Something So Lovely, page 1
Something So Lovely
The Neutrality Saga, Volume 1
Salem T. Lynn
Published by Salem T. Lynn, 2024.
This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.
SOMETHING SO LOVELY
First edition. February 4, 2024.
Copyright © 2024 Salem T. Lynn.
ISBN: 979-8223213185
Written by Salem T. Lynn.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Trigger Warning
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Dramatis Personae
Acknowledgements
Author's Note
Sign up for Salem T. Lynn's Mailing List
About the Author
Sam,
I would not still be a writer without you.
Mom,
I would not have followed my dreams without you.
Beatrix, Storm, and Morgan,
You showed me what it is to live, die, love, and be loved, and continue to be the light in my darkest days.
Dad,
I am the man I am because of you.
Trigger Warning
This book contains scenes that depict, mention, or discuss topics that include but are not limited to:
abusive relationships, anxiety, assault, attempted murder, blood, child death, death, death by fire, depression, emotional abuse, hallucinations, kidnapping, murder, narcissistic personality/traits, the occult, physical abuse, PTSD, religion, sexual assault, slut shaming, stalking, torture, and violence.
Chapter 1
Tonight, Heaven is going to have a party. Although I'm not a social being, I have to admit the clashing of cultures captures my attention every single time. Angels, demons, and humans, all mingling like it were normal. Maybe the reason I like it so much, but never join them, is because I still don't know my place among them.
I've heard the stories a million times. God creates Heaven and the angels, they're great. God creates Hell, throws all his rejected creations in it. God creates Earth and Purgatory, and with them, the humans. Then Purgatory is annihilated and the humans become everyone else's problem, even the Realms outside of our little corner of existence. The angels Fall and become demons, and then... then God disappears, and we're all better off that way if you ask me. Nowhere in the story do I get answers, though. Nowhere do I figure out where I come from or why I'm stuck here.
I should be working, but that feeling is back. The feeling that something is waiting for me out past the doors of Heaven’s library and beyond the gilded golden gates that never open for me. I've tried, and though Heaven accepts all visitors aside from the demons of Hell, I'm the only thing not allowed to leave. All anyone can tell me is that when I'm supposed to know, I will. Whenever that is.
Heaven's library boasts extraordinary stained-glass windows. They depict the story of how all this came to be in stunning colors that catch the sun just right no matter what time of day it is. My favorite has always been the one I find myself staring at now, the one that shows the Fall of Lucifer and the angels who followed him. I've never so much as seen him, though I admire that he wasn't afraid to stand up for what he believed in and still does. I'd like to think I could be like that in another life, instead of like... me.
"Hello there, little love." The soft voice of Heaven's librarian, my best friend Selaphiel, interrupts my daydreaming. He always has his long silver hair tied up so it falls down the middle of his back and his eyes, a brown so soft it's almost golden, dance over everything they see. Watching him read has always been one of my favorite things, watching those eyes scan pages and get lost in them. He's slim and tall, not intimidating in the least, with a laugh that echoes off the walls when Heaven is graced by it.
"I guess we'll close the library early?" I peer through the clear parts of the window to the streets outside teeming with beings already getting ready even though the party doesn't start until well after dark.
"I'm helping set up for tonight, so yes. Why? Do you have somewhere to be?"
"No." I chuckle. The thought of me doing anything besides getting back to my little room as soon as I can to spend the night alone is pure fantasy.
"Well, I have to get going soon. Do me a favor and take care of reshelving the books on my desk? Then, after you lock up, you can come help me out."
"That sounds like work." I fake-pout, which makes him laugh. Though it isn't hard to make Selaphiel laugh, it somehow feels like an accomplishment every time I manage to do it. I can't not smile while he's smiling.
"Yeah, Kalliope, it's work. I think you'll survive."
"You think so?" The snark in my voice makes him shake his head at me.
"You should go this time. I heard Asmodeus will be there."
"Asmodeus?" I try to not be obvious when I perk up, but that's hard. Selaphiel has only the best things to say about the petulant youngest child of Lucifer and half-brother to Heaven's highest Ruler, Michael. Asmodeus' reputation as told by others is just as amusing: he'll flirt with anything that moves, yet somehow still makes you feel special. He sleeps around, but you'll never forget him. He's the most charming thing in existence. For some reason, he never comes to these parties. Usually he can only be found in Hell, so the thought that I could be in the same room as him is... alluring. Just to look, though. I don't see how I could possibly catch his eye when he has the pick of anyone he wants.
"I'll introduce you." Selaphiel laughs, "Just don't tell Michael."
