Satan's Captive

13

When Kaitlyn next woke, she stared up at the ceiling for a long time. She felt numb and her mind was strangely empty.

At some point, Kaitlyn rose from her bed and opened the door. It felt like late afternoon, the light gleaming drearily through her window. She could hear nothing outside. If Lucifer knew where she was, he hadn't arrived yet.

Kaitlyn walked down the hall and stared out into the nave. The two priests had disappeared. David had replaced Samuel in the corner. Catherine stood by the altar. She gave Kaitlyn an encouraging smile. Kaitlyn grimaced back.

There's still time, Kaitlyn told herself. There's still time to fix this. You could tell Catherine, you could tell your angels what you did—and they could get you out of here. To safety. Far away from Lucifer's hands.

She said nothing.

The rest of the afternoon was quiet. The darkness deepened. Her angels had brought her some books to read. Kaitlyn stared at the pages but couldn't take in a word. They brought her some food and some spare clothes. There was nowhere to shower but it no longer mattered to Kaitlyn anymore.

Nothing much did.

It rained that night as she lazed in bed. Water trickled down the glass. She'd been avoiding everyone as much as possible. It hurt. She loved her angels. But what else could she do?

There was a rap at her door.

'Come in.'

It was Zeke.

'Did you want something?' Kaitlyn said, quickly looking away. Why did he have to be so Goddamn beautiful? Kaitlyn hunched her shoulders as the back of her neck itched with regret.

'Just checking on you. Did you need anything before you rest? You didn't have much for dinner. There's some food stored in the portable fridge if you get hungry during the night.'

'Thank you.'

He paused. 'Kaitlyn ....'

Kaitlyn looked at him. The sadness in his face turned her heart cold. The guilt over what she'd done threatened to overcome her. 'Zeke ... I ...' Then she remembered the feel of his lips against hers, the warmth of his arms, his cold rejection.

Kiss me, Zeke!

You know I cannot do that.

Kaitlyn closed her mouth. 'Well ... good night.' And she pulled the covers up to her chest.

'Good night, Kaitlyn.' He clicked the door shut.

Kaitlyn closed her eyes.

'I could try and get more information,' Kaitlyn told Lucifer as he paced the volcanic rock floor, his red gown sweeping around his ankles.

'No,' he told her. 'Doing so might alert your guardians. This might be our only chance. Keep quiet. Act normal. My Fallen are capable—we will find you.'

'But what if you don't?' Kaitlyn was surprised by the desperation in her voice.

Lucifer stopped his pacing. Smiling, he touched her face. 'Do not fear, my love. It's only a matter of time—and time is on our side.'

He kissed her softly on the lips, and Kaitlyn melted into it. It reminded her so much of Jacob. If she closed her eyes, she could almost imagine it. It was so nice to be loved. It was so nice not to be alone.

He stroked his thumb across her bottom lip. 'I can't wait. I can't wait to have you by my side.'

The following day, the angels continued to suspect nothing. Kaitlyn didn't see the priests again. The doors were firmly locked. A big clock on the wall ticked the hours away. It was a struggle not to look anxious. It was a struggle not to pace the aisle over and over again much like Lucifer liked to do. She felt their angel eyes watching like a prickling down her spine.