The Ball

Samael shrugs. “One man's Heaven is another one's Gehenna.”

I look down at the cobblestones, my eyes weary. “I'll never find peace here. It’s not home…”

Samael loops an arm around my shoulders, his cool robe extending to cover me in its comforting darkness like a security blanket from childhood. It is like being enveloped by a bat's wing, all silky sweet and warm.

“Find some peace in me?” he says softly, leaning against me. I sigh, yielding to his suggestion. I close my eyes, allowing myself a minute of silence in these bustling streets. But just as soon as I close them, I collect myself, pulling away.

“Impossible,” I say, my voice fiery. “I haven’t had dinner yet.”

Samael's blue sea glass eyes shimmer like oceans. “I wish you would learn to trust me,” he whispers, regretful. He smooths the hem of his sleeve and sighs.

“The only thing I trust you to do is prey upon me,” I say over my shoulder, walking off at a fast pace. “Oh, Janet, your hand in marriage! Oh, Janet, rule with me! Oh, J