by Alisha Basso
Gavyn spun and grabbed my shoulders. “We won’t let him get to you,” his fingers squeezed. “We owe you our lives, Grace.” He lifted his chin, looking out at the sea of evil. “You must be protected. At any cost.” His jaw worked stubbornly, solidifying my resolve.
“Look at me, Gavyn,” I frowned as he glared at me, shaking his head. “No, you have to let me try and deal with him.” His jaw tensed. “Please, you have to trust me.” I grabbed his hand. “I know what I’m doing, okay? Just…stand down.”
I looked out toward Lu’s demon army. “I have a plan.”
Gavyn squeezed my hand then dropped it. I watched his eyes as they became glassy
“There is only one way out. I can see it in your eyes. You can’t do it. We are fine warriors, you don’t have to do this.”
I smiled. “That’s very brave, and I thank you. But unless you see demons on this side of the lines, you have to keep your men leashed.”
He let out a breath. “As you wish, Madea. We will hold our ground.”
I let out a huge breath. “Thank you, Gavyn.” I smiled, the effect was pretty pathetic, I knew. “Until we meet again?” I turned and rushed away before he could respond.
The sun was now fully covered by smoke and ash. It glowed crimson through the haze. The forest beyond the boundaries of the village looked to be nothing more than a pile of charred sticks. The sky was an alien sort of dusk, painting the pale skin of each Elvin warrior in shades of orange and yellow as they nervously stood their ground.
I positioned myself several feet in front of the warriors and braced myself for whatever was to come.
The chattering and clicking sounds suddenly ceased. I stepped closer to the demon horde and watched them react to something in the air. They stirred, agitated. As a group they skittered and jerked uneasily.
I looked along the line that separated us from them and found nothing different.
All at once, they began to howl and moan, their heads turned up towards the sky. A look of utter adoration and worship twisted Helen’s face as she peered at the sky.
Fuck.
Their king had come.
TWENTY
Smoke and ash danced and spun in a whirling cyclone as the beating of giant wings scattered the demons wide. I held my ground, fisting my hands at my sides.
The line that kept me safe hummed. I felt Seth and Lucian’s power swirl across its gaping fractures. Their power was strong, but it wasn’t boundless. If this didn’t end quickly, the barrier would fall.
Giant wings pounded close and I closed my eyes, steeling my spine.
Closer.
My breath hitched. Shaking, I squeezed my hands tighter, sucking in the putrid, smoky air. The ink on my arm began to tingle and I opened my eyes.
The sky was filled with a thick haze, making it almost impossible to see anything at all. I knew without looking that all eyes were fixed on the sky. I spun in circles, searching, hoping to see him, to prepare myself.
Nothing could have prepared me.
He slammed to the ground, kicking up a thick cloud of ash and dust. It billowed out, shielding his massive form from my horrified eyes. My heart sped as I watched him.
The air left my lungs. He was The Angel of Darkness.
He moved slowly through the veil of smoke. Demons screamed and writhed, shielding their faces as he walked, his perfectly arched feet pale against the black ash. Helen dropped to the ground, her face plastered to the dirt. I held my breath and straightened my shoulders in an attempt to stay strong.
He was no longer shrouded in the thick haze and I sucked in my breath as my mouth gaped. I struggled to fathom what I was seeing. His wings, black as a ravens, were folded tightly against his naked back. His skin was pale and glowed as if lit from within. This was no cloven-hooved monster. No red leathery demon with a serpent tongue. He stood tall and proud. A fallen angel, so beautiful it hurt to look at him. Tears pooled at the corners of my eyes. I wiped them away, fully aware that they were tears of blood.
His eyes found mine.
He moved, his eyes remained focused on mine. I raised my chin and frowned, trying desperately to ignore his power. His steps quickened then, his nostrils flared as he closed the space between us.
He stood before me, his power hit the barrier and I staggered back in a daze, falling to the ground.
I watched him as he watched me. He knelt, fluttering his massive wings. I screamed like a child, and scrambled backwards on my hands and feet. He smiled, a low chuckle left his throat as I awkwardly fumbled on the ground. I didn’t care. He was too beautiful, too terrifying. His golden hair was long, silken waves, sweeping his shoulders. He wore only a faded pair of jeans. Holes were worn into the knees.
