EMBER IN DARKNESS Chapter 19 (Ashes to Embers)

*FINALLY, THE LAST CHAPTER!*

Will I be given a second chance?
No way, I’ve been given too many chances to live.
In this endless cycle, I wish I could dictate where my soul would go to. I don’t mind if I remain here on earth.
Here with him.
I belong with him.
A hot, damp surge of air brushed against my cheek.
This is not what it should be. I felt the whole of my body once again, breathing the air. I feel warm.
I am alive…weaker, but alive.
How? My mind stabbed, like a sharp pick through my skull.
Reluctantly, I wiggled my fingers…my toes…and took a deep breath.
The smell of smoke still swam with it, but it was far more than what I was breathing a while ago.
My heavy eyelids struggled to open.
GASP!
A pair of savage eyes met me-clear as water, iris as white as untouched snow. The petal-like bloodspots scattered on his strands of crystal reminded me of the words I uttered last.
The summoned demon.
It isn’t River. I can barely feel him, his presence is no longer dwelling within this body.
The creature I am facing right now IS something else.
My horrified eyes locked into his, only a few inches apart. He stared at me like I’m some sort of inferior creature ready to be crushed under his strength without hardship.
I lay below him, paralyzed in fear. The next thing I’d do might provoke him.
The more I concentrated on playing dead, the more I found myself falling into anxiety. The fast drumming of my heart allowed me to breathe faster.
He watched my chest rise and fall rapidly-what is he thinking? Digging my heart out?
I shouldn’t have thought of that. Cold sweat beaded down my forehead.
His nostrils flared as he took my smell in.
This is it…I think he’s going to devour me.
“Your…fear….I can smell it…” He lowly growled.
I suddenly remembered that small incident with River, but no…this isn’t River.
A surprised yelp came out of me while he slammed his hands beside my shoulders.
His clothes are ripped and burnt but there are no wounds. No scratches…
Wait-why would his clothes be burnt? I glanced around and figured out that I am out of the shrine.
Did he-?
“It is…me.” He slowly muttered. His eyes didn’t change their color, glowing in the deep set of the night.
It took me a while to understand what he just said.
“River…” Tearfully, I reached for his face, when suddenly, a gunshot echoed from a short distance.
Blood started to come out of his lip, and he looked at me for a few moments, as if trying to memorize my face before he collapsed onto my chest.
“This can’t be happening.” I shakily whispered, wrapping my arms all the way to his back. My hand hit something moist.
When brought it up to my face, dark, red liquid, still warm from his body, tainted my skin.
“River…p…please…” I tried to sit him up. He’s still breathing, but not strong enough to bring himself up.
A small movement caught my eye-from where we stood, Dr. Burke, who lay sprawled on the ground, had a gun in his hands.
I thought he was dead?
I gaped at him in shock and tried to use my body to block any other incoming bullets but his eyes slowly closed, head limply falling to the ground until his hands dropped the gun.
“I kissed you.” River managed to sputter out, trembling while he tried to keep the humor in his tone.
Brokenheartedly, I smiled at him and tried not to let my tears reach his cheek but they did.
With all the muscle strength I had, I slowly rested his head on my lap and used the whole of my arm to keep him from sliding down.
My other hand just held his, tightly squeezing it. I want him to feel that I’m here for him.
But I can’t do anything, I bitterly thought.
His breathing started to slow down.
I know what will come next, but I still want to deny the fact that he will be taken away from me.
What else is left for us to do?
I couldn’t help it. I shuddered and broke down.
“Don….don’t……dd…..die… Don...t….d-d…” My head shook while his eyelids trembled, trying to keep themselves open.
He’s fighting to stay alive. He must live.
I know-I must read the words on his chest, those I read when he was ganged up on by Neon and Spade.
Just when my eyes shifted to where the writings were, they started vanishing before my very eyes.
“River, why?” I slid my face to his cheek and stroke it gently. It’s losing its warmth.
He’s dying.
A small smile spread across his lips, but quickly faded.
The tight grip I had on his hand grew tighter when his started to slide away.
My world drifted off into darkness while I buried my face into his chest, cold and unfeeling.
“How do I make you come back?” I asked, still denying reality. I spent my time holding him and fiddling my fingers in between his.
In front of us, a small hint of sunlight glowed in the clouds.
I kept my embrace on him, feeling the warmth of that frail light sweep over us.
His face started to lighten from the sun, colors taking their place.
“Please come back to me.” I whispered, watching the colors and shadows play on his face. I know he’s gone but still, here I am, pretending he’ll open his eyes.
He’s starting to feel warm from the sun, it’s as if he’s alive.
What day is it? I don’t even remember but if I was given a chance to go back, I would choose any day before this, most especially the day I met him.
If I didn’t agree to Dr. Burke, then things won’t turn out this way. I am the one to blame.
I closed my eyes and squeezed his hand.
All of a sudden, I felt a small movement from his fingers.
Drawing back, I watched in shock while his chest slowly rose and fell.
What is happening?
Now, I could feel his pulse in his hand, a proof that he is alive, he is breathing.
My hand unconsciously started to loosen its grip but he held it and squeezed it gently before his arms took the place of mine, pulling me closer to him.
This time, I collapsed on his chest and began weeping. My arms came to their senses and reached to his back, where I tightly wound them
“Look at me.” He called. It’s his voice. There’s no doubt.
I shook my head. “No.”
“Why?” he asked.
“If I open my eyes now, I might wake up…” I paused, trying to avoid a crack in my voice. “…with you dying in my arms again.” That said, I went back to the strong chest I was weeping on. “Tell me you’re real.”
“I am.” He gently pulled my face away from his chest and pulled my chin up, but I still had my eyes closed.
Without warning, I felt a soft but firm pair of lips touching mine.
I slowly parted them and caressed his lips the way he did, proving he’s here…with me…now.
My eyes opened as soon as the kiss ended, and there, I was gazing at the sky in his eyes.
“Even when I was summoned, I remembered you. The monster I was only fought for something it shouldn’t and never would have. When I took you away from the smoke, I would’ve killed you, but I breathed air into you.” He explained. Was that the rush of air that I felt when I was suffocating from the fumes?
“You were dead. How...why are you alive?” I had no nicer way of asking.
“I…” he looked at his palms, obviously as confused as I am but he handled it better. “I don’t know…I thought it was a myth.” His gaze drifted into space.
“Huh?” I tilted my head, puzzled.
“When a demon is successfully killed, he dies, but comes back as a mortal. This never happened.”
“But…you’re here now. I don’t care what you are. As long as YOU are here.” I yelled at him, feeling all sorts of emotions boiling inside me. I felt overjoyed and angry that he had to scare me into believing he’s already dead for a few hours that I had no other way of expressing it but crying.
He fell quiet and wiped the tears from my eyes, my lips trembled as he hugged me again.
“I love you.” He whispered.
A smile wove its way to my lips.
“I love you.” I whispered back.
He always came back for me.
