Seduce Me ~ The Path To Forgiveness

Path Five, Step Two: Dealing With The Devil

I set the pen down with a sigh, rubbing my eyes. While I can't disagree that, in theory, writing down the memories I've been running from should ease the pain they cause, I would much prefer not to think of those memories at all. Glancing over at the clock reveals much time has passed since I first began writing, the hands ticking at fifteen to eight, and that our guests should be arriving shortly. I opt to keep on my black slacks but replace the long cotton shirt with a button up and blazer, preferring to keep any dealings with demons strictly business. I cast a quick glance in the mirror, cutting a pleasingly intimidating figure, before stepping into the hall.

I knock sharply on the door to my fathers office before entering, fighting back a frown as I gaze at him.

"They should be arriving soon." I note as I glance up at the clock, ten minutes having passed since I rose from my journal.

"Would you be a dear and let them in?" He asks, not offering to rise nor an explanation why though I hardly need one. He looks weary, dark bruising tainting the bags beneath his eyes, and I can see his pain as he shifts in his chair.

"Of course." A soft sigh falls from my lips, dreading this 'reunion', as I turn back to the open door.

"______?" He calls and I glance back to him over my shoulder, a tired smile on his face. "Try to be nice, they aren't the monsters you think they are."

I bite back my reply as he's well aware of my feelings on this matter before stepping into the hall as the doorbell chimes.

I straighten the wrinkles from my clothes as I stride down the hallway, doing my best to fight off the pang of nerves in my chest, before grasping the doorknob, maintaining a passive expression as I pull the door open and come face to face with one of the monsters from my past.

Recognition immediately flashes in his eyes and I can't decide if I'd rather be appalled or flattered that our one encounter has earned me a place in the forefront of his memory. For a moment everything is still as his eyes lock with mine in clear surprise, refusing to break my gaze lest I appear weak, and his ginger haired brother, the mind reader, glances between us in alarm.

"You're.." He begins but I cut him off sharply.

"________ Anderson. I'm sure you'll understand if I skip over pleasantries." I allow them into the foyer, the gruffer looking demon turning to his eldest brother with a frown.

"The fuck is she?"

"Sam!" He begins to reprimand but I answer the question tersely.

"Williams daughter, adopted." Before turning to the bespectacled demon. "Before you see him I need to speak to you, privately."

My heels click sharply against the floor as I lead him into the empty dining room, turning to him as the others fade from view.

I find it surprisingly hard to maintain eye contact as he watches me, pleased to find he looks a bit nervous, but I'm proud that I manage to do so regardless.

"If this is about..." He starts quietly but I cut in sharply.

"It's not."

He looks taken aback for a moment before nodding. "Very well, I'm listening."

"William is dying." He looks stunned speechless by my blunt words, which suits me just fine as I continue. "I can't say how long he has, though the doctors fear his passing will come soon, even looking at him it's clear his time runs short. His heart is failing, though he was offered a spot at the top of a doner list he politely declined as he knows his time runs thin regardless. It's a selfless decision, and one that I expect you to respect. I'd ask that you keep your conversation with him concise, and politely decline any offers to stay. I'd prefer you keep your visit brief."