cravingpenelope

by Crymsyn Hart

  A tremble of anxiety ran through him, but he quelled the emotion. As Razziel approached the other angel, the butterflies parted, making a path for him. “Joe, excuse me.”

  The other angel took in a deep breath and opened his eyes. They were green, pure like an oak leaf magnified under a dewdrop. His tanned skin glistened. The breeze stirred his black hair. It took Joe a moment before he focused on Razziel. “What can I do for you? Please sit.”

  He sat on a rock that appeared next to him. Razziel settled on the smooth surface. Once he did, the butterflies settled around him. Their light touch made him think of Penelope. He pushed the thought away. “I had a question. It’s about the Fallen ones.”

  The other angel’s face remained blank. “And why are you inquiring about them?”

  “I-it’s said that the Fallen were cast from Heaven because they went against the laws.”

  “Yes. This is true, but you have not broken any laws. Or have you?”

  “I don’t think so. But I had a question about a mortal.”

  “We watch them. We do not get involved with their affairs unless directed to. Why do you ask about humanity?”

  Razziel did not know if he should confide in Joe. What if he passed judgment and cast him out of Heaven? “I’ve been gazing into the viewing pool. Drifting into humans’ dreams to learn more about them.”

  The other angel smiled. A blue butterfly with purple spots on its wings landed on Joe’s outstretched hand. He carefully ran a finger along its wing. The insect trembled and flew off. “And one of these creatures has you mystified, am I correct?”

  He nodded. “There is one particular woman. Something about her has me enchanted. I can’t explain it.”

  Joe studied him. “Are you exhibiting feelings for this woman?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “What are you doing in these dreams with this particular mortal?”

  Razziel knew he could not lie, but for the first time he realized that he did not want to tell the truth either. What would Joe say? What would it mean if he admitted it? What if he truly lied? He drew pleasure from the visitations and did not wish to stop them. “I don’t really know. Angels don’t feel, but this woman...I have stirrings. I think that’s the best way to put it.”

  “Choosing your words carefully can’t hide the fact that you’re uneasy about this topic, yet you coming to me proves that there is more to this woman than you are letting on. You inquired about the Fallen. The first step to becoming one is not telling the truth. You don’t want that, do you?”

  Razziel blanched. “No. Forgive me, but what if even I don’t completely know the truth yet?”

  “Then you must at least tell me what you think to be the truth. Sometimes the mysteries of the universe are hidden from us until we start down a particular path. Take this slice of Heaven we are in. It belongs to a human who enjoys butterflies. The first time I stepped foot in here, I did not know or understand the little flying insects. They were only an annoyance to me until I too realized they were beautiful and peaceful creatures. But I didn’t know this truth until I set foot on the road that brought me here. Do you understand?”

  “Not really.”

  “That is honest. In order to know if these inklings are something for you to fret over, then you have to explore them. Discover why this human woman has you so enthralled.”

  Razziel nodded. The advice was sound. However, it left him with one question. “But if I explore these stirrings, then won’t I be set on the path of a Fallen?”

  A scarlet butterfly with white stripes landed on his knee. He watched its antenna wiggle and wondered what the meaning was for such a small creature. In the whole universe the butterfly came from one creature and transformed into another, flicking from flower to flower.

  “There are many possibilities, the way there are many paths. Walk the one you are supposed to. No one ever punished an angel for doing what they were supposed to do.”

  Razziel looked up from the flying insect to ask his brother another question, but Joe had vanished. Knowing he was not going to get any more answers, Razziel got up and walked through a curtain of butterflies that surrounded the human whose Heaven he was in. He glanced back at the happy soul and found it interesting that no matter how many came to this plane, there was always a little slice just for them. Sometimes they interacted with the angels, but most of the time they enjoyed their afterlife. But while he observed the man, he realized that he was completely at peace, the way Razziel used to be. For him to be that way again, he had to figure out why this mortal woman was causing his uneasiness.

  Chapter Three

  Penelope rubbed her temples, trying to ward off her blooming headache. Staring at the computer all day, trying to make sense of insurance jargon and straining her eyes, was taking a toll. Thankfully, she had an appointment with the optometrist next week. Petey meowed and rubbed against her leg. She glanced down and saw a furry blob twining around her boot, getting hair all over her jeans. Penelope picked up the feline. He settled in her lap, kneading a spot to make himself comfortable and poking her with his claws all at the same time.

  “You want attention. What brings this on?” she asked the cat and scratched behind his left ear.

  He was content to perch there for a few minutes and give Penelope a minute to catch her breath. She realized it was dark out, and a loud clap of thunder shook the house. Rain pelted the windows, tapping a steady beat that did not lift her spirit. Petey hissed and jumped out of her lap so suddenly, Penelope leaped too, sending her desk chair rolling back into the wall. Her heart slammed into her chest, and she giggled at being afraid of a storm. Granted, the large trees guarding the house were a worry because they could fall, but she was used to their creaking and the branches scraping across the roof. But there was another sound, a rustling of a curtain flapping along a wall from an open window when one should not have been open. Penelope listened harder and heard something clatter to the floor in her bedroom. Panic quickly settled into her bones. Someone was in the house with her. She slowly stood up and tried to be quiet. She slipped out of the office and glanced around for something to use for a weapon. The lights flickered.

