I stared at Samael silently before bursting out laughing.
"You're kidding..that's the best you could come up with?"
His gaze darkened as he looked at me again. His expression was a cool mask that hid the emotions that I was sure were roaring through him. He bristled a little and growled softly.
"I am not kidding, Kasey..."
"Yeah, sure you're not." I pushed the covers off of me and slowly climbed out of the comforting warmth. I glanced at the window that was covered with thick black curtains that reminded me of a void. I glanced at the person sitting in a chair, watching me wearily. He looked so familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it. "Nice costume by the way. How much did that cost you? And what the heck even are you?"
He scowled and looked away, "it cost me, my soul. My mortal soul." He looked at me, his eyes looked so genuine but I would not be fooled. I shook my head, his eyes pinning me. "I am a demonic immortal, Kasey...and you are in my realm. Do not realize how much danger you are in? And the fact that your scent is so different, it's been hard to keep Kedar away from you. You're lucky he hasn't eaten you yet."
I frowned, "do you ever stop lying? And who the hell is Kedar?" My steps were slow as I moved towards the curtain.
"He's my....companion...a..uh..pet...?" I looked back at Samael, his eyes were looking at the door. Following his gaze, I saw a shadow block the sliver of light that had shined beyond the door. A soft tapping of claws on wood echoed between me and Samael. Samael's body already looked defeated.
"So...Kedar is...what? A dog? You look like a dog person.."
"He..is a hound, yes. But..he's a hound from my realm, not yours." Samael slowly stood, walking to the door hesitantly. He paused to look at me, "do you want to meet him..? I won't let him hurt you.."
"What? Do you not train your dog to be nice? Maybe you should put a muzzle on him if he bites so much. Or just put him down." I watched Samael's hand grip the handle slowly, his body was rigid and a soft growl was coming from the door; along with loud sniffing.
"That's not possible.."
"Why not?"
Samael sighed loudly, and grumbled, "because one, no muzzle would ever be able to keep his big mouth shut; and two, we are in hell. There is no 'put down' option." The knob turned and Samael jerked away when the door flew open. A loud growl coming from the giant beast that slowly stalked halfway in. Blocking my only escape route. It was terrifyingly beautiful. It was at least five feet tall. Its body was covered in black fur that looked to be coated in soot. Its fangs were as long as my forearm and each padded paw had long black claws. Its eyes were the most alluring part of the creature, orange fire burning its way through the room. It moved closer, the rattling of chains that were around the neck and two front legs the only sound. I stepped back, its huge form coming towards me, its wet snout sniffing at me.
"Kedar..." Samael warned. The beast paused its slow walk that marked my doom, its head slowly turning to meet Samael's raging eyes. Both were terrifying. And both were suddenly growling, a steady black snake of smoke rising from Kedar's mouth.
"You...you can't be..you can't be serious about this..." I squeaked, regretting my decision as Kedar swirled his head back to watch me. Its pointed ears falling back as its body switched into a battle stance.
"Kedar..!" Samael growled, his hand suddenly grabbing onto the chain around the beast's neck. I watched as the huge beast was yanked away from me, its jaws snapping shut with surprise. Kedar pulled against him, looking at me with hungry eyes. "Dammit..you fucking bastard.." Samael growled, yanking the beast out the door with him.
The door shook as Samael slammed it shut after sending me an apologetic glance. I stood frozen, listening to the loud cursing and thudding as claws scraped along the floor. I stood still until everything went quiet, I eased my way to the door and slowly opened it. I stuck my head out of my room, peering over the dark interior.
Despite Samael's ancient taste in decor, the hall was well spaced and open. Probably for Kedar's sake, or any other monster he probably has. I looked over the high ceiling that was held up by smooth stone bricks. The floor looked to be of some other material that I couldn't distinguish. Its color was a very deep purple that looked black. A metal railing was near the center, where a hole was carved so you could see below. Further down the hall to my right were two big doors, the stone frame making the dark wood pop. I looked over the torches and the hanging bowls full of fire that set a soft glow over the whole place. It was... somewhat enchanting. The hall continued its way to my right, leading deeper into what I assume is a mansion. This would be way too elaborate for a simple prank, or stunt. Especially that beast. It seemed so real..and I felt its breath. How could they manipulate machines to do that? Things were not adding up. And the fog that blocked my mind was not helping. What happened? I went to college...and...I went with a friend.. who..who were they? I snapped back into reality as voices came from my left.
