t mean give in to Samael or Lillith. I was missing something still. I couldn’t quite figure it out, but Orias had already said I would know what to do when the moment arrived.

  “Good evening,” Samael bowed low.

  “Layla,” Lillith cooed and smiled and held her arms open wide. She may have even had tears in her eyes, “I’ve missed you so much. You left so soon on your last visit. Come here.”

  I again said nothing and just stared her down, my face slack. She would end this performance or I would end her. I was more powerful than her. I had beaten her both times we had met and this would be no different. I had discovered more about my birthright, my fate and I would not cower before any of them.

  “I’m sure you’re wondering why we are here.” Samael did not mince words, “But first let me say thank you to Orrin for bringing us through.”

  My eyes darted to his. Could it be true?

  “I did no such thing. You are lying, Sam.”

  “Orrin,” I whispered, “I did feel it. The ground? I remember what it felt like when you opened the portal.”

  “I may have opened a portal, but I did not let them through. I was on the other side of the planet. I knew better than to do something like that anywhere near you.”

  I felt her before I saw her. A new player. My mother had materialized on the other side of me facing our enemies. Her eyes were trained on the Vile, but she spoke to us, “Any time a portal is opened the veil between the worlds is thinned. Even though you did not let them through, that was the opportunity they needed to find their way here.”

  “You said we had more time,” he ground out.

  “I did not plan on you opening a portal. Samael would never have been strong enough otherwise.”

  “And what is she doing here?” I asked, glancing to Lillith.

  “I just wanted to see you. Can’t a mother just come to visit her daughter?”

  “Yes, she can.” I reached for my mother’s hand and laced my fingers with hers.

  “I needed her here. I’m glad you came too, Layla.” Samael spoke to my mother. “I want your daughter to feel safe, and I needed all of you here for that to happen. I have a deal in mind to discuss with you.”

  “A deal with the devil? Really?” I replied.

  “I’m glad the irony isn’t lost on you. Making deals is my specialty. You didn’t let me finish the other night.”

  “I will not help you. No matter what you ask for. If it tears me apart, I will not aid you in anything.”

  His skin crawled reminding me of the creatures that hid underneath his skin. “I cannot take credit for this, actually it was Orias’ idea.”

  “So that is your role in all of this, father? You’re playing the adviser to him again?” Orrin spat. I couldn’t tell if he truly hated his father or if he was hurt by his betrayal.

  “Layla, you know I have a recent…fondness for you.”

  I cringed.

  “What?” Lillith turned her wrath onto him.

  My lips curled back on their own and he continued, “But I am willing to overlook my recent infatuation if your soulmate is willing to concede.”

  “Concede? He isn’t going back to Hell either.”

  “No, Layla,” Orrin sighed and looked at his father, “He wants me to return to my father.”

  “I only want to see you reunited with Orias. He hasn’t been the same since you turned away from him.” Samael’s concern was so far from genuine.

  “That’s why you have been pursuing Layla?” Orrin took a step closer to them and I followed.

  “Orrin. He’s trying to upset you. Don’t let him. Don’t give in.”

  “Layla, that’s what this has all been about. All of it.” Orrin pointed to Samael, “He made
everyone think that he wanted to kidnap you, and it was all a lie. He just wants me. He wants his Porter back and under his control.”

  Samael grinned but it didn’t quite reach his eyes, “It’s your humanity that keeps you from being truly devious. Had you not left Hell, you probably would have caught on sooner, but then there wouldn’t have been a need to have this big elaborate hoax. You did all of us a favor Layla, when you helped Orrin get his memory back. If that judgement would have held many of my Vagabonds would have been trapped on Earth and died. Hell would have been locked from the outside and none of us would have been free to taste the blood and pain that flows through your world.”

  Figures. Wait…

  “You did that?” I finally spoke now, but to Orias, “You told me to go to him. You told me how to break his judgement. Is this why? Have you been playing me all this time?”

  Orias didn’t hesitate, “I play everyone. It’s what I do.”

  “And what do you think to give Layla in return for my concession?” Orrin asked.

