Demon Possession

by Kiersten Fay

  Nadua.

  “I feel her!” Anya yel ed over the sound of the growing wind. “She is close!”

  The men paused and looked to Sebastian. “It’s getting too cold. Look at you, your lips are turning purple.”

  “I’m fine. What if she’s hurt? What if she’s alone?” When he continued shaking his head she resorted to begging. “Please.” He knew she could never live with herself if something happened to her sister when they were so close.

  “She’s close you say?”

  Anya nodded, biting back tears.

  “Spread out, everyone, but keep in sight of one another.” To Anya he said. “We only have a few minutes.” Sebastian rubbed his hands vigorously over her arms to warm her.

  “Please Bastian, go look for my sister. I might be colder than I’ve ever been in my life but she could be dying. I’l wait here, I promise.”

  At length he nodded. “I won’t be far.” His warm lips met her icy ones, and then he was off.

  After a few lonely minutes Anya bounced impatiently, nothing to do but think of the cold and her sister.Was she okay? What would she look like? How could any place be so cold?

  A thick gloved hand wrapped around her mouth cutting off her air.

  Sebastian trudged through the snow, glancing back at Anya every few moments. She’d been shivering uncontrol ably when he’d left her. He’d agreed to look for her sister but after a quick perusal he was getting her back to the warmth of the ship as quickly as possible. The storm was already thickening, limiting his vision. Too much longer out here and they wouldn’t be able to find their way back.

  Atop the summit he saw nothing but white, white, and more white. It was no use they wouldn’t find anything in this stuff. He turned back ready to gather the group when his heart stopped at the sight below.

  Squinting in the haze it looked like someone was slowly approaching Anya’s back. When the darkened figure wrapped a hand around her mouth and she began to kick wildly Sebastian sprinted toward them. The Edge came swiftly, rage coursed through him.

  Bel owing Sebastian watched in horror as the person was dragging his Anya toward something. Aship! His thick tights kicked harder against the soft snow covered ground.

  He almost came crashing to his knees when Anya went limp, body slumping against, what now looked like a large male. He recognized the face as Darius’s second-in-command. Fire burned hatred through his blood.

  I’m too late!

  The shuttle door shut tight and the ship began to rise. Sebastian threw himself against the door, clawing at the thick metal. “Anya!” He screamed, knowing it would make no difference. He’s lost her.

  The shuttle rumbled to life and quickly disappeared into the sky. Sebastian’s mind was a haze of chaos. He’d promised to protect her, keep her safe.

  Promised they’d be together forever. He’d failed her in every way.

  Cale and Ethanule rushed up beside him,glancing around wildly for the threat.

  “What happened! Where is Anya?” Sebastian couldn’t decipher who was speaking. His mind just kept repeating. She’s gone. She’s gone. Evidently he’d been saying it aloud too because someone said, “What do you mean she’s gone!”

  Just then Marik came racing toward them with a look of urgency, “Run! The natives are coming. And they’re not happy! I think that ship spooked them.

  What was up with that?”

  Sebastian cleared his thoughts and took stock of the situation. He was no help to Anya in his panicked state. “Darius has Anya. Everyone to the ship I’m going after her.”

  Swoosh.

  A long arrow, attached to a thick rope landed in the snow beside them, as agroup of agitated natives appeared from behind the thick snowfal . Rows of white headed people, al but one was scantly clothed as if the cold meant nothing. Oneof them, standing at the forefront,was completely covered in skins and furs, a hood covered his features.Must be theleader.

  At any other time Sebastian would have tried for diplomacy. “Let’s go!”

  They hurried away, dodging arrows and spears. The snow was rapidly fal ing, obscuring Sebastian’s line of sight. He thought he saw their ship ahead, but when he looked again al he saw was a blanket of white.

  A roar of agony rang out through the air. They al turned to see one of the arrows fixed with rope spearing through Marik’sthigh, the rope was taught. With a hefty tug his leg reared back, spil ing him to the ground.Clawing at the groundheslid backa few inches in the slick snow. When their eyes met, Marik’s were resolute. Sebastian’s heart clenched.

