Charlie

2

Charlie's P.O.V.

--eleven years later--

"Don't go down to the basement, Charlie."

That was my dad's number one rule while I was living with my parents. I was always dying with curiosity, but I didn't want to make my dad angry.

There was one day that my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to risk it.
My parents were gone, at some fancy afternoon event that they had to attend. Required by God.
I wondered who God was. My parents only mentioned him briefly, and never gave me direct answers when I asked.
I guess going to the basement was part of my rebellious stage, as I was fourteen and making my way well into my teenage years.

I opened the door to the basement. It had a symbol like the one in the sky carved into it, with a ram's head in the center. The carving confused me, but I also felt drawn to it.
I put my foot down onto the first step, and the door slammed closed behind me, shutting me inside.
I told myself not to panic and moved forward. The only sound were my feet on the stairs, and a groaning noise that seemed to be coming from the bottom.

When I got near the bottom of the staircase, red light started to fill the room. There were cobwebs covering the walls- that explained why they felt so sticky earlier.

I turned- and there was a flash. Something was in here with me.
I began to feel scared. I looked around violently, but could see nothing.
The growling got louder, more violent.
"Sacrifice," something hissed.
"No, no. His majesty would never offer his own child."
"He never said anything about a girl. Truly this would not anger him...."

I began to back up, but my back hit the wall quicker than I expected.
The tall creatures began to advance and I fell onto the floor in fear, beginning to cry.

The tallest one drew out a spear that was sparking with electricity, and rose up in the air. It brought it's arm back to strike me, and I squeezed my eyes closed, waiting for the pain that would surely follow.

It never came.

I heard a sickening squelch.

"Apologies, my Lord! We didn't know you favored the child-"

"Save your breath," my father's voice said loudly. Another sound followed, and I felt something splash across my face.

"Charlotte."
I felt arms warm around me and pull me close.
"Are you alright?"
"Dad?" I said quietly. I glanced up. His wings were spread over me in a protective manner, and they were splattered with blood. Two of the lighning-like spears were embedded straight through.
He saved me.
With that quick realization, I puled my father close in a quick hug.
It was not returned, but I knew it was accepted.
He stood to his feet and turned away. He pulled the spears from his wings, striking down another attacking demon.
He turned back to me.
"I believe," he said, looking at me,
"That these belong to you."