Sympathy for the Devil

41

I held Bennett as the underworld choked and spit us out into the throes of Central Park like shaken dice.

We landed in grass that was compromised by freshly fallen snow. Everything felt cold and wet. It didn't bother me. My temperature has been able to regulate again since getting sent back.

He was burning up. His forehead was hot to the touch.

Julian landed on top of us. I shielded Bennett from the weight of my brother.

Failinis thudded on the ground beside a tree. He could barely keep his eyes open. His breathing was fading like a whisper.

Killian, who never intended to save another life, gave his last ounce of energy to save one. His best friend. The only person I've got left. Oh, how I could use one of Bennett's pep talks right now. A sarcastic remark would be music to my ears, too. His eyes remained sealed shut. His mouth stayed closed.

I broke down as I held him. Still. Remained.

Julian hovered over us with his fist in his mouth as he paced.

"Ellie, I'm sorry," Julian spoke bluntly. "I didn't know what I was doing."

"How could you?" I spoke as I still felt the remnants of shock. "Our mom being held captive by a deranged psychopath was not on this year's bingo cards. You just wanted her back. But there are strictures here, Jules. I'm not the one you have to face."

"I am. You fucking little shit. You took the last thing. The last person I had in my life. He looked so much like his mother. Rachel." Ankou shifted his eyes to me. "Ellie, punch him. I don't want to mark him for death. You have my permission." He paused as I made no effort to move or follow his command. "Go on." Ankou encouraged as he held his hand out and motioned towards Julian.

"No, I'm not going to punch my brother." I scowled. My energy was depleted, and my heart was gone. It wasn't broken this time. It was disintegrated into ash.

I know I can't blame Julian. He didn't know any better, but none of this will be easier moving forward. The damage that clung to our family was irreparable. I have to put up a brave front before I lose it on one of the few family members I have left. Julian's profuse apologies aren't helping. If anything, they're making it worse.

"Well, that's fucking disappointing!" Ankou screamed in frustration as he punched an elm tree that keeled over. It was decaying from within as it fell onto its side.

Tears streamed down Ankou's face.

I never expected to see a devil cry. That wasn't on my bingo card, either.

"Ankou. He didn't know. He didn't kill Killian. I did. I stabbed him. Akira turned him into a Sluagh. I didn't have a choice. Arawn would have exploited him. He was no longer your son." How dysfunctional did we have to become? I no longer have a biological father. I have a psycho killer. Fa fa fa fa fa fa fuck.

Ankou twisted his scythe blade and sneered in the direction of my brother. He let loose a shrill growl in contempt.

"I'm only letting you go because of that girl right there. Not because of you." He pointed an accusatory finger. He felt remorse and grief. He felt affected by death.

Ankou didn't collect Bennett's soul. Bennett is still alive. Julian, on the other hand, looks like he is on the verge of passing out. His face turned pale and clammy.

"Ellie, Julian?" My dad choked out from behind us. Startled, I grimaced at seeing him. I'm not supposed to be here. He needs to think I'm dead. It's safer that way.

I suspected that Luke had something to do with this brief reunion. "How? Sally and Luke filled me in slightly, but I still don't understand how you're alive. I don't understand at all." He didn't seem as surprised to see me as I would have expected. Maybe the truth finally brought clarity to this disastrous year. Luke broke a Godly vow. I was sure that the consequences would be harsh. Luke has a heart after all.