I'm not sure how long I sat there numb. I tried to get up, but my body wouldn't respond. It was like all the fight, the drive, my very life itself had been sucked dry. I thought of Mara, had he visited her too. She didn't have any bargains to protect her from Lucien. Come to think of it why had he let her go so easily while I had to fight tooth and nail for every bit of freedom I have. The nights I spent with him where never exactly romantic. Usually I would be used as a pawn seducing the targets he picked for me I would drain them dry then he would have sex with me to absorb the warmth of that human life. He did look a lot better before I left, more like the angel than the demon. Finally I was able to drag myself from the tub legs numb from sitting there too long. Mara I had to find Mara. I stumble to her room cold, and naked I open the door and see...nothing. She isn't there. I run from room to room calling out her name in a desperate hope she was just hiding. Maybe she had ran when she sensed him. I hoped that been all, because if he had taken her it was wholly my fault.
I sat in the empty kitchen finally dressed in the warmest sweats I owned cup of tea in hand trying not to cry. The sun had risen making things seem a bit warmer. Mara had not come back. I looked at the card Ariel had given us so we could plan, and had been trying to get the courage to call him. Should I tell him Lucien's deal? Maybe I could get Lucien to let Mara go if I accepted. I would do my best to kill Sloan first on my own. Ariel though an angel nerd, and so good it made my teeth ache was my only remaining accomplice. I slapped my own cheek hard then picked up the cellphone and dialed before I could lose my nerve. The phone rings so long I think about just hanging up. Just as I take my ear from the phone to hit end call Ariel answers.
"Hello?" He asks voice sounding groggy as if he has been asleep. I try to remember if Angels slept, demons didn't unless they just wanted to. I clear my throat then say.
"Um, yes Hi this is Lilly I need to talk to you in person there has been some, um, events we need to discuss." There that was polite, right? He was silent on the other end the curtly asked.
"What events? Did you mess something up?" Ariel asked sounding annoyed. I grimaced grinding my teeth. I had screwed up, I had let my guard down and Mara had paid the price. I fought back a sob, and was silent for too long. Finally Ariel said in a kinder tone.
"Lilith, what is wrong? Do you need me to come over?"
"Please, just get here as soon as you can." I choked throat tightening up. Once we hung up I decided I needed something to get this off of my mind, and started making cookies. Thirty minutes later Ariel was knocking on the door. I guess my anxiety was on my face, because he wasn't being his usual snobby self. In fact he was very comforting leading me to sit, and getting me a glass of water. Finally he sat opposed me hands crossed in his lap.
"Lilly, what happened?" He asked voice very gentle. I took a deep breath, and told him what had happened from Terry stepping foot on my door, to Lucien's deal, and Mara's disappearance. Ariel was had his head in his hands when I finished looking green and pale. I hugged myself trying to keep it together.
"Are you still going to move forward with the plan? Terry is a small fish in this, but if Lucien tries to sabotage you, this could mean the end of the world." Ariel looked at me trying not to say what he was thinking.
"What you want me to be a martyr? Be bound to the second most powerful and sadistic creature forever? Sorry, but I think I will take my chances." I said voice gaining strength. I refused to just give in like that. Ariel looked thoughtful then said.
"Fine, then what do we do now?."