  “Go! She needs you more than I! You know this!” When Sebastian hesitated Marik let go and he was dragged away, disappearing quietly into the veil of snow.

  Marik was a fierce warrior, whoever held the other end of that rope would surely lose his head.

  “Let’s go!” Sebastian cal ed to the others stil dodging angry projectiles. Leaving Marik sickened Sebastian. If it wasn’t his mate in trouble, he would have stayed to fight. Marik understood this, as any demon would. Confident in Marik’s skil s, he vowed to come back for him once Anya was safely in his arms again.

  They reached the ship, Cale took the helm and the ship ascended, swiftly leaving the frigid land and Marik behind.

  The familiar feel of cold hard metal aggravated her skin, stagnant air coated herlungs in the menacing darkness. Thefamiliar drawl of The Hel Ship surrounded her.

  There was no help for her now. No sweet life with her equal y sweet demon. His face flashed in her mind and she had to bite back a sob.

  No, there would be no happy endings for her.

  Her only consolation was that Sebastian and the rest were left behind, eluding Darius’s attention. At least they had a chance to return to their lives, before she’d endanger everyone with her fatuous attempt at changing her fate.

  Now that they had the book they had a chance at saving her people. They knew where to find Nadua, and Ethan could easily decipher the rest of the book.

  Her involvement has been completed, and she was glad she’d served a purpose.

  Her major regret was al owing Sebastian to claim her. She’d managed to ruin his life either way. How sil y it was of her to think so long term. Forever he’d be separated from his one mate. She hoped he could move on one day and find happiness. He had the luxury to try. She hoped he would succeed.

  Be happy for the both of us.

  As it was, she would never forget him. The memory of their time together she wil cherish always, even as it eats away at her sanity.

  Shifting her body,Anya’sback ached from the lashings. Manacles at her wrists and ankles were attached to heavy chains that clanged against one another as she moved.

  How many days had it been? She guessed two or so, maybe three.

  Her newly enhanced gifts were becoming a menace. She could sense the people on board and wished she couldn’t. Most of them were appal ing, touching their energy made her feel contaminated.

  Light flooded the room, burning her eyes. She blinked away tears as a man unlocked her bindings while another stood in the doorway.

  Darius.

  “The horde is on its way.” Darius sneered and threw something on top of her. She expected it to hurt badly since in landed on her wounded back. But it only slightly stung. Grasping soft material she strained her tired eyes to see it.

  A dress? A finer material than had evenexisted on theMarada. She looked back up at Darius, venom in her eyes.

  “Be grateful Analia. I’m about to give you a present.”

  He ordered her to put on the dress, watching as she did, with a wretched smile on his lips. She wasn’t going to ask about the present,though heobviouslywanted her to.

  “Not curious?”

  Silence.

  “Oh come now, you might like to know?”

  More silence.

  “Very wel , I’l tel you. The demons are on their way, I suspect a misguided attempt at a rescue.”

  Anya’s muscles stiffened. She forced herself not
to react. He was watching her intensely.

  “Fortunate for them no one here needs rescuing. Isn’t that right?”

  Anya stared right through him.

  “Because if someone did need rescuing, then I would have to fight them.” His tone was laced with significant meaning. “I might even be forced to kil them.”

  Anya bit her tongue to keep from showing a reaction. A sick feeling crept into the pit of her stomach. She fingered the expensive gown, waiting til she was sure her voice was steady before she spoke. “You want me to tel them to go away.”

  “I want you to convince them that you are perfectly happy where you are,and wouldn’t want to leave for the life of you.”

  Bile rose in her throat.

  “I need them one-hundred percent convinced. Can you do that sweetheart?” He raised a hand to brush her cheek. Swiftly she turned her head away. “Or I could just kil them, whatever you wish.”

  “No,” She breathed. Her voice hol ow, “I can convince them.”

