by Lizzy Ford
"His time is up, my pet," Death said.
Gabriel replaced the hourglass after several unsuccessful attempts to shake it. The sand at the bottom didn't move.
"He's almost there," he replied, facing the bright figure that was Death.
She offered one of her warm smiles and approached him, looking up at him with a mischievous twinkle in her gaze. The heavy Caribbean air rustled the pages of the Oracle's book. A storm brewed on the horizon, visible through the window behind Death.
"What?" Gabriel asked warily. "The last time you looked at me like that, I lost a bet."
"I guess it's cheating when you can see the future," she mused.
"Damn right it's cheating."
"Then you better answer this question right."
He crossed his arms, aware she was the only creature not intimidated by his displays of strength. She whirled away and crossed to the Oracle's book, closing it after his failed attempt to see Rhyn's fate.
He watched her grab the hourglass and toss it in the air. It disappeared before it could hit the ceiling. He felt dread knot in his stomach at the sign she wasn't going to give Rhyn yet another chance.
"Would you do anything for your friend?"
His jaw clenched at the question. She'd been trying for years to have his voluntary service revoked. Long ago, she’d given him the choice to serve her, the only one of her assassins offered a choice.
"I've always done everything you asked," he replied. "I've served you longer than any of the others. You'd put me in the position of choosing my freedom or my friend's life?"
"I sensed a thaw in you. The moment one of my assassins hesitates--or starts to care--I make them dead-dead. I don't own you like I do them, and I like you, Gabriel," she said.
"You're threatening to kill me now?" he asked, bemused.
"We both want something. Just say yes, you'll do anything for your friend, and I'll spare him a little longer."
"How much longer?"
She looked at him knowingly before saying, "You don't trust me?"
"You know I do."
"Then say yes, Gabriel. You've served me long enough to know what I am. Unless you were considering leaving me?"
He said nothing, aware the thought had crossed his mind more than once lately. His gaze went to the incoming storm. His life wouldn't change drastically if he agreed. He just couldn’t walk away.
Ever.
He'd taken the boy he’d watched over his whole life to Hell. He’d betrayed Rhyn. This sacrifice was the least Gabriel could do for his friend.
"Yes. Give him more time," he said softly.
Death smiled slowly, satisfied with the prize she'd won.