“Stop crying now, you know how those golden eyes of yours make me feel guilty.” He joked.
“Gold?” I pulled myself from him and ran to the lake to check on my reflection. The sun is already shining enough light on us to show me what gold and purple is.
And my eyes are definitely purple.

END

^-^
WHEW!!!!
I am already writing the sequel: “The Last Angel”
Thank you for reading!!! J
I hope you read the sequel when it’s posted!

EMBER IN DARKNESS Chapter 18 (Blood over Fumes)

Amidst the steam clouding over everything in the pretty bathroom, I wore a short, silky robe that reached until my thighs.
Sigh.
I guess I won’t be able to wear hanging shirts for a while. My fingers felt for the rough clumps of dark tissue formed over my wounds…I could still remember the alcohol seeping through my skin back then.
I bit my lip at the images of those demons moaning around me. I couldn’t remember the words I read on any of them. I just know that they’re too many, ready to wreak havoc anytime. They still need River to be summoned before it becomes permanent.
“Oh, God.” I moaned heavily. Things are happening so fast, I could barely keep track. Today is supposed to be my foster parent’s burial. My mind dwelled on the fact that I might never be able to see them for the last time-to think that I was never able to know my real parents.
I glanced at myself at the full-length mirror and wiped the steam off the center, enough to see my face. The vibrant violet orbs stared back at me, as if asking me what I should do now. It eluded me. River’s the only one who knows what he’s doing.
Stretching out a finger, I slowly wrote Spade’s name on the glass…suddenly noticing a black smoke materializing behind me.
“Lily…” Neon cupped his hand around my mouth and wrapped his arm below my chest, squeezing my arm with his hand.
My heart raced inside me, nearing a breakdown.
“Your brother…needs you.” He pressed his nose against my cheek and started sniffing loudly.
Tears bitterly formed in my eyes. He is the only creature on earth that I never ever want to see. He’s using Spade to get me there; if not, Spade chose to be with them.
I slowly shook my head and clenched my fists-in fear. They felt icy-cold. I need River to barge in here.
River…River…my mind dictated.
It’s not reaching him, I sadly thought.
“This…is…Spade’s blood.” he mumbled.
At first, I had a hard time looking for the blood he was referring to-it hit me when I returned my gaze to the mirror. Blood trickled down from the frames, forming spots on the sink. Neon smirked at me from the mirror
A vampire with a reflection-I must know more.
“So, what are you planning to do, leave him?” his question followed. “if you don’t come with me now, he will…die.” Neon’s cold breath hurled the last word in my face with dread.
I looked away and bowed my head.
As if he knew I was going to say yes, he took his hand off.
“Take me…to him…” I stiffly sputtered. He scoffed and squeezed my shoulder.
I watched the dark traces of smoke swirl around us, took a deep breath, and screamed.
The moments that followed crossed over me-I opened my eyes and saw the full moon’s reflection on water. When I looked up, I recognized the ceiling painting of a man with tattoos…
“River…” I feebly called.
In trying to stand up, I realized that I’m tied up-AGAIN. My feet and arms are wrapped in cold, metal braces and chained to one of the shrine’s columns.
This is…the shrine in at Dr. Burke’s place.
Oh my, it is his place!
I recognized the entrance to the garden maze and the lake surrounding the shrine. This is where he took me? Why? “Lily, get…out…of…..here.” A choked, gurgling whisper startled me from behind.
Frozen in shock, I hesitantly turned to find out who it was.
His silhouette gave him away-Spade, sprawled on the ground, with red liquid pooling from his mouth and some from the deep wounds on his neck, looking at me with bloodshot eyes.
“I…..am…..going to turn……into….. those things…….you shouldn’t….h-have come….”
My mouth dropped open as my eyes squeezed into a painful sob. I want to hold him. All this time, I have been looking forward to having him with me, but he chose something else. I should’ve tried to drag him nearer to me.
“Spade, please-“ my breath caught in the middle of my throat. I’m ready to lose it. The tight strain choking on my throat made it impossible for me to speak.
“I’m sorry……for blaming…you….” He brought himself up, trembling as he did. Casting a shadow over me, I only let out a scream when I saw a knife in his hand.
He raised it above his head, and, in a flash, plunged it into his chest.
“No…” I tried to squirm free, following his empty eyes as they drifted further…until he fell onto the shallow water.
“S…S….Sp…Spade….” from where I laid, there was no trace of blood on the water; it’s like the water cleared it away.
Lights suddenly surrounded me, shooting from every angle. Shadows from tall figures surrounded the lake. A trail of hisses and whispers filled my ears.
“Pity, I clearly instructed him to use the knife on you.” Neon’s voice boasted. I looked up at him-his eyes flickered at me from across the lake. “…your missing classmate, Jesse Curdlock if you still remember him-blew your house to bits. Your parents weren’t talking when I ordered him to threaten them.” He raised a hand to motion his followers and pointed to Spade’s floating body. “…useless imbecile.” He muttered as they dragged the body out of the water and tied it to a metal rod.
“Don’t touch him!” I yelled, finally able to bring myself up with my knees folded beside me.
They ignored me and continued tying Spade. “…it turned out that your foster parents knew that Jesse is not human. We only did what we should and protected our…privacy. That explains why your house was blown into bits. You seriously thought you could do anything to stop it?”
I bit my lip and tasted the salty tears running down my cheeks.
“I hate you! I wish you were the one in his place; I wish you died in there! I…..I….” I shook my head and heaved-every bit of pain…anger…sadness…grew inside me, I want to kill him and make him pay. Everything unforgivable thing should be done to him! He ruined my life. He killed my family.
The sound of roaring fire came to me. At that moment, I felt the world stop. Spade’s body, tied to the rod, was engulfed in blue flames.
“Stop! Please, stop it! He’s already dead! Neon, don’t!” I felt like a child, wailing and pleading for them to stop, but they didn’t. They, instead, snickered and stared at me with lifeless eyes.
The fire died down in a matter of seconds. Sapphire flames descended and disappeared all at once. The only thing left standing was the metal rod.
A cold breeze sailed by, scattering the ashes on the grass.
I wasn’t even able to tell him I forgave him…I wasn’t able to tell him a lot of things.
Maybe I ran out of tears or I my body just didn’t know what to do next…I motionlessly and quietly watched from the shrine, thinking of nothing while they poured gasoline on the lake.
“If you were wondering what happened to Dr. Justin Burke is, he’s already dead.” Neon walked around the broad lake, kicking scattered pebbles.
I didn’t reply. I just stared at the empty rod where my brother was tied to, then, shifted my gaze on the puddle of blood.
It was like my mind reminded me to cry at the bitter memory which will haunt me throughout my whole life.
I wept and wept, letting moments pass me by. All these tears equate to nothing. If I cry hard enough, would that reach the souls who sacrificed their lives for me? My eyes hurt yet it’s all I want to do-even if that won’t do me any good.
So everything has come to this?
