This isn’t how it was supposed to end. I had pictured my demise for centuries, and it was never like this, but then it was only a matter of time before some human put two and two together. I couldn’t blame them really, after all the only fallen angel they’ve ever heard of was Morningstar himself.

I shifted with a groan, the sharp jangle of chains echoed in the dark, damp basement. No matter how I tried I could not get comfortable on the dirt floor. “How long had it been?” I wondered out loud. I should have tried to keep a tally, but then it was always pitch dark down here so there was no way of knowing.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and let my thoughts wander back to the last time the sun was warming my face. His perfect laugh rumbled through my memories, his contagious smile dimpling his cheeks. I still remembered how his lips tasted against mine, like sweet honey and the fields of wheat he tended. I still felt the electricity of his touch trailing along my body. It felt like a life time ago, but I wanted to stay in that memory forever.

Despite my best efforts my memories of happiness, and love were interrupted by loud crashes and yelling from the floor above. Furniture crashed, feet were scuffling on the floorboards. Tears began to spring to my eyes as my warm, sunny memory faded into the dark. The tears never got to fall, as a loud gunshot snapped me out of my self pity. What was happening up there? Had my captors finally turned on each other? I froze as I tried to listen for who would be victorious.

Light spilled down the haphazard and dilapidated stairs, I struggled to see past the brightness. Heavy foot falls crept down the stairs, “Apollumi?” It was barely a whisper, but I heard it as clear as moonlight. I gasped not realizing I had been holding my breath. He was here, he found me, and all I could muster was a raspy croak, “Yes”.

His hands were so warm and comforting on my damp cheeks, the tears I held back earlier came back without remorse. His lips kissed my face sporadically, as if trying to ensure I wasn’t going to disappear. “Let’s get you outta here,” he whispered and he made quick work of the chains. I wrapped my arms around his neck, feeling the strength of his shoulders as he lifted me in his arms. I buried my face in his neck just taking in his comfort, and he held me tighter ensuring that I could feel every sinew of his concern.

The sunlight was blinding after being in the dark for so long, but I welcomed the warmth. He paused once he walked off the porch, and carefully put me down. “Are you hurt? Did they do anything to you?” He scanned my body and tattered clothes, his concern was heartwarming, but his gaze made me realize I probably looked like a corpse. Angels, even fallen ones, were supposed to be magnificent, powerful, and ethereal, but here I was kidnapped and tortured by people that had done their research. I flinched as the memories flooded back to me causing him to take a step closer. He placed a comforting hand on my cheek, concern etched in his voice, “Hey, look at me. Are you ok?”

“I’ll be fine, I just need you to stay with me,” I slowly looked down, and saw the state I was in. Caked in dirt, blood, bruises, and god knows what else, “and maybe a long hot bath.” We both looked at each other then, his bright eyes and warming smile already making me forget what happened or where we were.

“Well I can certainly do that for you, M’lady,” he teased and closed the small gap between us. My hands were in his hair before his lips touched mine. This was where I was meant to be, with him.

How could this be bad? Why would she not allow angels the privilege to love a human? I’d do anything for this human, even fall from grace all over again if I had to.