A Demon Made Me Do It
Demonblood Series #1
A novel
by
Penelope King
Copyright © 2011 Penelope King
Smashwords Edition
http://authorpenelopeking.blogspot.com/
This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and events are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.
All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author.
The poems of Lord Byron, William Blake, and Paul Laurence Dunbar are used under the fair use act and are in the public domain.
Chapter 1. Liora
Whoever says Hell is the worst place imaginable obviously never spent a day at Dove Creek High School. There needs to be an inscription on its front gates reading, “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.”
Somewhere in the back of my mind is the soft hum of my teacher’s voice, but I pay no attention to his words. The clock on the wall ticks by so slowly I swear it actually stops a few times. I close my eyes and try to imagine a happier place—anywhere but here, doing anything but wasting my life pretending to belong in a world that hates me.
“According to Dante, the eighth circle is reserved for those who have committed treacherous acts of fraud and deceit…” Mr. Sodenberg drones. I love how he has the ability to make a journey through Hell seem less interesting than a trip to the dentist.
To be fair, I’d already read Inferno when I was eight years old as part of my early demonhood education. Although that was nearly nine years ago, I still have perfect recall of each and every word, as with anything else I’ve ever read. Listening to it being discussed in class is as exciting as re-learning the alphabet without all the fun of singing the catchy tune that goes along with it.
I half-open one eye to peek outside the window. Bare bones of tree branches tremble in the wind. Soon it will be winter. Soon the snow will come. Then, not only will I be stuck inside a classroom for most of the day, my lazy afternoons in the woods will be limited even more. I’ll be trapped in the small cabin I share with Tatiana, my guardian.
Trapped. Story of my life.
Trapped in this classroom, trapped in my body, trapped in the daylight, trapped in this false world. Trapped in limbo with no escape in sight.
It’s cold outside, so when my skin starts suddenly warming up, I know something’s wrong. As the sun-burning sensation slowly spreads up my neck, I begin to panic.
Oh, no. No, no, please no.
“Liora Greyson!” Mr. Sodenberg’s angry voice and a book cracking against his podium snaps me to attention. I raise my head from the cradle of my arms and shoot him an icy glare.
“What?” My voice doesn’t belong to me anymore. It sounds like me, but it’s not.
He scowls at me from behind his reading glasses. “I’m sorry if our discussion on Dante’s Inferno is interfering with your naptime.” The rest of the class titters, except for my friend Corrine Wilson, who looks at me with concern.
“Yeah, mind keeping it down? Whah Whah Whah. That’s what you sound like.” I can’t stop the words coming out. My heart sinks and I close my eyes. Realizing I still have some control over my own body, I place a hand over my mouth. But it’s too late; the damage has already been done.
Again.
Shocked gasps mix with nervous laughs and disapproving sneers. Mr. Sodenberg’s face puffs up and turns red, and his normally squinty eyes look like they’re about to pop out of their sockets.
“Principal’s office. Now.”
Great. What else is new?
“…and you tell him that you are no longer welcome in my classroom. I will not tolerate this type of behavior.”
“Yes, sir.” My hand rises to my head and gives a snappy salute before I’m able to force it back down. I grab my book bag, ignoring the superior looks from my classmates. They enjoy seeing me get in trouble, as if watching the weird-freak-girl getting punished for being a weird-freak-girl makes them feel better about their simple, ordinary lives. But no matter how strange they think I might be, they’d be terrified if they knew the real truth.
As they should be.
A cool blast of air stings my face as I trudge down the school’s breezeway. I zip up my jacket and debate walking right past the principal’s office and right off campus.
I lean against a rusted locker and weigh my options. Either deal with a smart-mouthed demon hijacking my body and getting me in trouble, or, face an angry witch waiting for me at home if I ditch again.
Awesome.
Dante never covered this part in his guidebook through the nine circles of Hell. He only wrote of going to a place where demons punished sinners after their deaths. Nowhere does he mention the personal hell of having to share a body with a living demon who can torment at will, but I’m sure he would have appreciated the cruel irony. Perhaps this could have been his ‘tenth circle’.
After a few moments I decide to take my chances with the principal. My body temperature feels back to normal, so I think I’m safe for now. I can only pray. The secretary, Ms. Fleming, doesn’t even ask why I’m in here, she just gives me her usual hateful glare. I take a seat on an ugly orange chair, stare at the old Civil War photographs on the wall, and ignore her dirty looks.
Principal Winters opens his door and clears his throat. “Miss Greyson, come in.” He definitely isn’t happy to see me. But that’s the reaction of most people. Some, like Ms. Fleming, openly despise me. Others try to act nice, but I can always tell they feel uncomfortable. It’s all about the eye contact—or lack thereof. People tend to look off to the side when speaking to me, or just glance for a nanosecond before averting their gaze. Maybe eyes really are the windows to the soul, and they don’t want to see how ugly mine is.
“So, Liora, what brings you here today?” He relaxes in his chair as if we’re going to have a nice chat about the weather, his eyes focusing on the wall behind me.
I actually like Mr. Winters. He sort of reminds me of Santa Claus, and unlike his repulsive secretary, he genuinely seems to care about the students. I even give him some credit for trying to be nice to me.
“I may have nodded off in English class. Mr. Sodenberg wasn’t happy about it.”
“Ahh, yes.” He nods as if he understands completely. “Are you feeling all right?”
“Fine.”
“How are things at home?”
“Perfect.”
His smile fades. “How is your grandmother these days? I know you take care of her by yourself and that must be quite a burden for you.”
“She’s great. Absolutely no trouble at all.”