"She's suffering from amnesia. I can't send her back like this. She wouldn't make it through the Shadows to even get home." I slipped into my room, keeping the door slightly ajar as the voices grew louder.
"Well, she's not safe here. She'll DIE if we keep her here. Then, she'll be thrown into the Pit because she didn't die from natural causes." The female voice seemed confident and annoyed, most likely an arrogant hothead.
"You don't think I know that?? I am TRYING, Cahtora."
"Trying will not save her life, Samael. And you can't stay here and be her protector since you have your 'lordly' duties to attend to."
"That's why I'm asking you to help me!"
The cackle that replied sent shivers over my spine, "no. I will not help you babysit." Their footsteps and voices were closing in, my curiosity and confusion being overrun as my anxiety yanked on my strings. I turned the knob and shut the door, slowly uncoiling the handle to let the bar slide into its slot as quietly as possible. My feet instantly backtracking towards the bed. I plopped onto the soft mattress and slowly mulled over what they said. Were they talking about me? And if so, why did they say I have amnesia..? I don't have amnesia. Do I?
The door slowly opened and Samael walked in, the women who I heard him talking to had disappeared. He slowly looked over the room before looking at me. He sighed and ran his hand through a bit of his hair, his horns keeping him from going through it all.
"What?" I asked softly, trying to hide my confusion as he paced slowly, he mumbled to himself but didn't pay me any mind. "Samael?" I was invisible to him. I sighed frustrated and snapped at him, "Samael!!"
He jolted, turning his body towards me as if realizing he wasn't alone, he sighed. "Sorry...This is my room. I'm used to being alone. Especially with everything that is going on.."
"Like what?"
"Your return to the mortal realm." He looked away, clearly uncomfortable as I stared at him.
"Why is that a problem?"
"Because it's dangerous..." His reply was soft and undecided. I guess he was trying to figure out how to answer without revealing too much.
"I think Kedar is the most dangerous thing...Let's just go right now. I'll be fine." My smile was a little strained as I stared at his hesitant form.
"There is much worse than Kedar. He is actually the safest thing probably near you.."
"What's the most dangerous then?"
"Don't worry about it..." He mumbled, looking towards the window. My eyes followed his gaze though there was nothing to be seen with the curtains hiding whatever lied behind it. My curiosity was drawn to it, but from the fear that was hissing at me, I knew I did not want to know. "We'll be moving you to your own room."
"Where to..?" I whispered cautiously.
"Next to mine so I can keep you safe."
I frowned, running over my memory of what I saw in the hallway. There wasn't a door nearby except the big doors down the hall. Did I miss something? I was sure that I was vigilant. How could a door easily slip from my view? I hesitated, knowing that I cannot ask without revealing that I snooped around.
"You probably want to bathe don't you?" He frowned slightly, "I'll make sure Cahtora adds that to the plan. How does a Jacuzzi sound?" He looked at me as if he was asking something totally normal.
"What...?"
"What kind of–"
"No no, what plan?"
"The construction plan...?" He stared at me confused as I just gaped, shocked. "What? Don't you mortals construct things?"
"Well yes, but it takes MONTHS to finish a construction! It doesn't take like, a day! How long am I stuck here??"
He winced, "right...I forgot you are not used to this. As I said before, we are not in your realm anymore. What takes you guys months, could take us just a few hours or minutes depending on the size and how many slaves–er....workers.....we...put to....work..." he trailed off, looking away guiltily.
"You have slaves...?" I asked slowly.
