Heaven, Hell, and Earth

Chapter 68

Warning, attempted rape in this chapter.

In the depths of her unconsciousness, Charlie found herself enveloped in a swirling haze of sensations. The world around her was shrouded in darkness, but through the veil, she sensed the cold, damp air of a confined space. The faint echo of footsteps reverberated in her mind, accompanied by the metallic scent of blood and the sharp tang of fear.

"Alastor." She  whispered, though no sound escaped her lips. The connection between them pulsed like a heartbeat, drawing her deeper into his reality.

Suddenly, a flash of light illuminated a grim room where Alastor was bound to a cold metal chair. His expression was fierce, a mixture of defiance and pain etched across his face. The sight of him, even in such a vulnerable state, ignited a fire within her. She could feel his determination, his unwavering spirit, and it filled her with strength.

As the darkness began to lift, she sensed their shared connection fading, though not completely. She gasped as her eyes fluttered open. The dim light of the room illuminated her surroundings, and she quickly took in the sight of Solomon and Vaggie hovering over her, concern etched on their faces.

"Charlie! Thank goodness!" Vaggie exclaimed, relief flooding her voice.

"Are you alright?" Solomon asked.

"Alastor... He was in a dark room and couldn't move. Something was restraining him, and... he's in a lot of pain," Charlie gasped, her breath coming in quick bursts as she tried to piece together the fragments of her vision. "I don't know what's happening to him, but he's helpless right now."

"Did you see anything else? Any clues about where they might be?" Solomon asked.

Charlie closed her eyes, focusing on the remnants of her connection with Alastor. "There was a dampness in the air, a metallic scent... It felt like a basement or a catacomb. I could hear echoes, like they were in a hidden part of the underworld."

"That narrows it down." Solomon said, his mind racing with possibilities. "There are several abandoned areas beneath the city, places where criminals and demons hide out. I'll call Moxxie, Millie, and Blitzo! Tell them to check the old catacombs near the edge of the district."

"I'm going with them." Charlie declared, her voice steady despite the turmoil swirling inside her.

"Charlie, it might be too dangerous." Solomon cautioned, his brow furrowed with worry. "This is new territory for all of us."

"And I told you about my brother." Vaggie added. "There's no line he wouldn't cross; he'll brutalize you!"

"I don't care." Charlie replied, her tone firm. "I can't just sit here while they're in danger. I need to be there."

"No, Charlie!" Vaggie protested. "Look at me, I'm begging you! Don't do this!"

Charlie met Vaggie's pleading gaze, her heart aching at the sight of her friend's distress. "I understand your fear, Vaggie, but I can't abandon Alastor and Angel. They need me. They need us."

"Men are lucky if they come back from Valentino alive! Now imagine what he'd do to a woman! I think about everything he did to me, and the thought of him doing the same to you... I don't think I could ever recover if that happened to you."

"And what if it happens to Angel and Alastor?" Charlie countered.

"Oh God..." Vaggie rasped as a new fear gripped her. She was sure Alastor could handle Valentino; after all, the last person who tried to assault him ended up being picked clean from Alastor's teeth. But Angel? She was sure he wouldn't stand a chance.

In the end, Charlie got her way. Like it or not, she was joining the search and rescue party. Solomon and Vaggie consented, having come to see things from her perspective, while Blitzo agreed out of fear she might barbecue him.