A loud flick caught my attention.
“It is time to say goodbye.” Neon declared with a lit lighter in his hand. The small flame almost died when a strong gust of wind swept by us.
That small flame will swallow me whole.
I only have a few minutes- a few seconds to live. Maybe it’s only right that I think about the things I have accomplished in this life-nothing much.
There was never a time where I did something my foster parents or my family would be so proud of and almost all the time, I play as River’s trouble magnet and Neon’s bait.
A part of me doesn’t want to die yet-but I have no choice, don’t I?
I watched as Neon tossed the lighter in the air…it only took me one breath before it fell back down, straight into the gasoline-coated water.
My mouth dropped open as flames swirled around the shrine, taking a while to burn the grass but moment after moment, it crawled closer.
I glanced up at them and shuddered. They steadily watched me, switching their gazes between the fire and the distance before it reaches me.
Whatever happens, I will stay here-River won’t hear me calling out to him.
“I don’t want you to come, River.” I whispered to myself. There are too many of them. He knows when I’ll be in trouble and heaven knows he’s on his way right now.
The fire crawled up to the vines twirled around a couple of the pillars supporting the roof.
Why can’t they just shoot me and get it over with? Does it really have to be fire and a slow death just like what they did to Spade?
Slowly, I turned to the trail of blood beside me. At that time, I thought he was going to use the gun to kill me. He should’ve done it. Both of us would be happier if that was the case. Once again, my eyes closed. All these bitter memories are best left to the grave. The thing is, I won’t be buried-I will be cremated.
It might hurt to be burnt alive-if I sleep, maybe I won’t feel the fire, and maybe I’ll wake up from this nightmare.
My whole life has been a nightmare, but…when River came, I felt happy.
I want my last thought to be of him.
I can feel the heat surrounding me now-every passing second grew hotter.
Suddenly, a chorus of shocked hisses echoed behind me.
What is their problem this time? Their plans are working perfectly.
Curiously, I spun towards their direction.
To my surprise, River stood in the middle of a circle of vampires, his arm round Neon’s neck and the other hand aiming a knife on his throat.
“Get out of here! I don’t want to see you!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, cracking my voice somewhere in the middle when a burning vine dropped in front of me-thick clouds of smoke rose around me, clouding my vision.
“Too late, she’ll be-.” Before Neon could finish his speech, River quickly slit his throat with the knife he had. The rest of the words gurgled in Neon’s mouth while he collapsed to the ground, later vanishing into ashes.
“River!” I called out to him.
A person’s will to live is strong, but the will to keep him safe and alive is stronger. He’s the greatest thing life has offered me. I won’t let them take him.
For a brief moment, he glanced at me. He looked different; scarier than the monster I have seen in him before. His skin went as pale as the moon’s surface and his orbs were dull, lifeless but violent. Those eyes pierced me, sending me to an almost speechless stance.
“NO!” I screamed, while the group pounced on him all at once and pinned him to the ground while he was off guard. He can’t do anything alone!
Despite the thick smoke starting to fill my lungs, my breathing went faster.
Three of the vampires grabbed each of his arms, while the others held his legs…the rest of them gathered around him. They’re ready to rip him into pieces!
The thundering claps of my heart beat harder…I must do something!
Then, it came to me. I must summon him. It is suicide, but I’m going to die anyway.
My mind struggled, recalling the writings I saw on the mirror’s reflection before.
“Felsaar bal dresda…” I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to decipher the last set of letters.
“Ugh!” River cried. I tried to see what was going on, but the smoke was too thick. Why can’t I read that last word?! Tears fell down my face.
A painful couple of seconds went by again, and I still can’t figure the word out.
Another scream came out from him.
Hold on River, I’m almost there.
A series of curves stopping somewhere in the middle, followed by a sphere overlapping the broken lies…S…..s….si…. my lips moved with the letters.
“ …SINH…” I whispered, finally able to figure it out.
There was a moment of silence.
In a fraction of a second, shrieks came from every direction. I could hear voices screaming-this time, they sounded a bit human. Was River one of those?
What have I done? What if that spell is to kill him or what if I spoke something different?
The cries rang in my ears. I couldn’t make the voices out. There are too many of them, it’s even worse than the time I was summoning demons.
This is wrong. I cupped my hands over my ears but the sounds of bodies falling to the ground, bones cracking from every part imaginable forced their way through my hands.
The fumes are getting to me. I finally realized that the smoke is wrapping around me like a small tornado, with the grass being burnt, vines, branches, and the wooden details of my favorite place in the world covered in raging fire.
I kept on coughing until I couldn’t breathe. It felt like I was swelling up into a huge balloon of smoke. My eyes watered-the taste of chemicals gathered inside my mouth and the worst was the smoke-filled air, choking me.
The tiniest breath I was trying to take didn’t even make it…I am choking and coughing to death.
Was River able to escape?
Is he alive?
I’m dying…does he even know?
My eyes remained closed, though I tried to open them. Maybe my skin has already burned. I can’t feel my feet. I can’t feel anything but my heart, barely making it.
It’s as if I don’t know how to breathe anymore.
Finally, I felt a surge of air rush inside me-a huge part of me knew that it will be my last breath.

EMBER IN DARKNESS Chapter 17 (Honeymoon Suite)

“Did you kill them?” I asked River, when we got out of what seemed like an abandoned hospital that the demons used as a hideout.
He kept me in his arms until we reached a car, hidden among some bushes, not far from the hospital’s entrance. I tried to tell him that I’m okay, but he doesn’t care.
I squinted my eyes and trying to make out the vehicle…Holy- he has a white Lamborghini?!
Still leaving me with no answer, he opened the door to the passenger seat and seated me then proceeded to the driver’s seat.
Quietly, I watched him. His eyes are still burning black. Is it wrong to talk to him at this time?
River took a look at me and closed his eyes while grabbing a jacket from the backseat, tossing it to me.
“Wear it. Seeing those scars…” he took a deep breath and looked outside. “…it only makes me regret not being able to come for you sooner.” The engine started and our world dissolved into a deep, jeweled silence
I smiled to myself and formed a reply in my mind…You came for me, River. That alone was enough to keep me alive.
Wearing the jacket, I drifted to another moment of comfort from the warmth it gave. My fever’s still above the scales and I have these irritating wounds but the funny thing is, the happiness I’m feeling is the only thing my mind is focusing on. Having him beside me feels like the best thing in the world.
I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Later on, reality descended on me bit by bit. The questions dove into my whirlwind of thoughts…and again, I had to remind myself that it isn’t over.
Neon appeared to me in the room and told me that there’s someone I might lose…could he be referring to Spade? He did set me up with those vampires before…
“I wasn’t able to…kill all of them because…I heard you call, so I came to my senses. I wanted to. I can see…those times when you are to be in danger….but this was….different. I was not just able to see it…I felt the pain.” He blurted out, still sounding hesitant.
How could he still hide things from me after what just happened?