He frowns, determined to solve me…to fix me. Yeah, good luck with that.
“Are you bored in your classes, Liora?”
Why, yes. Yes I am, Principal Winters. I am bored out of my freakin’ mind! This place makes me stupider by the minute!
“No, I’m fine. Academically challenged. Intellectually stimulated.”
He ignores my sarcasm. “I’m going to be straight with you, Liora. I’m becoming very concerned with your behavior lately…”
That makes two of us…
“…this is the fourth time you’ve been sent here in the last two weeks. Skipping classes, the incident in gym…”
“I told you, that fight wasn’t my fault,” I interrupt, but there’s no point in arguing. I’m pretty sure he won’t buy my ‘a-demon-made-me-do-it’ excuse, but I’m half-tempted to say it anyway. But then he’ll just send me to the school guidance counselor again, and she’ll tell Tatiana she’s concerned with my mental health again. Tatiana will have to smooth things over again and get mad at me again. Pass.
He leans forward in his chair and shuffles some papers on his desk. “There is no question you are academically gifted. Your test scores are consistently the highest in your class and your grades impeccable, despite your apparent lack of effort. Your future is wide open for any number of incredible educational and professional opportunities, if you so desired. Yet you don’t appear to care at all, and this concerns me. You seem to enjoy mocking anyone who tries to help you. I just wish I knew where this poor attitude of yours comes from.”
Trust me, you don’t want to know. “I’m sorry. I’ll try to do better. More caring, less mocking. I promise.” I force a smile and hope that’s the end of it.
But my optimism quickly turns into dread when the familiar stinging creeps up from my stomach, over my chest, and down my arms and legs. She’s back.
I need to get away from here. Unfortunately, Principal Winters still wants to chat. He opens a file and carefully peruses its contents. I shift uncomfortably in my seat and take several deep breaths, focusing all of my energy on remaining present and in control.
I am Liora Greyson… I am Liora Greyson… I am Liora Greyson.
But Her electric threads of fire spread throughout my body like a swarm of army ants marching to battle. A battle I will lose.
“Have you given any more thought to your plans after graduation? Mrs. Collins has reported you’ve skipped all of your college prep counseling appointments. As a senior, you don’t have much time left to get your applications in. I have taken the liberty of finding some schools…”
I am Liora Greyson. I am human. I am here. This is my time, not yours…
My silent chant goes unheeded. It’s futile to ever try to fight Her. Her energy overtakes me and again I’m nothing more than a mere spectator—a silent, powerless passenger in my own body. She fixes my gaze hypnotically on Mr. Winters, who instantly freezes and stares back.
“Mister Winters, excuse me, Principal Winters, thank you for your concern, but there’s no need to worry about me anymore. I have things figured out and will be just fine. I’m leaving now, and you won’t stop me. In fact, you’ll forget you even saw me today. Everything’s cool as far as Liora Greyson is concerned. She’s your favorite student. You adore her.” My voice sounds sweeter than sugar drenched in honey.
Still holding the file in midair, Mr. Winters nods robotically.
“You may speak.”
“Th-th-thank you…th-th-thank you for c-coming in. P-please let me know if I can h-h-help you with anything…anything at all…”
“Thank you, kind sir, I’ll be sure to do that. You have a nice day, now. Ta ta,” I sing and exit his office. One look at Ms. Fleming silences her into submission, and she stares at me like a petrified toad.
Somewhere between the dried-up flower beds outside the offices and the cracked sidewalk, Her invading force recedes, allowing me to regain control. But there is no way I’m staying in school for the rest of the day with Her acting up, regardless of the consequences waiting for me at home.
Fighting back tears of frustration, I weave my way through the collection of old pick-up trucks and rusty hand-me-downs populating the student parking lot, my mind a muddled mess. Why is She showing up when it’s not her turn? Nighttime belongs to her, but the day belongs to me. And why is Tatiana forcing me to participate in this ridiculous charade of being a normal teenage girl anyway? Clearly it’s impossible. I am anything but normal and trying to act as if I am is nothing more than a masochistic exercise in futility.
But despite everything I’m feeling at this moment, it’s the helplessness that bothers me the most. Not having control over my own life. Always being at the mercy of others with powers greater than mine.
I am so freaking over it.
“Hi there, Miss…excuse me?” I don’t even notice the lanky guy leaning against the side of a shiny black pickup truck until he calls to me. I want to ignore him and keep moving, but I can’t. His voice is like an invisible lasso pulling me back.
“Yes?” I turn around slowly, wary of the stranger witnessing my mad escape. If he’s one of the school’s security guards, I’m sunk.
He slowly jogs toward me, and I roll my eyes in annoyance. This whole idea of lame, wanna-be- rent-a-cops actually providing us with any sort of ‘security’ is such a joke. All they do is bust students who don’t follow the rules. They’ll never be able to protect anyone from the real dangers lurking right under their noses.
But as he gets closer, I’m relieved to see he’s just a boy. My age. He shouldn’t care that I was ditching. I give a furtive glance around the parking lot. We’re all alone.
“Hi,” he says.
I don’t know who he is, but he’s not from around here, of that I’m certain. His shiny leather boots appear to be new and expensive, and his cable-knit sweater straight off a Ralph Lauren model. But it’s the jeans that give him away. All the guys around here wear Levi’s like they’re an assigned uniform. This boy has on designer jeans. He seems out of place at a backwoods high school deep in rural Virginia. He should be strolling around a majestic estate in the English countryside or on a yacht in some ritzy ditzy marina on the coast.
“Hi,” I say, even warier now.