His frustrated sighs were enough to answer, "I don't have a choice, Kasey. Besides, they are murderers and pedophiles. I only take the worst...I swear." He looked at me with puppy eyes, begging for forgiveness. I looked away, silence filling the empty space between us. The only thing that interrupted that sweet silence was my stomach growling, I blushed. Samael's grin seemed to laugh at me but he kindly nodded, "I'll get you some food." He left without another word, a soft click telling me that he locked the door. I silently cursed my body and I looked around the room again. It was fairly spaced and there weren't many decorations otherwise. I looked over everything, claw marks catching my eyes in places that I didn't notice before. I looked over the bed again, it was massive and I frowned thinking about why he would need so much space. I shook my head and looked back towards the window. Curiosity was clawing at my mind and I felt like I was going mad. I sighed annoyed at myself as I stood, walking towards the curtain that seemed to promise me answers with a silent threat lining each answer. Despite my better judgment, I pushed the curtain back.
*Mild Violence Warning*
I looked down and stared at it. My eyes met the black eyes, fear tearing at me as I froze like a deer in headlights. The lipless creature seemed to grin, its mouth stretched from ear to ear. Its mouth snapping open to show sharp pointed teeth and a long slimy tongue. Its legs were twisted in all angles and it crawled on all fours. Its torso seemed to be pointing up but its chin was pointed to the floor. It was just all wrong...the back legs were in the position of what a grasshopper would have. Its eyes were beady little black dots with nothing but darkness swarming in them. and then it was charging.
I screamed, stumbling back in horror as I listened to it clawing up the wall. I stumbled towards the door, my eyes never leaving the window. I watched as its disfigured human face peered in, its eyes staring at me as it drooled. I tripped back, hitting the floor, and just stared, my body pinned down from the horror that was strangling me. Tears started to blur my vision, and I heard a thud and a crack. I blinked to clear my vision and watched it beat its head on the window again, the small cracks spreading like a spider's web. It screeched its anger and impatience as its head collided with the window again. Black liquid oozed from the cut it made on itself, but it was not done. I jumped up as I heard the last thing I wanted to hear. The window shattered, and the creature clawed its way inside.
*Violence Warning*I stumbled against the door, yanking at the knob, twisting and pushing and pulling. But the lock held. I looked back at the beast, a scream escaping me, trying to call for help. I shoved my shoulder into the door, kicking at it, trying to use brute force. I whimpered when I heard a gurgling growl come from behind me. I screamed for help again, sobbing splitting open the rest of my calm. Panic settling as I put my back to the door and stared at the thing. Its long tongue licked over its gums and teeth. It knew I couldn't escape. I glanced around, trying to find anything of use, my eyes landing on the fire poker. I waited, my body trembling as the beast got closer, only about five feet were between us. And each drop of drool made me want to puke. It got into a pounce position, my body stiffening against my control. Then, it lunged, its jaws were snapped opened, its aim at my leg. It liked to make its p
Latifa was collecting the dishes, the long table showing no real purpose but to be in the way. Latifa was humming softly and picked up my empty glass and the small soup bowl that had held the beef stew. It was surprisingly good. Along with being a nurse, Latifa was a chef. When I first said how good it was and was shocked when she said she made it; she only said it was simple and nothing to be impressed about. But I would admit, the taste was ravishing! I can't figure out how she made it so good. The spices were beautifully mixed, neither too strong or weak. It was just...perfect. "I am going to go wash the dishes. I will be leaving Sorscha with you." Latifa said, gathering the utensils. They chimed against each other like wind chimes as I watched her in silence for a moment. "I still don't know who Sorscha is.." I said slowly. She paused and looked at me. "You don't—oh!! That's right!" Latifa's
The clothes I had changed into after my bath back at the mansion couldn't fight off the chilly tunnel wasn't just from itself. The jeans and t-shirt were unable to help as my body felt flushed and drained as I stared at nothing wide-eyed and shocked. The blue-eyed person carried me with ease, no hesitation and no falters. "Why....?" My voice was off pitch and shaking as if I was having my own personal earthquake. "To be honest, I am not to sure why Lucifer wants you. Unless that was a nasty trick from Belial. Or maybe from Samael himself. That's what I am hoping to find out." The tunnel started to get brighter. The soft light made the black shadowy walls look like a deep gray. The gloomy atmosphere reflecting my own storm inside. "Where are we going...?" "Oh, now you ask that, eh?" I grimaced and looked down the tunnel. "...We are going to my place. Well, technically just a cave I
