It was the middle of the night when Alison was sitting on the windowsill in George's bedroom, looking at the starry sky. She loved this state. The silence that reigned in the streets, the moon, and the sky full of stars. Every night it was the same. She could stare at one point for several hours, and it didn't bore her at all. Someone would think: how is this possible? Well, she had beautiful memories associated with it. The times when Jack accompanied her every night.
Before he was consumed by darkness — her beloved loved the stars the most in the world. He could stare at them for hours, claiming that it was the most interesting activity in the human world. At first, she laughed at him, considering it a complete bore, but when one night he forced her to accompany him, she understood what he meant. She fell in love with the stars as much as he did. It became their common interest, and when the sky was overcast, that's when they were saddest.
- It's the only thing that makes me still feel close to you. I know very well that you still do. You still watch the stars," she whispered under her breath, and a sad smile appeared on her face. She stretched out her hand as hard as if she were trying to catch a star and sighed. She knew it was impossible, just like getting the old Jack back. Furthermore, she had recently realized that he had two personalities, but his dark side was stronger than the one in which he still possessed a heart.
She tore her gaze away from the sky and looked back to see George. The boy was asleep on the bed, quietly snoring and unaware that every night she accompanied him as he slept. While he slept, Alison sat on the windowsill and contemplated. She would think about things she wasn't able to think about during the day. Mostly she considered trying to get Jack back. She considered many possibilities, and her thoughts began to frighten her because only then did she realize that she was ready for anything. She was not going to stop. If she was going to fall during this ordeal — she was ready. And so she felt that she had been consumed by darkness for a long time. She realized that Jack was manipulating her, and she was letting him do it. She wanted him to do it, and even wished that he would eventually take her to his side. As long as she was always close to him.
- I have just begun to realize that I have less and less goodness in me," she whispered quietly.
She crouched by George's bedside and looked at his face. He seemed calm in his sleep, but she was well aware of the stress he experienced every day. He was afraid that at some point he would deflect Jack and simply take his life. She would deprive him of his youth, and then he would die of old age. In the same way that his roommate Samuel died.
In some form, Alison also guided him to death. She witnessed that Jack was still jealous of her. In a fit of rage, he could do him harm, but the girl had become cruel enough to ignore it. This was a bad sign. Proof that she was also getting rid of all feelings.
- If I become a monster, will it make me always at Jack's side again?
*
She laughed out loud as a powerful thunder sounded outside, which sent George into a stupor. The boy looked at her with concerned eyes, curling up in his chair and hugging his knees with his hands. She had never seen him like this before. He was afraid of the storm!
- Are you all right? - She tried to keep a serious tone in her voice, but he sensed a hint of amusement in it. He threw her a sharp look, looking as if he were furious about her laughing at his fears. Of course, she wasn't amused. She was amused because he served a fallen angel, and was terrified of a storm. It's not very common.
- This weather phenomenon is bad for me," he whispered, and the brunette looked at him with curiosity in her eyes. He noticed that she was interested in the story behind it, so he continued. - I hate the storm because it reminds me of when Jack first got me.... - at this point he broke off, and the girl noticed that a shudder ran through his body. So strong that it initially shook him. He must have gone through a real hell then, since he was experiencing it so much.
She took his hand, and he lifted his gaze and looked into her eyes. She surprised him with this gesture, but he continued on:
- I barely escaped with my life. I was scared like I had never been before. I was afraid of death, so I did not think rationally. He threatened me and then told me to choose between life and death.
- And you decided on immortality because you didn't want to die.
- I did. When I agreed to it a terrible storm broke out, and then he.... - George closed his eyelids and took a deep breath - he took my soul. It hurt so much, as if he was tearing me apart. As if he were tearing the most important part of my body from me.... Even then, I began to regret that I did not decide death," he added, looking with sad eyes at one point.
- And now you have no choice but to serve him; otherwise he will take your life," she said, and he shifted his gaze to her and nodded.
- I would have been ready for this a long time ago, I even had such a moment because I tried to protect you at all costs. But do you know what I fear most? Not death, but what awaits me on the other side. Hell scares me," he stated, and his lip trembled. - And yet, that's all I deserve.
She saw fear in his eyes. Panicky fear of what awaits him if Jack takes his life.
- What do you think happened to Samuel after he died?
- It may sound terrible, but he probably suffers. I've heard a bit about hell, and I know it's a nightmare you can't imagine," she replied without hesitation, putting her roommate in even more fear. - But don't think about it because I will never let Jack hurt you. And certainly not when I'm on your side," she added more quietly, with which she caught George's attention. Seeing the anxiety on his face, she smiled and gently patted the boy on the shoulder. - I'll be back soon.
