Deal with the Devil

Gates of the Abyss

“If you wanted to know more about me, you could have just asked.” I heard from over my shoulder. I slammed the book shut, cheeks flushing pink at being caught. “Oh Lucifer, you are such a drag.” I heard Mara draw as she approached us. “Mara, what did I say about leaving the castle?” Lucifer scolded.

 Before I could defend her, a heavy hand touched my shoulder and we flashed into another, more private, library. “This is my personal library, you may do any reading you wish in here.” Lucifer offered. I glanced around at the beautifully arched ceiling and rolling ladders and endless books. “How did you know we’d be in the library?” I asked. He once again brushed a thumb across my exposed back in a feather light touch. “This mark...it binds you to me. There is nowhere you could go that I couldn't find you.” I shuddered at that thought.

 Since Lucifer was here and apparently open to questioning I figured I’d get them out instead of searching through this library. “Will Abaddon claim another soul to pay my debt?” My memories flashed to Jace and his lifeless body. I did not sell my soul just for his to be snatched. “Magic requires balance, the bargain will claim what it is owned.” Lucifer said cryptically.

 I slammed my hands on the desk in front of me annoyed with his nonchalant answer. “I am what it is owed. Release this bond you have on me and give me to Abaddon. I demand it!” My power rose with my voice and shook the bookshelves around us. Lucifer did not break my stare. “You are in no position to be demanding anything Wren, you belong to me now. As for the bond, I was not the one who placed it on you so I won’t be able to remove it.” He said calmly but with authority. I stood my ground, I wasn't willing to sacrifice Jace for this Devil. “Let me speak to Abaddon.” If this impossible man wouldn't help me, I would help myself. “No.” The flames in his eyes grew brighter. “Fine. Then leave me to my reading.” I conceded. 

He eyed me suspiciously as if he had been prepared for more of a fight. I smiled sweetly back attempting to look innocent. He huffed and stalked away, leaving me to his massive collection. Grumpy bastard.

 As soon as he was out of earshot I rushed to the first bookshelf. I had read the Book of Abyss before in Fayette's shop, so I should be able to read it again.  There were hundreds of thousands of books in this library, how would I find this stupid old book?

 My magic perked up inside me as if reminding me that it was at my service. I closed my eyes and pictured that dark book, the sulfur smell, the demon runes and a string appeared in my mind. I mentally tugged on the string in front of me and the clatter of a book startled my eyes open. On the desk in front of me was just the book I was looking for. I smirked at my new found talent for summoning things and took a seat. 

Time to find out just where the Gates of the Abyss were in this literal Hell hole. 

After what felt like hours, I had gathered every ounce of information about Abaddon as possible. Tonight, I would find him and get him to accept my soul, claim or no claim. I wasn’t totally sure how to turn off the tracker I had on my back to keep Lucifer from hunting me down but I’d have to risk it. From what I’d read on bonds this afternoon, a bond was made between two living souls and was not so easily broken. If I did make it to the abyss and Abaddon accepted me into the Realm of the Dead, technically I would no longer be a living soul and our bond might be broken. I’ll admit my plan had more than a few gray areas and was mostly dependent on a technicality but I couldn't afford to be wrong. Jace’s life depended on it. 

I awoke some hours later in the same plush bed as this morning. I must have fallen asleep in the library. I cursed myself for not keeping track of the time. I tore out of the bed and found myself once again in revealing nightwear, this time in a shade of midnight blue.

 The sky was dark and speckled with the light of a thousand stars, I hadn't realized the demon realm had stars. I tore my gaze from the view and ran over to a tray of food that had been placed on the desk, still warm. My mouth watered and I took a bite of warm bread, it might very well be my last meal. 

I thanked every entity I could name besides Lucifer that the man was nowhere to be found and I could put my plan into motion. Not trusting myself to find my way through the castle, I went out to the balcony and transported myself into town as Mara had done with me earlier. When I landed in an alley I used my new found magic to place a shield around myself, I hoped that was enough to cover my tracks until my mission was complete.