Falling (Closed for Sasha25)

[fr33ks33k]

Lucas Everdark had searched for much of his life for the source of immortality. He'd tried many different paths, and all seemed to lead to one thing: The Philosopher's Stone. A blood-red ruby that, when eaten, would render the subject immortal. The only trouble with the creation of such a stone was its main constituent: Blood given freely by an angel in sacrifice. All the texts had been very clear about the source and the method of collection. It would have to be done by the angel of their own will. No celestial being would do this, unless they could be convinced. Lucas had a plan for that.

It was a contraption that emanated a seemingly holy aura, a welcome spot for an angel that happened to be among the mortals in need of a rest. The aura called out to celestial beings, beckoning them to alight upon the ground and gain a reprieve. It spoke without words of rejuvenation and the glory of Heaven. Unfortunately for the unsuspecting angel, the aura was false, and once inside the edges of the field, their strength would be sapped, foul necromancy pulling them into an unbreakable embrace. With their last conscious thoughts, they would realize their mistake and the futility of their last struggles to escape. All Lucas had to do was choose a prime position to place his trap and wait.

The location was easy enough to spot. It was on the outskirts of a village church. Ironically, it was on the opposite side of the cemetery. That proximity further empowered the necromancy fueling the snare. From a position well shrouded by his magics, Lucas watched and awaited his unwitting prey.

 

[Sasha25]

Her lips touched the child's forehead, and the malady that had been afflicting him suddenly faded, and the crying that had been filling the small cottage faded also. The parents rushed to the bedside, kneeling, continuing their prayers, unaware of the Angel that was now among them.

Salome's aura, so strong just seconds before disappeared before the astonished couple could understand the flash of light that they had seen. The also missed the sigh of a white satin dress brushing their front door frame as she left. Her soul ached with the effort of saving so many in the village. The sickness wasn't a natural, human thing, but something brought forth from the bound of Hell, and it was given to Salome to cure it, which meant dozens of children needing her touch. She need solace, she needed to feel the light of Heaven again.

While her connection to the Throne was held in the mortal world, she, as with all her kin needed to feel the Light every so often. There were places, usually nearby to consecrated plots of buildings where the Light shone through the world. She knew of such a place, a newer one nearby, next to the village church. Pulling her wings tight to her back, she walked, slowly to the spot, feeling world weary, and craving to return to Heaven. There was still sickness, so she needed to spend more time among humans. She sighed. The warmth of her breath could cure the sick, purify water, and clear the sky. The human would never no such things, until they themselves were brought to Heaven.

As she approached the spot, she felt the light and hurried her step. The promise of healing and warmth, and the aura of the Throne beckoned. As Salome stepped into the Aura, she knew instantly that something was wrong. It was false Light! She tried to rush out of the Aura but some kind of bonds held her limbs and she sank to the earth, feeling sicking, her strength fading quickly.

Salome sent a cry to her brothers and sisters, but there was no answer. Her Angelic voice could reach anywhere in the world and in Heaven, but this false place kept her voice from reaching anything. Her blonde hair, her shining wings started to dim, and rather than struggle more, a sudden compulsion to curl up and sleep filled her thoughts. She could not even summon the will to fight the false place.

A human with the gift of Hell, or of false power must have created it, but Salome couldn't think more as a consuming, silky darkness cut her off completely from Heaven.

 

[fr33ks33k]

The trap had worked swimmingly. The angel had wandered in and was now sleeping fitfully, shrouded in the necromantic energies Lucas had conjured. Moving spryly, he strode to the circle, stooping near the celestial. She was as beautiful as he had expected. Her wings had become ash-gray in the field, her hair losing its luster. A wicked smile curled his lips. He'd done it!

Before anyone could notice, Lucas lifted the lithe frame of the angel, carrying her with ease. Her body seemed lighter than a mortal figure, and with haste he took her to a wagon, setting her in the covered rear compartment before climbing into the driver's seat. It took no time at all for him to reach his keep, procured from his predecessor on his death. The details of that death were known only to Lucas and a hired assassin. He would have done it with his own hands, but had been called away to research more about the Stone.

Upon arrival, Lucas took the angel to a specially designed cell, fastening shackles to her wrists and ankles. They would hold even the strongest of beings, reinforced iron with arcane sigils serving as magical locks. Another devious grin pulled the corners of his mouth. She would awaken soon. He had much to prepare, so he left her there while he returned to his chambers. The one window of the cell gave a dismal view of the surrounding countryside, choked by black weeds and dark fog.

