Well, there was no turning back now. She was here. Tavin could very well be within those dark and oppressive walls. The thought of him made her heart flutter inside her chest and strengthened her resolve. She could do this.
Emily didn’t delude herself in thinking that there was a possibility that they could be together. Even after everything and as much as they loved each other, they were too different. The truth was they could never co exist in a normal world. Emily's sudden acceptance of this made the hurt start all over again. Like she lost him a second time. Shaking her head she scolded herself for her inability to think more positive. This wasn't about her feelings. This was about finding Tavin and trying to secure some sort of peace, if that was at all possible.
So Emily began moving again. A little quicker this time. And she found herself in front of the large gate in a matter of moments. Now that she stood there, she realized she had no clear defined plan and that was a dangerous thing. Anything could meet her on the otherside.
Emily was being viciously hunted. She was the prey and she knew that the hunter lived here. This was Lilith’s place. It reeked of her. This is where Tavin had lived out his existence, until he had found her.
She shuddered thinking of it. She knew that he was a demon, but he had proven how unique he was. He was able to feel empathy and love. That made him something better, something different. Emily concentrated on this as she pushed her weight against the thick wooden gate. The wood felt hot beneath her hands and she tried not to pull away.
It didn’t budge. Emily pushed again. Nope. It definitely wasn’t moving. She was overcome by a desperate strength and began frantically beating the door with her hands.
Emily began to panic. Her hands were bruised and bleeding. So close but still miles away. The scream that tore from her throat shocked her. The rawness of that sound seemed to rock the walls around her.
There was a thickening silence and then a noise. Emily strained her ears, thinking that she must have imagined it. There it was again. A small creak, the sound of wood on wood. A grinding, as before her eyes the massive gate slowly opened.
Emily was stupefied and unsure of what to do. But then snapping out of it she went inside, before her better senses could say otherwise.
The gate opened into a small courtyard. It was dusty with dirt and sand. The walls were lined with stone benches. Large mounds covered each bench and towered upward at least ten feet high.
What the? Emily moved towards the closest bench to investigate further. And was promptly sorry that she did. These mounds were piles of bodies. Demon bodies. Black ooze poured sluggishly out of gaping holes where eyes should have been. Their faces seemed melted as if they were wax and had been left in front of a fire.
It was then that the smell hit her. It was putrid and immediately conjured the nightmares that had been plaguing her since Tavin had left. It was the same horrible smell and it made her gag. She leaned over and wretched into the dirt.
Emily braced her hands on her knees and heaved until her insides felt as if they would fall out. When she was finally done she stayed hunched over, trying to simply breathe.
She was in serious trouble here. But she couldn’t do anything about it. She was stuck. There was no way she would be waking up anytime soon.
Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand she rubbed her tongue over her teeth, trying to get rid of the sick that clung there. A slight movement out of the corner of her eye made her stiffen. She slowly moved her head in that direction.
Standing in the shadows was a man, well a boy really. He didn’t look any older than she was. He had Tavin’s dark curly hair. Even at this distance, his eyes were clear and visible. They were red.
Emily couldn’t stop herself from snorting in mirthless humor. How stereotypically…demon.
Her laughter caught the boy off guard and it seemed to anger him. He pulled himself to his full height, which was an impressive one. He would easily tower over her. Emily swallowed her giggles, that seemed to continue unbidden. Making fun of a demon was definitely not smart. Get it together girl, she chided herself.
He stood there, staring at her and she started to get impatient. Jeez. This was a crappy welcoming committee. That made her laugh again.
The boy frowned. “Will you shut up?” He didn’t yell, but his voice was clear and demanded obedience. Emily’s laughter trailed off. Well, he was pretty rude.
When she was finally quiet, he turned and walked through a door behind him. Emily assumed she was meant to follow and jogged to catch up. As she walked over the threshold of the doorway, she felt as if she were crossing some sort of invisible barrier. The air seemed to resist her entry and she had to push her way into the building.
