Wicked Revelations and Brimstone (Legacy of Sins Book 2)

by J. N. Colon

  My voice cracked from screaming, tearing my throat apart. My lids clamped shut as heat engulfed my body.

  Bands of iron clutched my middle, knocking the breath out of me. I was lifted through the air and away from the flames.

  I opened my eyes and glanced back. The other fallen, Raziel, held me as he flew through the cave.

  “Don’t fret, Lena,” he whispered. “I’m not the cat to your mouse. I won’t play with you.”

  We landed safely on the other side of the narrow bridge. My body sagged against the Fallen, my knees too weak to hold me.

  Astaroth argued with the other two evil, winged S.O.B.s. Leliel yawned, looking bored. Allocen at least seemed to understand his brother’s anger.

  Me? I was pissed. If I had more energy, I’d storm back across the bridge and slap Astaroth.

  Raziel sighed. “My dear brother tries so hard. He wants the best for his family, but we don’t always agree on what that is.”

  My lids drifted closed. Sleep must have briefly claimed me because Astaroth suddenly pulled me from Raziel’s arms.

  It took a moment for my mind to catch up. When it did, jagged heat exploded through my insides. My hands shot out, and I pushed Astaroth as hard as I could, falling back into Raziel. “I could have died!” I screeched over the wailing of the souls. “You said I would be safe.”

  His blue eyes averted to the stone ground. “I’m sorry, Lena. I didn’t expect my family to be a problem.”

  I wiped sweat from my face, my chest heaving. “Your family is evil. Just like you.”

  “I am not evil,” he snarled.

  “You don’t call killing a mother in front of her six-year-old child evil?” I shot back.

  Astaroth flinched. “That was unavoidable. There are things you don’t know, why I had to do it.”

  “You could have at least done it away from the child,” Raziel muttered.

  Blood red flashed in Astaroth’s irises. “I don’t need your opinion, brother.”

  Raziel shrugged behind me. “Aren’t you at least going to thank me for saving your precious avis so you didn’t have to sacrifice your beautiful wings?”

  The other Fallen took a slow, calming breath. “Thank you, Raziel. I appreciate it. Would you like to accompany us back to my home?”

  My head unexpectedly spun, the cave blurring around me. My stomach heaved. The heat and painful cries of the souls slashed at me again.

  “No, thank you.” Raziel gently pushed me into Astaroth’s arms. “I’m better served here, keeping an eye on our curious siblings.”

  Shadows crawled along the rocky walls. More Fallen emerged. Craptastic. I really didn’t want to take another ride through the pits of Hell.

  Astaroth gave a quick nod. “Thank you, brother. Your loyalty won’t be forgotten.” One arm went around my knees, and he picked me up, cradling me against his chest.

  I fought his hold. “Put me down.”

  His grip wouldn’t relent. “Please, Lena. It’ll be much faster this way.” His wings unfurled behind him.

  Air caught in my lungs. My gaze was locked on the silken midnight feathers, the fine edges gently moving in the warm wind. I hated myself for wanting to touch them.

  “Close your eyes,” he whispered. “We’ll be out of the pits in no time.”

  I gave up the fight, and my body wilted. I couldn’t stand to be in this chamber of torment one minute longer. My lids closed, a few more tears slipping free. Jayson must’ve been worried out of his mind. I hoped he couldn’t feel my fear because it had topped the charts a moment ago.

  Jayson believed the darkness couldn’t touch him, but the hints I’d seen told me otherwise. If there was a way to keep Jayson from being tarnished even a little, I had to try. He got the crap end of the deal in this soul bind. I had to be good for something.

  Cool air brushed over my hot skin. We’d finally entered the icy part of Hell. The towering ebony buildings blurred as I peeked over Astaroth’s shoulder. Ash fell from the dark sky.

  I released a ragged breath, thankful for the reprieve from the fires. But Astaroth was still too hot.

  I blinked. The familiar silver and onyx marble of his home came into focus. “Put me down,” I mumbled.

  Astaroth set me on my feet near a leather chair, but I ignored it and sank to my knees in front of the unlit fireplace. I stretched on my stomach, pressing my face into the marble floor. My body trembled, weakness ravaging every inch of it.