Something was wrong. Something was very very wrong. Heat burned its own path. My screams were unheard and unknown. The numbing cold suddenly melting as a fire raked sharp claws across my body. Glowing tendrils of pink seared their way over me, the colors changing and shifting as I thrashed to escape. The smell of smoke made me cough and gag, my lungs burning as I gasped for air. And then, it was darkness. The hissing fire slowing, dying. The heat becoming nothing more than a soft warmth. The colors dissipating, whisking away as darkness reclaimed its position over me. The throbbing pain subsided as things went back to black. The shadows slipping their arms around me as they pulled me into a sea of sorrow and guilt, then nothing at all. No emotions, no feelings, no pain. My existence became nothing. And that is what I preferred. Clinking. The sound of metal hi
The training room was far bigger than I had anticipated. And its location was just as surprising. The stone steps that were hidden behind a secret door had been worn down, clearly well used. They curved slightly before pulling their curtains of stones to the sides to show off the room. It was at least the size of 10 football fields and about as tall as the empire state building. "No wonder...those were....such long...stairs.." I panted softly. Apophis glanced at me, a grin spreading. He hadn't even broken a sweat. "Think of it as a warm-up." He turned to look at me and walked backward until there were about ten meters between us. "First up, combat. Do you know how to punch?" I stared at him, "yes.." I forced myself to remember the first person I had ever punched. It was at least three years ago, the girl's name was...Emily..? Yeah...That's it. She kept trying to claim my work as her own, telling me that it
The training room was hot and I darted behind a large rock from the terrain. The fact that Apophis could change the terrain was hard to wrap my head around by itself, but of course, he always tops it off with a cherry. The ground shook slightly and I heard Apophis yell from far away, "The ground is lava~!" "Bastard....!!" I scramble up the rock, clawing the rocky surface as the once dirt-covered floor, became a bubbling monster of red and orange. I stared at the hot element as it glowed with angry wrath. "There you are~!" Apophis called sweetly, my eyes locking onto his stature. His grin showed his snake fangs as his pupils became slits. "It's been 15 seconds..! Stop with the lava!" I hissed at him as his walk grew closer. The lava parting like the red sea for him. "Alright, alright." The lava seeped into the ground, my glare the only fire. "You promised to..t
Apophis had led me to a bathroom, one that was made for a king. As I looked around at the wide space I couldn't help but gape. The whole room was black marble with gold decorations. The gold tub was bigger than a hot tub, maybe the size of a pool. The water was already warm and up to the brim of the tub. The more I thought about it the more sense it made. He is an Egyptian god.. I walked around the room, looking at the hieroglyphics that were embedded in the marble with a thin gold band on the top and the bottom. The thin bands stayed parallel, trapping each image between them. The stunning gold shimmered in the fire light, drawing me closer as I watched, perplexed and amazed. The curves and grooves of each picture had an inlay of gold, the flickering of fire making it look alive; as if the birds and squiggles were dancing. I let my fingertips slide across the smooth engraved gold as I walked around the room. The four columns in the corners o
The bath was soothing against the subsiding sting on Apophis's cheek. His mind twisted around as he soaked. He sighed heavily and slowly rose from the water, his steps slow and considerate as he grabbed the royal blue towel, quickly drying himself off with ease. Apophis started to dress, pulling his pants up and buttoning them when he felt the sudden wave of power. He paused, shocked; the power shaking the ground as it pulsed. "Kasey...." His eyes locked onto the door and he darted to it, throwing it open as he looked around the room, "Kasey?!" He looked at the stairs to the underground room. His movements were swift as he ran down the steps, his footfalls echoing with the pulses of powers. He darted into the room and stopped, the fire before him swirling and hissing in anger. He narrowed his eyes and let his flames from within burst around him, green tendrils fighting against the fiery hot pink that struck out at him. He slowly walked into t