Within a short while, she moved to the photo studio. In recent times, it had been a favorite place where she liked to spend time. She had an easier life with her powers. Jack was right — without them, she was nothing.
Outside, a storm was raging, and the rain had clearly picked up.
- Fallen's favorite weather," they said simultaneously, and then she realized Jack had emerged from the darkness. She looked over her shoulder, and an arrogant smile appeared on his face. - I didn't think I would find you here again," she replied with fascination in her voice. She was glad to see him because she was determined, ready to join him. Even if it involved danger and punishment from the Archangels. She was no longer going to fight against her beloved, she wanted to be close to him. She wished she hadn't made that decision back then. Being an angel no longer gave the girl pleasure, and she knew very well that she had no chance to bring back his good side. In this case, she could only join him.
- And I was hoping you would show up," he said, approaching Alison with a confident step. He put his arm around her waist and looked carefully at her face. She raised her head, meeting his gaze. He was menacing, yet full of desire. - Because I'm going to finish what we didn't do last time.
She knew what he meant. He also wanted to do it. He wanted her to fall. Furthermore, he wanted revenge, and she was up for it. She was determined, ready to give in and join him.
A roguish smile appeared on his face as he lifted the brunette up, and she entwined her legs around his hips. He seated her on an old wooden desk. She lifted her face and their eyes met, and despite the semi-darkness, she felt a bond between them. She wanted him to know that she wanted him as he was, even with what seemed unacceptable.
- Do it.
She barely finished saying the words, and Jack placed a kiss on her lips. She hugged herself tighter, feeling that something dark was trying to break through her consciousness. Furthermore, she couldn't face it, so she did what she had always feared — she surrendered to the moment. She completely immersed herself in the passion and burning lust that was rising within her.
At that moment, all she felt was the flick of their tongues, Jack's greedy hands pressing her against his body.
She needed this. She craved it.
Furthermore, she slid her hands under his T-shirt, feeling her muscles tensing. Jack grabbed her hands, and she tilted her head back and noticed that he was squinting dangerously. Suddenly, he embraced her face and, entangling his hands in her hair, he greedily impaled himself on Alison's lips.
With a decisive movement of his hands, he grabbed her shirt and ripped the buttons, which spilled all over the floor. He put his arms around the girl's waist, and she trembled with pleasure when she felt his warm hands on her skin. He gently lifted her up, never stopping kissing her passionately. Meanwhile, she helped remove his shirt, which she tossed aside. She ran her hands over his naked torso, marveling at the dark tattoos. She hadn't yet had the chance to see Jack like this, not after he fell.
- I will destroy every bit of goodness in you," he whispered in her ear, through which a pleasant shiver ran through her.
- I'm ready," she replied with a firm tone in her voice, and then an inferno of passion ensued.
*
Breathing heavily, she was still sitting on the desk in the photo studio, absentmindedly looking around her. She felt that something was wrong. Something bad was happening, and she couldn't deal with it.
After everything that had happened between them — Jack disappeared for just a brief moment, kissing her on the forehead in farewell. She saw his mocking smile as he looked at her one last time.
Had she done the right thing? Doubts were beginning to get to her.
She rubbed her shoulders with her hands as a cold shiver ran through her body. She began to shake restlessly and could not control it. Furthermore, she heard a strange noise in her head, which grew more and more intense with each passing moment. She had the impression that she heard hundreds of souls repeating that she was being spat upon, and a cruel punishment awaited her.
She tried to cover herself, but couldn't because there were no buttons at her shirt. Furthermore, she sat half-naked, shaking and having this strange feeling that she would go crazy shortly. Her lips were trembling, and she got the impression that she was freezing from the inside. She felt as if something was coating her soul. As if another layer were growing inside her — a coating that would give the girl a second, entirely different personality.
- Interesting sights. - She heard a voice that belonged to Rafael. She raised her head and, trembling, looked at the fallen angel who stood at the entrance, watching her carefully. - Do you think that if you become like us, I will forgive you? I will still persecute you anyway, but you will finally become an opponent worthy of me.
- How did you know I was here? What do you want? - She whispered quietly, feeling tears coming to her eyes.
- Jack told me that he scolded you, and I couldn't believe him. I wanted to see for myself," he said with amusement in his voice. He walked closer, and Alison crossed her arms over her chest, trying to cover herself. Rafael whistled and jumped on the desk, sitting down next to her. - Maybe you want to try it with me too? Two fellas will make you lose your beautiful white wings faster.
His fingers touched her shoulder, and she shuddered uneasily. Not only did she feel awful, but his touch made her feel sick.
