I found Atticus in the kitchen making coffee. I had been planning on tea, but was willing to trade one hot beverage for another. Taking a seat on a barstool, I placed my hands on the countertop, fidgeting with my nails. "I can work with what you've given me," I stated bluntly.

"And what do you plan to do exactly?" he asked, not yet turning to face me.

"There are ways for entities, such as myself, to force souls in a direction-"

Grim features were finally revealed as the demon spoke in a critical tone, "Oh, you mean like how they got there? I'm fully aware you could remove them. Do you have any idea what that would feel like?"

I shook my head. "Do you really think I wouldn't endure that to help those souls find peace? To help you?"

Blue eyes stared at me in disbelief. I didn't want to feel all that pain and I didn't want to make him watch but that wasn't going to stop me from trying. Even if his soul wasn't on the line, I would be attempting to do the cat's work- the hard way.

The coffee pot clicked, indicating it was ready. Needing a break from his judging stare, I moved off the seat to prepare myself a mug.

"Have you ever done this before?"

The question was hesitant, like he was afraid of the answer. "No," I said honestly. Even though I knew it could be done, it was exceedingly rare for a demon or other creature to allow a captured soul to be released. It's not like they needed it after the energy was consumed, but not only was it incredibly inconvenient to remove, certain creatures found enjoyment in the continued torment of the soul or they viewed it as a collection, wanting to tally up their kills for status.

I took in a deep breath and met his searching gaze. "I'm experienced in taking pain from humans. It's not going to be pleasant- I know that, but I believe I can do it. Do you believe in me too?" I asked, feeling the tiniest bit guilty for using an angle. But more importantly, I needed him on board. This was going to be messy and I couldn't do it without his absolute cooperation.

Atticus ran his hands through his hair in exasperation. "You know that's not the problem. I believe in you- too much actually. That's why I don't think, even if I wanted to, I could let you do this." He looked at me apologetically.

Stepping towards him, I saw the demon tense. "We can take it a soul at a time. We'll go slow," I reached for him, taking his hand in mine. "One day at a time."

Gaze drifting to our joined hands and back, he squeezed. "That'll take forever," he said, voice barely a whisper.

"Well, good thing our stay here doesn't have an expiration date." I tried to add amusement to my tone but found it difficult.

Moving into each other, we kissed. Arms wrapped tightly in a hug before he disengaged, heading into the living room. "I was just going to spike my coffee, but I think this conversation calls for straight liquor."

I followed, bringing my steaming mug and settled into the loveseat. There was a weight on my chest I was eager to lift. "Does this mean you are going to let me try?" I asked, watching for his reaction.

After taking a deep drink, Atticus regarded me. "Now that you understand the position I'm in, you're never going to let this go, are you?"

Sitting up straighter, I held his gaze. "Not a chance in hell or anywhere else," I said, hope rising within me.

"If I say we stop, we stop," he demanded.

I nodded vehemently. "Okay," I agreed, setting my coffee down and readying my undivided attention.

A sad smile flitted over Atticus' features. "You're ready to jump in right now, aren't you?" He shook his head knowingly.

"We've wasted enough time," I said, immediately regretting my choice of words.

The demon's gaze narrowed on me. "Wasted?" he reiterated.

"You know what I mean. I've been here for weeks now. If I knew from the beginning what we were heading for, I could have prioritized better."

Seemingly bitter, Atticus downed his drink before pouring another. "I don't know how this is going to go," he said, anxiously. "How do we prepare?"

I shrugged. "I think it's going to be a bit of trial and error, but we both know it's not going to be pretty. I'll try to start slow but I don't really know what to expect either."

Silence crept over us as we contemplated the next steps before a loud pop from the fireplace made us collectively jump. A shaken form moved to add another log. It was as good a distraction as any.

Too big of a drink burned my mouth as I rose to gather the bedding. "I'm going to go set up," I said, making my way up the creaking stairs to make the bed. My hands were trembling, but I could ignore that, just like I could ignore the pounding in my chest.

Atticus joined me not long after looking defeated. "Any chance you've realized what a bad idea this is?" he asked hopefully.

"Nope," I said quickly. Seated on the bed, I patted the space next to me. "This might take a bit. You'll want to get comfortable."

Wordlessly, his towering form folded down into the vacant space and sighed, resting his skull back against the headboard with a light thump.

"Ready?"

"No."

I laid down anyway and reached up to take his hand in mine. "Just relax," I instructed. He scoffed at the direction, but I didn't let myself lose focus. Breathing steadily, I decided to risk pushing my influence out to bathe Atticus in my love. His hand gripped mine tightly as he sucked in a breath through his teeth. "I love you," I said, drifting into the abyss that was his soul.

In the absolute darkness, I waded waist-deep in viscous fluid. I wasn't about to waste time here on the surface, but a familiar sound kept me from diving.

Even though I couldn't make out a form yet, the tell-tale yellow glow of feline eyes trudged my way.

"What are you doing here?" I asked absentmindedly.

"This isn't going to work," the cat spoke into my mind in the same staticky voice.

Now I was annoyed. I needed confidence, not opposition. "What isn't going to work?"

