Azra'el

I allowed my eyes to wander to the dark places, to the unseen realm beneath the waters. There I saw below the Earth and into the bottomless pit, that terrible abyss. In that place, I saw an Elohim who held the key to the prison - Azra’el stood as a sentry overlooking the Abyss. I watched as he recorded the names of all those who made the journey to Sheol. In that moment, I understood, he was as much a prisoner as those that surrounded him. He was scorned by those he once called brethren, the imprisoned Watchers mocked him day and night, calling out to him to release them. This was his burden, to watch over the souls of both man and Elohim and to bear the gnashing teeth of his kin.

I dare not keep my eyes fixed in this place, for fear I might be overcome with despair; but as I began to leave, I heard the sentry call out to me, “When will my lord release me? I long to feel the sun on my skin and drink the fresh water from his streams. How long must I remain alone?” I could not give him hope with an answer.

As I withdrew my eyes, I heard the mocking again, “You are small and the Creator has forgotten you, Azra’el. Come and set us free, so that we may see our children, or you shall be haunted by His silence…”

I will pray for you, Azra’el…