The Wordsmiths Book 2021

Narrative

The strict divide that is heaven and hell. Good and evil. Are those barriers so unyielding? Or can the lines be blurred? Shades of grey so muted, even those worshipped deities above are unsure where the morally grey can reside. Intermediate between villain and hero was Khalida. A merciless warrior, she raged through the Arabian desert, instigating decades of conflict and bloodshed. However, Khalida wielded her piercing blade with detachment as she shoved it through her enemies, ridding the world of sinful men who corrupted innocent lives. Exhaustion had flooded her after countless exploits and once she shut her feline eyes, they opened to the crown shyness of blossom trees encircling her. She was far from the land of black gold. A single petal floated before her and then he materialised. She jumped back in fright as the Devil cackled. “No one told me you’d be here. If I knew I would have cleaned up a bit,” he ogled her suggestively. “Where am I? Who are you?” Khalida instinctively reached for her dagger but confoundedly clutched air instead. “The place where your fate is decided. Darling, have you never seen the Devil?” He looked the part. Not the fabled cherry wine but a rosy hue coloured his body, nary a cloth to cover himself. He glanced at her with disdain. Even his inky locks floated with contempt. Khalida could feel a presence sifting through her mind. The arrogance disappeared and bewilderment claimed his features. He swiftly composed himself and uttered, “You’re not meant to be here. You’re the first of your kind.” Disoriented she asked, “Then where is my place?” “That’s for me to know and you to find out. Your task is simple. Talk to me and you can go wherever you like.” Khalida frowned. “That seems too simple, doesn’t it?” “Well, talk to me first,” he smirked. “I promise I won’t bite.” She drew a breath. Although absolutely nothing phased her, conversing with the Devil was no easy feat. The girl eyed her opponent steadily. He returned with a devilish grin. “What did you mean I am the first of my kind?” “I meant there is no one quite like you,” he drawled sardonically. “My turn. When, if ever, is taking a human life justified?” “It’s not. But someone has to do it. And I am willing to be that person.” Lucifer was amused. “Why do you do it?”

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