Aftermath One
London. Roadway north of Hampstead Heath. Inside the Land Rover.
Eric has collapsed against the back seat. Overcome by release from terror and shock, he begins to cry. No tears – he's a demon – just gasping sobs. Alarmed, Hekla turns and puts her hands on either side of his head. She looks indecisive for a moment, then gently strokes his forehead and cheek and breathes a puff of breath into his face. Eric feels cold soft hands, apple-scented breath with a brisk overtone of ozone. Suddenly he feels calm and relaxed. His sobs cease, his breathing slows.
Oh. That felt good. What did you do?
Blessing. Why were you crying? You were so brave.
Really? I was so scared.
Eric's breathing becomes anxious again as recollection crashes in. Hekla twists and embraces him in a convulsive hug. Eric feels a cold soft body against his feverish skin, Hekla's fuzzy hair against his ear. Stress floods away from him like a waterfall. He sighs and relaxes into warm gelatin.
East of Hampstead Heath. The very end of a twisting hillside lane. Leysa pulls the Land Rover into a small garage attached to a Georgian house tucked next to a large brick residential building. There's barely enough room to allow the vehicle doors to open. She escorts DeeDee, Eric and Hekla through the vestibule and into little bedroom with a tiny attached bath. Perhaps a former nanny's room, although the spare furnishings are now chic and modern. The bed is plump and inviting and covered with a duvet in a sprigged floral print. She turns to Eric and Hekla:
Shower is there. Spare clothes in closet and chest. Some will probably fit.
DeeDee pulls Leysa's sleeve.
Eric and Hekla can stay, Leysa, but I can't. One of us has to watch Demon Crowley.
Night shift's already tailing Crowley. No worries.
You don't understand. We are under orders. We must obey.
Leysa raises a finger, gets out her phone, taps in a call.
Where is Crowley? . . . The girl demon insists she must follow him. . . . Da. . . . I'll be by soon.
Leysa disconnects, stows her phone, and gestures to DeeDee.
They're drinking in a tavern. I'll take you there. Come.
She turns and goes back into the garage, DeeDee following. The sound of an engine, and silence a minute later.
Hekla turns to Eric, who is covered in soot. She gestures toward the corner shower room.
You first?
I don't want to get close to water for the rest of eternity.
Eric flicks his hands and gradually magics away the soot. Hekla does likewise to remove the smears she's picked up from him. They stand regarding one another for a long moment. Eric stands slumped and defeated.
I feel weak.
Hekla steps forward and embraces him.
It felt wonderful being close to you. You are so warm.
Eric places tentative hands on her back, then pulls her tightly against himself. She's a bit taller than he is. His lips brush her shoulder. They stand immobile. Then . . .
Eric. Are you having an erection?
I . . . I don't know . . . Never had one before. . . . But it must be . . .
Does it feel good?
Unhhhh . . . oh yes . . . .
Eric is quivering and his breathing is ragged. Hekla's face takes on a dreamy expression.
I feel strange, Eric. You love me, don't you.
Eric whispers:
Yes. From the minute I first saw you.
Hekla morphs to male. He doesn't look much different. More defined muscle mass and more carved facial features. Same toffee skin, platinum hair, pale blue eyes.
Oh! I can be erect, too.
Hekla doesn't have to tell Eric. At the mere intimate touch of his beloved angel's erection, the demon gasps and arches his back, releasing into Divine Ecstasy. Black sparrow wings appear from his shoulder blades, flapping slowly to levitate him and Hekla. The angel pulls Eric's body tight against his own, then also releases. White fairy tern wings sprout. They float mid-room for hours.