He grins, and his dark blue eyes catch the early morning sunlight. He’s much taller now that he’s standing right in front of me. I tilt my head to meet his amused expression. “Are you a student here?” he asks.
I shrug. “Technically, I guess.” Bring it on, Mr. Fashion Police Wanna-Be.
He chuckles, brushing his ebony hair away from his face. “Well, then, maybe you can help me. I’m a little turned around. I’m supposed to go to the registration office to enroll for classes, but I’m not sure where it is.”
“You’re gonna start going to school here?” My pulse inexplicably speeds up at my question.
He nods. “Yup. Senior. Sucks having to start over now. Oh well.” He smiles, and I can’t help but think he could’ve been in a toothpaste commercial with those perfectly straight, white teeth. Definitely not from around here.
“Why would you come here?” Oh, yeah. That was smooth. I should’ve signed up to be the town greeter.
He laughs again. “Sorry? This is Dove Creek High School, isn’t it? Home of the Fighting Spartans?” His eyes move to the large blue and white sign behind me, but never lose any of their affability.
“Well, yeah…I mean…did you just move to town or something? Like, on purpose?” Wow, am I really one of those girls who turns into a total idiot when talking to a cute guy?
“Yeah, a few weeks ago. I came to live with my uncle. He works out at the Flintridge mines. You seem so surprised. Don’t new people ever move here?”
I actually have to think about this for a moment. “Maybe, I guess. Most people just can’t wait to get out, is all. Small town. Smaller people. Not a lot going on, no reason to be here if you don’t have to be…”
Okay, I am officially one of those idiot girls. Whatever happened to ‘Hi, welcome to Dove Creek! We’re so happy you’re here. My name is Liora Greyson and I’ll be your friendly guide…’?
“I’m sure I’ll find something to keep me occupied,” he says, the twinkle back in his eyes. I like his eyes. Not just because of their cobalt color, but because they aren’t afraid of mine. “Besides, I like small towns. I’ve lived in big cities my whole life. It’s nice out here. Peaceful…quiet. You can hear yourself think.”
I scrunch my face. Why does he say that like it’s a good thing? I’d do anything not to hear the thoughts that roam through my head. Especially lately, with Her being so psychotically obsessed with suicidal vengeance.
Instead of giving him a reply that will really convince him I’m a complete freak job, I take a deep breath and point to the scene of my earlier crime. “The administration office is over there, under the archway by the flowerbeds. Go down that little path and it’s the first door on your right. Don’t pay any attention to the secretary. She’s a nasty troll with a stick up her butt.”
“Got it, thanks.” He squints as he surveys the unique architecture. “That sure is a strange looking building. It doesn’t even look like a school.”
Oh, I got this one. Only heard the story a million and a half times. “That’s because it used to be a Jesuit Monastery. It’s almost two hundred years old. Believe it or not, those are the original stained-glass windows.” I indicate the rotunda where broken colors catch the sun’s rays. “It was used as a hospital during the civil war, and afterwards they converted it into a school.”
Surprise colors his face. “You mean to tell me you go to a school that used to be a church?”
“I don’t think a monastery is exactly the same thing as a church. Besides, it’s not like it’s a religious school now or anything…”
“Still…”
His reaction is confusing so I shrug again, my default response when I don’t know what to say or do. The history of Dove Creek High is a source of pride for the town-folk; I’ve never seen anyone bothered by it before. And that was my only small-talk ace up my sleeve. Great.
“Is there a place of worship in there? An altar or a prayer room?”
And now he’s freaked. Good going, Liora.
“Um…well, the building with all the stained glass windows used to be a chapel. But now we just use it as the auditorium. No one actually prays there.” Maybe’s he’s some sort of religious nut? Figures. All hot guys have a major flaw somewhere.
He considers this for a moment. “Fascinating,” he finally murmurs. When he catches my quizzical glance he quickly adds, “I just didn’t expect such a small town to have such an interesting landmark is all.”
Shrug number five. “It’s about the only interesting thing about this place. It’s all downhill from here.” Yup. I’m nothing if not consistent.
He turns his attention back to me and gives a small smile. “Somehow, I doubt that,” he says under his breath.
I blink. “Huh?”
“If you don’t mind me asking, why are you ditching?” he continues without missing a beat.
“Um…what makes you think I am?” My gaze darts around the parking lot again. How long have we been standing here? It feels like less than a second and forever at the same time.
“Well, because school is that way,” he says pointing back toward the brick buildings, “but you were headed that way.” He points to the line of trees on the other side of the road, the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement.
“Oh, right. Yeah, um…I’m not feeling very well. I was just going to go home and get some rest.” I hope the lie doesn’t show in my voice. Tatiana always says I’m a terrible liar. Of course, she’s not exactly the most unbiased source.
He leans against a rusty blue pick-up truck. “Sorry to hear that. I hope you feel better soon. It’d be nice to have at least one familiar person here. It’s not easy being the new guy and not knowing anybody.”
I nod sympathetically while thinking how not at all sorry for him I feel. This is one boy who won’t be lonely for long. Even if the other guys in the class have a hard time accepting this big-city newcomer, the girls will swarm to him like horny bees to a very sexy honey pot. I realize this thought disturbs me.
“I’m sure you’ll do just fine,” I mumble, my mouth suddenly dry.
His eyes lock on mine, and for a split second he sees right through me; his focused attention makes me feel as if I’m standing alone on a stage under a dozen bright spotlights, vulnerable and exposed. I gulp and my heart beats faster.
“Do you need a ride home, or do you have your own car?” His voice is soft, and I’m taken aback at his question—by the way he asks it. Almost intimately, as if we’re already old friends. Many people I’ve known for years don’t talk to me with the effortless ease this strange boy does.