  Sebastian barreled his way onto the ship, demanding access. With little persuasion their smal shuttle was permitted to dock. In the back of his mind he found that strange but his thoughts were on finding Anya.

  Calic was the voice of reason, along with Ethanule. They’d determined their easy admittance was the beginnings of a trap. Sebastian agreed but he had to get to her. Was she okay? Sebastian’s chest tightened with worry.

  They were led into a medium-sized room, a viewing room of sorts. Underfoot was a platform, and above was a balcony lining the wal s. The moment he spotted her up there his heart sang with relief, until he registered the look on her face.

  She looked … smug?

  A stunning red gown draped her body. Her hair was up, exhibiting the soft curve of her neck, with light tendrils fal ing around her face. Her stance was lax, as if she didn’t have a care in the world. She seemed … wrong.

  “Anya?” He cal ed to her. He thought she stifled a flinch, as if he’d slapped her with the use of her name.

  “Demon,” She said coldly.

  Now he felt like he’d been slapped. “What is this?”

  Her laugh was sharp,the sound of it was horrid. Sebastian’s stomach tightened with fear.

  “I fear I’ve played a nasty game with you demon. You believed it al toowel .”

  “Believed what? Are you unwel ? Did they do something to you?” For a split second he saw his Anya in her eyes, only for a moment then it was gone.

  “They’ve done nothing to me that I didn’t want.”

  Cale jumped in, “So help me I wil gut you wench!”

  Sebastian growled him back in line then turned back to Anya. Her expression was amused, cutting at his heart.

  Not you love. Don’t betray me.

  “Give me a sign Anya. Are you being coerced?”

  Tossing her head back she laughed at them once more. “And stil you believe it. Oh, how this wil amuse me for years to come.”

  “Anya please!” It couldn’t be true. Darius had to be making her say these things. Yet she looked so at ease in her expensive gown, hand leisurely resting on the banister at her front. She looked as if she’d never known a day of suffering. Could he have been so stupid?

  “Anya please,” She heartlessly mimicked. Her eyes turned to Ethan. “You too were fooled. Too bad I didn’t have more time to play it would have been fun pitting the two of you against each other.” Looking at her nails she added, “Do what you wil with the book, it’s no concern of mine.”

  To his back Sebastian felt the heat of Ethanule’s rage. Sebastian swal owed the building lump in his throat. “Just give me a sign. We can make it out of here. Just give me a sign.”

  He noticed her throat working hard, she waited a moment before speaking again. “Forget it demon, it’s over. I’m tired of you. Leave now before you irritate me further.”

  Cale shouted, “I’l kil you, you bitch!”

  Anya gave a gesture as if to say, wel here I am.

  Sebastian placed a palm on his chest, in no way enough to stop him if Cale trulywanted to get to her. He suspected Cale was hurting as badly as he was right now. Facing Anya, Sebastian tried one last time. “This is your last chance. Come with us now or stay here forever.” His tone was harsh but his emotions were threatening to break him down. He waited, breath held, for her answer—hoping beyond al hope that she would drop this facade, reveal the old Anya, and run into his arms. “I love you.”

  Her eyes grew cold as she stabbed him in the heart with her words, “I don’twantyou.”

  Anya’s heart died each time she had to speak. Horrible things were spewing from her mouth, hateful untrue things that stuck in the back of her throat like acid. Cale was quickly a believer, swift to relinquish his trust. Hatred seethed through him. But Ethan was stil suspicious and Bastian …

  She was running out of time, needed to convince them to leave.

  Pain from the beatings stil laced her body—the bruises were coved by the lie of a dress. For a moment she became dizzy, and had to grasp the banister to keep from fal ing over.

  Just go. She pleaded with her mind.Save yourselves.

  Sebastian wasn’t giving up. He was going to fight for her. So she had to say something that would make him hate her forever.

  Her throat worked feverishly to keep down her sob. Her eyes strained to hold back the tears for what she was about to say. “I don’twantyou.” She spat.

