Chapter 91

Carter

I have become The Deliverer of Souls, bestowed upon me as a precious gift from one of my dearest companions. The question lingers, however, whether this honor is to be regarded as a blessing from my Brother Kingsley or a foreboding curse. Only time shall reveal the true answer.

Lilly grinned with an almost malevolent glee. Her gaze, once full of light, now bore a deep darkness akin to the depths of the underworld. And yet, Bryce and Taylor laughed and chatted with her, blissfully unaware of the ominous aura that surrounded her. Had Irene not revealed the truth to me, I too would have fallen under Lilly's spell. But now, with knowledge comes clarity. Lilly was none other than Lucifer, the fallen angel himself. It was a revelation that had opened my eyes to the true nature of evil.

Lily finally announced that she had pressing matters to attend to, and as she made her exit, the knot of anxiety that had gripped me began to loosen its hold. I couldn't bring myself to meet the gazes of Bryce and Taylor, for the trials and tribulations of the clandestine realm seemed to cling to us like a noxious cloud. It was a blight that refused to dissipate.

"Lily is not Lily," I gasped, my voice strained with urgency. "Lucifer has possessed her- taken her body as his own. The hellish siblings work tirelessly to retrieve her from his grasp." The room echoed with stunned gasps from Taylor and Bryce, the terror of losing Lily forever palpable in the thick atmosphere.

"What can we do to help?" Taylor inquired, jutting forth her chest and standing a fraction taller. She was a truly remarkable individual. Even whilst besieged by trepidation, she possessed the fortitude to battle for those dear to her, regardless of the hazards at hand.

"My dear human friend Taylor, I fear there is little you can do now but play the game. Do not reveal your knowledge of Lucifer's true identity. Convince him that you believe he is Lilly," Irene materialized before Taylor, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You have been a stalwart ally, fighting battles that should never have been yours. Your assistance has been immeasurable, and we will forever be in your debt. But now, you must prioritize your own safety."

With those words, Irene turned to Bryce and bestowed a small, knowing smile. "Bryce, it falls to you to assist your sister in this charade. For the next steps we must take, humans cannot hope to survive." Bryce nodded somberly, wrapping Taylor in a protective embrace as if anticipating dire news that threatened to rend them apart.

"As the Deliverer of Souls, Carter, your aid is desperately needed. The witch who may hold the key to saving Lilly resides in the Forest of Lost Souls." Panic seized me at the mention of my new role. What if I let them all down?

"I shall do all that I can to assist. But I fear I know little of my newfound gift," I replied, my gaze falling to the ground in trepidation.

"I must confess, I am confounded," Taylor spoke up, pushing away from Bryce's arm. "Deliver of Souls?"

"I perished, yet in my demise, Kingsley appeared and sent me back," I explained, still struggling to comprehend the situation myself. "His intent was to ensure the protection of you all."

"When Carter met his end, he traversed from this world to the netherworld, the realm of the deceased," Irene elaborated. "However, when Kingsley returned him, he had been marked by Death himself. Such an act defied the Angel of Death's command. It means that Carter now serves as a conduit for Death, bringing souls to their final resting place." Taylor’s eyes became wide in shock.

"We cannot lose another friend to the clutches of death," gritted Bryce. "Lilly must be saved."

"We shall save her," Irene replied, but with a firm voice, I added, "Bryce, Taylor, you must promise me. Promise me that the truth shall not be revealed to the wicked Lucifer."

The silence was all-consuming, but eventually, they spoke in unison, "We promise." At that moment, I exhaled the breath I had been holding, not realizing the immense weight on my chest.

I embraced both Bryce and Taylor in a warm hug, relishing the feel of their bodies against mine. But it was Taylor who surprised me with a sharp slap on the back that stung even through my shirt. "I can't fathom how you died and said not a word," she scolded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. And yet, as I drew her closer to me, her laughter pealed out like bells, reminding me why I adored this fiery girl despite her sharp tongue. Even death couldn't keep her from ribbing me, and as her laughter subsided, I felt a flutter in my chest that couldn't quite be explained.

"May the Angel watch over you and guide you back to our side unscathed," Taylor murmured softly, her fingers deftly unhooking the chain of her precious locket. With gentle care, she lowered the heart-shaped bauble over my own heart, imparting upon me a whispered benediction. "Let the strength of my affection and the favor of fortune accompany you on your journey."

I offered Irene a small smile as I clasped her hand, feeling a tinge of apprehension wash over me. The task ahead was daunting, to say the least. Would I merely serve as a hindrance to those cursed offspring of Satan, rather than a beneficent ally? What skills or knowledge could I possibly offer to aid them? Would my involvement only lead to further heartache and loss for my companions? The uncertainty gnawed at me, like a ravenous demon feasting on my fears.

I knew then that I was destined to do whatever was necessary to protect Lilly and all those who held my heart. No amount of pain or malevolent forces would deter me from my mission. I would not cower in fear, but rather channel it into a formidable willpower. For their sakes, I was willing to lay down my very life.