The Soul on Fire | Slow Updates

Chapter Five

"You seem troubled, child. I thought you'd be proud of Abdul's success." Barachiel left his place beside the large pool. Within the pool was blessed water which allowed guardians to watch over their charges from Heaven.

Armaita stood with her superior in one of the many rooms that contained such an item. The walls were pure white along with the floors. Everything was bathed in a brilliant pale light. The guardians' quarters weren't much to look at as far as décor. They kept things simple. Modest.

Armaita lowered herself to one of the ivory chairs in the room and rested her chin in her palm. She released a sigh that should have said it all.

"I had no doubt that Abdul would succeed. He isn't the problem at all."

Barachiel gave her a knowing look and took the seat beside her. "So, it is the demon that weighs on your mind."

She stiffened at the mention of him. Her body wound tight with the memory of the explicit images he had forced into her mind. It wasn't fair. He kept making her body feel things – wonderful, forbidden things – without her consent. He barely had to lay a hand on her to bring her close to the edge of release.

"He's insufferable." Armaita closed her eyes as another filthy thought took control of her mind. Her body came alive as she remembered his caress. The illusion had been so vivid. She had felt him, tasted him. It was too much.

"Should I be worried? I can always step in if you feel you're not ready."

She snapped her gaze to her master. "I'm ready. I've been with Abdul-Haq since he was a child. I can do this."

The other angel gave her a thoughtful look. "I believe that you are capable. Don't let Asmodeus falter you. You have already gone through your trials, Angel of Truth, but that doesn't mean you cannot be corrupted. His influence can sway you as much as the prophet. Remain strong and stand your ground."

That's what worried her. Were Asmodeus' attempts to bed her really just a façade to distract her from his true intentions? Could he be seeking to corrupt her, forcing her to fall from grace? Could that have been his plan all along?

"If an angel were to lie with a man – or a woman – what would become of them?" Her face was a mask of calm when she looked at her superior, but inside she was shaking. But she had to know. What would happen to her if Asmodeus' advances were successful?

"You wish to have relations with your charge?" Barachiel made no attempt to hide his shock and concern.

"No!" she shouted, standing abruptly and pacing the length of the large white room. "That's not my intention at all. I am merely asking a question, master. I'm curious."

"Well, that's a relief. You can lie with anyone, if you so please."

She stopped, turned to face him. "What?"

Barachiel smiled. "We have free will, you know."

She considered this for a moment. It was true that angels had free will. She had never thought of having sex before. Not until she met Asmodeus. The damned brute wouldn't stop putting filthy thoughts in her mind. Even when he wasn't near, she couldn't stop the images from taking her over.

No.

She couldn't submit to the desires he invoked. There had to be consequences for lying with a demon, but how could she ask Barachiel without making it painfully obvious that Asmodeus had his sights set on her?

"Are there any limitations to that freedom?"

The male arched a single brow as he regarded her. "Can you be more specific?"