"Like I'd ever do that." I roll my eyes. Though Selaphiel is one of the six Heavenly Rulers like Michael is, he's not often treated like it. Michael always finds something wrong with me, or the library, and Sel is usually the one trying to get him to lighten up. We've never had a conversation that didn't end in me wanting to throw something at Michael. Telling him I want to meet his sinful half-brother would only make things worse for me.
"Good, because I think he's going to absolutely adore you."
"Why?" I'm usually suspicious when Selaphiel is planning something. He's never a planner, he very much goes with the flow. Anything that has his attention for more than a few moments is something to keep my eye on. It's not like it's obvious, either, because Asmodeus is known for pursuing beauty, and I don't think I'm exceptional enough to matter to him. My hair is plain, black, wavy, and just below my shoulders. I'm pale, too pale; if I were human I'd look sick all the time. Though my eyes are blue and Sel says they're quite nice, I don't feel like they're enough to make someone like Asmodeus interested. I'm not even a height that sets me apart. Everything about me is underwhelming, and it's fine for the library, but not for an event like this.
"My dear, we all have our secrets." He winks, and I find myself blushing in my cheeks and neck. "Trust me, you two will hit it off."
I am astounded by the absolute audacity of visitors to the library who don't put away their books. Astounded, and annoyed, as I have to carry the last of them up the stairs to the third floor. Heaven's library is massive: three stories open in the middle to the ground level with everything adorned in gold, brass, and white marble.
In addition to putting away the books, I also have to make sure everyone is gone so we can close it up. The last books to return are large ones from the back of the building, which gives me the opportunity to finish making sure we're empty. With Selaphiel already working in the party hall, I don't feel any pressure to hurry up and get there. The noise, the expectation, the attention... It's all awful...
Except the thought of walking into that party with the music and laughter and mass of bodies parting as I enter, leaving a path to the famed prince of Hell.
I know only vague details of how Asmodeus looks, but in my mind, he's beautiful. I know his hair is long and black, I know his skin is dark, and I know his smile could stop hearts. Imagining that, through Sel, I might have a chance to experience him... Well, those thoughts are likely part of the reason I don't really belong in Heaven.
Even if things were perfect, and he did like me, I'm not sure what I'd do after. No relationship I’ve been in has lasted long, and I'm not exactly a seductress by any stretch of the imagination. Intimacy doesn't come easily to me and I've been told by more than a few beings that I'm boring. I stopped trying a long time ago,
content to remain in the library and gossip with Sel. We have that in common. I can't recall him ever seeing anyone either, at least not seriously and absolutely not more than once on the rarest of times I've tried to bully him into finding someone to be with. Like me, he's content to be alone.
When I finally get to the last book, I take my time in getting it back to its home. The library is dead silent and I'm certain no one will be in the dusty back section; even when we're busy no one normally wanders this far. Knowing that makes it surprising to find that I'm not the only poor lost thing left here. Right where I need to return the book is a tall, thin man not unlike Sel, standing unflinching as I come up to him.
"Hello there, uh, sir," I try to sound as polite as possible. The man only grins at me, long and shiny silver hair framing a gaunt face. He looks familiar to me, though far off, like I should absolutely know him but I just can't place where from or even what his name is. This isn't exactly uncommon; I've had more than one issue with the angels in charge of Heaven for not recognizing them or others of importance.
"My dear Kalliope, hello." His voice is deep, very deep, and smooth like water. Him knowing my name solidifies that I should know who he is, but I can't find his name in my mind. "Not attending the party tonight?"
"No, I have some other plans." It's easy for me to lie, but I'm not sure why I feel compelled to. "Are you going?"
"No, I don't believe so. I don't like attending events without a proper companion, and mine has been unavailable for some time now."
"Oh," I don't have a real response. It doesn't seem to bother him.
"Imagine hiding a thing like you away in a library. It's a shame. Why don't you do something a bit more prestigious?"
"I like it here." I sound unnecessarily defensive.
"Of course you do." He laughs, "I shouldn't be surprised."
"I'm sorry, but I—"
"Oh, my sweet thing, am I in your way?" He points to the book in my hand and I nod, forcing a smile. The emphasis on the word my, like he really meant his, prompts a feeling in the bottom of my heart that I need to get away from him. He doesn't hesitate to take the book and place it gently where it is supposed to go, the only gap in the shelf, and I'm too nervous to stop him. "Looks like your job here is done."
"I suppose it is. I can walk you back to the front, so I can lock the doors." And get as far away from you as possible.
"I'll follow your lead, my dear." The tone in his voice when he says the last words makes my skin crawl. I don't let my discomfort reach my face.
"So, um, if you're not going to the party, what are your plans for tonight?" Small talk is truly a punishment only Hell could have come up with.
"I had been planning on catching up with some old friends—" he shrugs, "—but you're much more interesting to me. I think I'd like to get to know you."