When she looked in front of her, Emily wished she hadn’t been allowed to come in. It was a dark and depressing place, full of shadows and hidden alcoves. The darkness seemed to vibrate with life and the shadows slid along the floor and over her feet, leaving an icy sensation in their wake.
The hair pricked up all over her body, as if the hair follicules themselves knew she was in some serious danger. Chandaliers hung from the vaulted ceilings and their light was dim and seemed to pulse like a heartbeat, creating a strobe affect.
“This is like a bad nightclub.” She muttered to herself, hugging her arms to her body against the sudden chill. The boy stopped moving ahead of her. He didn’t turn around, but Emily got the impression that he waited for her.
''Alright, alright. I'm coming.'' She murmured under her breath, moving her eyes away from the lurking shadows and hurried down the hall.
Emily really didn’t want to see his creepy red eyes again, so she quickly followed him before he could turn and look at her. The walls seemed to hiss at her as she passed them and invisible fingers reached out and grabbed at her clothes. Malicious laughter followed her as she made her way deeper and deeper into the myriad of twists and turns.
Each corridor led to another and another. Emily unwittingly looked into one of the many alcoves that dotted the hallways. And then wished she hadn't. She hurriedly looked away from what she saw there. A twisting mass of body parts writhed together in a big sordid orgy. Um, ew. So this was that kind of place. Is this what Tavin did when he stayed here? Emily felt completely grossed out...and irrationally jealous. Yeah, like she had the luxury of worrying about her demon boyfriend's past sex life.
The nausea rolled in her stomach but she felt hollow from her recent purging. They had walked for long enough to make Emily acutely aware that she would never be able to find her way out on her own. Even with her guide, she was hopelessly lost. Every corridor, every room, looked the same. Inunidated with a penetrating darkness that made it nearly impossible to see anything.
The red eyed boy finally led her into a large chamber with cathedral ceilings and buttresses that stood prominently in the four corners. Thick, rich carpets were strewn almost haphazardely across the floor. Music drifted in through the arched doorway; a pulsating beat that whispered across her skin.
The air was spicy with a pungent, heady smell. Emily couldn’t place it, but it brought to mind images that weren’t quite PG. The entire room made her feel…dirty. Emily was aware that there were a lot of people gathered there. In the dark recesses, figures moved, meshing together in time with the insatiable beat.
Emily felt an uncomfortable tugging, a desire to join them. She watched the bodies slide together. It made her feel horrible, like a vouyer, yet she couldn’t look away. Great, she can now list Peeping Tom to her list of talents.
A throaty laugh broke through her slack jawed gaping. “Do you like what you see?” The voice was husky and sensual. It made Emily’s body do peculiar things and she wanted nothing more than to throw herself at the feet of whoever that marvelous voice belonged to. Which made her extremely disgusted and angry. Because of course she recognized it instantly.
Lilith lounged on her dais, seeming unconcerned with Emily's arrival. She was annoyingly gorgeous, as always. Her long black h
air cascading down her back in perfect waves. She wore some crazy white getup that seemed barely held together with buckles and pieces of string. What a tramp, Emily thought hatefully. Because Lilith oozed sex and was clearly very confident in her body.
If Emily didn't hate her so much, she may grudgingly respect Lilith. Because she had to give it to the female demon, the bitch knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to do whatever she had to get it...craziness she could identify with.
The violet eyes bored holes straight through her. Emily felt such a weird compulsion to walk closer to her and let Lilith do what she wanted to her. Yeah, that wasn't going to happen. So instead of going closer, she took a noticeable step back. Annoyance flashed in Lilith's eyes but it quickly disappeared.
“I love it when everything falls into place. When it all just…clicks.” The velvety voice washed over her, making her feel comforted and unclean all at once. “I’m sure you’ve figured out how this is all going to go down right?” Lilith smiled.
No point in lying or playing dumb. Emily met Lilith’s penetrating gaze. “Yeah Lilith. You want me dead. Torturing me, making me go insane, that's all a lovely little subplot, huh? Am I getting this right?” She was proud of the steadiness in her voice.