 

[Sasha25]

The cry echoed through the room and out into the fog surrounding keep of the necromancer. The Angel's cry, something that could shake the earth or brighten the sky, fell on no ears. the power had been taken from Salome's voice, but that wasn't the source of her anguish. She could feel none of the Light from Heaven, and her connection to the Throne, innate to every Angel has been broken. The loneliness that brought broke Salome's heart came from the absence of the guiding light of the throne. That presence kept every Angel connected with all others and sustained them through any time away from Heaven.

Salome screamed again and again as she pulled at her shackles. She couldn't break them, even with her Angel's strength. The person that captured her no doubt had and incredible source of power, but Salome couldn't understand why she had been captured. Angel's had gone missing before, inevitably ending up in Hell after being corrupted, but in such cases the corruption had been done by Demon's not by humans. There was no smell of Hell in this place, increasing Salome's confusion.

Her wings gave a few feeble attempted at flying, but the strength has been driven from them. They held her down, and she couldn't stand properly, even though the length of chain would have allowed it. Her now lank hair hung about her face, hiding it from the window. She felt sick, ready to wretch. Who had done this? Why? She ached for someone to connect to her, to give her the warmth she had known since her creation.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Lucas had just finished the adornment he'd fashioned when he heard what could only be the angel crying out for salvation. It faded after a while, but he could still feel the immensity of her sadness. If he had a heart, it would be heavier for being near such sorrow. Fortunately for him, sympathy was something he'd weeded out of himself early on in his training. One could not seek immortality and feel sorry for those weaker than himself.

He donned the necklace, wrought from silver and gold with a sizeable emerald set in the center of the pendant. It radiated a faint aura of holiness. It was as much as Lucas could stand without feeling ill. It would be necessary to tempt the angel with the comfort of her glory.

Slow, deliberate steps took him to the cell where Salome was imprisoned. A wave of his hand opened the door's locking mechanism and the door itself. A few more strides and he stood before the angel, sneering down at her.

"I see you are awake now. Welcome to your humble abode. I am your keeper. You are my pet. If you hope to see the Throne once more, you will do as I say."

He moved right up beside her, the aura of his amulet pulsing in such proximity to her celestial being.

"Do you understand me?"

 

[Sasha25]

"Do you understand me?"

Salome didn't understand the man, not right away. The faint but distinct aura of the Light had distracted her. She rose and moved quickly towards him, blinded, only to be yanked back harshly at the limit of her chains. She cried again in pain, when she realized it was more false Light, surrounded by the dark aura of the man who wore it.

Her watery eyes looked at him. He didn't seem spectacular in any human way. His body seemed to emit a dark glow, the antithesis of Light, though it didn't have the markings of Hell.

"I understand you, human." She rasped. There seemed to be something like a hand clutching at her heart, so was the feeling without the presence of the Throne.

"Please let me go. It is agony not to feel the Light. It is killing me. PLEASE!" She screamed again at him, but he body and eyes were impassive.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"Surely you exaggerate. I know absence from the source of your power won't kill you. It will weaken you over time, and you will feel less than mortal. But you won't die. Not unless I will it."

Lucas held up the amulet, letting her look upon it closer.

"This is your lifeline. It is pure in its power, unlike the trap you so foolishly wandered into. Now then, I require something of you. You will give me your blood, willingly. With it I will finally achieve my goal."

With little ceremony, he removed the necklace and tossed it at her. He felt relief as it left his person, and he knew the solace the angel would find in the trinket. His dark eyes were full of ice and the steel of his intentions. A sudden cloudburst emitted thunder and lightning, sharp flashes in the darkening sky.

 

[Sasha25]

Salome grabbed at the necklace, barely able to get the chain in her fingers, straining her limbs in the process. The draw of it was so intense that she was crying. The chain was cold in her fingers, but the relief of the touch of the light to her skin sent her to something like and orgasm. At least the cry she made was like a human during that state.

Feeling somewhat calmed, the Angel looked up at the man, and noted the mood on his face reflected in the sky and weather outside. He was radiating a power that was completely foreign to her, and it scared her terribly. The scant amount of Light the necklace gave her enough energy to sit on the window ledge, but her face was mournful.

"I cannot give you my blood. No mortal can have such a gift. You must know what it can do and why I cannot give it to you. No mortal is allow extended, or eternal life, not in this world. That is meant for Heaven or Hell."

Salome didn't have the age or experience of the older Angels, the Seraphim, but she did know enough that some humans didn't understand or believe in the world beyond theirs, and sought to extend their own human life.