I summoned all of the demons because of the drug…why is it not working now? Fathom told me that I still have hours before the drug loses its effect. Regardless of who it might be, I should be able to read on without halt or my own will.
“Why did the drug work on them, and not you?” I absent-mindedly asked him.
He shrugged. “Maybe...it’s not the right time.”
It always isn’t the right time for him. Maybe I was more scared of him when summoned than my own death.
“You’re more powerful than they are, and you weren’t even summoned.” I continued to study him, focused on the road, his eyes are now back to the brilliant blues I know.
“I told you, I’m different. I was banished a long time ago-I can’t remember how long.”
A person with no past…with my memories of childhood instead of his, being locked up like an animal, forced to seal himself, and being with me, risking the chance for a normal life, almost killing a clan of demons –what is his part in the world? If he was summoned, what is he meant to do? And for me, what is my purpose besides being able to read seals and summon demons?
He told me that they have laws. Would killing the demons have serious consequences?
“Lily…” He called, interrupting my thoughts.
“Yeah?” I looked at him, playing with the jacket’s sleeves.
“It’s about Spade-he is being held captive by Neon.” He stepped on the brake, stopping in front of a huge hotel called Crystal Drops.
As far as I know, Spade came with the vampires willingly. Maybe I should just let him be, after all, he chose that path. I just hope Neon won’t do anything wrong to him.
My mind debated whether to let him go or give him one last chance.
I don’t know…. He’s still my brother, but it’s different now.
“Hey-!” I yelped when River opened my door and scooped me up. I glanced at his shirt-he changed it when I was brainstorming.
“You’re still burning up.” He whispered, tossing the keys to the chauffeur then walked up to the reception desk.
Honestly, I have never imagined myself to be in these kinds of first-class hotels and oh, my god, with a bloody-faced guy carrying me?!
The receptionist looked up at him shockingly, and I won’t blame her if someone with dried up blood on his face and arms, carrying a girl would appear and ask for a room.
Her gaze shifted to me…I smiled gawkily at her and waved my hand.
“What are you looking at?” River boldly asked while her handing a black card.
The receptionist blinked and returned to her computer, clicking on stuff. I could see her fingers trembling.
I should teach this guy some manners.
“R-rroom….fi-five hu-“ she began to hand the key with River’s card. River snatched it from her hand and carried me off to the elevator. I glanced at the key, with a tag that read: Rm. 599.
The elevator stopped at the tenth floor: an ebony-black carpeted floor, a blinding infinity of white-colored hallways with gold details, reminding me of Dr. Burke’s bathroom. The doors are bronze-colored and of a Romanesque design. The windows, instead of a plain glass, flowed with water to imitate waterfalls.
Sadly, I have to admit that I don’t get the concept.
River opened the door to our room. It felt really awkward, it’s like I’m entering my honeymoon suite.
“It’s a honeymoon suite.” River unknowingly echoed what my mind remarked, looking around the room.
Remembering what happened the last time we went to a hotel room, I pondered on how I’m going to take a bath without screaming in pain.
River continued to weave through furniture.
I continued to stare at his chest.
He wouldn’t bring me down, would he?
“I can…walk…River…You should rest too.” I insisted, sincerely looking at his distracted blue eyes.
He blinked at me as if he’s having a hard time understanding what I just said…then began yelling at me again. “Can’t you, for once, realize the danger you’re in?” His fingers firmly squeezed my skin but didn’t hurt me at all. “Lily, if the whole world is made up of demons and vampires wishing to harm you, I would, without a second thought, come for you in the worst circumstance; bleed to death if I have to…as long as nothing happens to you. But this…”
I followed his eyes, studying my ruined camisole. The bandages wouldn’t lie. He knows I have wounds underneath.
I was lucky enough to be remembered.
Unexpectedly, I let out a gasp when he pulled me in, closer than ever, that I had to breathe on his chest.
My eyes slowly collapsed under the insane wave of heat sweeping through me.
Oh, River. If you only knew how scared I was…the thought of not seeing you again devastated me. I tried to stop myself from reading but the drug was stronger.
“…you have no idea how it kills me. Seeing different things happen to you repeatedly in my head-and not being able to do something when you were being forced out of your wits.” He paused.
I could feel him trembling, heating like an enraged fire.
“I’m here…they can’t do anything to me now, River.” I’m here…with you. I have nothing to be scared of.
He nodded. “I had a hard time escaping Neon-they are in the mansion with Dr. Burke. I don’t know if he’s still alive or dead.” He heavily spat Dr. Burke’s name like acid.
Escaped? River was going through something worse than I have expected. I was thinking that he had to jump through high walls and face flickering green eyes.
“I saw you in my vision-in the middle of the lake. Until now, I can’t figure it out.” The warmth from his palms travelled to my arms.
It’s really cruel. He’s saying something important and I’m having a hard time drawing my attention away from his embrace. Who knows, it might be the only embrace I get from him.
The girls in our school will kill to be in my position, I discreetly snickered to myself.
Setting the thought aside, I took the feeling in, savoring every second of it. His scent ran deeper inside me, lighting up every emotion I felt at the moment. He never took advantage of me…every step he took towards me had the greatest intentions.
He’s perfect. Everything I dreamed of in a man-except for being a demonoid.
Which reminds me… “You are that forbidden one that they’re referring to. You’re like this legend that they were trying to hunt down for so long.” I told him.
Drat! Why do I put a halting end to these kinds of moments? We were hugging, for Christ’s sake, and I had to ruin the whole thing. Questions can wait, but no. I had to ask him. How highly inconsiderate of me!
As expected, he pulled away from me…I had to gaze away at the loving chest I’ve been smothering the last few minutes.
“That’s what I’ve been trying to avoid. Summoning me is like putting an end to the world. I forget everything. Every living thing I spot will end up dead.” He spitefully enumerated. “Once you summon me, you won’t be safe. I almost died sealing myself. It was far better than putting lives at stake.”
My mouth dropped open. How could he be called a demon? He’s just so nice. Sure he’s got a temper but he’s mainly salt and pepper superficially. River is the good guy.
I mean demon.
“You take a bath first.” He mumbled and walked towards a painted glass door, which must be the bathroom. Once opened, he seated me on the toilet seat and walked out.
I blew the strands of reddish-brown hair scattered on my face and bit back a yelp when I stood up. A clot might have already formed on my wounds and these ridiculous ones on my wrist will be annoying when I get soap and water on them.
Forcibly, I turned the shower on and began rubbing myself with soap.
Bathing has never been this tormenting.

EMBER IN DARKNESS Chapter 16 (Wounds)

“Do you know the forbidden one?” Cyan asked me with his pretty, ocean-green eyes.
I’m sorry, Cyan, but River’s eyes have much more appeal. For some reason, I wanted to snatch the small bottle of alcohol from the edge of the bed and drink it all up.
My mouth started moving….I didn’t know what I was wording out.
Threateningly, he clasped the bottle of alcohol and opened the lid.