“No…thanks. I mean, yeah, I have a car, but it’s at home. I prefer to walk. The fresh air does me good. But thanks anyways.”
“All right, then. That way, you say?” He motions back toward the buildings. “First door on the right and beware of nasty trolls?”
“Yeah…and if you could do me a favor and not mention that you saw me, that’d be great.” I grimace as I think of the trouble waiting for me tomorrow, let alone what’s waiting for me at home later today.
He arches a dark eyebrow, and his eyes twinkle again. “Don’t worry; your secret is safe with me. Besides, I wouldn’t even know who I was ratting out,” he adds pointedly.
“Oh, sorry…My name is Liora. Liora Greyson.” Yes. Manners. I knew I had some somewhere.
“It’s nice to meet you, Liora. I’m Kieron Ambrose.” He holds out his hand and I automatically take it; his large, warm palm makes mine seem cold and tiny. He gives it a gentle squeeze and every cell in my body wakes up on fire. I quickly pull away, not wanting to disturb the real fire slumbering inside me.
“Nice to meet you, too. Welcome to Dove Creek…I hope you like it here.” I finally remember my welcome pitch and wish I hadn’t. It sounds even cheesier out loud than in my mind.
“I’m definitely liking it so far,” he says. His eyes never leave mine.
There’s a rolling jostle in my stomach, but I’m not afraid. This strange fluttering isn’t being caused by Her. Nervously, I tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ears and smile at my new friend.
“Good luck in there…I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow.”
******
“Hello, Liora. I was wondering when you’d decide to come home.” Tatiana is hunched over the stove fixing dinner as I walk in. When she turns to face me, I’m relieved to see there’s no sign of anger in her face or disapproval in her milky-white eyes.
I’d spent the rest of the day in the forest, reading by my favorite tree and thinking of Kieron. I knew it was stupid to get all excited over some guy I didn’t even know, but I couldn’t help it. There was something different about him. And the way he spoke to me and looked at me…as if I was normal…as if he actually liked me…as a person…
It had felt nice. Really nice. A girl could get used to it, that’s for sure.
Any girl but me, that is.
“Hi, Tatiana. Sorry, I lost track of the time.” I brace myself for her scolding. She easily senses my presence within a one hundred mile radius and knows exactly where I’ve been all day. But she says nothing. Instead, she continues with the food prep and hums softly to herself.
I take a seat at the table and watch her curiously. Although she’s completely blind, Tatiana moves around with the confident agility of someone with twenty-twenty vision. She perceives objects around her with an inhuman clarity, her ‘inner eyes’ as she calls it. But that’s not why I’m mystified.
“Do not apologize to me. The sun is nearly set. It is you who must hurry if you do not wish to feel ill tomorrow,” she says as she carries over two plates of steaming food.
I quickly scarf down some of the beef and potato stew, and try to figure out a way to tell her about what happened. I need answers, even if she’ll be irritated with me.
“How was your day today?” she asks right on cue.
I swallow and try to read her face. She could’ve been a professional poker player.
“Truthfully, not great. She showed up again today and got me in trouble in class.”
Tatiana nods. “Was it a full transformation?”
I shake my head. “No, it wasn’t like what happens at night. This was more like…an out-of-body-experience, but while I was still in it. I was aware of everything She said and did…She made me say things…I think her powers worked too, judging from how the people acted. Why is she doing that? How is she even able to? Can you make her stop?”
Tatiana slowly chews her food, and for a moment I think she might not answer me. I know how much it bothers her to always be stuck in the middle of the two of us. Finally, she dabs at the corners of her mouth with a napkin. “I will speak with Her, but I believe she is just reacting to the recent events and heightened danger. Perhaps she is staying close to the surface as a protective measure.”
“She’s not protecting me; she’s getting me in trouble!”
“You know She has difficulty distinguishing the difference. What is right for her may be entirely wrong for you.”
I make a noise that’s something between a cough and a snort. “That, right there, is the understatement of the century, Tatiana.”
“I will have a word with her...”
“Yes, please tell her to butt out of my life. If she does it one more time, I’ll find a way to wake up during her time and make her say and do something really stupid. See how much she likes it.” My threat is hollow and Tatiana knows it. She knows I do everything in my power not to wake up at night and witness the world my demon half inhabits. The only thing that keeps me from going completely insane is not knowing anything that happens from dusk to dawn. Blissful ignorance being my only saving grace in this twisted situation.
I return to my meal, but Tatiana fixates her compelling gaze on me. Great.
“What?” I mutter. If she’s still going to give me a hard time about leaving even after I explained what had happened…
“Your energy is conflicted…you speak with anger and frustration, yet there is a happy glow deep within you that was not there before. I am curious as to what caused it.”
I gulp, close my eyes, and pray Tatiana can’t sense how hot my face flushes.
“It’s nothing, really,” I mumble. Oh, please. Who am I trying to fool? Might as well spill it. “There was a new boy there today. Guess his uncle works out at the mines, so he’s going to go to school here. He’s nice, is all. Sorta cute, too.” I shove a heaping spoonful of stew into my mouth and lower my head.
She nods and tilts up her chin. “Ahh, yes. The new arrival. I sensed him several days ago. However, I was unsure as to his exact purpose, and if, in fact, your paths would meet. Destinies have yet to be written, and he is only a half, bound by the dark and embraced by the light. Free will is his, for he shan’t be at the mercy of any master if liberty is within his grasp.”
I let out an exasperated sigh. That’s the thing about Tatiana. She’ll be perfectly normal one minute, but start speaking in nonsensical riddles the next. I take a swig of some apple juice and glance out the window.
