Helena, I’m sorry it ever came to this. I missed you so much, and I meant it when I said I’d do anything for you. I could feel your icy blue eyes piercing into me, all the while going through with each and every twisted, demented, and evil act I performed. I had no patience, and sure as hell no control. I owe you an apology, my love.

I remember walking down that old, snowy highway with you. I remember the feeling of your hand in mine, and your lovely black locks flowing past your shoulders. It was just you, me, and that trunk of ammunition. We would watch the early sunset together every evening. How I miss those days, and how I’d do anything to relive them with you.

See, that was my first mistake: I said I’d do anything, and so many different, fucked up things can fit into just one ‘anything’. I complained ceaselessly of the smell and, needless to say, he heard me. He heard all my mumbling, sobs, and screams. I was trapped eternally and, as selfish as I was, I wanted an escape. But, more than anything, I wanted you.

“Helena?” He said, a devilish smile growing across his face. I looked into his eyes, and I could see a fire burning. I felt a fire burning inside my chest as well. It was like anger, but it was muddied with tears. I could feel a mess of words making its way into my throat. He cut me off before I could get even one out.

“It’s a name I heard under your breath. Any significance, or just sorrowful gibberish?” He said, with a somewhat sarcastic tone. If I’d known what nightmare was to come, I would have chosen my next words with more precaution.

“Don’t say her name. Something so pretty shouldn’t come out of your mouth.” I said, trying to control the shaking in my chest. He cocked his brow at me, letting out a light chuckle.

“Is that so? Some souls are so quick to bend to their emotions. I was about to make you an offer, but I can see you didn’t want to hear it anyway.” He said with a smug expression. His mouth was still bent in a grin, sly as ever. My heart began to race, and I could just about feel it crawl through the gaps in my ribs.

“An… offer?” I said, with foolish intrigue. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a sleek revolver, shiny all but the blood caked to the side of the barrel. He began wiping it with his shirt, cleaning the dark crimson liquid off the gun.

“You want your lover, don’t you?” He said, returning the revolver to his pocket. My heart plummeted into my stomach. I nodded slowly, feeling tears build behind my eyes, as I eagerly awaited his next words.

“I can feel your heart. It’s sad and regretful, yet hopeful. I’m pleased to see your excitement.” He said, softly chuckling. He leaned in closer.

“It’s my job to bring souls here to be perpetually tortured. This is where you can help me. I’ve watched you defend your beloved in a gunfight. You aren’t afraid to kill.” He explained, in an assuring tone. He was wrong about one thing though. I hated killing, but I only ever did it to ensure your safety, love. I promise. I nodded in agreement with each and every word he said.

“What do I need to do?” I said, my voice quivering intensely. I couldn’t tell if I was paralyzed with excitement or despair, yet somehow I felt both in his presence.

“A thousand souls is all I need. You need to take the lives of a thousand men and women, no matter the means. However, I have a tool to assist you in this task.” He reached his hand behind his back, producing forward a bible. It didn’t look particularly special, being just a basic leatherbound book. I took it from his hands, examining the fine leatherworking done on the cover.

“What are you waiting for?” He said, in a taunting tone. I looked down at the book, and lifted the edge of the cover, revealing the inside of the book. The inside had been cut to fit the shape of a gun, in fact, the same gun he was just cleaning minutes ago. I looked at the gun, admiring the shimmer of the metal it’d been crafted from.

“I have a feeling you’ll need this too.” He said, holding out a briefcase. I grabbed hold of the handle and was immediately surprised by its weight.

“Just some supplies I decided I’d be kind enough to aid you with.” He said as I attempted to adjust myself to the weight of the briefcase. I stood, locking eyes with Lucifer. I could feel that fire burning in his eyes. My heart was pounding fast enough to explode.

“I accept,” I said softly, jittering in anticipation. A large, devilish smile appeared across his face.

“Give em’ Hell, kid.” He said as he raised his hand into the air, snapping his fingers. Everything went pitch black, and I felt completely weightless. Next thing I knew, I was standing in the rain under an umbrella. In front of me stood large steps that lead up to a large church. It was your funeral, my love. I know I will see you again one day.