The Abandoned Path

Machiavellian

Waves of heat rippled off the asphalt at the end of the road, blurring the horizon above the black pavement. The sky was a dull powder blue, any precipitation seared away by the unrelenting heat of the sun. No breeze tumbled through the parched, drought-stricken trees that dotted the sidewalks and very few people roamed in the midday heat.

Lilith sat in a small café in Portland, her first outing since the last attack. She had summoned the men multiple times since that day, every time because she thought someone was an angel or she would get a 'feeling' that she couldn't describe. Or at least she didn't describe to them, but it was a feeling that plagued her now. That low buzzing, at times causing the hairs on her arms to stand on end. But she was forced to go out today by both Air and Samantha.

"For your sanity, and ours, you need to get out of this manor and out of this silence." Air implored. So, Lilith sat with an iced coffee and muffin watching the temperature creep into the 100s outside. Just as her mind began to replay the moment in time that she couldn't shake, a bell chimed in the café and caused Lilith to look over to the door. A handsome man strode in with confidence and grace. His black hair was a bit shorter than last time she had seen him, his green eyes still gleaming with mischief. He saw her a second later, a smile turning his lips up. She gave a small, timid wave and a smile, to which he grinned and walked over to her small table.

"May I sit with you, my Queen?" Satan asked, his hand resting on the back of the small chair across from her. She simply nodded and he sat. They stared at each other for a long moment before Satan sat back, his smile fading slightly. "I'm sorry Lilith." He said in a gentle way. It was not coddling but rather genuine sympathy. Lilith rolled her eyes though, knowing that if she allowed herself to feel his condolences, she would most likely break down.

"I hope you didn't come all this way just for that." Lilith said, glancing out the window to find not much of anything. He chuckled, resting his hands on his lap.

"No, I didn't come just for that. I wanted to see if you were interested in training again." He confessed and Lilith rose her brow, holding in a laugh.

"That didn't end very well for me last time." She reminded him, her voice hinting to her amusement in his proposition.

"The Cardinal will not be there, so your head should be safe. Might help you burn off some stress and Corson was very adamant that I help you." Satan pressed and Lilith face fell. Become strong...Water's voice still called to her.

"Fine." She finally said and Satan's smile returned.

"Great. Who knew we would be spending so much time together?" Satan remarked, standing from the table and offering Lilith his hand.

"You're not going to make a portal here are you?" Lilith asked, her voice hushed and low. Satan gave her a stunning, lopsided grin, his hand still waiting for hers.

"Come with me, Queen Lilith." He crooned and Lilith's cheeks warmed. With a small sigh, she placed her hand in his and stood. With her feet just barely under her, they moved together to the same scuffed, worn training room he had brought her to before. Lilith pulled against his grip, but he held her hand firmly in his. With a look of growing displeasure, their eyes locked and they stood in silence for a long moment.

"What?" she finally asked, her tone clipped. Satan grinned his stupid, gorgeous grin.

"Have you learned to weave matter since our last little spar?" He asked, finally releasing her hand.

"No." she replied curtly, folding her arms across her chest. He let out a long sigh of disappointment but his face still held an amused smile. He was clearly enjoying giving her a hard time.