On The Narrow Way

Part 4

Maggie wondered if gazing at her Bible long enough could burn holes in it. It leaned tiredly against other books on the bookshelf, dusty with neglect. Her stomach clenched, and she rubbed her hands against her thighs, clenching and unclenching them in the silky fabric of her skirt. I probably shouldn't have lied to Seth about reading it every day... She curled up on the bed, staring at the book. That's a bad thing to do, isn't it?

She couldn't seem to get Seth's words out of her head either. You don't really understand the Bible if you don't know the Gospel. He can't be right, can he?

Something seemed to be gently prodding her to hoist herself from the bed's cozy softness to snatch it up. Maggie stayed still, unsure what to think. This keen pricking sensation in her soul had never occurred before. What could it mean? There wasn't really a sense of shame bringing a heaviness to her soul like guilt usually brought. Instead, there was a sweet luring and tender poking at her soul, whispers of interest shuddering through her usually stoic heart.

After several long moments, Maggie rose, her legs trembling, and took the Bible down, dusting it clean. Going back to her bed, she flopped onto the shaggy, thick carpet beside it and flipped the book open to Matthew. He says I don't know what the Gospel truly is... She ran her fingers over the words, staring down at them.I have to know he's wrong... Her chest tightened, and she opened her Bible, eyes drifting over the words.

***

Caphyzel towered over the young human woman. His broad sword rested in a sheath on his back, glowing brightly in response to the demonic energy in the room. He crossed his arms, causing his dress shirt to stretch across his chest. He shot the three present demons a harsh glare. Dep, Vani, and Mare stood in the shadows of the bedroom, cowering away from the angel and the Bible in Maggie's lap. Vani rubbed her arms, stepping further into the shadows and ducking her head. Dep snarled, his fists clenching as one foot inched forward subconsciously testing the waters. Beside him, Mare yowled quietly, his cat-like green eyes focused only on Maggie.

We're losing her, Dep said, crossing his arms.

We all know that, idiot! Vani tapped her foot against the wooden floor.

Mare, as usual, said nothing, but they both saw the vivid imagery of his thoughts. As always, it involved bloodshed and their dismembered bodies. Satan stood over them, cackling as he held their dripping hearts in his hands. Blood spattered his silver wings as his dark eyes met theirs. Dep and Vani shivered, shutting their eyes.

Thanks for the encouragement, Mare... Dep shot their companion a sharp look. You've helped me so much. He snuck closer to the light, his foot inching over the line of shadows. Dep kept his slitted eyes trained on the angel's tense form. He finally worked up the courage to step out of the shadows, legs trembling. He slunk closer to the bed, eyeing Caphyzel as he stood and observed silently. His fingers trembled against his sides as he inched nearer.

The Pneuma is working on her, Vani whimpered.

Would you shut up? Dep clenched his fists. We all know that.

Mare growled, and the other two got a wave of apprehension as images of previous saints' conversions swept over them.

I refuse to accept that she'll give in to his calling, Vani snarled, slapping Mare upside the head. Would you quit showing us depressing images?

Curse the Almighty for loving these traitorous humans enough to die for them. And not just that... Dep narrowed his eyes, watching Caphyzel as the angel's hand rested casually on the dagger on his hip. He just had to go the extra step to ensure they'd be saved because they're too messed up by sin to come. Couldn't just leave them happy in their own muck, could He? Dep glared at the angel and Maggie. Stupid humans. I hate them... He scuffed a foot against the floor, not daring to fully stamp it against the floorboards lest the angel hew him to pieces.