  It felt like I’d just run a marathon through a desert.

  Nope. I’d only crossed the fire pits of Hell.

  “I didn’t think it would be that bad, little bird.” A silver cup appeared next to my head. “Drink some water.”

  Sand filled my mouth, but I’d have to move to grab the cup. And I’d have to sit up to drink it.

  Son of a biscuit.

  I twisted on my back and struggled into a sitting position. Astaroth reached out to help me. I shot him a death glare. “Don’t.” I chugged the water, the liquid soothing the dry flames in my throat.

  When the cup was empty, I dropped it and laid on my back. I stared up at the spiral staircase disappearing into the pitch-black ceiling. What was up there?

  My lids drooped.

  Something soft was slid under my head. A pillow.

  I wanted to toss it at the Fallen, but I didn’t have the energy. Plus, it was really cushy, and the marble was not.

  Time passed. I wasn’t sure how much. I grew cold and curled on my side. I mumbled, asking for Jayson’s jacket. He promised he’d give it back. Instead, a plush blanket registered against my back and one was spread over me. It smelled like amber and fire.

  My lids opened again. Gentle flames crackled in the hearth, spreading a dim glow across the dark marble. I sat up, looking around the room. Astaroth sat in a leather winged-back chair reading a book.

  His blue eyes shifted toward me, brightening. “Sleeping Beauty has awoken.”

  A scowl formed over my face. “I’m not a princess.”

  “I remember.” He closed the book and set it on the table beside him. “You hated the ball gown and tiara last time you visited.”

  I glanced down, my brows dipping. “What happened to my clothes?” I pinched the black leggings and then the soft, oversized sweater.

  “They were dirty so I changed them.” He stood and closed the distance between us. “Don’t worry. I did it with the snap of my fingers and nothing else.”

  I harrumphed. He was an evil fallen angel and a murderer, but I didn’t peg him for the type that took advantage of unconscious teenage girls. I tossed the blanket aside. “Where’s Jayson’s jacket?”

  It appeared in his hand, and he brought it to me before folding down on the floor.

  I took the jacket and crushed it against my chest, breathing in that salty ocean scent. I bit my bottom lip to mask the trembling. Crap. I missed that brooding Neanderthal. “How are you going to stop Jayson from turning to the dark side?”

  “We’ll get to that, but we have other matters to discuss.” He produced another cup, offering it to me. “Thirsty?”

  I took it and guzzled down the water. Should I be worried he poisoned me? Then again, why would he? I was already his prisoner in Hell. “How long do I have to stay here?”

  Astaroth’s lips pursed. “It depends. I have to finish gathering the totems and prepare the ritual.”

  “And you’re not going to sacrifice me to your master with some big scary knife?” That always happened in the movies.

  “I have no master.” Flecks of crimson danced in his irises like drops of blood in an ocean. “And no, you won’t die. But there are things you need to do before we can proceed.”

  I glanced around the shadowy room, searching for an exit. Not one single door or window existed. “Can I see Jayson?”

  His brows pulled together. “No.”

  “But he has that coin.” My fingers curled in his leather jacket. “Why can’t he visit me?”

  Astaroth sighed.
“Because the more time he spends in Hell, the more he’ll get in touch with his dark side. Do you want that?”

  My shoulders slumped. That was the last thing I wanted. “What am I supposed to do while I wait for you to gather the totems?”

  “You’re here to learn.” Astaroth stood and reached his hand out for me to take. “I want to show you something.”

  I reluctantly slid my palm into his. He was right. I needed to learn so I could figure out a way to stop him and keep Jayson on the side of light.

  Astaroth pulled me toward another room through a set of stone arches. Thick columns stretched out, creating small pockets of shadows. Was a demon going to hop out? Or maybe another fallen angel?

  Instead, we stopped in front of a sleek, black door that just materialized in the wall. I glared at him over my shoulder. “Are you going to push me in here and lock me up? Does this lead to my prison cell?”