  No. No. No. Now is not the time for the power to go out. Her back hit the wall, and the firmness of the structure helped to keep her grounded. Her cell phone was in her pocket. Penelope pulled it out and saw a shadow move across the hallway. If the burglar did not catch her, then hopefully she could make it out alive. Petey darted across the room toward the sounds she was hearing. Something fell to the floor and shattered.

  “Stupid cat!” a man swore.

  Everything in her froze. Penelope held her breath and tried to think of an escape from her house. Her keys were by the door and to get to them, she had to cross the intruder’s path. If she moved, a board would squeak and he would know that she was there. Another clap of thunder vibrated the house. There was no other way except to go back into her office and pray he did not find her. Penelope slid backward along the wall. She made it back into her office and closed the door softly. From there, she backed into the closet and shut the door. Penelope pulled out her cell phone and began to dial 911. Before her finger hit the final one, she heard the click of her office door being opened. Oh shit!

  She hit the last one and then pressed send. Right when she did that, the closet door burst open and she was staring at the burglar. His face was hidden by a dark hoodie, but she swore his eyes glowed red in the darkness. He was taller than her and from the illumination from the lightning, Penelope could make out that he was broad shouldered, but that was about it. Her heart stopped and she backed further into the closet, trying to become one with the wall. Her gaze darted around the room hoping to find an escape, but he blocked her.

  “911...hello...”

  The burglar grabbed her hand and wrenched the phone from it, flinging it across the room so she heard it shatter. “Now. Now. Can’t be having anyone join the party. You’re all he wants. You’re a stro
ng one too. Although he didn’t say that I couldn’t have a little fun with you before I brought you in.”

  “W-what do you want with me? Take whatever you want. Please don’t hurt me.” Penelope saw her life march before her eyes and knew this was going to be it. This was the moment it was all going to end, and she was trapped in a closet. Her attacker’s eyes grew red once more. This time she knew it was not from the lightning flashes because the glow illuminated his face. It was twisted, as though he had been burned, but his features had not been rearranged properly. His eyes were completely round, and his nose was only two slits where his mouth should have been. What she considered a mouth was in the middle of his face. A jagged mouth, as though it had been sewed on, spread into a twisted smile. When she looked at his hands, they had curved nails.

  A shriek froze in her throat. The man before her was not truly a man. He was something else, but she did not know what. When he gripped her wrist, her empathic ability kicked into high gear and his delight at terrifying her jolted her, along with the pleasure of what he wanted to do to her. It left Penelope with a dirty feeling and if she got out of this alive, she was going to take a long hot shower to cleanse herself of his taint.

  “What do I want with you? Good question, but I can’t tell you that. You’re going to be so much fun to break in. Once that happens, maybe he’ll give you to me. I deserve a reward for all my hard work.”

  “Please...” she started to say, but a sharp sting cut her off. Penelope touched her cheek where he had smacked her and felt the stickiness of blood on her fingertips. A flicker of lightning tried to light up the room, but all she could see was the darkness that surrounded the man before her.

  “Enough whimpering. If you don’t shut up and behave, then I’m going to do a lot worse than slap you. Do you understand?” He growled.

  Penelope nodded and tried not to let her fear show, but she knew from her touching him that he was getting a kick out of this. It was what he thrived off of. The terror of his victims flashed into her mind. The more worked up they got, the stronger he became. The sense hit her violently before a wall came down and she was shoved from his mind.

  “You’re tricky. I felt you in here.” He tapped his temple. “You’re good. I didn’t feel you at first. Very slick, but alas, you’ll learn to obey. Now come here.” He yanked her from the closet so that she slammed into his chest.

  Once Penelope was against him she was engulfed with his stench, a combination of rancid meat and old, moldy socks. It made her gag, but she held on to the contents of her stomach. A clap of powerful thunder split the sky. Penelope tried to break away from her captor, but his hold on her was firm. He snickered and ran a thin tongue along her cheek. She cringed again, and a whimper came out so that she felt a rush of excitement from him. If only she knew how to use her abilities for her protection, but that was something she had never explored. Instead, she reinforced the walls around her psyche and prayed that she would not wind up dead. Another burst of illumination brightened the room. For a second, Penelope could not believe her eyes because over the intruder’s shoulder she witnessed a dark silhouette of a man appear out of nowhere. One flash of lightning later and he was there, when just a second ago the space had been occupied by a houseplant. Outside, the downpour bombarded the house and she could hear the neighbor’s flag clattering against the flagpole. It made the scene around her all the more menacing. The one behind her abductor could have been his accomplice.

  “Let her go!” the other man demanded.

  Her captor gripped her harder and chuckled. He spun Penelope around at the same time, adjusting his grip so that his claws sliced into her neck. His clutches were so tight that he barely left her any room to breathe. It hurt to suck in a quick breath. She tried to focus on staying conscious, but she wanted to know more about the man who had just appeared. It seemed he was there to help her, but Penelope did not know that for sure.

