The Boss

Life sat back in his office chair, trying to savor the artificial light that fell on his face. It was cold, lifeless, and nothing like the beautiful sun he flourished under. At this far underground, sunlight stood no chance of slipping in. The only thing he could feel was the pressure of the city above him and the cool moisture that clung to the air.

He was out of his element, but this was how it had to be.

Life just wished he could at least admire the world he crafted with own hands while he worked.

Life peeled his eyes back open, focusing on the stack of paper on his desk. Work never ended, it seemed. The mortals that worked under him would he lost without his assistance.

He pressed a stamp into a red ink pad, imprinting a paper with the name “Adam Davin” -his human alias. Only the members of his guild were aware of his divine identity, all other mortals knew him as a mild mannered doctor and businessman.

Life missed the days he could merely descend from the heavens and humans would fall to their faces. Now he only got shoved aside and sworn at by a man he could reduce to ashes within a second.

Life shuffled through the mountain of paperwork, neatly organizing it into specific folders. A small smile crept onto his lips.

The good times, I guess? he thought, exhaling a pent-in breath. Chill bumps ran down his back.

He almost expected to feel his presence beside him, a slim, almost skeletal hand entwined with his own.

Life dug his nails into his desk, red sparks cracking at his fingers. His temper flared, and a hot air collected around him. He flung his stamp across the room, slamming it into the wall.

“Boss?” a voice whispered meekly.

Life grit his teeth, searing red eyes rising to see one of his underlings at the door. He muttered curses under his breath, realizing he had seen his lapse in composure.

Life mopped the sweat off his brow. He hated his human form and its infernal sweat glands.

“What?” he snarled, no sign of his previous emotions in his voice.

“My lord, I've finished interrogating my prisoners. They're ready to be sacrifed.”

Life stood, dusting off his coat. “Keep them in the holding room. I will be there as soon as I can. You are dismissed.”

Dipping his head, the man rushed out the door, avoiding catching Life’s eye.

Alone, Life crouched against the wall, collecting the stamp he had thrown and returning it to his desk. He rubbed his temples, attempting to massage out a headache.

He checked the clock on the wall.

“It is nearly one o'clock. I suppose it is time by now,” he commented to himself, drawing his arms behind his back.

Leaving his office, Life walked down a hallway, his stride relaxed and even. He kept his chin pointed high, towering over any mortal he passed by.

Approaching a door, he leaned against the wall, focusing on the noise that emanated from within.

“Don't try to run away, brat!” Asher screamed, his voice a drunken slur.

He heard a thud, and the thin wall trembled. Pilate screamed.

Another slam resonated, and Life inspected his fingernails. Asher was taking too long.

The door was pushed open, and Asher emerged, wiping blood off his palms. “He’s half dead,” Asher muttered, “Do whatever you want, I guess.”

“You did fine,” Life replied, crossing his arms, “Thank you.”

As Asher trudged out of sight, Life grinned, displaying a mouthful of fangs. I have him right where I want him.

Author's Note- this is probably one of my favorite chapters ever aha

i went off from my planning at the beginning and i like this version better. more...character ig :)

a lot of important stuff here