  “I’ll show you.”

  With his words Lillith’s arms were pulled tight over her head a large hook ran through both her palms. Blood coursed down her white skin, but she seemed to enjoy the pain which didn’t surprise me. I wanted to kill her. I wanted to watch her burn into a tiny pile of ash, just like I watched Orrin burn three years ago.

  Do it. I want it. Let me have her.

  “Listen to it, Layla. Give it what it wants. This is what I’m offering you- Orrin’s life for Lillith’s death.”

  I had never wanted anything more than I wanted Lillith dead. It would be the answer to all my problems.

  “I won’t keep Orrin. He can live here with you. You two can be free to live and love for all of eternity, free of any threat of Lillith. She will never harm you or anyone you love ever again.”

  His voice was hypnotic. I wanted to give him everything.

  “All you have to do is surrender.”

  31

  “No.”

  I heard the word from behind me.

  “You were never part of this conversation, angel.” Samael’s eyes were trained on the glorious, imposing man behind. They had finally caught up and Cyrus, sword in hand, was walking out of the shadows to stand behind me. I could hear footsteps and the others ran to catch up with Cyrus’ otherworldly speed.

  “I am taking an active interest in this conversation.” He raised his sword, “And this is all the invitation I require.”

  “You still retain the sword, I see,” Samael smiled. “How is your arm these days?”

  “Still strong enough to send you back to Hell.”

  Samael laughed loudly sounding a lot like a cackling blackbird. “We can get to that in due time. Right now I have a bargain on the table for Layla.”

  “What does he want, Layla?” Cyrus asked me.

  “He wants Orrin to reunite with his father. And in return he will kill Lillith.”

  “She wins both ways, if you only consider it. She and Orrin will both continue to live without the threat of Lillith over their heads.”

  Lillith found her voice, “You conniving bastard, I swear by all that is unholy…” Her mouth vanished from her face as if she had never had one.

  “This is wrong, Layla. No deal is ever as easy as it sounds, you know that.” Orrin began. He looked at my mother, “Will you tell her something? Anything?”

  “I do not need to. She will make up her own mind. It has to be her decision.”

  Is this my surrender? Is this what will make everyone safe?

  “Surrender? Layla, what are you thinking.”

  My eyes went wide and I turned back to Cyrus, “Nothing. It’s just my own thoughts. I need you to make me a promise. Whatever I am about to do, I do alone. Don’t follow me, don’t try to save me. I need to face this alone. If I get in over my head, I’ll call you. I won’t do anything stupid. I promise.”

  Orrin and my mother nodded, but Cyrus yanked me to him, “No. I won’t let you face anything alone.”

  I touched his face and kissed his lips. It didn’t matter that Orrin was only a few feet away. Cyrus needed me. “You told me I had to put my faith where it belongs and that’s what I’m doing. It’s what I’ve always tried to do, I just never knew how. I’m asking you to do the same, have faith in me. I know what I’m doing.”

  His hand clutched the hilt of his sword tighter. He was torn, but he still released my arm.

  As I moved away from my loved ones I saw the fog creeping slowly from behind Samael. It was forming a wide circle between the rest of the world and all of us. My father, Kevin, Ava and Ben finally ran up, but they were too late. The fog became a barrier no human could penetrate.

  Every step I took brought me closer to facing the evil in front of me and my own evil within. What was I thinking? I would never agree to any deal Samael had to offer. I hated Lillith with every breath I took, but her life wasn’t mine to take. Nor could I make the decision for Orrin to reunite with his father. Only he could do that, and at this point I didn’t see that in either of their futures. There were strings hanging all over this deal, and all of them would wrap around me feeding my daemon and enclosing me in darkness just like Samael’s black fog was doing now.

  He can take his deal and eat it.

  I was a few feet away from Samael when Orias came to stand at his side, “Very brave of you, to walk so calmly to me.”

  “There’s nothing you can do to me here that you couldn’t do to me back there. I’m in no more danger than I was ten seconds ago.”