“Do you know what She’s doing tonight?” I ask, eager to change the subject.
“Taxes,” Tatiana replies. “Should be uneventful. Humans only.”
“She’s not going to be happy about that. You must know she’s completely obsessed with hunting the Amazèa demons ever since she heard they were in the area. Even when She’s not surfacing I can sometimes hear her thoughts…she’s seriously gunning for a battle. I don’t think she’ll stop just to collect some money.”
“She will, because her search is futile for now. The Amazèa have already left our territory…”
Her words fade away as the first waves of fiery tingles flush through my weakening body. My time is over. I try to push my remaining food away from me, but it’s too late. My arms have already gone limp. They are no longer mine.
My fork clanks on the floor. Everything goes dark.
When I open my eyes I’m sitting at the table across from Tatiana. She gives me a small smile.
“Hello, Lucky.”
Chapter 2. Lucky
A pungent odor assaults my senses, and I look down in disgust. Even when I could consume human food I’d always been a strict vegetarian, unlike Liora, who insists on fueling our body with animal carcasses. It’s one thing to try to ignore this revolting fact—quite another to wake up to it staring me in the face.
Electric fire races through my veins as I raise my arms to obliterate the offensive sight. But Tatiana’s words stop me cold.
“Please don’t, dear. I’m particularly fond of those dishes.”
I scowl at my guardian, but allow the swirling flames on my palm to extinguish. “I know she did that on purpose. She knows this garbage makes me sick. You’d think she’d be a little more appreciative after what I did for her today.” I kick my chair back with more force than necessary and move to the other side of the room.
“And what was that?” Tatiana asks as she clears away the plates.
“Some idiots were giving her a hard time in school. I took care of it. And I was nice about it. All smiles and sweetness… mostly. Why do you insist on making her go to that horrid prison, anyway?”
Tatiana says nothing and takes the dish towel from her shoulder, using it to wipe the counter. I glance down at the clothes covering my body and moan. “And for the love of Lucifer, please tell me why she has to wear these trash bags every day. Gah, it’s a good thing one of us has some taste.”
“I think Liora has been more depressed lately.” Tatiana dries her hands and follows me into my room. She perches on the corner of the bed and smoothes her Victorian-styled dress over her dainty knees. “Lucky, why have you been taking over when it’s not your turn?”
“I’d be depressed too, if every time I looked in a mirror I saw a ridiculous emo goth moping back at me. I mean, the black nail polish is cool, but seriously…that girl needs to add some color to her wardrobe and lay off the raccoon eyeliner. Please tell her that funeral chic is over.” I remove her makeup and reapply my own.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
I hunt through the closet and retrieve my selection before responding.
“Well, someone has to be on point, especially now. I can’t let my guard down for one second with the Amazèa back in town. And Liora, she’s so weak. If they wanted to get me, what better way than to go through her when I’d be unprotected and utterly helpless? Thankfully, she’s been making it much easier for me to pop in… she just sorta mentally checks out and wants me to take over, even if she won’t admit it.”
Leave it to Liora to blame me for everything. If she hadn’t really wanted me there, I wouldn’t have been able to break through. But as usual she failed to acknowledge this tiny little detail.
Tatiana takes a moment to consider this. “Perhaps you feel that to be true, but it has an unwelcome effect on her well-being. I’m going to request you not interfere in her life unless it’s an extreme emergency. A matter of life or death.”
“Why? I don’t hurt anyone…not really….well, nothing permanent, usually. And I need to make sure I’m safe—”
“You know perfectly well your vessel is safe while Liora has possession. Demons dare not cross over the sacred land where her school resides, and Light-angels cannot sense her true nature as long as she is in her pure human form. When you arrive uninvited, especially after she has left our realm and entered the domain of Man, you put her—and yourself—at risk. And it bothers her. How would you like it if she showed up and took over while you were on a hunt?”
I stifle a laugh. “That would almost be funny if it wouldn’t get us both killed. I can picture her now… ‘Ahh, a scary demon, help! Eeeks, a smelly vampire, somebody call 911!’ That is if she doesn’t fall off Diablo and break her ass first…
“…But okay, okay,” I say in response to the stern look on Tatiana’s face. “Her pathetic life in Sapie-land is Boresville, anyway. I’d much rather sleep through it.” I give her a playful wink and pat her tiny legs. The fiercest of fire-demons don’t faze me one bit, but I’ll never risk facing the wrath of a witch, especially one who can summon more powerful forces than I can imagine with just a few utterances from her withered lips.
“Thank you, Lucky.” Tatiana retreats to her room.
I push Tatiana’s reprimand and Liora’s pathetic tattle-telling from my head. Right now I have more important things to worry about. As I strip off Liora’s shapeless disguise of black rags and change into skintight, red leather pants and a matching vest, my blood churns with heightened anticipation.
How long have I dreamed of this night?
After throwing on my favorite black riding cloak, I fasten it securely at the base of my throat with my Boumeaux—the sacred jewel of my tribe that I wear with pride. Only those of us belonging to the royal order of demonia angelis can bear having the stone in our possession; imposters will instantly burn to ash if they so much as touch it. It also allows me to enter the Land of Thiberoux, the mystical realm of the Dark-angels. Most importantly, however, the black diamond broach serves as a warning beacon to the presence of Light-angels, even cleverly disguised. The enchanted jewel will glow brightly, alerting me mortal danger is nearby. Fortunately, I’ve never had mine light up, but I know others who have. It allowed them to barely escape with their lives.
