by Janie Marie
She felt Artemis behind her in an instant, and Sorrow took off again. Jane knew they were being hunted down. She felt Artemis gripping her tightly and struggled to hold her sword and the horn of her saddle.
“They’re targeting us for some reason!” Artemis shouted behind her. “Probably for you!”
Jane bared her fangs, digging her fingers into the saddle as Sorrow sped up. “A thank you for saving your life would be nice.”
Artemis snarled and hugged herself to Jane as the terrain became more uneven. A blur of movement on each side caught their attention. Jane hoped it was the knights, but it wasn’t.
“See! They’re after you!” Artemis pointed one way while Jane looked another. They were being flanked. “It’s always you!”
“Well, at least you aren’t jealous of men chasing me,” Jane snapped. They were screwed.
“Use your powers!”
Sorrow jumped over a log, causing them both to almost fall. Jane struggled to tighten her grip with the way Artemis was leaning on her.
“What are you waiting for?” Artemis screeched when werewolves began leaping, just falling short thanks to Sorrow’s speed.
“I’m injured! I don’t have the energy . . . I’ll pass out or die.”
“Stop being dramatic. Just do it!”
Jane shook her head. “Fuck you, Artemis.” She felt more blood pouring out of her leg. The repairs must have come undone with all her running.
Sorrow’s whole side was covered in her blood. He seemed to know she was fading and ran faster, whinnying in a way that she felt meant, ‘I won’t let you die.’
Rubbing her hand on his neck, she opened her mouth to comfort him, but a huge body slammed into them, knocking Jane and Artemis off.
Jane’s breath rushed out of her when she smacked the cold ground. She pulled her face from the icy ground and spat dirt from her bleeding mouth. She struggled, but managed to get onto all fours when Artemis crawled next to her. They were both bleeding in multiple places, but they turned away after taking in each other’s injuries when growls echoed around them.
At first Jane saw nothing, but she shouted, pushing Artemis out of the way when a werewolf came flying out of nowhere. She should have been the one hit, but she wasn’t.
Sorrow rammed the wolf with his massive head, launching it into the trees. The horse was quick to stand guard as more growls and snarls sounded all around them.
Jane heard the shouts of the others, but she and Artemis were too scared to call out.
Two wolves attacked Sorrow. Jane screamed as the horse kicked them or used its head and body to knock them into trees.
Artemis pulled Jane up. “We have to run. The fortress is that way.”
“I’m not leaving Sorrow.” Jane glanced around for her sword. “Do you see my sword? Where’s yours?”
Artemis began patting the snow and Jane followed suit, frantically searching for their weapons.
“I found mine.” Artemis stood straight, and Jane lifted her head just in time to see a wolf snatch the goddess by the legs, knocking her to the ground before it started dragging her away.
“NO!” Jane screamed, running after them. Her legs and lungs burned, but she didn’t stop. She remembered her dagger and grabbed it as she used a fallen tree to launch herself onto the werewolf’s back. There weren’t any thoughts in her head by that point. It was just pure instinct as she repeatedly stabbed its neck.
The beast roared and threw Artemis into the darkness before forcefully ripping the dagger from Jane’s hand and throwing it out of view. She didn’t let go of him, though. She squeezed her legs around his large back, hollering while she grabbed onto its upper jaw.
The wolf scratched into her hands and bit down on her fingers, but she refused to give up. She dug her heels into his side, screaming as she used every bit of strength she had left to pry his mouth open like she’d seen David do.
A sickening crack sounded, and she felt the top of the wolf’s head rip off in her hands. The werewolf swayed before collapsing to the ground with her still on its back.
Jane groaned as she lifted her body. Her hand was numb, but she kept trying to stand. “Artemis?”
There was no answer from the goddess, but Jane could hear Sorrow’s distant cries along with the battle. She smiled, realizing the knights were coming for them. The relief of knowing David must be near seemed to sap away what energy she had left.