"You aren't equipped for this," the voice continued.

Shrugging, I smiled. "That won't stop me from trying," I said, determination filling my voice. If a demon wasn't going to stop me, neither was an imaginary representation of a reaper.

Without further hesitation, I plunged into the substance coating me and swam languidly into the depths. It didn't take long to reach the other side, where I popped out, less than gracefully, to hit the hard surface below.

Sputtering, I did my best to clear my face before bringing myself to my feet. I scanned the ghostly figures, taking in the vast crowd. I swallowed hard, recognizing that if I transferred one soul a day, this indeed was going to take just under forever.

Moving through the masses, I kept my eyes out for a slightly less mutilated figure. Maybe if I could start out slow, I could work my way up to the more difficult looking specters.

I walked around the echo of a young male. He had a twisted neck but otherwise looked whole. Broken bones, I could deal with; especially something I had experienced before. I approached the soul and, of course, he paid me no mind.

Tentatively, I reached for him, allowing my influence to move into his ghostly form. I met no resistance as this was a human soul and one with no consciousness, at that. What surprised me was the reaction though.

As soon as I latched onto him, the head bobbed in my direction, startling me. I shivered slightly, unsure if he was really seeing me or it was just a coincidence. Determined to move forward, I tethered myself to the trapped soul, sliding my hands into the incorporeal chest so I wouldn't be pushed from him when the pain hit me. Fully focused on the figure before me, I flexed my hands, trying to get a hold on the withered soul inside.

Cupped in my hands, the cracked sphere of ashen green pulsed in my grasp. I could feel my confidence growing as I pulled the soul out of the translucent figure and into myself in one smooth motion.

Suddenly, I was wailing, I could hear it in both realities as hollow screams echoed around me, the agony of a fatal wound wasn't quick when I didn't have an unconscious state to slip into. After all, I was already there. My cry turned to a whimper as I repeated my mantra.

This. Is. Temporary.

Vision blurred by the overwhelming sensations, I was faintly aware of the shadow reaching for me. Focusing on merging the soul, I stood still and ignored the pawing limbs of the figure as I crushed the glowing orb into my own form.

Taking a shaky breath, I watched as the specter before me began to fade to reveal a hoard of shambling forms moving towards me. Panic erupted within me as I took a step back, eyes bulging at the sight. I certainly wasn't going to be as evasive as a cat.

Closing my eyes, I tried to will myself back to my body but was interrupted as grasping hands pulled and clawed at me from behind. I was being swarmed by entities plagued with devastating pain and sorrow. Somehow recognizing my presence, they pawed at me, silently groaning and pleading.

I shuddered as a multitude of hands grabbed at me, pulling at the figment of my clothing, my hair, my flesh; whatever they could find purchase on. Attempting to pull myself free, I felt the hysteria in me build against my will.

"Stop!" I shouted to no avail. I pushed at the dismembered ghost before me; a grotesque figure, lower jaw completely unhinged and dangling from its crushed face.

Suddenly, the form body-slammed against me and I felt the fractured soul push into me, flooding me with new pain that reverberated through my skull. I felt a ripping along my flesh that strangled my scream as my tongue hung limply. Tears streamed down my face as another figure pushed into me from behind and my spine contorted in an unnatural way. A stifled sob escaped me as I dropped to my knees, my vision blurred from pain, taking in the waves of brutalized forms descending upon me.

And then- softness. My eyes closed and I focused on a warmth that cascaded over me, giving me shelter.

Eyes flashing open, I felt Atticus' lips on my own. He pulled away, tears in his eyes and down his cheeks. I could feel my own face in a similar state, wetness in my ears and along my hairline. Taking a shaky breath, I tried to still the terror still welling up within me but I crumbled instead into full-blown sobs.

Strong arms wrapped around me as the demon shifted down to hold me. It was a long time before I was reduced to hiccups and inconsistent tremors. I snuggled into the warmth encasing me as gentle fingers smoothed my hair back.

Eventually, I pushed against his broad chest and he allowed me room to shift back. Our eyes met, his an uncomfortable red, unlike the ethereal glow he emitted when using his influence. I tried to smile at him, but it degenerated immediately.

"Three down," I said, shakily.

Dark locks shifted as Atticus shook his head. "We're done. That's fucking madness to send you back there." He pulled me closer again, seemingly determined to not let me go this time.

A genuine smile emerged at his concern. "I'm not ready to give up," I said defiantly.

"Well, I'm not giving you up. You'll be torn apart. Don't fight me on this."

"Don't fight you?" I leaned my head back so I could meet his hardened gaze. "You're asking me to not fight for you. I can't do that."

Eyes tired, the demon kissed me reverently. "Then I'll make you," he said softly.

"Why?" I questioned, exhaustion building inside this abused form.

His touch shifted as he drew fingertips down the side of my face, a small smile forming on his lips. "Because I love you."

White.

Nothing but purity.

Gasping, I shifted in every direction in search of the creature that had been holding me. Panic ripped through me as his warmth faded from my skin. "Atticus!" I called, my voice echoing through the nothingness.

"He's not here."