"Oh." The front doors have never been a more welcome sight. This being knows me, and if I insult him, I will never hear the end of it. "Well, maybe another night. Selaphiel is expecting me, and I'm late, so he—"
"He must be worried about leaving something so delicate all alone like this." The man almost sounds mocking, and it makes the pit in my stomach travel to my throat, cutting off anything I wish I were strong enough to say.
"He will be looking for me." I push the front door open a little too hard and barely manage to keep myself from flying into the street to put as many bodies between him and me as possible.
"I wouldn't mind visiting him myself. We've known each other quite a long time, really." He takes his time exiting the library, hardly leaving an arm’s length between us as I maneuver around the large front door. "The Realm is too big for a little one like yourself to be out all alone, you should allow me to escort you."
"I'm actually fine." I begin to panic closing the door, unable to engage the lock with my shaking hands while trying to mask my mounting anxiety.
I jump when an arm slides around my shoulders. For a split moment I think Selaphiel really did come to check on me, but when I look up, it isn't him and it also isn't the library creep. Instead I'm met with a strikingly handsome demon with warm copper skin and mossy green eyes, smiling at me in a way that makes me momentarily distracted. He barely gives me time to react before he puts himself between me and the man, who now isn't smiling and instead glaring at the one saving me.
"I'm sorry it took me so long to find you, Allie." The man's voice is deep and luxurious like satin on skin. I'm not blind to the fact he also knows my name, I'm only choosing the hopefully lesser of two evils.
"You're late, I had to lock up alone." I look hard into his eyes and hope he can sense my urgency. "Selaphiel was expecting us to be at the hall by now."
"I'm sure he'll understand." He smiles at me, and I don't find anything about him that makes me nervous or anxious. Something small in the way he looks at me makes me feel safe. He turns to the man and his grip on me tightens. "We have to be going. Enjoy yourself tonight," is all the goodbye he gives the man before he turns me around and guides me at a fast pace in the direction of the party hall.
"Thank you." I say in a hushed voice as we walk with his arm still protectively around me. I don't think the lock is actually engaged for the library, and I don't think I care. How much damage could anyone do in a library anyway?
"Are you okay?" He finally slows down. He glances behind us, and I do too, noting the creep hasn't even tried to follow us. We can't see him anymore, but the anxiety he stirred up hasn't gone away. The demon drops his arm and lets me walk at my own pace.
"Yeah, he was just... I'm fine."
"You didn't know him?"
"No, and I don't know you either." It sounds a little more harsh than I intended, though it's still true. For a moment he appears conflicted, like he's keeping himself from saying something, before he puts on a charming smile and sighs a little too dramatically.
"I'm sorry. That was rude of me. I'm Asmodeus, I'm sure you've heard of me."
"Oh." I know I'm turning red as the realization washes over me. Selaphiel said he'd be here, but somehow he's nothing like I pictured and yet so familiar to me still. His smile is undeniably charming and I have no problem imagining why he has the reputation he does.
"I'll explain later, but... we have to talk to Selaphiel immediately." His tone makes it clear that this is not a question or a suggestion.
"We?"
"It's a long story. Trust me?"
"I... don't know you." I repeat myself. Though Selaphiel seems to like him enough, I don't trust that easily. There's a difference between my daydreams and whatever is happening now. This is real.
"Wouldn't you like to?" Asmodeus offers his hand to me. I hesitate, looking into his eyes for any hint of what I should do. As I stare, I find myself met by the same feeling that calls to me from beyond the gates... Now it's right in front of me, stronger than ever, finally giving me a choice.
My hand slips into his like it was made to be there, and he holds on like I might slip away. Though he begins to walk fast, I don't have any issue keeping up with him. For as fast as we walk, my thoughts run faster through the things that just happened.
When we arrive at the party hall it's fairly deserted. With Sel's excellent planning, tonight it will be bustling with music and lively beings enjoying the brief union Heaven hosts between all the Realms that wish to participate. How was this my biggest concern only earlier today? Why does it feel meaningless now?
"Did I do something wrong?" I worry as I still try to figure out who that being was and why he made me so uncomfortable... and why he seemed to enjoy doing it. Telling Selaphiel I most likely upset an important library patron feels like the worst thing I could do. I'm used to knowing I've disappointed Michael or the other heavenly Rulers, but Selaphiel's opinion actually matters to me.
"No, you didn't." Asmodeus' charming smile falters for a second before he pushes the great doors open and I can see the mass of angels working on the decorations. Selaphiel himself is animatedly chatting with another less important angel. When he looks up to see me, he seems happy, but his grin grows when he sees Asmodeus with me.
"Looks like fate works faster than I do." Selaphiel waves off the angel and meets us halfway. "How did you two meet?"