This man know more, she could tell right away, from her capture, from the necklace, from his eyes. She would not give up her life's blood willingly. If she did so, she could never return to the Light.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Lucas' eyes narrowed at her refusal. She managed a defiance that was not belligerent, and that infuriated him. Immediately his hand was at her throat, clutching firmly.

"You will give me what I seek. I have not come this far to be denied by your stubbornness."

He released her and took a step back, breathing heavily. His calm demeanor was wearing thin.

"You can remain in this cell until you've changed your mind. Think of all the souls that will perish because you are not there to save them. Think of what a small price it is to pay, to give a small libation in the pursuit of my goal. If you have a change of heart, simply speak into that amulet. I will hear your words."

He paused at the door of the cell, turning to look once more on the angel, beautiful even in this dismal place, in spite of his feelings.

"Know too, that I could give you more than the Throne sees fit for you to have. They give you power, but deny you pleasure. They give you purpose, but deny you freedom. Think on this."

With that, he turned and closed the door with the iron of the door groaning loudly as it clanked into place, the lock turning gratingly.

 

[Sasha25]

Power? Pleasure? Salome had heard human offered these trivial things before, thought it was only the physical pleasure of sex and love that the Angel was aware of. On one of her tasks, she happened upon a could making love for the last time, before the wife was taken away to Heaven. It was tender, gentle and beautiful and even brought Salome to tears.

She had some sense that this man didn't offer such pleasure. He had no love in his soul for that kind of tenderness. Still, it was something that she thought of, and imagine she could feel. Angel's pleasure came from the Light and from the Throne, not in physical contact.

Salome pondered these things in her shackles, able to maintain her sanity with the light of the amulet, though it was like a sip of water to feed the thirst of days. Her wings continued to change, turning darker, her body more frail, her eyes clouded. Over days and weeks, she began to despair, but she would not give into the man, not when her very being was at stake.

 

[fr33ks33k]

It had been nearly a month. No word from the angel. She was made of sterner stuff than Lucas had anticipated. He'd whispered seductive words and thoughts to her through the amulet, to no avail. It seemed he would have to show her firsthand.

After dressing himself appropriately in a simple tunic and breeches, Lucas descended his tower to the cell Salome was held in. He opened the door with a wave, striding in and over to her, dark eyes locked on the angel.

"You seem to be enjoying your stay here. Not a single word uttered in attempt to escape. I know you have knowledge of man's touch. What it can do to another mortal. You believe it to be beyond your being, but you are wrong. I will show you, and then, perhaps you will succumb to my demands of your own accord."

He pointed to her, drawing a slow line from neck to navel. Her simple dress split as though a keen blade had sliced it. The crackle of arcane energy was faint, but present. It grew as his finger slid beneath the fabric, just below her right collarbone, pushing back the cloth, revealing more of her flesh.

 

[Sasha25]

"You seem to be enjoying your stay here. Not a single word uttered in attempt to escape. I know you have knowledge of man's touch. What it can do to another mortal. You believe it to be beyond your being, but you are wrong. I will show you, and then, perhaps you will succumb to my demands of your own accord."

Though weakened, Salome was about to speak when she saw the finger, and then the soft tearing of fabric to split her simple dress open. Her pale skin was reveal in part, though the fabric clung to her breasts at first, and the shadows only gave glimpse of her sex. She had never wondered why Angel's had been made anatomically correct, yet the sexual organs were never used by Angels, that was for humans.

The Angel wanted to cover herself, but the shackles prevented any such modesty and she whimpered as her shoulder, then her full breast was exposed. The cold air was cruel on her skin; the magic in the room seemed to lower what defenses she had left.

"I don't wish to experience any contact from you, whatever you are. You are foul, and you create darkness when you touch. I don't want that to happen to me. I wish to remain pure."

Her words died out, feeble as the rest of her body was exposed. Her dress, hang limply behind her as the manacles wouldn't allow it's removal. She could not meet the man's eye.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Lucas could not contain the laughter that flowed forth. It was dark laughter, full of malicious intent.

"My touch is darkness, yes. But without the darkness, what purpose would the light have?"

His words heralded the press of his finger against her skin. It was akin to the tingle of gooseflesh, moving with his digit as he traced her collarbone, slipping down the slope of her bosom, trailing down between the rise of her breasts. He drug his finger upward, over the hollow of her throat, along the column of her elegant neck. The tingle intensified as he palm rested against her cheek. The energies of his magic mingled with her heavenly nature. The mixture was peculiar even to him, but it would provide a sensuous experience for Salome.

