Dreading
1071 Words
He rose from his seat and approached the painting, drawn to its disconcerting depiction. It portrayed an Angel, bleeding with broken wings, in a desolate and barren background. The figure knelt beneath a tree, exuding an aura of melancholia through its facial expression and overall demeanor.
"Your art is disconcerting. I see you're a collector?" Nicholas commented, seeking to understand the nature of Luci's interests.
Luci, still holding her champagne glass, joined him and stood beside him in front of the painting.
"Are you religious, Nicholas?" she inquired.
"Not particularly, but I am familiar with religious stories," Nicholas replied.
"Then you know it depicts the Morning Star's fall from grace. God's abandonment of his beloved Angel and the aftermath of being exiled from heaven," Luci explained, her voice heavy with sadness as her eyes reflected the weight of the story.
"God's abandonment? But the Morning Star betrayed God, committing the crime of hubris that led to his exile from heaven. It's a deeply disturbing yet beautiful painting," Nicholas pondered, his gaze shifting between the artwork and Luci.
Luci met his gaze, and a smile formed on her lips.
"Lucifer Morningstar, such a peculiar name for a stunning woman. Is that truly your name?" Nicholas inquired, genuinely intrigued.
"Yes, it is my name. I often encounter people who find it unsettling," Luci confirmed, her smile unwavering.
"Your parents named you after the fallen Angel from the Christian Bible. It's fascinating. You are an intriguing woman, Luci," Nicholas remarked, his curiosity growing.
Just then, the door swung open, and the butler, Ornias, entered the room.
"Sorry to interrupt, but dinner is ready, my queen," Ornias announced.
"Oh, yummy! Bring it in," Luci exclaimed cheerfully.
The butler clapped his hands, and two men wheeled a trolley with a tray of food into the room. They placed it next to the table, bowed, and exited.
"Queen? Have I been in the company of royalty all this time without knowing? Who exactly are you?" Nicholas inquired, a mix of surprise and curiosity in his voice.
Luci smiled warmly. "You ask a lot of questions."
"I'm a journalist, you know. Consider it a writer's curiosity," Nicholas replied, his intrigue undeterred.
Both of them resumed their seats. Luci took a sip from her wine glass before helping herself to some food. Nicholas couldn't help but wonder about her occupation. Perhaps she truly was a queen, maybe from Africa, he mused to himself.
"Aren't you hungry, Nicholas?" Luci asked, breaking his intense gaze.
"Oh, um... yes," he replied, momentarily taken aback. Luci proceeded to serve food onto his plate.
"Thank you. You still haven't answered my question. Why are you addressed as 'queen,' and where are you from?" Nicholas inquired, hoping for some clarity.
"I promise I will answer all your questions, but you must eat first," Luci urged him.
Nicholas began to eat, and after some time, Luci spoke again.
"Hell."
"Excuse me?" Nicholas stopped eating, his attention fully on her.
"I am the Queen of Hell," Luci declared, pausing her own meal to meet Nicholas's gaze. His reaction was a mix of incredulity and amusement.
"Okay... you don't want to tell me where you're from or who you are," Nicholas responded skeptically.
"I'm serious. I am the Queen of Hell, Nicholas," Luci insisted.
Nicholas burst into laughter. "This has got to be the most absurd thing I've ever heard."
"You asked earlier why I came to town," Luci reminded him.
"Yes?"
"Well, I am here for you," Luci revealed, her tone serious.
"For me? I'm sorry, I don't understand," Nicholas replied, bewildered.
"It's time for the world to hear my side of the story. For far too long, Yahweh's version of our conflict has been the accepted truth. And you will help me share my story with humanity."
"Wait, Yahweh? That's the Jewish name for the Christian God," Nicholas pointed out, trying to process the information.
"Yes," Luci confirmed.
"This is absurd. Listen, lady, you are gorgeous, and I've had an awful day. I thought tonight might offer some respite from the craziness of my life. I don't have time for such games. I've been messed with enough today. I don't need you playing silly games with me. I'm leaving. Thanks for dinner," Nicholas declared, standing up to leave.
As he turned to exit, the lights in the room began to flicker. He spun around and found Luci walking toward him. Suddenly, her face underwent a horrifying transformation. Horns sprouted from her head, and her brown skin turned a menacing shade of red.
"Jesus Christ," Nicholas exclaimed, overcome with fear.
"What... what the hell are you?" he stammered, unable to comprehend the terrifying sight before him.
"I am Lucifer Asherah Morningstar, the Queen of Hell, and I will not be denied. Now, be a good little human and sit down!" Luci commanded, her voice laced with authority.
Frozen with fear, Nicholas reluctantly walked back to his chair and sat down, shivers coursing through his body. Though paralyzed by terror, he attempted to maintain a facade of bravery.
"What do you want from me?" he managed to inquire, his eyes fixated on her as she reverted to her beautiful human form.
"I have been observing you for quite some time, Nicholas. You are truly a talented writer, and what I offer you is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The chance to pen my story, so the world may learn my truth and my perspective in this ongoing conflict with God and his angels," Luci explained, resuming her seat.
"Am I in danger?" Nicholas asked, his voice trembling.
"Don't be silly. I am not going to harm you," Luci reassured him.
"And if I refuse to write your story?" Nicholas questioned, still unsure of what to make of the situation.
"Well, you can't; come on, Nicholas, we would be doing each other a favor. You have the opportunity to write one of the most captivating stories in human history. You'll transform from a struggling writer, whose life has been filled with disappointments, into a bestselling author, on top of the world. All this in exchange for helping me share my story," Luci explained persuasively.
"But why me? Why not approach another writer? Surely there are more accomplished writers out there," Nicholas queried, seeking to understand why he had been chosen.
"Because they all lack something that you possess," Luci responded cryptically.
"And what would that be?" Nicholas inquired, intrigued yet cautious.
- Writer