“Tell me.” His voice gained volume and his eyes glowed menacingly.
Like the idiot the drug made me, the small movements of my lips led to an undecipherable answer. He’s the one who stabbed me with the drug-coated talons of his in the first place, so he should know why.
“You little…” He tilted the bottle with the strong smell of alcohol above me and poured it on something-I didn’t recognize it until the mind-racking pain shot from my right, then spread all throughout my body in a heartbeat.
I knew it. He was dying to marinade me in 75% isopropyl alcohol.
My body wanted to squirm and twist like a normal person would when his new wounds are fried with a strong chemical…the loosened straps only allowed me to do so little.
“I promised Fathom that I will be nice...” He grunted. “…but you’re making it hard for me!”
What is he talking about?! I’m not doing anything, I can’t do anything and he’s blaming me for his short temper? The bandages on my wrists were soon stained with a light hue of red from the wounds and scratches underneath.
“What are you going to do now, Lily?” It’s just the two of us in here. Cyan walked around the stretcher I laid on, watching me. My eyes followed him as he made changes of steps, turns and pauses.
Time went so slow in the small, dusty room. Cobwebs hung from the corners-no living spiders. Moths hovered around the only bulb illuminating the room…I had no choice but to watch them: fat-bodied, slimy, dust-spreading moths flying meters above my face and a demon with no compassion.
A huge, brown moth perched on my shoulder. Its tiny legs crawled on my skin…the air moved around its fluttering wings giving me a feel of how heavy the devil is. All my hairs stood, goosebumps infiltrated my skin and I screamed on the inside. The merciless creature moved its antennae and looked up at me. It made my vision of butterflies and moths a million times scarier.
SWAT!
Green and white goo spread like cream cheese with green marmalade on my skin. The moth’s blown-up belly, head and legs sank in the sticky plasma while its wings still jerked a bit. Cyan smiled at his masterpiece of a squashed moth.
“Get it off!!!” I screamed in an ear drum-breaking, high-pitched voice, forgetting that the real danger is the lunatic who seemed more fascinated in my suffrage than the moth’s dismemberment.
I was already at the verge of screaming when somebody stepped inside the room-Shade.
“Why is she able to scream? That drug is supposed to silence her.” He looked at me, then, at Cyan.
My muffled sobs caught his attention, and he looked at the slimy salad of body parts dripping down my shoulder.
“Please……………..take...it…….off.” I pleaded him, sniffing and choking on my breath. My eyes watered as I was unable to blink the whole time, witnessing the creature’s fate under Cyan’s hands.
Shade’s lips twitched and he grabbed the damp towel Cyan used earlier. With gentle strokes, he wiped what’s left of the insect.
The sniffling and sighs subsided. “Don’t leave me with him.” I bitterly told Shade. After that confession, both of them threw violent stares at each other.
“What did he do?” Shade asked, his eyes not leaving Cyan’s.
I looked at the alcohol bottle and bit my lip. Am I really going to tell him?
“Tell me or else, I will leave you with him.” He persisted.
“He…poured alcohol on my wounds…” I could still smell the alcohol on the bandages. It only has a brief effect but it’s the worse feeling on a wound ever.
A loud THUD echoed in the room. I was shocked to see Cyan lying on the floor, with blood trickling down his forehead…dark-colored blood, a little lighter than River’s.
Everything happened so fast, I didn’t see how he ended up there. I looked at Shade, heaving heavily with anger.
“Imbecile! Alcohol shortens the drugs’ effect on her tremendously! You stupid-!“ He began kicking Cyan in the groin, head and neck until he vomited blood. Shade continued, squishing Cyan’s head with his shoe.
He’s too much. He’ll kill Cyan!
My mouth opened, but I was speechless. His arms went limp. Cyan’s hair turned red from the blood…His face was beyond unfixable.
I don’t think he’s breathing… I closed my eyes to keep his image from being engraved on my mind. How could he remain silent after all those blows?
The sound of flesh being beaten went on… “Stop…” I broke out in a faint whisper.
“He’s already dead. You don’t have to worry about him.” Shade said. He killed Cyan….going that far just because…just because Cyan did something wrong…
“I can’t give you another dose of the drug because it will kill a frail body like yours, but since the time we need is already used and lessened, you must tell us who or where the forbidden one is.” He asked.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I replied, still closing my eyes.
Again, my mouth moved. I bet he saw it.
“You know who, but you’re not saying it. Do I have to force it out of you?” Shade sounded so much nearer.
The bed creaked and I felt a heavy weight on the thin mattress.
“You’re beautiful, Lily.” He spoke.
I opened my eyes and gasped at his closeness-only a few inches above my face. He leaned over me, stretching his arm and using it to support his trunk weight on the mattress, next to my left shoulder-where the moth was killed.
Shade smiled a little and traced my lips with his thumb.
What is he doing?
After a long sigh, he got off the stretcher and walked out. I heard some murmurs followed a rustle of footsteps approaching the room…two men in uniform dragged Cyan’s dead body out, while another one cleaned the floor.
A few moments later, Fathom walked in, followed by the other demons.
“So, she knows who the forbidden one is?” He grumbled in a deep voice. Shade stepped beside him and nodded.
A lady approached me and started releasing the straps.
I looked at them in utter confusion. I didn’t say I know.
“Don’t get up. Your wounds will worsen.” Fathom called when I tried to sit up.
“I told you, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” All of them stared at me impatiently, waiting for me to give them answers.
“Your mind doesn’t, but your soul does. We only have hours left, Lily. We need your help” Shade chimed in.
I will not.
“If you won’t…” Fathom’s eyes blazed. He slowly raised his hand and showed a sharp, rusty dagger. “…we will have no choice but to finish you. You know so much about us already …and by killing you before the drug loses its effect, we will be able to preserve ourselves in this form. It is our last resort.”
My eyes locked on the blade in his hands.
I shook my head. What else do they want me to do, just to prove I don’t know?! He took a step closer, drawing it high above his head, as if guaranteeing a sure kill.
“I don’t know…I don’t know.” I frantically wiped my tears from my eyes as I shook in fear.
Loud cries and gasps echoed from the crowd.
“An intruder!!!” One of the men exclaimed.
Fathom spun and looked outside the room; some of the green-orbed demons got into defensive positions while the rest drew out weapons that I have never seen: twisted blades and bashers laced with barbs.
Their group divided into two as a man appeared from the shadows. Fathom stood in front of me, blocking the view when the light reached him.
“I’m the one you’re looking for.” He proclaimed.
I know that voice…
My eyes stung when I realized how sure I am as to the voice’s owner.
“River.” I whispered, breaking into tears.
Fathom heard me, and approached him right away. “Prove it to us.” He snarled.
River glared at him and glanced behind his shoulder, looking straight at me.
His eyes suddenly warped into black. Without another word, he grabbed the dagger from Fathom and slit his palm.
The girls gasped at the smell of his blood and their loud hisses filled the room while the males grunted at the sight and stuck their noses in the air.