A final coat of cherry red lip gloss and a quick brush through my ebony hair and I’m ready to go. Tonight is the night…I can feel it in my bones. I was so close to catching the Amazèa last night, but they eluded me just as dawn approached. Tonight those bastards are all mine. Although it’s my sacred duty to deliver Justice, and I do it nightly, this mission is different. This is revenge.
This is personal.
Tatiana is in her room, elbow deep in her cast-iron cauldron. She performs this ritual every night, whether it’s finding me demons to hunt, humans to torment, or simply keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding lands.
“Where are they?” I demand. No need to say who ‘they’ are; she knows exactly who I’m talking about.
She swirls her hands through the pot’s murky waters. A cool steam rises up over her serene, ageless face. “The Amazèa have left our realm and are now safely within the territory of the Belith tribe. As you are strictly forbidden to cross over to their lands, tonight you have another task—”
“Wait…Hold up. What? What do you mean they left?” I feel like someone just whacked me in the gut with a troll-hammer. “They just got here a few weeks ago…”
“I do not know…Perhaps they knew they were being followed. Perhaps they were called away. Nevertheless, you know you cannot hunt outside the territory, especially in one protected by such a hostile clan. You must bide your time until the Amazèa return. For now, there are two humans in need of a visit. They both agreed to exchange favor with an Uliminiti demon for power and riches. One man will soon be elected a state senator, and the other is an actor who will win a major award. Both are home and alone, so there will be minimal conflict.”
I stare at Tatiana, my mouth agape. Surely, she’s not serious. I’m gearing up for slaying and demon carnage and she wants me to go toll collecting? And not even from some low-level demons, but pitiful Sapies? So not cool, and not even in my job-description. As an Aequitas demon, it’s my duty to torment and inflict Justice on those who deserve it. I’m good at my job. I like my job. Extorting money from greedy Sapies is Tatiana’s deal; she just uses me as the muscle. I admit, I enjoy it sometimes. I get a kick out of seeing the Sapie’s faces when I announce who I am and why I’m here…
But not tonight. Tonight the only creatures I’m interested in tormenting are the evil monsters who murdered my best friends—right before they cast their wicked spell that split my precious soul in two.
I’ve been so patient. Not that I’ve really had much of a choice. I’ve thought of little besides revenge every night for the past five years. Five years, four months, six days and two hours to be exact. But the creatures I sought have always been out of my reach, for I’m restrained by the jurisdiction of my tribe’s influence and the unnatural limitations on my time.
But finally, after all this time—after years of training, plotting, waiting, seething… finally, the Amazèa had returned to my hunting grounds. The end to my nightmare was in sight. I would kill them once and for all, lift the curse that binds me to the night, and deliver Justice for my fallen friends.
Now Tatiana is telling me the Amazèa have just up and left?
“I don’t believe you.” My voice shakes with thinly restrained fury. “You just don’t want me hunting them. You’re just afraid that—”
“I never lie, Lucky,” she says quietly. “You, of all beings, know that. I admit I disapprove of your perilous quest, but I will not try to stop you. Justice is the essence of your existence, and I cannot deny that. This path is yours and yours alone, and you are well aware of the consequences. But for now, I can assure you the Amazèa are no longer within your range.”
I clench my teeth and glare at her. What’s that expression about not killing the messenger?
But I know she’s not lying. If she says they’re gone—they’re gone. And there’s nothing I can do about it. For now.
This is all Liora’s fault. If she didn’t turn into a stupid Sapie, rendering me impotent from dawn to dusk, I’d have caught the Amazèa by now. In bitter silence I fume while Tatiana gives me the details for the night’s assignment, only half-hearing what she’s saying. When she’s done, I storm out of our cabin and into the brisk night air. Pulling my hood over my head, I let out a sharp whistle.
The clomping of hooves sound as the Arabian stallion emerges from his place in the shadows. He nuzzles his nose into my chest and gives a low grunt. I stroke his long sable neck and press my cheek to his. Then, I grab a chunk of his silky mane and swiftly mount the smooth sway of his back.
“Fly, Diablo,” I whisper and lean forward. He takes off like a shot and we streak toward the forest. Diablo knows the surrounding woods even better than I do, and as he races along the narrow paths I keep my head down to avoid the low-hanging tree branches, my rage growing steadily with each beat of his hooves.
Another night of being trapped.
I hadn’t always been like this. Up until five years ago, when I was twelve, I was a regular demion, a demi-demon with a perfectly beautiful blend of the Ancient Powers of Darkness inherited from my demon sire, combined with the gentle capabilities and goodness of my human mother. I had the best of both worlds— a viable connection to the Powers along with all of the benefits of being a human, a Sapie, we call them. Sapies don’t know we exist, but we’re everywhere. We look like them, talk like them, and act like them. But we’re better than them in almost every way. At least, I think so.
I served a purpose in this world. I knew my place. That is, until the Amazèa cast a spell in an attempt to separate me from my Powers. They succeeded, sort of. I still have my Powers, but they split my soul in half—shattered me right down the middle. Now, I’m only alive at night. My human half, Liora, lives during the day, complete with her own personality, memories, free will.
When the Amazèa separated my demon half from my human half, it was far worse than if I had died. For so long afterwards I wished it had been me who died. Instead, it had been my best friends, Kayla and Michael Roberts, who paid the ultimate price while I was forced to watch them suffer.
I’ve never forgiven myself for being unable to help them.
I’ve never forgotten the vows I made beside their crumpled, lifeless bodies as I swore to avenge their murders to my last dying breath.
I’ll never stop trying to lift the curse and restore my broken soul, whatever the cost.
Killing the Amazèa is my only option. There is no plan B.
