Celestial Entrapment

Grace and Lust

Seth kept a firm grip on Benji's hand, not wanting him to suddenly dart off. But the fallen angel made no attempt to escape and followed meekly, which surprised Seth a little. Angels weren't usually this submissive. And they certainly never put their trust in a demon. Though, of course, Benji didn't exactly have a choice here.

When the Lord of Lust opened the iron and stained glass doors of his two-story mansion, he felt Benji freeze. Seth turned to see the angel's wide eyes and dumbstruck expression. It was quite an amusing sight.

"Well, don't just stand there gawking, tweety bird. Come in."

Benji's eyes took in the splendid grandeur as he crossed the threshold. Seth had forgotten the effect his home could have on people. Maybe he had gone a little overboard with the decor. It wasn't like he needed the three crystal diamond-layered chandeliers per room. Nor the great mahogany dining table that could fit eighteen demons. Nor the dark carmine velvet drapes at the windows matching the clear scarlet walls adorning harrowing pictures of some of history's most perfect settings of debauchery. Nor the circular ballroom where he entertained some of the most fabulous parties (and some exquisite orgies). And he most certainly didn't need every door framed in purest gold. But what was life without a little luxury?

"Your home is amazing," said Benji as they walked up the main staircase. "I've never seen anything like this."

"Ever been to Paris? You might have seen some of my work there as well."

"Some years ago, I..." The angel's words fell away, and he met Seth's expectant gaze. "Are you talking about... the cabarets?"

Seth smirked at Benji. The most subtle and yet obvious method to corrupt souls. A night at the Moulin Rouge, for example, could bring out the worst (and best) sins. Give the humans something that's just out of reach, and they will act on every lustful thought out of sheer desperation for it.

The pair continued in silence through the gallery and dim-lit hallways of the top floor until they got to Seth's private chamber. The demon considered the best course of action for a moment. He could very easily torture the angel until he gave up his remaining grace. Fallen angels were weaklings. He doubted Benji would be able to put up much of a fight.
Seth suddenly noticed the angel had lingered back, leaving some distance between them. The panic and fright in Benji's expression made Seth second-guess the torture. Damn it, why was Weiko's 'you catch more flies with honey'-speech suddenly making so much sense?

"You take that room." Seth pointed to a room on his right. "You can draw a bath and rest if you like. I'll have the servants bring you some food. Make sure not to make a mess."

"I'm... I'm not staying with you?" asked Benji.

"I have business to attend to. Stay inside and away from the windows. I don't want some demon barging in here and destroying my interior to claim you."

He reached for the door handle, indicating that the conversation was now over, when he suddenly felt fingers grasping at his wings. An inexplicable rush rippled through Seth, and he spun around to look right into Benji's vibrant blue eyes. How had he gotten so close to him?

"Please don't leave me," whispered Benji. "I've lost everything; my home, my family... I... I don't want to be alone. Please... Let me stay with you."

Seth wanted to push him away. He wanted to force Benji into the other room and lock him inside until he knew what to do with him. But instead, and without really knowing why, he said,

"Fine, get in."

"Thank you, ah... I'm sorry, but what do I call you?"

"Seth."