  “No,” he huffed. “Little bird, I’ve told you several times, I’m not going to harm you.” He motioned toward the ornate iron handle. “I’m not a liar.”

  We’d find out.

  I reached out and grabbed the handle, opening the door. An ocean of vibrant greenery welcomed me. What the frack? “What is this?”

  “Go through and see.” His hand gently propelled me forward.

  My feet landed on plush grass, the waxy blades tickling my toes. Thick foliage surrounded us, the air perfumed by fragrant flowers. I pushed the leaves away and headed deeper inside the tropical forest. A yellow sun was high in the azure sky, spilling warmth. A cool breeze drifted, keeping the sweat from collecting.

  Perfection.

  “This isn’t real, is it?” I asked, staring at a crystal-clear pond. Tiny pops of color darted beneath the surface, circling over the vivid green algae covering parts of the rocks. Fish feasted on the plant life.

  It couldn’t be real. A slice of paradise wasn’t hidden away in Hell.

  “Not exactly.” Astaroth tilted his head toward the right, gesturing for me to follow. “It is a real place, but this is only a memory.”

  Was this one of Astaroth’s memories from Heaven before he fell? Because this place could definitely be paradise.

  A small tan and white bunny hopped across my path. He stared at me, flopping his ears back and forth.

  Astaroth chuckled. “I think he wants you to pick him up.”

  I arched a brow. “Is he going to bite me? We are in Hell.”

  “We’re in a memory.” He turned and walked forward again.

  “In Hell,” I muttered, picking up the fluffy animal. Holy cotton balls, he’s soft. He snuggled against my chest.

  We passed a bush spotted with rainbow flowers. The petals moved and fluttered into the air. They were butterflies. A few of them landed on my shoulders and some zoomed around my head.

  Were pixie’s going to start braiding my hair next?

  I followed Astaroth into a large opening, animals lounging around without a care in the world.

  I snorted. Did I just walk into a Disney movie? A spotted deer drank from a babbling brook, and a few fluffy lambs grazed. A cute black cub bear rolled across the soft ground, having a blast.

  I pried my gaze away from the woodland creatures and found a thick tree in the center. Branches twisted out, filled with large, rich green leaves. Shiny crimson fruit hung low enough to reach.

  Nefas.

  A tiny prickle ran down my nape.

  The bunny jumped from my arms and hopped toward the stream for a drink of water. I waved the butterflies off. Astaroth stood in front of the tree, his sapphire eyes searching mine.

  What was he looking for?

  Something familiar stirred in my gut. It was hard to breathe. “Is this the Garden of Eden? A memory of it anyway?”

  “Yes, Lena.” His gaze remained fixed on mine, still looking for something beyond the surface.

  Goose bumps showered my flesh. This was the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Lucifer tempted Eve with the fruit hanging from the thick limbs.

  My pulse elevated. Why had he brought me here? Why had he wanted me to eat that same fruit the first time I visited Hell?

  “Why am I here?” I licked my dry lips. Invisible fingers tickled the back of my mind. A feeling. A memory.

  Astaroth’s head tilted. “Come now, little bird. You must have figured it out. Don’t you feel it?”

  I shook my head. The tree limbs stirred in the gentle breeze, shifting the nefas. They glistened and glowed under the sunlight. A voice whispered on the wind. It told me to taste the fruit.

  And I knew that voice.

  I took a step back, my chest caving in. “I don’t want to be here anymore.”

  Astaroth appeared in front of me. “But you must, Lena. You need to know.”

  Tears burned in my eyes. I didn’t want to know. I didn’t want to unlock whatever scratched at the back of my mind. “No.”

  “You’ve been to the garden before.” His fingers curled around my shoulders, keeping me in place.

  I looked anywhere but the tree. I couldn’t stand the sight of it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. When would I have been in the Garden of Eden?”

  Astaroth stepped so close the tiny threads in his black suit were distinguishable. “When He made you for Adam.”

  Tremors wracked my body as his damning words sank in. A snake slithered through the grass toward the tiny bunny.

  “And you betrayed the Creator.” His warm breath blew over my icy cheeks, stinging them. “You took the fruit from Lucifer, Eve.”