Unfortunately, this isn’t as easy as slaying a run-of-the-mill parasite demon or even a lower Light-angel. It’s strictly forbidden by Demonic Law for any demon or demion to attack another ranked higher in the hierarchy. As far as the chain of command goes, the Amazèa rank near the top while I rest somewhere in the middle.
I don’t care. I only care about revenge for Kayla and Michael.
I only care about getting my life back.
Whatever the cost.
Diablo gallops us closer to our destination, and I force away the anguish that threatens to swallow my heart whole. Soon we’ll reach a Portal to Thiberoux. In order to pass through its protective seal, I need to focus. As the cold fog suddenly appears, enveloping us in complete darkness, I wrap my hand around my Boumeaux. Diablo, unfazed by the blinding barrier all around us, continues racing forward.
I close my eyes. I feel my palm smolder; the stone vibrates in my grasp. Silently, I recite the secret command:
Hasish Auria, permissum mihi obduco.
Hasish Auria, permissum mihi obduco.
Hasish Auria, permissum mihi obduco.
The dense fog quickly lifts, and I welcome my new surroundings. My real world – not the one Liora lives in. There, I am an outsider. Unwanted. Here is where I belong.
The three full moons of the goddess Illyria glow brightly in the eternally sunless sky, illuminating the landscape. Acres of lush foliage paint the hillsides vibrant green and gold, untouched by Man’s seasons which turn their trees into skeletons. There is no death here. Only life. And limbo. But never death.
The Land of Thiberoux. Home of the royal descendants of the first Dark-angels, the enchanted realm of demonia. Safely hidden from the naïve eyes of the human world.
Once, after one of my first visits to Thiberoux as a young demion, I looked for its location on a Sapie map. I was surprised to see that instead of the lakes of fire and oceans of ice, volcanoes exploding with thunder and lightning, magical forests full of sprites and elves, and the pits of swirling vortexes connecting various dimensions, there were cities, freeways, two airports, and four major universities. Two separate and opposite worlds existing in the exact same space. I used to wonder how that could be possible.
Now I totally understand.
Diablo grunts, his powerful muscles push and strain as we head up the mountainside. I bury my face in his mane and squeeze my legs tight. He’s never thrown me, but the curves here are wicked, the cliffs treacherous, and he barrels around them with terrifying agility.
He eases to a trot as we approach the River of Kings. The stream of churning fire flows for miles in either direction and creates a perfect circle around the inner sanctum of Dryndara, my tribe’s territory of Thiberoux. A massive beast, nearly invisible in the night save for his piercing yellow eyes, growls menacingly at us from the base of the footbridge.
I eye the creature with caution and dismount. A light tap on his hindquarters sends Diablo cantering into the shadows to await further commands. After dusting off my cloak and lowering my hood, I approach the sentry. The hellhound growls again and bares his razor-sharp teeth.
“What’s your problem?” I ask good-naturedly and give him an affectionate pat on the head.
I take several steps back as the canine begins to tremble violently. He rises on his haunches, twisting and convulsing until his new shape is formed. It is that of a young man, skin stretched tight over rippling muscles—his formerly beastly body now a vision of smooth and sculpted perfection. He runs his hands through his bronze hair and looks at me through the lushest of lashes. Fire mixed with desire smolders in his coffee-colored eyes. His sensuous mouth, one designed to render human females utterly helpless, turns slightly down in a heartbreaking pout.
Once again, I count my lucky stars I’m not a Sapie. It is so not fair that he is so much more beautiful than me. As a demion, I have a hard enough time resisting him. As a Sapie, I’d be toast.
“I’m mad at you.” He runs his gaze up and down my body and lets out a soft, lustful moan.
I roll my eyes. Bones is my best friend, and I know he can’t help himself, BUT STILL… Just once it’d be nice for him to not greet me with his über sexy, ‘come-hither-and-do-me’ persona. A demion can only take so much, you know? Oh well, what did I really expect from something that’s also half incubus?
“Yeah? What’d I do this time?” Despite my bad mood, I smile. Seeing Bones always makes me feel better.
“You were supposed to meet me by Cyler’s Point last night so we could go into the city together, remember? You were going to torment some of your regulars while I found a few virgins to mate with. But you totally blew me off. Any of this ringing a bell?”
Guilty. I had totally forgotten.
“I’m sorry…I overheard something last night and had to check it out. C’mon, let’s go get some drinks. I’m losing my mind and need someone to talk to.”
Bones gives me his very best sexy smile and shifts closer. “You know I can’t leave my post while I’m on duty. But I can help you relax and take your mind off things for a while if you like.” He places his hands lightly on my hips and pulls me to him.
Although Bones is perfectly well aware that I’m immune to his hypnotizing powers of seduction, he never stops trying. Usually I love it. Not tonight.
I push his hands away.
“What’s up?” he asks, still staring at my body longingly. I feel the lightest tickle of warm rays where his gaze falls and groan with genuine annoyance.
“Bones, stop it. You know it creeps me out when you try your powers on me. Face it, they don’t work. Never have, never will. It’s nothing personal,” I add when he gives a hurt-puppy pout. “You know how much the Sapie girls looove you.”
“Yeah, but it’s not the same. They’re all so powerless and weak, it gets a little boring. Now you on the other hand…” He steps closer again, reaches inside the opening of my cloak, and lightly traces his fingers over my bare abdomen.
I push him away, stronger this time. “Ugh, stop! Don’t make me have to hurt you. What is with you tonight?”