He stood up, his sharp jaw clenched as he looked out at the Elvin army. He spread his wings wide and I cringed back. Each of his wings had to span more than ten feet across. I opened my mouth and closed it, unable to speak. I had always known who he was. What he was and where he had come from. I knew better than anyone, really. But to see it. To know that this was the creature we had to fight. This was the being that wanted us dead.
This is really happening.
It was more terrifying than I could’ve ever dreamed.
The army behind me meant nothing, nor did the army before me. He didn’t need them. He didn’t need anything.
We are so fucked.
I felt tiny. Like the insignificant ants he mocked me with in my dreams. I closed my eyes. Seeing him was too much for my mind to take. I was falling. I couldn’t stand up to this being. I was a speck.
I am less than nothing.
He wanted me. Who was I to deny him anything?
Grace! You must fight him. He is the same! He is the one you once chained! Yours is the power he craves. You can best him!
Seth’s voice sang through my mind.
Please, Sweet, you look so lost! You cannot give up, no matter what! He did this to cower you. He is nothing more than what he has always been. You have already seen all he can do, Grace. You are a Madea, you are as infinite as he, or why does he fight for you so? Stand up and fight, Grace. Now!
Seth’s presence pushed into me and I sucked in a massive breath. My mind stumbled in its tirade of doubt and self-pity. I felt warm as suddenly, Lucian’s essence swirled and danced into my head. They both struggled against the power of the boundaries, yet they had it in them to fight for me as well. To push me and remind me who I was. These men, who were struggling so hard to keep the spells up were more than enough to fight for. They had needed me, and so far I had failed. I was useless against the black sludge, but I wasn’t useless against Lu. I wouldn’t fail them again.
I opened my eyes and slid my feet underneath me, pushing myself off of the ground slowly. I looked toward Lu. He stood tall and proud as he watched me. His gaze was steady, studying me carefully. His wings were folded once again. I stepped closer and cleared my throat.
“Why the show?” I spoke slowly, my voice came out steady, bolstering my confidence.
He smiled. I could see the stubble on his chin as he leaned close.
“What show? I come with no artifice.” He spread his arms, his wings opening wide, the black feathers shinning despite the sooty air.
“Knock it off, Lu.” I folded my arms. “You and I both know you don’t need this many demons to fight.”
He smiled, his white teeth gleaming.
“Fight?” he shrugged, “my pets like meat. I merely promised them an easy feast.” He winked, looking over my shoulder at the Elvin warriors. I ground my teeth as adrenaline flowed into my veins.
“You don’t have to do this. Can’t we come to a compromise?” I held out my hand. “You are above slaughter, don’t you think?
His eyes grew larger and he snorted. “This is much more fun. I think I like you desperate.” He bit his bottom lip and then frowned, looking past me. “They took you away from me, Grace. They cleansed you of my will, defying me on a most personal level.” The fires burni
ng behind him flared high as he fisted his hands. “The end will be whatever I choose it to be, so what do I care for compromise?” He eyed me, then chuckled. His wings fluttered, making me jump, which pissed me off.
I had to move this along, or I was never going to convince him of anything and we’d all end up dead.
“So,” I bit my lip, slowly running my teeth along its plumpness. “You preferred the taint of demon in my blood?” I met his eyes, filling mine with desire.
Grace, what are you doing? Seth’s mind screamed into mine and I rushed to shut him out, throwing up as many mental walls as I could.
Lu’s eyes narrowed. “I greatly prefer the taste of your Madea blood, my darling.” He shifted, folding his arms. “However, I also prefer you willing. The taint of demon kept you compliant.” He looked thoughtful for the first time. “What game are you playing?”
“I need you to promise me something.” I lifted my chin.
“She’s a lying whore!” Helen lifted her face from the dirt. “My Lord, she is nothing! Resist her schemes!” she screamed, coming to her knees. “She deserves to lick your boots not your…” Her words cut off and she gurgled. Clawing at her throat, she fell to the ground in a cloud of scattered ash.