Her body collapsed on the wolf’s hairy back, and she rolled away from the stinking blood instead of trying to stand. “Artemis?” she called out quietly.
She heard a twig snap, but the snarl alerted Jane it wasn’t Artemis.
Jane pressed her busted lips together, trying to stay quiet because she knew now the monster was right behind her. And here she was, on her belly, defenseless and weak. Slowly, she turned her head.
A clawed hand grabbed her leg, and she was roughly thrown through the air. Within seconds, her back smacked a tree. She didn’t even have a chance to scream. She couldn’t cry out as her body slid down the trunk. She could only sit there, her body broken, as she watched the shadow of her attacker come closer.
It should have scared her. She should have screamed for help, but she could only smile as his slobbering teeth came into view.
He’ll come now, she thought sadly. The blood dripping down her face and the back of her head before mixing with the puddle below her leg told her this. Whether he’d save her or take her for good, she didn’t know, but she was so tired, so angry that she’d failed again, and so weak that she didn’t care. She was useless.
“Kill me, you son of a bitch,” she whispered, her eyes barely open. Her only wish was he’d end her quickly.
The wolf growled loudly and lunged. She couldn’t even lift her arms to guard herself.
She didn’t have to.
A huge hammer came flying through the air, knocking the wolf away. Jane wasn’t thrilled, though. She’d die slower now.
“JANE!” David’s shouts for her were farther away, so he was not her savior, not the large shadow walking toward her.
Somehow, Jane was able to glance up at the man. She couldn’t make out any of his features, but she knew he was not anyone from their team.
His deep voice rumbled in her clogged ears. “He made a mess out of you, didn’t he?”
A large hand touched her cheek. “You’re a brave one, I’ll give ya that,” he added, inspecting the destruction to her body.
Another man walked up to the crouching person in front of her. “They’re going to be pissed, Thor. I told you to wait before you went looking for those beasts. You led them right to Arthur.”
The first man, who she now understood to be Thor, sighed before he spoke. “Forgive me, Father. I was tired of waiting.” He looked down at her leg and began to apply pressure. “I see my mistake now.”
His father, Odin, scoffed. “It is not me you should seek forgiveness from.”
Thor ignored him. “She’s dying . . . Who do you suppose she is?”
Odin let out a disbelieving laugh. “You foolish boy, did you not hear? David has found his Other.”
“Shit,” Thor said, applying more pressure to her leg.
“And it appears he has found you,” Odin said, stepping away quickly.
That was when Jane heard David roar, and Thor was ripped away from her. There were shouts and the sound of several hits being delivered.
“Your Other is fading, Sir David,” Odin said.
David’s silhouette came into view, and she tried to smile, but she didn’t think her face moved at all. “Make me a tourniquet,” he said, holding her leg. “Fuck!”
Jane tried to speak, but she felt blood rise up her throat.
“BED!” David shouted as his face blurred, turning into a shadow along with several other figures surrounding her. “Hang on, baby.”
“Yes, right there.” She heard Bedivere speak as darkness closed in around her.
A hand felt the back of her head, and she hea
rd a strangled cry from David as he spoke. “Bed, I feel part of her skull sticking out.”
Someone pushed his hand away, and Jane tried to speak again, but blood spilled from her mouth.
David’s warm hands cupped her cheeks, and she felt them moving her onto something flat. He was steadying her neck as he loomed over her.
“Strap her down,” someone said.
David’s voice was low, but she felt his hot breath on her mouth before he kissed her. “Stay with me, my love. Fight.” He kissed her lips again. This time she felt him sucking the blood collecting in her mouth. “She’s choking on her blood,” David said as he pulled his mouth away. He resumed sucking the blood. He got enough out that she felt air return; she hadn’t even realized she was suffocating.
“David,” she whispered, feeling a kiss on her lips.
“I’m here. Don’t give up. You’re going to be okay.”
She hoped she was smiling as the darkness intensified. “I something you.” Then she slipped into oblivion.