  I could feel a strange power flowing beneath my skin. There was fire there, of course, but something else. Something new. I didn’t know what I had in store for myself, but I knew I was right about my birthright. It wouldn’t fail me now. It wouldn’t fail me ever.

  He opened his mouth to speak but I cut in, “Before you say anything else, my answer is no. I won’t kill Lillith for you. If she is annoying you too much, like you told me on your last unwelcomed visit, then deal with her yourself. She’s not my problem.”

  “Bitch,” Samael spat and the fog crept higher, “I’ll kill you both.”

  “No you won’t.” I looked at Orias, “I can’t give you your son back. I’m sorry. His loyalty isn’t mine to command.”

  Orias stayed silent. He tried to hide his approval, but I could see it in his eyes. Lillith quit wriggling and tore her hands free of the hook. She took her fingernail and cut a long line where her mouth should have been. Her teeth were long, jagged and bloody. She let out a screech and before I could even think it, Samael set her on fire. She was gone leaving only a wisp of sulphur and smoke.

  “You leave me no choice then. I want my porter. You are forcing me to play dirty. Say good bye to Bennet.”

  “No!” I turned but it was too late.

  Ben’s face was as white as a sheet. She was clutching her back. She wobbled on her feet and turned. She reached around and clutched her back. The three slashes Samael had given her when we were here before came alive leaving trails of blood running down the backs of her legs. My father caught her before she hit the ground. I ran to her, trying to push through the fog, but it burned like a solid wall of impenetrable acid. Cyrus and Orrin both grabbed me and pulled me back into its center. I couldn’t shake their grasp, but I stopped struggling and noticed the burns on my arms. They weren’t healing. They were only growing.

  Both men cursed while quickly examining my arms. They exchanged worried glances but said no more. The three of us turned quickly, not wanting to keep our backs to the Vile that had encircled us.

  I looked to Orrin, “What is this around us? It’s different than what we saw in Hell.”

  “It is the same. I can’t jump. Your fire won’t work. Nor will his sword cut through it. The fog is Samael’s ultimate weapon.”

  “Think of what you told us about your birthright,” Cyrus added. “It is the same with the fog.”

  So it’s unbeatable? I asked him silently.

&n
bsp; “It is whatever it needs to be,” Cyrus explained. “And right now it is a cage.”

  “We’ll see about that.” My vision was clouded by the hazy crimson emotions raging within me. I had yet to even put up a fight. It was time this foul creature was dredged back to Hell.

  I trained my eyes on Samael releasing an angry blaze. My soul was ready to explode with it. It shot out like a long stream of water and hit the fog forcefully- only it didn’t make it through. The blackness swallowed it up indifferent to its intensity.

  I tried to ignite his robes, but nothing happened. Samael just looked at my futile attempts and sighed, “Honestly, I expected more.”

  I spread my wings wide, crouching for an attack when my mother touched my arm. Her face was strangely peaceful, like she knew something I didn’t. Her voice rang clearly in my mind. Inside you resides both good and evil. Light and darkness. Daemon and angel. These elements cannot be fragmented. It is your ability to harness both that will gain the ultimate victory.

  The ground began to rumble again. Harder. Longer. The pavement in front of the building cracked spilling forth more black fog. An explosion rang overhead and every window in the Montrose exploded raining shards of glass onto all of us. I tried to throw a shield over them but nothing happened- my mother did what I couldn’t.

  As little needles flew down they hit the protective bubble she created over them. She flew up and over the fog and took Ben from my father.

  “He’s opened a portal.” Orrin staggered back and the ground shook again, “I don’t know how he did it, but he did it.”

  “Get them both out of here,” I heard my father yell, referring to Bennet and Ava. He stood handing Ben’s lifeless body to my mother.

  “But I can…” Ava didn’t get to finish. Her face turned white and she began to choke. A bit of the black fog peeled back and invaded her gaping mouth before my mother could move. Kevin splashed Ava and the tendrils of fog with holy water, as they tried to infect her from the inside out. Thankfully it withdrew and my mother was gone.