Fathom’s loud breathing and the absence of words faded into silence.
River let the blood drip on the floor, leaving a trail to the stretcher I laid on.
He clenched his fists when he saw my bandages…much more when he saw my tears. A line drew across his forehead and his breathing started to gain depth and speed.
Fear still had control over me and seeing him that way, feeling the extreme heat from his body while he brushed his hand on my cheek made me quiver.
“What have they………..done…..to you?” He spoke through gritted teeth, with a trembling voice. His hand hovered above my tummy, where the most damage was inflicted upon.
The whole of them just stared at us, speechless.
“Wait here for me.” He dimly ordered, turned back and closed the door.
Curiously, I listened to the noise outside.
There were muffled growls…
That’s all I could hear, I can barely make out their conversation.
A female’s loud cry rang in my ears.
“River!” The side wounds hurt from my outburst. I have a bad feeling about this…
I waited for his response, but there was none.
This is making me paranoid. I can’t even bring myself up. “Open the door.” I called loudly, but the disturbing crashes and noises outside only grew louder. There were more cries and glass shattering.
With morbid images of River running around my head, I crept off the stretcher, not knowing that my knees would be so weak and unsupportive that I fell to the ground, landing on my back.
I blocked the noise forcing out of my mouth, more determined to make my way to the door.
Just a little more…I coached myself, trying to sit up.
THUD.
The door swung open, showing River…the dangerous side of him, all covered in blood.
He had his head bent down, eyes covered with strands of hair. Should I ask him what happened?
Stiffly, he walked towards me and knelt down, slid his arm behind my back, the other under my legs, then, gently lifted me up.
“I want you to close your eyes until I ask you to open them.” He instructed. I could sense the breaks in his tone and his arms feel like they’re in fire.
“W-w..why?”
“Do it!” River yelled.
As he told me, I closed my eyes and faced his chest. He stood up and began to walk.
I heard weak moans from every direction…what happened here?
“River-“ I started.
“They won’t hurt you again.” He interrupted.
For the first time, I took everything in-his shaking voice and hands, the tight hold he has on me…it’s as if he doesn’t want to let me go.

EMBER IN DARKNESS Chapter 15 (Lion's Den)

Fathom nodded in acknowledgement and raised his hand to motion those around him.
Before I could jump back inside, the car door slammed shut.
A big group of men and women appeared behind Fathom, all with seals on specific parts of their bodies. I trembled at the glowing green eyes shooting at my direction.
Speechless, I tried to break the car window, pounding my fist on the dew-covered glass with all my strength, but to no avail.
He can’t do this to me.
Dr. Burke has been more than a friend-I looked up to him like a father. But now…
He brought me to them, like a mindless kid handed over to kidnapper bosses for ransom. The only thing is, they will kill me. Oh, River. I wish you could come…
I screamed when a pair of arms snatched my waist.
“Let go! Let go! Let go!” I squealed in pain when I felt ten sharp fingers pressed on my skin.
“She’s a brat.” One of the girls exclaimed. Her voice sounded so deep and breathy, just like a porn star’s...
I shook my head. Now is not a time to compare!
There are so many of them, how do I manage to escape? Running away won’t work. They’ll just hunt me down like a rat.
Pondering on the best thing to do, I calmed down, stopped moving and shut up.
Will this fool them? Should I wait for them to lose their guard and sneak out?
I yelped when the fingers dug deeper, causing blood to stain my camisole.
“Cyan! Don’t hurt her!” Fathom’s voice thundered from behind us. I glanced behind to see my attacker…a guy with long, white-blonde hair reaching his waist and brightly glowing green eyes. His seal is on his neck. He grinned at me and tossed me to Fathom.
Why are immortals so perfect? I thought bitterly as I flew in the air.
“Owwww…” I groaned in pain once I felt Fathom’s hands carrying me.
The wounded part on my sides burned, as if Cyan dipped his fingers in poison before wounding me.
Well, even if they wound me till death, I won’t summon them.
I won’t them, River…just as you instructed me to. I shut my eyes tightly, and waited…waited until I lost consciousness.
How I wish I could stay asleep until it’s all over…and maybe, wake up to see River’s eyes.
“That brat will read our seals?” The arrogant female voice muttered somewhere in the background.
I opened my eyes, a little blinded by a strong light.
“She’s awake.” Cyan proclaimed, staring down at me. Fathom and the lady with the sexual voice glared at me with evil intent.
“You’ve got the wrong person.” snobbishly, I looked away to avoid the glowing seals on their bodies, as well as hide the glimmering fear in my eyes.
All of a sudden, a sharp blow landed on my cheek. The light went out for a second, and I found myself sputtering blood.
“Get out of here, Cyan.” Fathom, with a steady voice, threatened. Cyan took one look at me and strolled away, slamming the metal door behind him.
What is with the welcoming committee? My vision started to blur and I felt myself drift off, but still conscious; it’s like I have no body, helplessly staring at the two while they started taking their clothes off.
Their seals showed…My mouth opened on its own and started moving, but no sound came out.
I tried to stop it, but my brain didn’t cooperate.
“I can’t make out what she’s saying.” The girl complained.
“Just a few more seconds, Jade. The drug’s a little slow.” He smiled, continuing to take his shirt off. His seal is on the middle of his chest, glowing before my very eyes. When took her skirt of, another set of letters met my eyes.
They drugged me? Was it the drug that Shade tried to use on me when he handed me that letter?
Of course it is. I’m not even able to control myself.
I’m so…sorry, River… Tears rolled down my cheeks as my eyes and mouth moved against my will, speaking words I never wanted to say… “Tiyez…vorle….mistil…whob…skun….” My mouth went on, uninterrupted. I can only watch in horror as I felt the strength radiating around the room, eyes changing into a curtain of black.
Both of them let out a growl and walked out of the room. I tried to stand up, later realizing that I’m strapped to the bed. Drugged or not drugged, I won’t be able to get out after all.
A few moments later, more of them arrived, forming a line in front of me. My fever rose up and I can barely open my eyes, but the substance running in me commanded me to.
“Stal…kreslin…vox….” Every time I try to hesitate, the wounds Cyan gave me hurt.
More and more of them came…I was barely able to breathe at the deafening growls and roars they let out.
Finally, the door closed.
Somebody…please…More tears came out of me and I was almost beyond my limit, when suddenly, Neon appeared out of nowhere and floated above me.
“Come with me if you don’t want to lose somebody close to you.” He muttered.
No… I thought, unable to speak the words I want to.
“A vampire!” I heard one of the female demons shriek, a petite woman with light green eyes stopped at the door, immediately turning around to catch the others’ attention.
“Time is running short, Lily.” He whispered and vanished in thin air after a few seconds.
Why does Neon have to heighten the gravity of the situation by a million times? Leaving me useless and doomed in this den is enough.