Death stood at the edge of a cliff with his team of angels and demons. They were quiet as they studied Tartarus, Hell’s largest prison. Its slick black walls were lit up by the inferno surrounding its base.
“They say it has never been breached, Horseman,” said the King of Demons.
Death stayed quiet. He had never come to Tartarus himself. He sent souls to purgatory, already knowing who would be restored to their physical bodies to carry out their sentences in whichever realm of Hell they were destined. He knew Tartarus’ reputation for never losing a prisoner or having a successful breach. Every angel and demon knew.
“It will be tonight,” he said, still observing the layout of the courtyards and positions of the guards.
The three demons chuckled, their evil laughter causing Death’s team of angels to flap their wings in agitation.
“Show your worth, demons,” Death said. “I will not hesitate to lock you in that shithole.”
“Do not worry over our participation. We have longed for the day we would once again slay the truly wicked. My chains have begged to be coated in their blood,” said Asmodeus.
Death chuckled and cracked his neck. “You should have stayed in the light, King of Demons. Doing so would have given you many opportunities to bathe in evil blood.”
“Well, perhaps I will be forgiven, Horseman,” Asmodeus replied, his ruby stare briefly meeting Death’s before they both looked back at the thousands of demons and fallen angels.
“Death, some are Fallen redeeming themselves,” Nemesis said.
Death looked over at her briefly before turning his attention back to the great prison. He watched the Fallen with their midnight wings as they kept watch over the workers. Not all of them were attempting forgiveness, but those who were, this was their job, their punishment.
“They might earn it if they join us. Should they turn against you, destroy them. They hold no worth,” Death said, rubbing his chest as his heartbeat accelerated. He glanced upward and sighed before speaking again. “Once we get inside, find Pestilence and wait for me. If that bitch who dug her claws into him is there, hold her. I will punish her.”
Nemesis touched his shoulder. “Let me, Death.”
“Why?” he asked, scrutinizing her face as her aqua-colored eyes glowed brightly.
“For Jane,” she said. “For the suffering caused by the siren’s greed. I will deliver vengeance on her behalf.”
He looked at her for a moment longer before finally nodding. “Punish her.”
A satisfied smile spread over her lips. “Severely, my lord.”
Death looked away from her. He did not want her kissing his ass right now. The anxious feeling coming from his bond with Jane had him on edge. He knew she wasn’t injured—yet—but he knew what had been done.
“Is something wrong?” Asmodeus asked him.
“He is thinking about the girl,” Nemesis said.
Asmodeus nodded, rubbing his chin. “From what was said, it seems he did not hold back when torturing her.”
Death snarled, looking between the angel and demon. “Mind your business. Neither of you are permitted to speak of her!” He pointed at Nemesis. “You should not have followed me. You were not meant to see me with her, let alone tell the others. I should rip your fucking wings off.”
She bowed her head. “Forgive me. It is not my place to concern myself with the girl or your relationship with her. I only wanted to assist you after seeing you so upset.”
“You knew damn well what was already happening. And you know she is no mere girl,” he said, his heart rate skyrocketing. “Never disobey me again, Nemesis. There is one soul I care about, and you are not her.”
Nemesis bowed and stepped aside.
Asmodeus chuckled. “Nemesis, you of all beings should know not to interfere with Death. I would think your brother’s broken body was enough proof of what happens to those who do. And it’s enough to push the most loyal to fall from grace.”
Nemesis’ sword appeared in her hand, and she had it against Asmodeus’ throat. “Do not speak of Thanatos, Fallen.”
“Besides Lucifer, my dear”—Asmodeus grinned—“Than is the most celebrated Fallen in Hell.”
Death yanked Nemesis by her hair before shoving her to Hypnos. “She is wearing my patience.”
Hypnos shook his head at his sister before hugging her.
“Are you finished?” Death asked her.
Although her aqua eyes glistened with unshed tears, she wore the expression of an emotionless warrior. “Yes, my lord.”
