If you meet me, have some sympathy 24

As the last of Mephisto’s army fell, I turned to Theresa. She had little more substance than the ghost of a sunbeam but I saw her smile and shrug.

‘They wouldn’t take me back.’ Her voice was barely audible, like drifting sand.

‘They?’

‘My side.’

‘Oh.’ It seemed strange – wasteful even. If I’d been the one to be annihilated, my side would have taken me in enthusiastically as food for the imps on the lower levels; we’re all for recycling. Still, it was good to see her again.

I could hear soft footsteps on the stairs and the lights flickered ominously.

‘I can’t help you now,’ came Theresa’s voice.

‘I know.’

I retreated into the flat as Mephisto approached, his eyes burning with fury. My wings demolished what was left of the living room but I managed to avoid the computer. My target was crouching on the floor, white with terror. I just hoped he’d finished the work in time.

A smile spread across the old devil’s face. But just as he raised his hand for the final blow, I dived into the terminal and re-materialised in cyberspace again, retching and barely conscious.

I could feel him close behind me.