I goggled as Lu turned toward her, glaring. “I’ve yet to deal with your failures. Don’t tempt me to deal with them now.” He spoke softly. She squeaked and writhed on the ground.
He shook his head, dismissing her. Then he turned and met my eyes once again. “They all die.” He reached out as if to touch my face but stopped short of the boundary. “They defied me, my dearest love. Nothing you can say will change what will be. Their future is death. I shall pick my teeth with their bones after I suck the souls from their bodies.” He smiled.
I closed my eyes. His ego was hurt which was worse than anything else they could have wounded. My mind raced at the possibilities. Ann’s plan came to mind, but things hadn’t gotten that hopeless. I’d lay dying before I would try what she proposed. Only one thing would save these people. Breathing deep, I reached out with my mind, freezing the army behind me. Seth and Lucian would be immune. I could only hope that one day they would understand and forgive me. I opened my eyes, dread pooling into my gut. I looked out onto the burning field that was once a lush forest. The demons still slithered and writhed behind Lu. My powers were locked behind the boundaries the same as theirs.
I turned, Seth and Lucian watched me with horror-filled eyes. They had no way of helping me, no way of knowing what I planned. The spells were falling. They couldn’t let the demons in.
Lu watched me, amusement on his face. “An army of pretty dolls? What good has rendering them immobile done, my bride?” he laughed. “My horde would like a little wiggle to their meat. A little fight.”
Ignoring him, I shook my hair, dropping my glamour, I let it burn along my flesh, freeing myself so he could see the real me. I met his eyes. “You say nothing will change your mind?” I stepped close, causing the spells to tickle my flesh.
He watched me warily. “You think to trick me?” His stomach sizzled as he leaned into the barrier. “I see through lies, sweet Grace. Take care and speak in truths. I’m done fucking around.”
I had what I needed inside me, ready and waiting. I dug deep. The memory of Mariee’s painful love made me stagger. I pulled it around me. Breathing it in. Soaking in her memories, her desire. Saturating every cell with her euphoria and joy.
My skin tingled. I let the memory of him in my arms fill my eyes as I looked into his.
“Let them live,” I whispered. “Call back your army and forever leave this place in peace and I will come to you. Willingly. I will bind my power with yours and rule by your side until time itself stops.”
Lu lowered his brows, fisting his hands, he pushed against the boundary, his stomach and chest smoked as he moved. With an audible crack, the spells separating us snapped, causing Lucian to cry out and fall to the ground. I flinched and stepped back as Seth was knocked to the ground next to Lucian. Our tiny link, the strength they were feeding me, shuddered and then disappeared. They were gone.
I kept Lu in my vision as the world fell apart around me.
“A noble sacrifice.” He grabbed my waist and pulled me to his chest. “I would love to trust such pretty words, but you have no love for me. You do not even have desire.” He watched my lips as he spoke, “I see you, Grace.” His eyes looked up to meet mine. I felt like a mouse in the gaze of a cobra and I looked away.
He grabbed my chin and sneered, “Look me in the eyes, little liar.”
I dug my nails into my palms but didn’t flinch. “Liar?” I laughed as I reached deeper into my mind. It was all around me, he only had to look. “I wouldn’t lie, my love.” I whispered as I leaned into him. “I want you.” I blew out my breath and relaxed into his arms, allowing him to hold me close.
A growl rumbled from his chest.
"Finally."
And then my feet left the ground.
***
The air was clean. The forest untouched. We stood in a field of wildflowers. I looked at him, his smile was everything triumphant. I felt my knees give way as he swept me into his arms.
“I can’t believe I see your love. This is truly a gift.” His lips grazed mine as he spoke. “What gift can I give my bride in return?”
I thought about all of the things that had happened and the shit storm I had created that could have ruined so many lives. I was gone. That was the best gift I could have given them. But there was one thing that I could fix.
I breathed in his scent, sliding my hand behind his head, I ran my fingers through his hair. “Were you aware of the incredible lust your Helen feels for you?” I smiled.
“Yes?” he looked confused.