Death didn’t acknowledge her, and again, he looked up. Jane was hurt now. Badly.
“Are we going to admire this shithole all day or have ourselves a fight?” asked Succorbenoth.
Death clenched his jaw and looked away from the empty void above them.
Moros patted his shoulder, and Death shook him off before nodding to them. “Go.”
They did as they were told. Death watched each of them leap off the cliff. Their light streamed behind them as they fell. For a moment, he watched the three white streams belonging to his angels and the three black clouds of smoke as they fell toward a courtyard filled with demons.
Death closed his eyes, focusing on his bond with Jane. “Forgive me, Sweet Jane.” With those words, he jumped. Green flames roared around him as he angled his body to speed up. They landed before him, kicking up a cloud of dust, but his landing made a much larger impact as he crouched to one knee.
Death looked forward, his keen eyesight allowing him to see through the dust as demons and fallen angels surrounded them. He had a feeling they were expected when he noticed none of these creatures looked surprised at their arrival. Death grinned, summoning his scythe. The flash of green illuminated their silhouettes, and that caused a reaction.
The demons and fallen hissed as they drew their weapons. Some expanded their bat-like wings in an attempt to look intimidating.
If they wanted to see intimidation, he’d show them.
A fearless demon approached the dust cloud that still hid them. His bravery caused the horde building around them to cheer excitedly. That is, until a chain whipped out of the dust and cut the creature in half.
Death watched the body sway as the King of Demons withdrew his chain. Fear filled the air, and Death and his team breathed in the familiar scent with grins on their faces.
Terrified screeches reached his sensitive ears, and Death nodded. He watched the others scatter in different directions. Now it was his turn. He dropped his illusion, revealing his true form, and rose to his feet. His hood dipped low, hiding his face, but he knew there was no question about his identity now.
Death flapped his wings, clearing the dust cloud and facing the horde before him. He tightened his hand around his scythe as green flames ignited around it again. The demons snarled and spat at him, but he smiled. Many would perish from all existence today.
The fire in his hand and leg intensified, and he growled before unleashing all
his anger in his attack. He moved too swiftly for any of them to react properly. Fury pumped through his veins as pain—Jane’s pain—spread through him. He roared, swinging his scythe so viciously his victims were exploding on impact.
The pain eased, but Death knew Jane was fighting. And losing. He brought his scythe down, hammering a winged monster onto his blade. Death looked over his shoulder and saw Sonneillon slaying his own set of demons, but his new ally wasn’t aware of the three approaching from behind.
Death gripped his scythe tight and hurled the impaled demon at Sonneillon’s attackers. The sickening crack from their smashing bodies made him smile, and he watched their bodies break into bloody pieces. “Watch your back!”
Sonneillon nodded to him. “Many thanks, Horseman.”
Death didn’t give him any further acknowledgment, and within seconds, he was slicing into another. He ripped into them, growling like a wild beast as he watched them fall. Their mutilated bodies lay in ruins around his elite army. They showed no mercy. They smashed and tore their way into the disgusting flesh of their victims.
Panic filled Death’s heart, but it wasn’t his own. He glanced upward only for a moment when a flash of green erupted beside him.
Sorrow neighed, lowering his head, a gesture to mount him.
“Away,” Death said, his eyes drifting up as Sorrow stomped his hooves. “I can’t go to her!”
Death swung his scythe, killing five demons, and held out his hand, casting a death field around him. Demons and Fallen within his field fell to the ground, their skin rotting from their bones in seconds.
Snarling, he looked Sorrow in the eye. “Help me fight or leave.”
Sorrow stared him down while he held onto the death field. He knew Jane needed help, but he would not go to her.
The flames that only formed around Sorrow when he was in battle or angry, ignited.
Death shook his head. “Leave her.”
The flames burned brighter, and Sorrow ran the other way, vanishing—going to Jane.
Death released the death field and raced toward the main gate. He would not save her. She was on her own.