  The hurt she saw in him just then replaced her pain with something far worse. But when she actual y felthim switch, felt that hewas starting to believeherlying words she couldn’t take it any longer. “Leave this ship now or die!” Quickly, just as hot tears streaked her cheeks she left the room, and her love behind.

  None of them wouldknow what she’d done for them, and Sebastian would hate her for eternity.

  Chapter 26

  Dumbfounded and heartbroken, Sebastian stood motionless. Staring at the empty spot where Anya had been standing. She’d looked at him with disgust as she effortlessly ripped his heart from his chest.

  Memories of his own Mothers betrayal flashed in his mind. Anya has sported that same cal ousness look on her face, with not an ounce of remorse.

  Betrayed again, by his own mate!

  Now he truly understood Cale’s pain. How could he have lived through such a thing without plunging over the Edge forever? Even now, Sebastian felt his mind going. He wasn’t strong enough to endure this. His stomach twisted in his gut.

  A faint voice cal ed to him, “Sebastian, you’re losing it man. Hold it together.”

  Anguish and rage fil ed him at the words, he wanted to grab whoever had spoken and wring his neck until it popped. Anya was gone! He had nothing to hold on to; nothing to live for without her.

  “Let’s get back to the ship and regroup.” It was Cale who spoke. Cale wanted him to leave his mate behind!

  She doesn’t want you!

  She’d been cold, distant, and heartless. Not his Anya. But there had been flashes, he recal ed. For tiny moments her old self had shone through.Had her hands been shaking?His mind went to work, evoking every detail. Blond hair washed over her face, shadowing shiny red eyes.Had she been crying?Her voice had been nearly empty until the end when it faintly cracked on her last words. She’d grabbed the wal —for support?—as she’d rushed through the door.

  He refused to believe Anya could be so uncaring. She was always so self-sacrificing. Then it clicked. Shewassacrificingherself, thinking she could save them. That had to be it.

  “Sebastian, we should go.”

  “I’m not leaving without her.”

  “I know what you’re going through—”

  “She was lying!”

  “Yeah,I know.”

  “No,just thenshe’s was lying.”

  Cale just gave him a sad look, opening his mouth to say something more. But Sebastian interrupted.

  “I know her. I know her heart. She only said those things because she thought she had to.”

&
nbsp; “I want to believe that too, but …”

  “Calic I’m not leaving her.”

  His shoulders dropped as Cale acknowledged the resolution in his tone. To Ethanule he said, “If you value your life pirate, you should get back to the ship.”

  “If my princess needs me, I am here.”

  Cale nodded. “Then let’s rip this crap-hole apart.”

  Suddenly masses of bodies poured into the room, each with a weapon pointed straight at their heads.

  Humorlessly Ethanule quipped. “Go ahead Cale, rip away.”

  Another week in the dark chil ed cel , manacles in place. With a profound emptiness, she stared at nothing. Drained of al their moisture her eyes were dry, frozen in a constant state of shock.

  Her father had come to her once, she recognized him now for who he was. But she refused to look at him. She didn’t need him anymore and there was nothing he could do. He sat next to her for a time, in his ghostly form, pretending as though he could provide some measure of comfort.

  He should leave her be, she’d served her purpose in his ploy. Sebastian was gone, perhaps they’d found Nadua and were on the way to retrievehereldest sister. As he’d said in his letter, her father needed to be strong for their people.Think of them now.

  “Go Away! I am finished!”

  When her father final y left she hoped he never came back. There was no need for him to see her like this—wasted, resigned,and final y broken. Her heart weeping for what it has lost.

  For the last week she’d been alone with her thoughts, like parasites eating at her brain.

  She didn’t care that she was hungry. If they brought food, she wouldn’t eat it.

  The rumbling ship taunted her from every angle.

  A repetitive noise in the distance formed into footsteps, stopping outside her door. The lock clicked and the door swung opened, flooding the room with light. She didn’t flinch, thoughthe lightstung and burned her dry eyes.The figure moved to unlock the metal from her wrists and ankles.