"Purity was only created to tempt. Do you wish to be a temptress incarnate? To hold aloft that which others covet? Surely that is more foul than me...."

 

[Sasha25]

His touch, a soft finger with the aura of magic around it, was far more sensual than anything Salome had ever experienced. The tingling seemed to fill her entire being and she moan softly, a high sound that came from her belly. A sudden craving for more filled her being, but she pushed away at the guilt she felt.

"I'm not a temptress. I live in the Light. I only seek to serve and heal."

What would the throne say if she allowed herself to enjoy it? She fought, pushing away any pleasure that she might feel. She closed her eyes and started to pray soundlessly, begging for mercy from the Throne, in case by some miracle the Throne could find her. Part of her knew it was in vain, but it put temptation away for a few moments.

Her body at least didn't betray her yet, not outwardly.

 

[fr33ks33k]

"Oh, you will serve. That much I am assured of."

Lucas continued to hold Salome's face cradled in one hand, while his other seized her exposed breast. He squeezed and kneaded her flesh, feeling the course of magic flow freely between them. She retreated from his touch, but she could not go far.

Once he had given her a few moments' caressing, he relinquished his touching. He stood very near to her, offering a smile that was less sinister, more plying.

"Now you know what I can offer you. It is only more pleasing from here. Reconsider my offer. The Throne may have forsaken you here, but you need not be alone."

His smile was all that he left her with as he headed for the exit of the cell.

 

[Sasha25]

When the tone of Luca's voice change, the Angel's eyes met his, and she moaned softly again at his gentle touch. Her breathing because deep, almost hard as the pleasure began to build. Salome wondered if this was the feeling that some human received when they took what they called drugs.

For the first time in her existence, she felts something strange. A wetness was growing, between her legs, around her exposed sex. With her eyes locked on Lucas', she couldn't confirm it, but the feeling was odd, and pleasant.

Suddenly, his touch was gone, and she felt a strange emptiness, like when the Light had been taken away. It must be his magic, she though and lowered her head.

The Throne had not forsaken her. Lucas had shut off the connection. He was only a man, though, and the Throne, the Throne was infinite. How could the Throne not find her when she called? Was her safety not important? The seed of doubt had been sown, and in her solitude, Salome wept, and a small part of her wished for Lucas' company and his touch.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Through the amulet, Lucas watched Salome sink into her doubt. He smiled his wicked smile once more, resting his chin in one hand. She might be sturdy, but she would break down eventually. The feel of her skin had actually sent a thrill through him as well. Celestials weren't meant for carnal couplings, but they could perform if they were in a position to. In the moments of their contact, he had noticed the response of her body. The increase in heart rate, the slight sheen of sweat, the dilation of her pupils. She hadn't experienced that before. Now that she had, he could use it to his advantage.

For now though, it would simply do to watch her mind turning over the possibilities and questions. Those would be her only companions in her isolation. He continued to watch her, lips curled upward, just a hint of his teeth showing through.

 

[Sasha25]

The emerald felt so smooth, and the Light that shone seemed to go right to Salmoe's heart, where she needed the comfort most. The doubt that has begun the moment she has seen Lucas was growing, and nothing could stop it.

She released the gem, and looked down at her naked form. She had never regarded it before, but now, she tried to understand why she could be an object of desire. She had breasts, a flat stomach, slender legs, flared him. Was this what male humans wanted? Or was Lucas just interested in her blood, the pleasure secondary.

The pleasure. She caress her skin where he had touched. Over the curve of her breasts, the V going towards her sex. It provided none of the feelings that Lucas had given her. It must be his magic, she though, not realizing it could be just because it was the touch of another. Regardless, she wanted more of it. It was a respite of the loneliness, and she truly began to wonder if there was more than just the Light and the Throne.

 

[fr33ks33k]

She was exploring her body. Something she'd probably never even given thought to. It was a curious thing, the angel's physique. They could be given any shape, and yet the Throne saw fit to give them such a perfect feminine form. To give them no awareness of it was a crime. One Lucas was all too happy to remedy.

Without the cover of her dress, Salome's body was open to his viewing, and while he was focused in his pursuit, he was only a man after all. He had planned to leave her to her thoughts longer, but the stirrings within him could not be silenced.

His entrance to her cell was silent. He offered no temptations or cajoles. He didn't speak at all. He simply moved over to her, hands taking hold of her at the hips. She would know what a kiss was, but not how to give one, and so his lips instead sought her neck, leaving a soft trail over her skin. His touch was entwined with the energies of his magic, it did not need to be summoned forth. Each caress held that twinge of electricity, enhancing the pure tactile sensation.

