Crimson Nightmares Book Two: Hell's Approval

Chapter Nine

I tied my hair back, the black strands were long and reached my ankles. I walked out on the dry hot training field. Lucifer walked next to me a large smile on his face. Beelzebub walked slower her mind trying to find out were we were going. I smiled at her and took her hand in mine, guiding her along.

"You said I could see you fight momma!" Lucfier cried out, bouncing on his feet.

I smiled, "You can watch but you must stay away."

Thaïs walked out flipping a knife in her hands. "You sure they wont get hurt!" She yelled over the sound of the wind.

"Yes Thaïs I'm sure."

She rolled her eyes, "Gun and knives this time."

"My my, aren't we feeling dangerous today?" I asked, taking the knife she offered.

Lucifer smiled and jumped up and down. "Momma's gonna win, Beelzebub. You can't beat her."

Beelzebub frowned, but I could tell she was secretly proud. "I'm not sure about that. Thaïs is really good with knives."

"We'll see," I said, readying myself as Lucifer called out for us to begin. He clapped his, his grin the size of the underworld

We ran towards each other and I jumped up my feet spinning me upside down and landed behind her. She turned and tried to slash me but I was too fast. We danced around each other for a while, the wind blowing our hair and the sounds of our breath filling the air. It felt good to be free, to forget about everything else for just a moment and lose myself in the movement.

Aria and Fynn were leaning against a tree, their eyes fixed on the match. I knew they were probably thinking about their own pasts, about how they'd ended up here, but for now, at least for this moment, they were enjoying the show.

We moved faster and faster, our bodies a blur of motion. I could feel the tension building, the adrenaline pumping through my veins. It was then that I saw my opening. I lunged forward, pressing Thaïs against the wall, knife to her throat. She gasped, her eyes wide with surprise.

"You win," she managed to say between breaths.

I pulled the knife away and smiled. "Good job, Thaïs. You fought well." I turned to Beelzebub, who was watching us with a mixture of awe and fear. "You see? Your momma can take care of herself."

Lucifer cheered "That's awesome!" I smiled

"I though Thais was going to win." Beezlebub

"Well, maybe next time," Thaïs said, wiping the sweat from her brow.

"Maybe," I replied with a grin. "But I don't think anyone's going to be able to beat me." And as the stars twinkled overhead, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Yes, this was hell, and we were all sinners, but in that moment, it was enough to feel alive.

"Can I try I fight you Thaïs?" Beelzebub asked. Beelzebub had been training for six years now but she was still blind.

"I would love to but your vision," She trailed off. She was blind how could she fight.

She smiled, "Just give me one try, I can sence your movents and your thoughts will tell me."

Thaïs raised an eyebrow, "You think you can do that?"

"Thais, let her, it has been six years."

"I can try."

They squared off, Beelzebub's hands moving slowly, feeling the air for Thaïs's position. I could see the concentration on her face, the determination to succeed. Lucifer clapped his hands, "Begin."