It’s enough. All of them can use me to read all the seals they have, do what they want me to as long as they don’t hurt River or Spade. I don’t know about Dr. Burke…as long as he doesn’t hurt or surrender anybody anymore, then-
“Were you talking to someone?” Shade barged in with a stake in hand.
Is he expecting me to answer him? After that drug they gave me, I won’t be able to say anything unless it’s their seal.
“Freiz…dustich….aeos…” I bluntly mumbled as I glanced on his arm. At first, his mouth opened in surprise but what followed after that was a hideous glint in his green eyes. He panted like a dog, looking at my bruised arms and the blood stains on my camisole.
My hands felt cold due to the tight belt wrapped around my swollen wrists. Shade smirked, and pounced on the bed and pulled my shirt, halfway to my trunk-in line with my stomach and started sniffing his way to my wounds.
At this point in time, these have already clotted. He’ll be disappointed to find out that there won’t be any fresh blood dripping from it.
“They drugged you…” he gnarled in a scary tone, jumping off the bed.
I watched as he thumped to the doorstep, clenching his fists.
“You morons!” He boomed at the growling group before him.
Their noise died down to low whispers and gasps.
“That drug only lasts for twenty-four hours! She’s a mortal, we can only use once on her, else, she’ll die!”
Every body remained quiet. I felt Shade’s anger rise from the static, almost explosive atmosphere around me.
“So what?” Cyan’s pesky but resonant voice exclaimed from the group.
This is not good… Shade lowered his head and bent his knees-prepared to tear Cyan’s head off.
I gulped, mortified at his figure-what if he did that to me earlier or what if they didn’t use the drug and found another way to make me talk? It’ll just be a simple squat-and-pounce combination to kill me.
The rest of them turned to one another, causing a commotion that’s pretty hard for the heart to take-their voices are all cranky and deep!
I feel like a chunky piece of a chicken’s foot thrown into a den of lions.
Correct that…a chicken’s foot tied to a stick.
Before things get bloody, Fathom stepped forward and rested an arm on Shade. “Is every demon in this room right now?”
All of them looked around, nodded and glanced at their sides, until all of them said yes.
The ground beneath me shook. There might be more of them that I could see!
“Then, there should be no problem as long as every one of us is already summoned.” Fathom calmly proclaimed.
Shade broke into laughter. “Have you forgotten of the forbidden one, Fathom?” He stepped away from Fathom and leaned against the wall.
The crowd went back to silence and faced him with alarmed looks on their faces.
I bet they know what he’s talking about…
Aside from the fear breathing in me this whole time, the feeling heightened when I realized that they didn’t just look alarmed. They’re scared.
“I-i-it’s…a…legend…” Cyan stammered, lowering his gaze.
“He’s not! We were able to smell his blood recently but we lost track of it right away. He is far stronger than all of us combined and he is so hard to find. He’s the only one who can get bitten by the vampires and not change right away.” An old guy with grey hair yelled from the back.
“Then…he’s our only chance.” Fathom muttered, eyeing me from the distance.
A demon stronger than all of them…and I must read his seals?! No way. I’ll be dead before I see anything on his body.
“Without the forbidden one, we can only stay like this until the drug wears off. But still, if we are able to find him, his power alone will get rid of those putrid parasites, once and for all. The problem with him is that we won’t be able to find him. He was born to be undetectable unless he’s wounded.” Shade spoke.
Coming with Dr. Burke was the biggest mistake I have ever made in my entire life….now, I have more mistakes being committed…more mistakes to come…more mistakes to devour me.
Those mistakes will be the death of those I love and all I have is a barely visible chance for escape.
“We have twenty-one hours more.” Shade turned to me and walked away. The others followed him, except for Cyan and Fathom who are speaking with each other.
They seem to be arguing about something.
After their conversation, Fathom narrowed his eyes at Cyan and closed a bigger metal door behind him.
I guess the both of us are alone.
Cyan stood outside the room….I just stared at him, looking straight ahead when his head spun to greet mine.
GASP.
I almost had a heart attack.
He moved stiffly, striding into the room with a cloudy expression over his face.
This sadistic fiend is about to kill me!
My eyes closed by will and opened again when I felt the straps on my wrist and ankles loosen.
For the first time, I saw pity in his eyes. Is he feeling sorry for me or is he worried that they might not gain eternal dominion over earth if they can’t find the forbidden one?
When he was about to touch my wounds, I subconsciously jerked a little. They hurt enough like hell without being touched, what more with his fingers brushing against them?
“Of course…” He choked and stepped out of the room, later returning with a basin of water, bandages, cotton pads and alcohol.
This is going to hurt.
The warm dabs of water hurt a bit, still bearable and a little soothing at the same time. He even wrapped some bandages around my wrists and ankles-he said I need it so it won’t hurt too much when someone tries to tighten the straps next time.
I can’t thank him enough, for the wounds he gave and tended to, so I tried to smile at him…I just hope it doesn’t look creepy with the drug forcing me to keep my mouth closed.
He pursed his lips in acknowledgement, I think. I understand why he’s trying to act cold towards me. I am a captive, after all.
In the middle of wrapping bandages around my waist, he stopped and felt for my neck, next, my head and went back to the bandaging.
I guess he felt my skin burning. Nothing to be fussed about, the wounds may have caused an infection, together with the drug and stress.
Shade came back with a new basin of water; this time, there are a lot of ice chunks floating in the water. I know that ice is helpful in treating fever, but isn’t twenty cubes of ice too much for a few cups of water?!
Seriously, they want me to die in here-a slow and unforgettable death.
Not showing the slightest bit of hesitance, since it’s the only medical attention I can get, I let him dip the small towel into the freezing water, squeeze the excess and pat it on my forehead, neck, tummy and the exposed parts of my legs.
I also noticed that he’s doesn’t look like he agreed to this.

EMBER IN DARKNESS Chapter 14 (Seals and Sacrifice)

“Lock the door.” He ordered, going over some things piled on a cabinet. I closed the door gently and pressed on the button at the center that hatches the lock.
He pulled a plastic card out and swiped it somewhere on the desk. “Come here, I’ll show you something.”
I felt a little uncomfortable with my wet clothes but still stood beside him.
The wooden top parted and revealed a flickering computer screen.
A man in a lab coat walked into a room- “I know this, Dr. Burke tried to show this to me before but it was too gross.” River said nothing and continued to watch it until we got to the part where the head was focused by the camera, the part where I stopped watching.
What is it with this video?
“That is the scientist’s head...” River explained.
So?
“…and… that is me…” he continued, pointing to a silhouette pacing back and forth in the room, through a 2-way mirror.
How can that be him?
I waited for a clearer view, until the lights on the video were switched on-it’s River, alright.
GASP!
There’s a headless body lying on the floor-that of the scientist earlier!
The video showed River’s blood-covered hands pounding on the viewing glass. He sent out several growls and even attempted to bring the glass down. His eyes glowered in a dark red, bloodthirsty and ready to kill.