  Cracks spiderwebbed across my heart, shattering it. Eve. He called me Eve.

  Chapter 27

  I couldn’t breathe. It was too painful. Needles penetrated my lungs with every attempt. My head spun. The garden was too bright. It hurt.

  Eve. I was Eve?

  My lids squeezed shut. “I’m not Eve. I’m Lena.”

  “You were Eve first.” Astaroth gave my shoulders a squeeze, his touch burning my cold body. “Your soul has been born many times, but it was always Eve’s soul. I know you don’t remember. You might never recall your first life.”

  Acid seared my throat. I wanted to crumble to my knees. I believed him. Once he spoke the words out loud, I knew. I felt the truth of it in my gut and in my heart.

  I was Eve.

  “Is this why you need me? Because I’m her?” My voice was barely more than a choked whisper.

  “Yes,” he said. “By eating the fruit, you created original sin. That’s why I need you.”

  My eyes popped open, and I met his. “Are you telling me I’m responsible for all the sin in this world?”

  He didn’t speak. His silence was enough.

  My stomach clenched. The world came crashing down around me. Everything I thought I knew about myself was a lie. I was the one to let sin in. “Why aren’t I being punished then? I should have a spot front and center in the pits. None of the other souls would be there if I hadn’t taken that damn fruit.”

  Lines creased his forehead, and his gaze flicked away. “You are being punished. You just don’t know it.”

  The visions flooded my mind. I saw the dwellers’ sins, sins they committed because I created the wickedness. Was that my punishment?

  “I don’t want to be here anymore.” Burning tears stained my cheeks. “Get me out. Now.”

  Astaroth spun me around and propelled me forward, his arm around my waist. I walked without thinking. I couldn’t face the garden anymore. It was too familiar—a lost piece of time stuck somewhere in the darkness.

  The door to his house came into view, and I stepped inside. I collapsed in front of the fireplace and clutched Jayson’s jacket. My insides waged a war against me. I was close to doubling over and hurling. “You know what I’ve seen when the dwellers touch me?”

  “Yes.” Astaroth dragged the leather chair closer and folded down in it.

  “Is that my punishment?” I asked. “Each lifetime, am I cursed to see their sins?”

&n
bsp; He shook his head, lines extending across his forehead as if he felt sympathy for me. “That’s new. You’ve never had that ability. You’re different this time around.” Something hidden flashed through his bottomless blue irises.

  “Why am I different?” Did I even want to know?

  “As Eve and one of His first creations, you’ve always been Heaven-blessed.” A cup appeared next to him, and he picked it up, hesitating. “But you were twice blessed in this lifetime because of your mother.”

  Cold spilled through my veins, freezing my insides to arctic levels. Jayson had tried to tell me I was an avis because my mother sacrificed her life for mine when she gave birth. He was partly right.

  “Something triggered this ability,” Astaroth continued. “It’s why you can help me now. You couldn’t before.”

  I rubbed my forehead. Son of a mother trucker. Did my skull shrink three sizes a minute ago? My brain didn’t seem to fit in it. “What’s my punishment then?”

  “The Creator didn’t just cast you and Adam out of the garden.” Astaroth ran his finger along the rim of the cup, the orange firelight dancing over his face. “In every lifetime, your punishment is to long for Adam. But you will never find each other.” His gaze remained averted, distant. “You are a part of Adam. You will always feel like something is missing.”

  I chewed on my bottom lip as I thought back on my short life. I’d been kind of lonely at times, but I was an only child with a single father. That was normal. “I’ve never felt like I was missing something other than my mother.” My fingers curled into the cool leather jacket. “And I have Jayson now. Our souls are connected.”

  Astaroth set the cup down and ran his hand through his perfect strands of midnight hair. “Maybe that’s different this time too.” His stare fell to the jacket in my grasp. “Or maybe son of Nithael has taken away the loss, filled Adam’s spot.”

  “Is some guy out there searching for me?” My chest tightened. That would be a terrible existence.

  Astaroth shrugged. “You’re never born at the same time. When your lives do cross, your ages are too far apart. The Creator makes it so you will never be together.”