FOUND: A Hannigram Devil AU REWRITTEN

Chapter Twenty-One

I'm here, Will. I'm here.

The cold, wet grass and growing pool of blood underneath him soaked Will's body. His reflection, a featureless shadow amid the dark puddle, quivered with exhilaration.

Will closed his heavy eyes. In the recesses of his mind, he pictured Hannibal: towering over the tallest trees, his antlers stretching into the sky and blending in with the branches. His wings unfolded, and their sheer size and momentum sent a cool breeze through Will's hair. Crows landed on his antlers. Deer bowed their heads in reverence. Every creek and stream flowed toward him. Nature was no match for Hannibal, as nature was the younger of the two.

Please pick up the knife and face me. I wish to look at you.

His voice broke the spell and shot Will back to reality. He wrapped his fingers around the slick handle of the blade. As he moved to stand, his entire body trembled with the effort. Laying eyes on Hannibal, though, was worth every exertion.

He was in his true form, which Will had only seen once outside his dreams. His skin was smooth and deep gray, his body genderless. He held both the strength of a buck and the gentleness of a fawn. Fear no longer paralyzed Will - Hannibal's beauty overcame him, sending tears to his eyes.

You've done such a wonderful job. I'm so proud of you.

Will swayed, lightning dancing under his skin. Adrenaline rushed through his veins. He was a wreck, doused in rain and blood, shivering in the cold wind, but Hannibal still gazed at him as an artist revealing their magnum opus would.

You only have one more decision to make. After that, all of the pieces will fall into place. Do you trust me?

"Yes."

Good. You have a choice to make, Hannibal said. Listen carefully.

If you wish to go home, you may. If that is what you desire most, I will stop at nothing to give it to you.

He hesitated, his face faltering for a moment. I'm not able to reverse time. It simply isn't within my reach. But God can. He tilted his head toward the sky. God can erase this. He can turn back the clocks so none of these deaths ever happened. Nicholas, Elliot, Hobbs...perhaps even Abigail. He can give you your life back, return it to the way it was before I ruined everything.

But He will not do this without incentive. And I have two important things He wants: your soul...and my life.

"No," Will cried, reaching for him and stumbling across the grass. "No."

But Hannibal took a step back. He put space between them, letting his words fill the gap.

I will give my life for you if it means you are content. I will hand over my existence for the mere possibility of your happiness. Determination hardened his tearful eyes. Because I love you, Will. I am willing to relinquish your soul to Him if it means you have a chance at Paradise. I am willing to relinquish everything I have ever been. I will pray for Him to take your soul, take my life, in exchange for your happiness and safety.

"Hannibal, no. No, I don't want that." Will furiously shook his head. "Let me go."

That is your first option. The other option? Hannibal held out his hand. You may come to me.

Will was already moving. Hannibal flicked his wrist, freezing him in place. His feet stuck to the mud.

Will. I'm not finished. Vulnerability flashed across his features. If you choose me, you will be signing your soul to me for eternity. There will be no chance of return. This is your only chance at a guaranteed Heaven. At guaranteed peace.