 

[Sasha25]

So lost in her own thoughts and despair that Salome didn't notice Lucas until he was right before her. She didn't resist when he took her up, hand son her hips. the electricity in his touch was strong and she couldn't hold back a moan that was half a sob.

"Please..."

The word could have been a plea to stop, or plea for more, she didn't know. His lips on her neck brought more of that wonderful tingling in her body that was taking the place of the Light. She still wanted to fight it, but found that she couldn't. She pushed at his shoulder lightly, then stopped.

"Please..."

She said it again, but it was even obvious to her that it spoke of a need for more.

 

[fr33ks33k]

The desperation in her voice faded from the need to break his hold and the need to feel more of the static charge between them. Lucas grinned against Salome's neck before pulling back.

"I'll give you more, but you must swear to give me what I ask of you. It is a simple deal, and one that I'm sure you aren't entirely opposed to. I can feel the thrill of your body, the palpitations of your heart. You enjoy this, and you seek to know more of it."

His hands remained on her hips, but scantly. The coursing energy made small flashes as it trailed tendrils along her flesh. Lucas could feel his influence seeping into her body and her mind.

 

[Sasha25]

She struggled with her beliefs and her body's need, unable to resolve the two. His touch slowed, but not completely, and she felt the kind of emptiness she associated with the loss of the Light. There seemed to be a force of magic that was holding her body, a tension she was unused to. Sexual. Human. Desire.

"I cannot give you what you seek. It will change me. I want to feel more." She was crying. She felt broken. All goodness has left her.

"You don't know what giving you my blood will do to me. I can't go back then. What will I do? I won't be an Angel anymore. I don't know what I'll be."

She sound desperate, confused. She truly wanted answers, and hoped the Lucas could provide them. He had known so much, how to ensnare her, bind her, break her. Would he not know this?

She unconsciously reached out for him, wanting touch, wanting answer, wanting to give in. Her nature was the only thing stopping her from giving her life's blood.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Her denial brought an icy glow to his stare. He removed his hands from her hips, leaving her barren of the sensation he'd been giving.

"What you become will be much more than the narrow existence you have. Do you not want freedom to choose your path, one not ordained by the Throne's supposed righteousness? Who is to say that the path I give you is evil? Do you know the truth of it, or only what the Throne has told you to believe?"

He took hold of her throat, not quite squeezing the slender length of it, but holding it firmly.

"Remember this, I have control of you. If you will not comply, I may simply choose to end your pitiful existence. Perhaps I will pluck your wings, one feather at a time, then cast you into a dark hole far from the light of the Throne. Think on that, angel. Your denials anger me, and I am bound to lose patience with you soon. I favor your appearance, and would not wish to destroy it, but if you force my hand..."

His fingers contracted slowly around her neck, holding tightly before relinquishing his grip. Lucas knew his ire would outweigh his persuasiveness as well as the latent desire he had, so he simply turned and left her, once more alone in the cell.

 

[Sasha25]

The touch was gone. The Throne was gone. Lucas was gone. In the cell, Salome cried and the last of her resolve faded into emptiness. She was broken and she knew it. She felt sick, and not even the feeble light at her throat offered any comfort. She wanted to fling it from her but she couldn't summon the strength to do so. She curled up into a ball on the floor and sobbed.

She gave one last soft cry of prayer to Heaven, and when there was no answer, she closed her eyes. She had to make a choice. Death. Lucas. Death. Lucas.

Her voice was cracked, and though she spoke to the air, the words were directed at the amulet.

"Lucas. Please. Come to me. I'll give you what you want."

The words felt like a little death, as though she no longer was herself. A single feather fell from her wings, and the color started to change in earnest.

 

[fr33ks33k]

Not an hour from his departure, he heard the soft voice of the angel, full of despair. She was beckoning him, she had given in. Lucas smiled broadly and rose from his chair to return to the cell.

When he entered, the first thing he did was entirely remove the dress that had remained in tatters around the chains that bound her. The next was gracing her with a touch to her cheek, the warm sensation of his fingers soothing the withering feeling he'd left her with.

"I knew you would come around. I feel as though I should give you a small something as a show of good faith."

Following his words, his hand trailed down her neck, drawing a line from her collarbone to her navel, traversing the swell of one breast in the process.

He knew that she felt helpless, but that there was still a bit of denial left in her. His anger had subsided and now he was capable of using the sensuousness of her discovery to his advantage.