The Angel Fell Twice

Chapter 14. New Truths

Marina ventured to the abandoned church silently. She wasn't quite sure what she was hoping for. The sight that greeted her was devastating: mounds of flowers were reduced to ashes, and the once sacred walls bore fresh, violent slash marks. As she knelt to examine the remnants, her fingers brushed against a black feather, strikingly similar to those of Ragnar's demon wings. Her heart sank as she noticed a trail of these feathers, mingled with drops of blood, leading deeper into the woods.

She followed the trail, clutching her Raven's Veil tightly against the chill. The forest grew denser and darker, the silence only broken by the distant roar of a waterfall. Squinting, she noticed a hollow area behind it. Dashing through the waterfall, she rolled and landed in the entrance to a long, dark cave. She hesitated, the jagged formations at the cave's mouth seeming almost to warn her away, but she pressed on, determined.

The cave was a labyrinth of shadows, with stalactites hanging ominously from the ceiling. Each step was a careful negotiation with the uneven ground, the stones beneath her feet sharp and unforgiving. The deeper she ventured, the stronger the smell of blood and ash became, mingled with the unmistakable stench of alcohol.

Finally, she found him. Ragnar sat slumped against the jagged wall, his eyes closed, surrounded by a sea of empty booze bottles. Marina's breath caught as she took in his state. His coal-black eyes were hidden behind his closed lids, his straight black hair slicked back, and his dull tan skin marred by fresh blood seeping through his bandages. The bandages on his face had fallen away, revealing a ruggedly handsome yet scarred visage, the remnants of old burns adding to his aura of danger. Despite the grime and the blood, there was a peace about him.

For a moment, Marina was conflicted. She could end his life now, while he was defenseless. But her conscience would not allow it. Instead, she whispered a spell, her voice barely audible in the cavernous silence. Angelic letters appeared around her, and four golden chains slowly emerged from the ground, summoned by her will.

Before she could react, an overwhelming force hit her, folding her stomach and sending her crashing against the wall. Her vision blurred as she looked up, seeing Ragnar's fiery eyes glaring at her despite his tired expression and dark circles.

"You," he spat, standing and towering over her. She raised her hand, commanding the chains to rush forward; he caught two, throwing them back against the other two, sending them crashing at her sides.

"How did you find me?" he growled.

"I followed the blood trail from the church," she replied, watching his sluggish movements.

"Your guild recovers fast," he snarled. "Set out to kill me again already?" He picked up his blade and rushed toward her, slashing viciously.

"No. It is just me," she parried his sword with her claymore, "But I am enough to stop you."

"Right, it was you... The outsider." He pushed his sword down, forcing her to her knees. His breath reeked of booze as he leaned closer, his voice breaking slightly. "So why didn't you end my misery?"

Her expression softened. "I do not kill. I never have," she spoke gently. "I do not believe I have the right to take a life, even yours."

Stepping back, he slammed his sword down, shattering her parry into pieces. Her eyes widened as he gripped her neck and slammed her against the wall. "You think you're a saint?" he whispered harshly. He let go, and she collapsed to the ground.

Gasping for breath, she rubbed her neck. "I am no saint. I am simply following the word of God."

He laughed bitterly, kneeling to her eye level. "Get off your damn high horse. You're a sinner, just like everybody else."