Page 21 of A Chip on Her Shoulder

“You can? They didn’t just go wherever they were supposed to go after death?”

“Death is merely an ending and a beginning. Not all souls are suited for the heavens or the many hells. Your parents loved each other dearly. Heaven is only one of the many rewards He can grant worthy souls. He felt they were deserving of a second chance of a happy life together, so that is their fate. They grow, already smitten with each other, for their souls find comfort in each other.”

“You can guarantee happiness in a future life?”

“To a certain degree.”

“Why can’t you do that for Kanika?”

“We could give her a kind childhood but rob her of true joy. It would be cruel of us to do such a thing. She will grow in adversity, yes, but her challenges will one day become her greatest triumphs. Allow her to endure life’s discomforts. Only then will you be able to accomplish your long-term goals. This will displease you. Take your temper out on our brother in the meantime. If he cannot handle you at your worst, he does not deserve you at your best.”

I closed the briefcase and rose to my feet, petting my brother with my free hand. Jonas wisely kept his teeth to himself. “Take me to your brother, please. And could you do me a favor?”

“What favor?” Gabriel asked.

“Tell me everything these bastards have done. I want to make sure their punishment fits their crimes.”

“You will be challenged to make them suffer sufficiently. If you wish to learn their crimes, speak to our brother of such matters. You will learn all you need to know.” Gabriel held out his hand. “We will take you straight to his gates, but I recommend you knock before you storm. It will be more entertaining for you should he have time to shore up his defenses. That will make your victory over him all the more satisfying.”

Chapter Five

Would anyone believe you?

I held Gabriel’s hand, and a blinding light enveloped me. Spots filled my vision, and when they faded, a dark, barren landscape stretched out to the horizon, and gouts of flame shot towards a brimstone sky. Smoke filled my lungs, but rather than cough and splutter, the burn faded within a few breaths.

“His gift,” Gabriel informed me, giving my hand a squeeze. “Your brother benefits as well. My brother’s residence is behind you, but look closely at this landscape and think long on its existence. What do you see?”

In the brilliant blooms of flame, crystals jutted from the scorched ground, capturing the fire in their clear hearts.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, marveling at how something so desolate could hide so much. “What are those stones?”

“My brother’s many hells are the birthplace of all jewels, for beauty so often requires adversity. You can find every stone throughout the universe here. Some are ugly, some are beautiful. Unlike the heavens, my brother’s many hells touch all places within the universe. That is a secret most do not know.”

“Yet you’re telling me where my brother can hear?”

“Would anyone believe you?” Gabriel replied in an amused tone.

Huh. “Now that you mention it, probably not. Is it all like this?”

“No, not at all. There are many layers to my brother’s many hells. Hell is unique to every soul. Should you earn a punishment from my brother, he will take you to the various options, I am sure.”

“You sound way too happy about the idea of me facing a punishment from your brother there, Gabriel.”

Michael laughed. “It is not much of a punishment if she likes it.”

Oh. Oh. My eyes widened. “Nobody told me archangels were perverts. I feel like I have been deceived.”

While headless, I got the feeling the archangels both smiled.

Freeing my hand from Gabriel’s, I turned to face the Devil’s home. In some ways, the sprawling stone structure reminded me of a gothic cathedral blended with a fairytale castle, with tall spires, looming crenellations, and a startling lack of gargoyles. A stone wall topped with wrought iron surrounded the place, short enough I could see over it but tall enough I’d have to put a little effort to get inside if I didn’t opt to walk through the open gate.

The urge to close the gate so I could storm the place properly settled in, and I eyed the entry, debating if I wanted to make things more difficult for myself. “Think he’s expecting company?” I spied an intercom mounted into a post, positioned where a driver of a car might be able to press the button and gain access. “This is rather civilized.”

There would be plenty of time to be rude soon enough, so I strode to the intercom and pressed the button, amused at the chime that came from the speaker.

“If I didn’t want you to come in, I wouldn’t have left the gate open,” a gruff, deep voice announced, and the intercom fell quiet.

“Is that your brother?” I asked.