Chapter 3
THE DEMON
My senses and feelings tingled as my existence slithered along the skeletal frame I now resided within.
My darkness reached out, filling every inch of this body, settling in.
“Ahh,” I exhaled. “A woman.” The sounds of a storm raging outside settled within my ears and enriched my excitement, as it was the perfect weather for such a scenario.
“Cris–sa.” Her name hissed along the tip of my tongue.
“What an intriguing name for such an odd specimen.”
It’s been ages since I possessed a human, let alone a female.
My limbs slid along the bloodied floor as I adjusted my control of them and pushed my torso up with a loud breath.
My hands raised and I glanced down, admiring the body I inhabited.
“Ohhh,” I purred. “Now this is going to be fun.” Blood dripped from the corners of my mouth and onto my tongue.
“Mmm. I’d almost forgotten how delicious human blood tasted.
” My tongue extended, licking the edges of my mouth.
“Especially when it’s filled with such a hunger for revenge. ”
Thunder boomed overhead while I took in my new surroundings.
The dwelling was small and feeble, but it was durable.
I wobbled to my feet and made my way to a small chair seated in front of what looked to be a vanity with a mirror.
“Let’s see what we have to work with.” I gazed upon the reflection before me.
“Hmm.” My head turned and tilted. “Despite the thoughts you have swimming in your tiny human brain, this specimen is quite nice, dear Crissa.” My long, sharp finger tip tugged at the underlid of my blacked out eyes.
“Too bad even in full control, I can only hide so much of my true self.” I grinned, revealing my long and sharp teeth.
“But imagine the fear on the faces of those who dare to harm you when they come face to face with me.” I laughed aloud.
“Ohhh this is going to be such fun!” Lightning cracked just outside.
“But first.” I glanced down at the carved symbol across her arm.
I raised it to my mouth and licked the bloody wound, savoring her flavor.
It healed almost instantly. “There, much better. Now.” I stared back at my reflection and tilted my head.
“Enjoy the peace while you can, dear Crissa. For once you wake, I shall begin my task of serving your revenge. And I will not stop until you are drowning in their blood, and every last piece of those who dare harm you are devoured by your rage.”
And only then will my insatiable hunger be satisfied.
CRISSA
I stood in an absolute and never-ending pool of darkness, feeling lost and ungrounded. “Hello?” I called out, my voice rippling as if someone would actually reply to me. “Where am I?” My eyes wandered around, searching for something—anything to tell me where I was or what was happening.
“Crissa,” my name whispered and circled around me like a shark in the water.
My body spun searching for whoever spoke it, but it was too dark to see anything. “Who–who said that?” My voice quivered. “Who are you?!” I shouted out into the abyss.
A hot breath brushed along the side of my face as something sharp and pointed brushed my hair aside. “Crissa.” Whatever it was, it whispered my name into my ear and sent a shiver down my spine. I wanted to scream and run, but my fear kept me frozen. “Fear not, for I am the one you summoned.”
Wait…does that mean—
“Yes,” he whispered again. “My name is Zethiloneous and I am a demon.” Sharp claws surrounded my face and I felt his presence press against my back. “Your demon to be exact.”
My demon?
He laughed, the sudden loud sound making me jolt. “Oh, do not confuse my kindness to help you in your revenge as ownership. I am only yours until your vengeance is fulfilled. Then, you are merely a human no longer possessed by me.”
P–possessed?
“Oh yes.” He removed his claws, sliding them across my face, then played with my hair. “You offered your body and soul to me, therefore I am in possession of you.” His words frightened me. “Don’t fret, little human. I will only take control when it’s absolutely necessary.”
What does that even mean?
“It means, dear Cris–sa,” he hissed my name.
“That I will take a back seat and allow you to go about your day, living your mundane little life until an opportunity presents itself. Then, I will take control and condemn those who would dare harm you by any means necessary.” The demon stepped away, making me gasp for air at the loss of his presence along my body.
Loud, sucking breaths filled my lungs. “So—I’m possessed? By you—Zethil—Zetha—”
“You may refer to me as Zeth, human. I know my true name is a bit much for your tiny brain to comprehend, so let us keep things more simple.” His voice surrounded me.
“But a warning…our deal, sealed with your blood and life, cannot be broken. We shall remain tied to one another, our dark little hearts intertwined until your vengeance is fully satisfied. Only then can we part. And no one can know of my existence. For if you dare speak the truth onto another, you mark them.”
Mark them? For what? Death?
I tried to fully wrap my head around everything he said, but it was too much. Too overwhelming.
Zeth’s voice returned. “Rest for now, dear Crissa.” Something sharp poked my temple and my body instantly went numb, crashing into the dark puddle of the abyss. “Sleep, for when you awaken, your rebirth shall be complete.”
My…rebirth…