“I don’t like it.” I said as I pulled away. “She is a thorn in my side. She worships you and thinks that only she should be your queen.”
He smiled. “Of course she does.” His brows drew together. “You are jealous? Do you wish her head on a pike?” He seemed excited at the prospect.
“Gross, no!” I pushed him back. “Nothing so…um, quick.” I recovered. “I think I’d like her to suffer. I want her punished. I want it to linger.”
One side of his mouth lifted in a half smile. “Do, tell?” he said, sliding his hands down my arms, gently grasping my fingers. He lifted my hand to his mouth. He ran his lips across my knuckles and then kissed his way up my arm only to slide his tongue along the silvery ink of his mark. “What horrors do you have in mind?” He glanced up as he kissed my wrist and smiling, he playfully bit my fingers as he sucked them into his hot mouth one by one.
I pulled my hand away and gripped his hair in a tight fist. His eyes flashed as I pulled him with me to the ground. Then, nipping his lips with my teeth, I smiled. “Banish her from your side.” I whispered. “Send her to the mortal world.” I watched his face as he tried to speak. “But," I placed my finger on his lips, “give her a soul first.”
His eyes widened, and then he pulled away from me. Standing, he walked several steps away, his giant wings slowly fluttering, making the flowers dance as he moved.
As I watched him, I felt my life flash before my eyes. An eternity of games and deceptions. Ann’s face flashed into my mind then. Her child growing tall and strong as all of the others in her life would. Many others. Smiling, I bit back my fears and self-pity and, sucking in a cleansing breath, I gazed at Lu. His hand cradling his chin as he paced.
I couldn’t let Helen remain a demon. She had to have a soul so that she could feel pity, compassion and love. It was the best thing for everyone. If she had to live as a mortal woman with a conscience, maybe she could move on and have a life. One that didn’t include torturing my friends. She could use her beauty for something other than evil. If Lu knew what I was thinking, he would do something horrid. I didn’t really want her to be tortured or killed. Something good had to come out of this.
He turned his back to me and stepped away. “You are cunni
ng.” He moved close and took my arm, pulling me up. I licked my lips as he pulled me close, sniffing my hair, he pulled the small strap of clothing off my shoulder. I wore a dress I didn’t remember putting on. “It is done.” He licked my shoulder and the second strap slid from my arm.
I stood naked in a field of flowers, the prince of darkness kneeling at my feet. I closed my eyes as he pulled me to the ground.
TWENTY ONE
“Okay, let’s go over this one more time, you little shits. No, you can’t suck my toes or anything else on my body,” I glared at a short leathery demon in a white sport coat and jeans, “and I do not require the fucking heart of a virgin or any other disgusting, horrible body part,” The demon with the pig nose snorted and backed away. “Now please, stop pestering me!”
“But my queen,”
“I am not your queen!” I shouted, sending the ugly, little creatures scurrying from the room.
They would return. They’d been bothering me incessantly for several days now that Lu was gone. He’d left several days ago, claiming that he had to grab a few items for our wedding. Everything had to be re-done, he’d confessed, as he’d gotten angry the last time and destroyed everything and everyone associated with the last ceremony.
“Pardon me, My Lady.”
I turned, sighing, I slumped my shoulders at my newest interruption.
“Another gown?” I closed my eyes and counted to ten as I tried to swallow down the bile. This gown was fashioned out of what appeared to be skin and bones. The corset looked like a human rib cage. I shuddered and shook my head.
“No,” I moaned, my mouth filling with saliva as I braced my hands on the wall.
“My Lady, please. You must choose before he returns.” The creature speaking was as pale as paper and thin as a reed. A walking nightmare with eyes hollow and dry. I was in the underground, the level just outside of Hell itself. To enter the halls of Hell, Lu told me, was to see the real version. Now that I was his, I was no longer immune to the horror. He had warned me to never enter unless I wanted to go utterly mad. Curiosity killed the cat, he had laughed. I had no desire to test that, I wasn’t that stupid. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but this was Hell. I had a feeling curiosity didn’t just kill the cat, it tortured it slowly in a room full of nightmares.