From the Heart of a Villain (MxM)

Chapter 9 - Lingering Threats

Abaddon was close, just out of reach in the fifth dimension, though close enough to provoke a protective response in Samael. He squeezed Brett's hand tighter as if it would somehow mold the human into himself and miraculously shield him from the reaches of evil intent looming nearby.

        The ifrit had a strong nerve to reveal himself, especially after their last encounter over Tituba. Samael reflected back on the reason he'd felt obligated to protect the woman years ago. It was just that, an obligation to return a favour of kindness. But it was different this time around. This time, the human was more than an obligation. More than an object of entertainment.

        Samael's love for Brett changed how he understood his connection to him. It was not out of pride, nor boast, or envy. He didn't love Brett for the satisfactions he received from the man's presence. Samael loved him because of the satisfaction he brought to the man. Not the infatuation of affection, but the enduring fulfillment of companionship they shared. The reality of it was no match for fantasy, it was even better. And for that reason, he would guard him from his world.

        Don't ignore me Samael, I know you can sense me. Abaddon's words intruded on Samael's quiet thoughts.

        You better leave before I make you. He spat back at the djinni.

        But Abaddon did not head his warning. You always had a flare for theatrics. That's why your power is something to be admired.

        Samael had no patience for this, and it was evident in the uncompromising force of his response. Flattery will get you nowhere.

        Perhaps not, although I just can't wrap my mind around why you'd choose to side with such a despicable race of creatures. I mean, they're so weak. They grow old, get sick, die. Even in death they have no power. A waste of energy if you ask me.

        While he'd never admit it outright, he mostly agreed with his enemy. As entertaining as they were, human existence as a whole really didn't amount to much. Except for one. And it was because of that one man that he couldn't give in completely to the agreement that djinn would always be superior.

        I side with no one but myself. He argued, and as a marid it was true. He didn't follow any path but the one he paved for himself.

        Times have changed yet again old friend, Abaddon's energy advanced with impulsive conceit, a war is over the horizon.

        Marid were rebellions to all ideologies, never claiming to be a soldier for any one side. Which is why he didn't understand the reason Abaddon kept pressing him. But he didn't actually care to know either.

        Marid have no part in the conflict, you are wasting your energy by bothering me. Samael replied, hopeful it'd be enough to encourage him to leave.

        Everyone has their part, Samael, there is no neutral ground left to stand on.

        Samael was fraught now. He did not want to deal with the interruption of his date any longer. And because Abaddon showed no intention of leaving, he was forced to carry through with his threat.

        "Excuse me, handsome, I will be just a moment," he whispered into Brett's ear before leaving his seat and exiting the dark theater. As soon as Samael was out of the human's line of sight, his energy released his human form and slipped into the other dimension.

        Why are you here, Abaddon? Samael confronted his enemy with a blast of heated rage.

        I'm here to give you an ultimatum. Join our crusade, be part of the restoration of earth to the djinn. Or, the djinni offered, fight us and watch your hominid friends suffer.