  “I said, let her go.”

  “No one invited you to the party.”

  “No invitation was required. I don’t think the girl wishes your company. Now release her, or I’ll send you back to the hell you crawled out of.”

  Her snatcher kissed the side of her cheek. She cringed away from him as far as she could, but she could only move so much within his strong arms.

  “Please help me,” she whispered, praying that the newcomer was indeed there to rescue her.

  “He can’t help you, sweetheart. He just got blown off course. Isn’t that right?”

  The stranger remained still, but in the darkness she saw a golden flow emanating from his hands. They were formed into fists and it seemed he was squeezing the light between his fingers, but it was growing brighter by the second. She had never seen anything like it, and the light gave her a renewed sense of hope.

  “You were warned, daemon. Now suffer the consequences.”

  The stranger threw a ball of light at the two of them. Penelope thought that whatever it was might save her, but watching the orb coming right at her, her hope cooled and turned into dread. Deep down she knew this glow was going to extinguish her and the thing that held her. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt. Maybe when she was dead, she would not have to feel others’ emotions anymore. There would be a welcome relief in that. When the glowing orb came at her, the fear haze she had been in broke and she could move again. She stomped down on her attacker’s foot, catching him off-guard enough that he released her. She darted out of the way and dropped to the floor. Penelope glanced back up and saw the disbelief on her imprisoner’s face. The ball of golden light hit him right above the heart. He shrieked. The sound shivered her bones, and the blast that evaporated him rattled the house. She was hit with a spray of blood and the dense shrapnel of body parts. A cry of disgust left her lips. Penelope sat up, wiped off her face, and focused on the other man before her. The storm outside had not ceased but had gotten stronger from the sounds of the rain pelting the house, as though it was trying to pry the siding off. The man before her stood perfectly still in the shadows, where even the lightning was not illuminating his face.

  “What do you want?” Penelope asked. Her heart seemed to be beating louder than the rain on the windows.

  Her savior stepped toward her, stretching out his hand to her. The golden glow had lessened, but it still lit up his palm. He flexed his fingers, and the radiance danced over his fingertips. The small arcs crackled as they wound around his fingers like something from a Tesla coil. Was he going to use that again on her? “Why did that daemon wish to abduct you?”

  She did not take his hand and shook her head. “I don’t know. He just broke in and came at me, saying he was sent to procure me for someone. I don’t know who. Please don’t hurt me.”

  “I’m not here to hurt you. It seems I arrived in the nick of time to rescue you. However, with one daemon after you, there’ll surely be another to follow once the original one doesn’t return with you. The other one might not be so easy to dispatch.” He closed his hand, and the glow was extinguished.

  She stood up, but still refused his help. Another one of those things might come after me? “Why? I didn’t do anything. I’m nothing. I work in an insurance office, well, from home, but still. I’m not important.”

  “Someone must think you’re important. What did he say to you?”

  Penelope wracked her brain, trying to remember what the intruder had told her. It all seemed a bad blur, and pieces of it were already fading into the back of her brain while her mind tried to protect itself from the horrors she had been subjected to. “H-he said that I was strong and that he wanted me for his collection.”

  “Him? He barely had any power to squash a bug.”

  She shook her head. “No. I wasn’t for him, but for his employer, by the sound of it.”

  The other man rubbed his chin, obviously contemplating what she had said. “Well, that’s more like it. I guess I’ll have to stay to be sure nothing comes after you until we can figure out who is after you and why you are so valua
ble.”

  * * * *

  “What? No. You can’t stay here.”

  The rain outside continued to pound on the dwelling he inhabited with Penelope. Razziel had not expected to discover the daemon. It had been easy to destroy the creature who had taken her hostage, but he was now more concerned about who wanted to procure her. Such things were known to him in Heaven, but he had never experienced it. Razziel had hoped to come to the human woman and demand to know why he was feeling the way he was about her. It remained an enigma he needed to unravel. Seeing her shaken, scared, and dowsed in daemon remains, he knew this was not the time to ask her his unanswered questions. Instead, he must protect her because it was in his nature to watch out for humans, guarding them, but he was not a warrior. And he prayed any involvement with Penelope would not have him cast out and labeled as a Fallen.

  “Would you rather take your chances with another creature coming to get you or worse? Because I can most certainly leave.”

  She shook her head and sniffled, dragging her hand across her face. Even in the dim light he could see the blood on her skin, but when the lightning lit up the room he saw that the black blood had smeared and the rest of the daemon was scattered around the room.

  “No. Please stay. I don’t want to be taken again.”

  He nodded and felt the corners of his mouth being pulled into a smile. “All right. It would be best if you removed your clothes and scrubbed yourself to eliminate the taint of the daemon. If you leave them here, I shall dispose of the remains and make sure all evidence of him is gone.”

  “Y-you want me to take my clothes off now? I don’t think so.”

  Razziel felt the hot irritation of anger roll through his mind. “Do what I say, woman. This is not a request. I’m not going to ravage you the way the creature planned on doing. I’m not that base,” Razziel snapped.

  “No. I-I’m sorry.” She slipped off her shoes and unbuttoned her pants.