End of the Road

      What could he say to me? I had blown it and I knew it. One slip up and that frown plants itself on his lips, driving away any memory of the smile that he used to give me. Had I not always been perfect? Had I not always worked for the greater good? Was I not the one that he went to when he could trust no one else? Was any one person ever more devoted to another person?
      My rivals smiled; the angel had fallen. She was below even their rank now and they knew it. They were like vultures circling around the carcass, each one ready to jump into the prized position. One failure on my spotless record and my breaths were numbered. I felt like counting each breath that slipped into my lungs, to cherish them before they left and never came back.
      He raised his eyebrows: a sign? I tensed, ready to defend myself for all that it was worth. I didn't look strong, but I was fast, like lightening. My skills were legendary and my foes quaked with fear when they saw me coming. As an added bonus, when they heard that HE was my master, my protection, they silently slipped back into the shadows to wait for another day when I was exposed and alone.
      The guards closed in around me. I knew many of them; I had beaten them in many fights, but their eyes held no fear now. Flames for pupils and muscles ripling, they towered over me, undaunted by my stance. What threat could one GIRL have against this many MEN?
        He smiled at me, menacing and dark. The look on his face was one of joy; he reveled in my pain. Enjoy your last few moments, the look said, for this is the price for failures. His eyes glowed. Was it just my imagination or did his shadow have wings or were there horns on his head? Was there a tail or was that halo?
        The guards stepped closer and I could no longer see him. I searched for an exit, but to no avail. I prepared myself for death. I had never been a good girl in most people's books, but I was the knight in shining armor in my own story. Did whatever diety up there take my views into account? Did the christian God have the mercy that the people would talk about when they tried to get you to come to thier church? I pleaded with their God right then; please have mercy, I begged, please.
        I closed my eyes and drew in that most wonderful breath that I had ever drawn in: my last. The cold steel cut into me and the world disappeared around me.