- Leave me alone," she demanded, without even honoring him with a glance.
- If I had tarnished your face then, Jack certainly would not have proceeded. Men do not like ugly women, well, unless he would put a cardboard box on your head," he said brazenly, not taking his eyes off her. - But I would take pity on you and help you fall. I usually choose beautiful women, but with an angelic woman, it is certainly better. - With this statement, he made her feel like punching him. - Many human women can't stand the pleasure I give them. I think I'm a master.
- Shut up," she said sharply and jumped off the desk. She lost her balance and fell to the floor, and Rafael burst into loud laughter.
- I went through this too. I thought I would become a demon in a short while, but it took quite a long time. There is a lot of suffering in the process, but it is worth it. You will be without power for a month, so it's best to hide somewhere," he replied, and the brunette lifted her face and looked into his eyes.
- Why are you trying to help me?
- I'm just advising because you will be on our side, but that doesn't mean I will accept you. You will always be my enemy.
- Why should I hide?
- Because no angel can find you in this state because they will figure it out and report everything to the Archangels. Jack also, and I hid, remember when your lover disappeared for a whole month. It's a good thing he didn't trust you then because you would have turned us in before then. - Rafael snorted under his breath and looked at the girl with disgust. - I still don't know how you could have done that. Jack is an idiot for not taking revenge on you properly.
She clutched her head as she felt everything whirling around her. With misty eyes, she looked at Rafael, who leaned with his hands on the desk top and began to swing his legs.
- What is happening to me?
- This is just the beginning. You have to suffer a little, so wait for your lover. Maybe he will take pity on you and move you to some safe place. I certainly won't do that.
He disappeared, and Alison lay down on the floor and closed her eyes. She felt as if she had taken a large dose of drugs, as if she was about to fly away completely shortly.
*
The dizziness passed, so she finally rose from the floor. However, she was so weakened that her knees bent under her, and she struggled to catch her balance.
She tried to open the door, but realized that it was locked with the key that George kept in the apartment. Without power, she was helpless, so what could she do?
She tugged on the door, hoping to miraculously manage to open it, but without power she was as weak as a human woman. Her attention was caught by George, who appeared at the glass. He looked inside and, seeing Alison, immediately ran to the door. He opened it, and she fell right on top of him. The brunet grabbed the girl and without hesitation took her in his arms, realizing her outfit. The sight of her unbuttoned shirt visibly shook him, and he opened his eyes wider, looking down at her bra. He swallowed his saliva harder and shifted his gaze to Alison's face, confusedly.
- It bothered me that you hadn't come home for so long, and I thought maybe you were at the photo studio, which is why I came here. I know you've been spending a lot of time there lately, but what's wrong with you? Why do you look like that? And why are you semi-conscious? - He asked with panic in his voice.
- Help me hide," she whispered quietly, and he looked at her with puzzled eyes.
- Hide? Alison, what happened? Tell me.
Seeing that she wasn't going to give him an answer, he brought her back inside and sat her in a chair.
- I have no idea what's going on with you, but I'm worried. No angel looks like you at any given time," he stated, walking restlessly around the room. - Alison needs you, Henry! - he shouted unexpectedly, and she asked him not to. The angel could not see her in this state. Henry stipulated that if she did something against him, he would not hesitate to turn her in.
- You can't, George. Don't call on him," she replied weakly. However, it was too late because she was blinded by a bright glare, and Henry appeared in the room. She immediately caught his attention, so he ran up to her and squatted by the chair. He took the girl's hand and that was enough. She didn't think he would figure it out so quickly.
- You did it... - he said brokenly, and she shed a tear. With sad eyes, she looked at him, but it didn't work because he abruptly pulled away from her. - You betrayed me. You betrayed everyone.
- Henry," she moaned tearfully, trying to grab his hand, but he did a dodge. He stepped away from her, but what hurt her the most was his face, which expressed disgust. - Listen to me, please.
- There is nothing to justify you. You broke your oath. You promised not to do it. I thought you would let me help you, and yet....
- I beg you not to tell anyone about this. You can't betray me, Henry. Pretend you didn't see anything, that you don't know who I'm becoming.... - She replied brokenly, but he immediately shook his head. - You are my friend, help me. Don't do this, please.
- It's too late, Alison," he stated in a voice full of regret, and then he simply walked away. She looked at George in despair, looking to him for support, but he looked shaken. He began to understand what was happening.
- Get me out of here, as far away as possible. Henry will turn me in, do you understand? I will be punished and then no one will help me. I will spend the rest of eternity alone, trapped in the dark forest. Help me, I beg you...