Family Remains

"The Hell It Is"

"Hello Darlin'," A raspy voice said from behind me.

I spun around to see an older man with graying brown hair, brown eyes, and some scruff covering his face. He was good looking for an older man.

"Well, isn't it the devil himself," I spoke out, setting my hands on my hips.

"Well, aren't you a young one," He tsked, not moving from his spot of a few feet in front of me.

"Are you trying to talk me out of making a deal?" I asked.

"I would never," He said, faking hurt. "Why would I do that when I get your soul as a reward?"

I shrugged.

"Just an innocent question," I clarified with a shrug.

"Darlin', with you, nothing is just an 'innocent question'," He told me.

I grinned.

"Yeah, you're probably right," I said.

"Enough with the chit chat," He said, taking a step forward.

"What's your name?" I asked randomly.

He paused and gave me a skeptical look.

"Why?" He asked, genuinely confused.

"If I'm going to be making a deal with the devil himself, I want to know a name," I explained.

"I'm the King of Hell and you don't know what my name is?" He questioned me, sounding as if it was a crime.

"Just because you're the King of Hell, doesn't mean I'm suppose to know your name," I said.

He sighed, clicking his tongue, and shook his head.

"I'm Crowley," He finally said.

"Crowley, nice to meet you, I'm-"

"Ashley Colt," He interrupted me. "Trust me, I know who you are."

He paused, looking at me carefully.

"Everyone in Hell know's who you are," He added.

"How so?" I asked, curiosity filling my voice.

"You're Angel Kissed, wanted by anyone who thirsts for power or to bring the Heavens down," Crowley said, walking towards me like a predator stalking its prey.

"I still don't know why everyone wants me," I said, sighing as I did. "I'm of no use to most of you."

"Not true," He said, walking circles around me.

Instead of spinning around, trying to keep him in sight, I just stood still, letting him do as please.

"You are something new, Ashley," He spoke quietly, but I could still hear the power behind his voice. "You're something nobody has ever heard of, ever seen, ever could dream of. You are wanted for this reason alone. There is no other reason but the fact that you are one of the most powerful people on any realm in this world."

I bit my lip, thinking about what he was saying.

"You have no idea how much I was wishing that you would someday find something big enough to sell your soul," He said, switching the topic quickly. "You have no idea just how much I want to soul of yours."

"Well, looks like your getting it," I said, gritting my teeth.

"No need to sound mad about it," Crowley said, stopping in front of me. "I mean, you are doing this for family."

He reached forward and went to rest a hand on my belly which has grown a small bump, showing the pregnancy only slightly.

"Don't touch me," I said, slapping his hand away.