Page 75 of Demonic Cage
Pandora’s pain permeates me. I try to find a way out of her suffering.
“It won’t last forever,” I whisper. “There are happy people. It’s not your fault…”
Pandora nods and shakes my hand off her arm.
“I believe there are chosen ones. You are one, Lotte.”
I’m not surprised she knows my name, but her statement surprises me.
“Why would I be anything?”
“The ‘why’ is less important. But if you want to know, it’s because you have everything in you to change everything. You have a choice, just like I did once. You can open the door to either Hell or Heaven. It’s your decision which flood will engulf humanity. You could be the next Pandora.”
I’m stunned by what I’ve heard. The next Pandora?
“What do you mean by it engulfing humanity?”
“When you open one door,” Pandora says seriously, “it determines how life continues among humans. Either Hell embraces them, or Heaven will.”
I’m chilled by her words and the responsibility hidden within them.
“But why would I want to open the Gates of Hell?” I ask too loudly, thinking of the horrors Darya would unleash upon humanity.
“What does the Mirror of Predestination show?” Pandora inquires.
“Two doors,” I reply, to which she nods.
“So, you still haven’t decided. You still have a choice.”
I can only repeat my question.
“But why… why do you think that I would I open the Gates of Hell?”
Pandora shrugs.
“There could be a thousand reasons. Maybe you’ll find that life as a demon comes with less trouble than as an angel. Maybe you’ll choose the easier path, but maybe it will be the harder one. Who knows…?”
“Are you seriously suggesting,” I begin, continuing to speak loudly, “that it’s actually possible for me to open the Gates of Hell? I would never do such a thing!”
Pandora’s gaze turns cold.
“I’m just saying I understand if you choose to.”
“Because you did?!” I snap, but immediately regret it. There’s no need to inflict more wounds on her.
“I’m sorry,” I blurt out. “I just don’t understand why I would choose them – the monsters. If you could see what they do…”
“We’re done for today,” says Pandora, pain and coldness crossing her gaze.
“No!” I plead. “Please don’t leave yet! I still need to know what to do, why I’m here!”
“I’ve answered your questions. I’ve told you why you’re here. The demon and angel blood pulsing through your veins must tell you what to do. I can’t tell you that. No one told me either.”
“And if they had?” I ask, only because I don’t want to leave this warm garden. “If you knew in advance what would happen, what would you do now?”
Pandora ponders. Too long, considering the answer is clear to me. Why doesn’t she say it? She regrets it! She said she made a mistake, that the suffering of humanity is because of her!
As she speaks, her voice is soft but sad.
