The White Harpy

Chapter Four

Zeyda shuddered as an iced cold feeling slithered down her spine. She listened hard straining to hear even the tiniest sound. At first nothing then ever so faintly, there was music. She began to run, following the sound. As she got closer she realized it was actually a gentle melody. Almost something you would hear as someone dies. She slowed to a walk. A blueish colored haze seemed to appear in the distance. As she walked closer shapes began to appear in the haze. First it looked like a trunk, and then the appearance of a desk.

At the desk sat a man. Behind him loomed a pari of thick, old doors. The metal on the wooden doors was encrusted in what appeared to be what could only be seen as rust. The doors were closed but, unlike with the other, there was no guard. Carefully Zeyda approached. The man at the desk watched her silently.

"My name is Zeyda Vane. I'm 21 years old and... And I died prematurely in a work accident." She stated hurriedly.
He tilted his head the opposite way now curious.
"I know who you are. I'm just curious as to why your here. Only the damned souls come through these gates." He stated simply propping his feet up as he pulled out a cellphone from his pants pocket.
"Are you... Lucifer?" Zeyda asked now totally confused.
He smiled. "That I am." He stated.
"Lord of the underworld. King of Demons Lucifer?" She clarified staring at him. And the man did something she never would have expected. He laughed.
"Humans. You all think I am some evil being that only wants a soul to steal. You believe that I feed on them and lead you all into darkness." He stated in amusement.
"Well... Don't you?" Zeyda asked. Lucifer laughed again.
"God created me for a reason. I have my purpose just as every other angel has theirs. It is not a matter of light and dark. It merely is that which it is." He stated simply.
"So... Why does everyone believe you to be some evil creature of chaos and destruction?" Zeyda asked pulling out a Chair that appeared from the blue mist.
"It matters not what humans think of me. I have a job to do. Let them think what they may." He stated with a shrug.
Zeyda stared at him in confusion clearly stumped. Lucifer chuckled and put away the phone.
"What can I do for you Zeyda?" He asked clasping his hands on his desk.
Zeyda hesitated before she spoke.
"I want to return to life. Live again." She stated quietly. Lucifer was quiet for a long time. While the silence dragged on Zeyda examined his features. He was like any ordinary man. He had a slightly athletic build, brown disheveled hair and brown eyes. He looked almost human, except for the black leathery wings that were folded at his back. He finally spoke after crossin his arms across his chest.
"I can't send you back into life. If I did it would break the balance of life and death. The only way I can send you back is if you agree to serve under me. In a way yes I could be considered the 'king' of the underworld. So I also need those to send out and bring to me the souls of those who have chosen the path of darkness. Those who require punishment for the sins they have committed. I will allow you to return, but only if you agree to return as a servant." He stated simply.
"How would that work?" Zeyda asked cautiously.
"During the day you will be a human. You will go about your normal life. At night you will shed the human costume and become a Harpy. You will escort dangerous souls such as rapists, murderers, serial killers, etc. to these gates every night. You will not require sleep because you are of course already dead. You will require feeding. Essence to be specific. Essence of the accused." He explained. Zeyda blanched and gagged.
"I have to feed on the blood of bad guys? Like some kind of freaky vampire?" She shuddered.
Lucifer laughed as he stood up.
"No there essence. Or another name for it is there aura. The dark energy there soul gives off." He explained as he walked around the desk and perched on the surface.
"So all I have to do is deliver the souls every night?" She asked.
Lucifer nodded.
"For how long?" She asked wearily.
"Until your human body dies. Then you will be released." He stated.
Zeyda thought it over. And then something clicked.
"You said my human body is a costume. So technically the suit would already be dead correct?" She said folding her arms.
"I did. While you occupy your human body however, it will be living. Therefore in a manner of speaking you are immortal. Your human body is merely a capsule and will wither and die. Just like a normal human." He explained waving his hand over his desk as a form appeared on the desk.
Zeyda looked at the form then with a determined look she picked up a pen that also appeared out of no where.
"One other thing. When you sign the contract, your human identity will exist only in your human form. Here you will be known to others as the Harpy. Only myself and Michael will know of your true name." Lucifer added.
"Michael?" She asked curiously.
"Also called the angel of death or the Black Winged Gaurdian." Lucifer stated nonchalantly.
"Ah." Zeyda responded touching the pen to the paper. Slowly she signed the contract. She didn't know what possessed her to trust Lucifer but something told her she could.
"Welcome to the dark side Zeyda Vane." Lucifer stated holding out his hand. Slowly Zeyda reached out and grasped his hand. A white hot sting shot into her palm and she cringed as it enveloped her body.
"You will be transported back now, I look forward to seeing you soon my dear." Lucifer stated before Zeyda embraced the darkness that closed in around her.