Something like respect flared in Lilith’s eyes and she smiled again. “Aren't you a sassy little thing. I almost see what Masteema sees in you.” Emily didn’t know if she should take it as a compliment or not. Her words seemed to have an undercurrent of sarcasm that was biting in its delivery.
Lilith moved slowly, purposefully and sat down on a chaise lounge. Her body draped like silk. “So, what can I do for you? I know I didn't bring you here. I can't imagine that you found yourself here all on your own.” She scoffed condescendingly.
Emily didn’t know what to do. She knew Lilith could wrench the truth from her if she wanted to, but she felt stubborn. She didn't want to share anything with this witch. Though she couldn't deny the unnatural urge to tell the female demon everything. It felt like little fingers stroking her, encouraging her to share all of her secrets. Lilith had a gravity about her that was difficult to ignore.
Lilith, sensing Emily’s hesitation, patted the seat beside her. “Come here my dear, sit with me. Let’s talk a while. I feel there’s much we must discuss.” As if flipping a light switch, her tone was light and comfortable. Like they were two girlfriends discussing prom dresses and boys.
Without thinking more about it, Emily sat beside Lilith. The heat that radiated from the woman was like being wrapped in a thick blanket. It made her want to go to sleep. Maybe she could just close her eyes for a minute. Rest a bit.
No! What was she thinking? Emily sat up straight and scooted away from Lilith. The woman laughed at her, obviously enjoying her inner struggle. “Oh darling, it’s okay. I won’t bite...yet.”
The implied threat was obvious and Emily felt intense irritation with herself. Her complacency was exasperating. She needed to be aware and conscious of what was going on.
“So…Emily, let’s talk a bit. I guess you’re here to find Masteema. I’m sorry. What is it he’s going by now? Tavin?” Emily didn’t bother to acknowledge her statement. Lilith indicated the room around here. “Well, as you can see. He’s not here. To be honest with you, I’m not sure where he is. That naughty son of mine. He seems to have slipped through my fingers.” Lilith spread her fingers out before her. “I've lost him you see.” There. Emily could finally hear the cold hatred in her voice, see the hardness in Lilith’s eyes and it chilled her to the bone.
“You’ve…um…lost him?” Emily asked in bewilderment. How could Lilith lose Tavin? Lilith's admission made Emily worry all over again. What if something had happened to him?
Lilith frowned. “Yes. It seems he’s disappeared.” Emily’s stomach rolled in somersaults. “Did he…I mean, has he...?” “Keeled over? Gone kaput? Oh, no, I would know instantly if that had happened. His existence is still palpable, just un...locatable.”
Well that was confusing. Lilith’s anger began to break through the careful façade. And when she turned her eyes on Emily, she did nothing to mask the white hot rage that smoldered there.
“He left quite a mess when he left too. And I do hate messes. Seems he thought it prudent to massacre his brothers. Such a disappointing change of events. He was always my favorite. But I can't abide by that sort of betrayal.” Lilith pouted. Emily could only stare at her. The female demon was really hard to read. Tavin killed his brothers and then took off? She knew it had to do with her. But she also knew Tavin had effectively made an enemy of his mother.
Lilith's face iced over as she watched Emily. “And my dear, I can’t help but think this is all your fault.” Lilith's clipped words came at her like daggers. This was going south, and quickly.
“My fault?” Emily squeaked. Lilith’s purple eyes flashed. “Well, whose fault would it be then?” She asked the question rhetorically, clearly not expecting Emily to answer her.
“I haven’t seen him either.” Emily argued. Lilith held up a perfectly manicured hand, cutting her off. “Do you think I'm stupid? I would know instantly if he had gone to you. His fascination with you is ridiculous and makes me more than a little...perturbed. It has become a bit inconvenient.”
Inconvenient. That’s one way of looking at it. Emily was aware that red eyed boy still stood in the shadowy recesses of the room. He was like a creepier version of Eddie Munster. And Eddie Munster used to scare her to death when she was little. So that was saying something.
