The Contract

**Prequel to Beautiful Fallen** Faith Evans is a battered wife who has lost nearly all hope. Lying in a hospital bed with no one believing that her husband is abusive and going to kill her, she prays for something, anything, that will get rid of him and allow her to be free. The answer to her prayers come in the form of a Fallen Angel named Jade, who offers to enter into a contract with her that will both set her free from her husband's abuse and give her the deepest desires of her heart. The only price: her soul. But what Faith doesn't realize is that she is about to be a pawn in a twisted game between two Fallen Angels, one of which will alter fates for her and others for years to come... **Available on Inkitt**

Excerpt

I had almost fallen asleep, where I was certain I’d slip into tormented dreams, when it all began to change. The first thing that I noticed was how quiet it had become. The room was unbearably silent now. I slowly opened my eyes, feeling confused at how dark it had become. That’s odd, I thought, This room was not so dark before. The thought crossed my mind that perhaps my injuries were finally getting to me. Maybe my mind was even preparing me for death. Could not a head injury affect one’s vision and even perception of things around them as death began to approach? It was at that moment that I heard what sounded like footsteps near the window by my bed, effectively diverting my attention from such thoughts. I slowly moved my eyes in that direction. There was now a dark figure standing there. This startled me, though I couldn’t move. I had not heard anyone come in. The quiet of the room persisted as I watched the figure slowly move to the side of my bed. I could make out the shape of a man, yet his entire being seemed to be cloaked in shadow as he stood there looking down at me. I stared up at him as he leaned over me, my heart beginning to race. The feeling of darkness enveloped my mind, and it frightened me. “Hello, Faith.” His voice penetrated the silence that surrounded us, the slightly deep richness of it echoing off of the dark walls. “You know my name?” I managed to whisper. “I believe that I know you quite well,” he answered. “Who are you? Are you here because I am dying?” I continued. “Not at all. I am the one who is answering your calls. But for the sake of conversation, you may call me Jade.” The shadows retreated, allowing me to see the one that was speaking to me a bit better. I couldn’t make out much in the dim light that managed to sneak in from the hallway, though he looked to be a man in his early twenties. His hair was very dark, and he had vivid green eyes that stood out even in this terrible lighting. All of this only cemented the feeling I’d gotten from the start. There was something inhuman about him, and his voice sent a chill deep within me. “Jade,” I whispered. “Yes, that is my name. As I said, I am here because I can give you what you have been wishing for.” he continued, “I can destroy that man who calls you his wife however you please. But in return, you must give me something.” “Like what?” “It’s very simple. I will grant your deepest desires, but when you die, your soul will belong to me.” Now I understood all too well what this man was, and as if to emphasize it, his eyes glowed red for a moment. It seemed that my hateful prayers had been answered. An evil angel had shown up to offer me his services.