Jezebel

Part One: 37

"You know what to do," Baal said then turned to leave the temple.

Ashera frowned. "But—"

"But nothing, Ashera." He paused and faced her fully. "Possess the woman."

Molech was leaning against a wall to Ashera's left, pretending he could not see or hear what was happening—pretending he was not the one who suggested the ludicrous idea in the first place. Snake.

"That was not the plan." Ashera struggled to keep her rising rage at bay. "I am not a lesser god. I do not possess humans, and even if I did it wouldn't be that weak, sickly, old woman."

"Enough with your vanity," Baal shouted. "You know what is at stake. I would not lose Israel over a little—"

"A little what?" Ashera asked through gritted teeth. The skin around her face rippled, green scales appearing then disappearing.

Baal strolled over, both arms deceptively relaxed at his side. When he stood before her, he stared down like she was an ant. "I will not repeat myself."

"Do not speak to me like Aqhat!" An innate desire to give in to a violent spat begged to be set free.

"I am Ashera." She increased in size, making sure they were at eyelevel. "The people worship me as much as they do you, if you cannot accord me the respect—"

"Respect?" Baal spat the word like acid on his tongue "You want respect from me? If you have an issue with my leadership, go to the pits and make your complaints."

"And why should I do that?" Her claws dung into her palms, drawing blood. "He never made you ruler over me. And you keep forgetting what is important."

"Regale me." Baal tilted his oversized head to the side. "Tell me this important thing I seem to have forgotten."

Ashera remained silent. If Baal was too stupid to realise Molech was up to something, she would not help him see it. As for the king's mother, her mind was made up. There was no way she would inhibit the old crow.

"Possess her now." Baal emphasised each word.

Ashera chuffed. "No."

His talons flew straight for her throat but she was fast. Snatching his wrist, she dug in her claws into his flesh then twisted hard. From the corner of her eye she spied a left hook sailing straight for her face—

Molech caught Baal's fist before it hit home. He pushed them apart, wedging himself between the gods.

"Surely, it hasn't come to this." Molech smiled slow, his dull eyes holding a glint Ashera did not trust. "You just won a victory... focus on that.

"This does not concern you—"

"Why don't you use Signa instead," Molech said to Baal, completely ignoring whatever Ashera was about to say. "Think of it. The demon can do a passable job at complete possession."

Not even attempting to mule over the sensibility of Molech's suggestion, Baal drew himself away all the while glaring at her. "Tell Signa my decision." With those words, he flapped his leathery wings and shot out of the place.

Molech directed his attention to her. "So—"

"Don't." Ashera cut in. "We are not allies, we never have been, and it will continue that way."

Molech merely shrugged. "Very well then. At least I am allowed to watch as you obey Baal's latest command."

Scalding words were at the tip of Ashera tongue but she refrained from speaking. She would bide her time and cut herself from whatever trap Baal was foolishly walking into. Molech was not to be trusted.