Angel

Chapter 5

You know you're in an awful lot of trouble when the Sun God himself has to come -- in all his annoying greatness -- to haul your ass back to the realm from which you came and/or tried to escape.

Angel ... You're in trouble ...

"Tsk tsk tsk, Angel. Your mother is quite ... angry ... at you for escaping, or attempting to anyway, again. So be a good little girl while I handcuff you so this can be more pleasant for both of us."

I winced when he emphasized 'pleasant'. I knew we both remembered what happened the last time I resisted. I sighed. If he's going to be annoying, I better grit my teeth because the painful part is yet to come ...

The Sun God briskly but securely handcuffed me (no, not in your silly metal bracelets; these were full out titanium rings with enough power to fry a baby elephant). I was led to his chariot. Despite my obvious dislike for the Sun God, I have to admit he had a nice ride. He pulled the reins and bam we were in Mom's territory.

I braced myself for the ultimate punishment.

"Sun God. You are dismissed."

I did not like the razor edge I heard in my mom's voice. Nor did I like the fact that we would be alone in her throne room in the Underworld, the place where she was strongest.

"Angel. Step forward."

I could taste the metallic anger in her voice. Ouch.

I did as I was told.

From where I was standing, and I didn't dare take any more steps forward, Mom was literally radiating rage. I could see the sharp lines carved by fury into her face. I could see her knuckles turn glowing white as she gripped her throne in a death hold. I could feel anger, frustration, and impatience buzz around Mom like a painful swarm of bees.

Then her expression softened, just an iota.

"Angel, what did you see?"

The question took me by surprise. I stayed silent, as if I didn't care. As if I didn't know.

But I remembered too clearly what I saw.