“You see Emily. Tavin is my first son. My favorite son. How much has Mas...I mean Tavin, told you about my history?” Lilith’s voice was curious, waiting for her answer.
“Some. Tavin told me about how you…well…how you became...um, you.” Emily didn’t know how to say it. Lilith laughed then. “Interesting way to put it.” Emily grimaced. “Well Emily, if you know, please share with me what you think I am.” Emily swallowed audibly. “Well, you’re a demon.” Lilith’s laughter rose in pitch and it hurt Emily’s ears.
Lilith drew herself up straight, her shoulders thrown back in haughty derision. She peered down at Emily with nothing but loathing. “I am the Queen of it all you stupid girl! I’m the first! The most powerful. They have always been scared of me! They know what I can do!” Lilith seemed to be talking more to herself then to Emily, so she kept quiet. Lilith's mouth worked as she tried to reestablish her control over her rage. Her eyes took a faraway look and she started talking. And the words that unfolded surprised Emily with their truth and candor.
“They tried to control me. But they couldn’t. I’ve made sure of that. No one can stop me, not even the Maker himself!” Lilith's words were flat, so sure and confident.“Did you know Adam and I were together for hundreds of years? That was a blink of the eye back then. But we were happy together. I had everything I could ever want. And then it was taken from me.” She pointed upwards, towards the sky. “He corrupted my husband! I know that's what happened! We were equals Adam and I. Never a moment of discord between us. But then one day it changed.”
Lilith’s face became sad and Emily was taken aback by the raw emotion there. She was lost in her memories and seemed to have forgotten that Emily was there. Lilith's eyes glazed over and her eyes saw something that Emily couldn’t.
“Adam wouldn’t take no for an answer. He wouldn’t accept what I wanted. It had to be his way. He…hurt me. I kept telling him no and no and he kept coming for me. The skies blackened and the wind hurt my naked skin. He was angry; I had never seen such rage.”
Lilith’s voice was so quiet that Emily had to strain to hear her. The anguish in the ancient woman’s voice tugged at Emily’s heart, despite her better judgment. This wasn’t the Queen of demons right now; it was an angry and abused woman. A woman who had her entire life turned upside down at the whim of a man. Emily couldn’t help but feel sympathy for her.
“Why did he change? Why wouldn’t he listen to me? He always heeded my words; always took into accou
nt what I wanted. I know he was changed. He was told to dominate me, to make me supplicate. But I wasn’t made for that. I couldn’t bow to Adam; we were created to support each other. I loved him. Desperately.”
Emily could have sworn there were tears in those magnificent purple eyes. She couldn’t look away from that beautiful and wretched face. The anguish written there broke Emily’s heart and she felt an incredible urge to touch Lilith. To comfort her. She had completely forgotten how dangerous a situation she was in. She was lost in Lilith’s recollections, as if she were there herself.
“And then I fled. I left the Garden, my home. It hurt so much to leave. I felt as if I left my soul there. And maybe I did. And He betrayed me in the worst possible way. He sent them after me.” She spat the words. Emily knew she was referring to the three angels. Emily shivered involuntarily, remembering this part of the story.
“I evaded them for hundreds of years, finding respite in parts of the world that were only taking life. I had nowhere to turn. I was destroyed, completely. I had lost everything.” She whispered.
Emily noticed a movement out of the corner of her eye and saw that the demon Eddie Munster had moved towards his mother, just as compelled by her story and her sadness as Emily was. The shadowed figures had stopped moving and seemed to wait, as they all were, for Lilith to tell her story.
“I had decided to go home. To find Adam, to talk to him. To make peace with my God and to submit. I was lonely, afraid, tired of the fear. Then they found me.” Lilith’s breath hitched. Emily held hers.
“And they killed every last bit of my humanity. Those so called angels. And we’re called demons!” She laughed, a horrible and humorless sound. Emily jumped at the way the noise cut through the eerie silence. “Three days they spent violating my body, my soul, my heart, until there was nothing left. And he enjoyed it. The leader…they called him Sanvi. His name means at peace.” She spat out. Her face became cold.
Irresistible Fear Page 31