"Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine." (Casablanca, 1942)
Chapter 1. A Peculiar Platter
John has lived a very, very, long life – if you can call damned to rule the underworld a form of living.
It was a suitable punishment, he has to admit, considering he had wanted to rule something much greater – to stand on equal grounds, so to speak – but his Father had seen it best to give him exactly what he had wanted, just not how he had wanted it.
The irony, in many ways, is not lost to him.
He, however, has used it as an opportunity to exert what power he does have by making life on earth a little more interesting-and death? Well, even more so for some.
But, somehow, after so long, it's his turn to have something interesting served to him on a rather peculiar platter.
Allison is not an ordinary mortal – not really – as a nephalim, she has certain attributes that set her apart, but she's not the first offspring from an angel and a mortal. He's seen many of her kind, tools used in the game of creatures greater than they, so there's very little that should interest him other than the purpose they are meant to serve.
Somehow, Allison has stepped into her role as more than just a tool.
She is the sole survivor of a delectable tragedy now that her brother is dead, but even so, many mortals have survived far worse with outstanding grace – some have even risen to power but, as many know, power comes with greed and pride, most of which are his domain.
But Allison...she can walk into the darkest land – hell on earth, as he put it – and still remain...untouched.
She is by no means a saint – that would be too much fun to tamper with – but her will stays strong throughout.
She doesn't have the strength that he's accustomed to – the kind that brings people to his door with a gift bow on their forehead nor the kind that takes the veil and pretends to ignore his existence.
She's accepted the Lexicon, she met her long, lost brother – and shot him – she has faced the reality of angels, of demons and him.
Most mortals have gone mad at the sight of the things she's seen, let alone the truth of it all – most mortals would either go for incredibly devout to the cause or, his personal favorite, flee from their chosen path and self-destruct.
If she had been any other mortal with no need to ever cross his path, he never would've noticed her, but now it is too late.
She is in this game – his game – and worst of all, she wants to play.
Such an idea would normally make him smile – the possibility of a diversion on earth is often rare for him – but Allison is not your average monkey.
Not to him.
She goes on about her life normally, she does very little to attract attention and, yet, he watches her, constantly, telling himself it's about the book and how she's the one who will keep it away from them, fulfilling a very important purpose.
The purpose of both heaven and hell – one he, himself, looks forward to immensely.
And yet, why does he feel like he's met a fork in the road?
After such a long existence, one goal firm in mind, one boring mortal walks onto his path, being chased by death, protecting a book she – then – knew nothing about and she throws the possibility of another desire in his mind.
One he cannot entertain, he tells himself.
He will not.