Belial's Trial

"You can't leave me all by myself, Belial." She hurried after him, perceiving the desperation in her voice but didn't care, "It's your fault I'm here in the first place!"

He increased pace, his head lowered, hearing her footsteps closing in on him.

"Only I can heal your wings; you need me!"

Tired of hobbling after him, she yelled, "Belial, if you leave me here, I will die."

When he halted suddenly, she felt relief surging through her, and when he turned, making his way toward her, it was taking all of her self-control not to sing for joy.

He stopped when they were inches apart.

Then, with a deliberate motion, he reached into his pocket and extended his hands, palms open, offering something to her. "Here, take it."

Confused, she peered into his empty palms, swallowing hard as a sense of disappointment washed over her. "B-But there's nothing there."

"AND THAT'S HOW MUCH YOU ARE MY BUSINESS!"