“Sorry…” he says, as if he isn’t remorseful in the slightest. “Just in the mood for some fun. I’m a little charged up. Didn’t make as many conquests as I needed last night, and tonight they put me on patrol when I need to be out mating. It’s been so slow out here, and then along comes the sexiest fireball for a thousand miles and you expect me to behave?” He laughs as if it’s the funniest idea he’s ever heard. And they say Sapie men have one-track minds; they have nothing on incubi. Their sole reason for existing is seduction, mating, procreating—that’s it.
I give him the dirtiest look I can and stomp toward the bridge, but he reaches out for my hand and gently pulls me back.
“Hey, Lucky, I’m sorry, hon…I’m only playing. No more. I’ll behave, I promise. What’s wrong, are you okay? Talk to me.” This time his voice is noticeably softer and his seductive aura muted.
Finally. This is the Bones I want to talk to. My friend. I slink over to a tree stump and plop down, covering my face with my hands.
“They’re gone,” I say, fighting back the tears threatening to form. “They got away while stupid Liora played school girl.” At these words a surge of rage floods through me. I have to sit on my hands so as not to uproot the massive stump and heave it into the pile of rocks behind me…only because I don’t want to have to sit on the ground.
Bones sits beside me on the grass. He places a comforting hand on my back, and I feel its fire.
“I know how much you wanted to get them. But I can’t say that I’m sorry you didn’t. I’m glad they’re gone,” he says quietly.
“Bones, do not start—” I jump to my feet and glare down at him.
“I’m sorry, Lucky, but you know how I feel. No good will come of this vendetta. Even if somehow you do manage to kill them you’ll likely be banished. That is, if the Legionare doesn’t kill you first. Or worse…”
“Bones, you know why I have to—”
He puts up his hand, cutting me off. “No, I don’t know. I’ve heard your reasons for years, but I’ve never once agreed with you, have I? Killing the Amazèa will not bring your friends back; they are long gone. You don’t even know with all certainty that your curse would be broken upon their deaths. All you will accomplish by hunting them is getting yourself killed. And maybe others you care about, if you start a war and we’re forced to take sides.”
Fiery rage boils up inside me as I stare him down. If Bones had been even the slightest bit human, he’d be dead by now under my vicious glare. But as much as I hate what he’s saying, I know he’s right.
I don’t care.
“You’re my friend. My best friend. You’re supposed to support me no matter what—”
An urgent howling in the distance diverts Bones’ attention from my futile argument. The same one we’ve been having for over five years. “That sounds important. Sorry, I gotta go…you gonna be okay?” He looks at me with concern. He is so sweet when he wants to be. Damn him.
I nod. “I’ll be fine. Boring night, collecting taxes. Not gonna start any demon wars, I promise.” I give him a shaky smile and a quick a peck on his cheek before stepping away.
His body convulses violently for a few seconds until he falls forward on his two large paws. He gently nudges my leg with his long nose, and then takes off running.
I cross the river of fire to join my family.
******
The entrance to Demon Bar looks like an ordinary boulder to anyone who doesn’t know better. Located deep inside the inner forests of Dryndara, directly above the nexus of the Source of Energy, it’s the one place where all the demons, demions, and creatures in the territory come to replenish.
The rock protects those who enter it, and as I press down on the hidden lever I take several deep breaths to calm myself. Violent demons looking for a fight aren’t allowed inside the enclave, and even though my anger isn’t directed at anyone there, the guard won’t care. Only passive demons are allowed in. And I need to drink, badly.
A small door opens, and I pass on through. I descend a flight of steps to another door, this one guarded by a young demion named Ivy.
Ivy looks sweet enough; her petite build and pale blonde hair give the impression of a helpless ingénue turned cheerleader. But she has the power to stun her victims into submission with one painful glare of her baby-blues. And if she’s in a less-than-generous mood, she’ll leave them in a permanent vegetative state.
“Hey, Lucky. Damn girl, you look hot,” Ivy says with an approving grin. “I’m surprised Bones even let you past him.”
“Hey, sweetie…thanks.” I lean against the doorway and casually glance inside the smoky room. “Bones had to bail on me…”
Ivy flips her golden mane over one shoulder and leans closer. “Well, if you are looking for some fun, our mystery guy from the other night is inside playing cards with the Deveni brothers. Go check him out and give me the scoop.”
I raise an eyebrow. “What about Cody?” Ivy and Cody have been an item for as long as I can remember. With the exception of their occasional nuclear battles, they’re perfect for each other. She shrugs to hide the wry smile spreading across her lips. I grin at her. “Someone’s being naughty.”
“No harm in living vicariously through my single friends, is there? Besides, I’m curious about him. He shows up from out of nowhere…no one really knows anything about him, and he always seems like he’s looking for something or someone. He tries to act all nonchalant, but I can tell he’s doing it.”
I have to laugh at her suspicious tone. Despite the fact that the Bar is swarming with demons, it’s probably one of the safest places in the realm. But I figure she must get so bored standing out here just watching all of us all night. Nothing like a good mystery to fuel the fires.
“Hmm. Better not let Cody know you’re spying on a sexy stranger, and with him standing just twenty feet away.”
Ivy shrugs. “Can I help it if these eyes see everything?” she asks innocently, as they turn a startling shade of sapphire.
I quickly avert my gaze from her cherubic face. Sure we’re friends, but with demions you can never be too careful.
“Maybe he’s a vamp?” I scrunch my nose. Vampires are the lowest of the low in our culture. Many centuries ago, some rogue demons had tried to create an army by reproducing with corpses of Sapies. The result was a living-dead creature that could only survive off the energy of living beings, as they couldn’t produce any of their own. They’re weak, stupid, and contribute nothing other than stinking up the joint for all eternity.