Another deafening growl caused a crack on the lens. I noticed a lot of scratch marks, cracks and dents on the wall. Any kind of damage he could inflict is already done.
“This is the girl in possession of that name you know of. I will help you find her if you seal yourself.” The familiar voice on the loudspeaker said. From where the camera is, a projector was turned on and reflected on the wall behind River.
A stolen shot of me.
River settled down and leaned on the viewing glass.
“I knew you could be civilized. Now, what do you need?” The voice asked-it’s Dr. Burke!
“Water…from the lake…”River replied picking a broken piece of glass from the floor.
“NOW!!!” He screamed. The rattling depth and volume shot my back straight up-he’s so different, worse than the wretched form I summon when reading his seal.
“Water-you mean, from the lake where I…” I sputtered, unable to gather my scattered thoughts. Was he referring to the lake I love so much? Was that the reason why he was so pissed off when I tried to splatter some on him? What is in the water? Some sort of demon repellant?
“I used it to seal myself. Demons were never sealed in the first place. The vampires threatened to put an end to you humans and we can’t have that done.” He gazed blankly on the screen, watching the part where he wiped the glass and dipped it into a bowl of water that was passed to him through a small square on the wall and carved a series of scripts on his chest, his nape and arm.
I too watched painfully as he groaned while the sharp edge of the glistening glass ran over his skin, leaving deep cuts dripping with thick, dark blood.
“Demons thrive on your sins, feed on the negativity to keep our souls alive. We have our own rules-and disobeying those will lead to a consequence unrevealed to us. That’s why we do unreasonable things…” River sighed. His eyes paled, almost a pearly-grey veiled over his sky-blue orbs.
I don’t understand it clearly, is he saying that demons do what they do for their own salvation? Humans have a predictable destination-death. It’s the only event we’re sure of. What happens next, nobody knows. Maybe it’s like that for them. I don’t know if they die at some point in their lives…disobeying is like dying and not knowing what comes next.
Demons are immortals, so are vampires. Aren’t they?
“Vampires are the ones who kill people. It is their instinct to consume humans; however, their blood thirst is limited. They can only attack somebody nearing death; if not, that person will turn into a vampire.” On the video, he dropped the knife and started twitching. It must have hurt a lot…he panted and collapsed on the floor, slumped on his own pool of blood. I can’t take any more of this…Dr. Burke was there but he couldn’t tend to his bleeding because River can tear him to shreds any moment he gets near.
Both of us had our eyes locked on the screen. River was trembling on the floor, as if struggling to keep himself alive from lethal venom running through his veins. His screams reached a part of me that wanted to run to him at that time and make him stop hurting himself.
He did it that so he could find me, and Dr. Burke had to take advantage over River’s need.
I shook my head. If I had only known that he needed me, then…
Everything would’ve been different.
When the video finished, he stood and walked over to the mirror. He unbuttoned his shirt and looked at my reflection. “How can you read these seals, when it’s not even in your alphabet?”
I don’t know…you can’t ask me a question which I can’t answer.
“We are stronger than the vampires, but we had to sacrifice our power to keep you and our kind alive and that was by sealing ourselves off. It was easy for the others since they just needed to wound themselves with the seals.” For the first time, I was able to examine those scripts which I thought were tattoos, and they’re not.
These are the proof of his power and misery, a sign that we must be with each other, for each other. Being the only person able to read and see the seals, they need me to break free. The vampires can multiply and overpower them easily and kill us…”River, Fathom killed Dr. Burke’s bodyguards-“
“-he was trying to defend himself. We can kill no more than fifty people at one time as long as they are a threat, or worse, could expose our existence.” he interrupted.
I nodded, now understanding the situation better. “Why did they run away when they smelled you earlier? Are vampires not allowed to kill demons?” A bunch of hair fell on my face-I brushed it away and tucked it behind my ear. River and I should be like this more often, no shouting or threatening. He can explain things calmly.
“They can’t…I don’t know why. It was rumored that their rules imply it.” He’s still lost at thought. I want to know what he’s thinking of.
“Change into something dry.” He said coldly.
I know he didn’t choose this path, and even though he is some sort of undetected demon, he is a good person.
While he traced his seals with a finger, I walked up behind him and, without warning, wrapped my arms around his waist.
If he really is something I must fear, then, hugging him wouldn’t feel so warm. It’s as if my arms could meld with his body and hang on.
“I’m going now.” I let go of him and ran to my room, hoping that the small hug comforted him in some way.
I took my clothes off and went straight to the shower.
River isn’t just a demon. He’s stronger than the rest of the others, and I am the only one who can prove it. He’s untraceable. Fathom only sees him as a regular person, so does Neon-well, before he smelled River’s blood.
Hesitantly, I rested my hand on the shower knob. Hell, I’ve hugged him; his scent ‘s on me and I’m washing it away?! Of course I am, I’m not some sort of obsessed psycho.
Before I get a chance to change my mind, I turned the warm shower on and started rubbing soap all over my body, still wondering if I’d be able to smell him on me.
Forget that! I scolded myself, and shifted to a cold shower. This will definitely wake my sub-functional brain…the colder, the better.
The cold bath felt like a battle between me and the water.
Finishing it off with a towel and a pair of girl boxers and a snug camisole, I nearly lost my balance while dressing up, but still managed to comb and dry my hair.
Plus, I feel hot.
I felt for my neck and forehead.
I am hot…that cold shower wasn’t a good idea after all.
“Ugh. I’m so stupid.” I moaned, making my way to my bed.
Feeling cold and sweating at the same time-it’s not a good sign. I pulled the thick blanket up to my neck and curled into a tight, shivering ball.
Knock, knock.
“Yeah? Come in.” I weakly called. It’s weird; I’m feeling warmer and warmer by the second.
River stepped inside with a stern expression on his face.
What now?
“What are you going to do about Spade?” He asked.
I looked away from him and buried myself inside the blanket. “He’s not my real brother.” By facing it this way, I will learn to accept that I don’t mean anything to him now. He almost gave me up, if not for River.
“Remember when I told you that I only have one memory?” He absent-mindedly asked.
Curiously, I turned to him. I remember that. When he was being a total jerk in the restaurant, he told me he had a memory about me, when I gained my first vision.
I can’t remember anything when I was still a baby and he does. Amazing? Okay, let’s hear it River.
“The first thing you saw was your real parents.” He sputtered.
My…real…parents?
I sat up, forgetting the chilly-sweaty feeling plaguing me. “What did they look like?” I immediately asked.
He broke eye contact and hesitated. “Dead.”
I felt a sharp pain inside my chest. Dead? What does he mean dead?
“It’s the sacrifice you had to make.” He flatly said, haltingly and uncertain.
Sacrifice... does he even know what he’s talking about?! I’ve sacrificed enough, only to discover that there’s more to it, a past that I was completely unaware of?
How?
Why?
“When you gained vision, you took the life of your real family. You had to protect yourself fr-“
“I never asked for this! How many lives….h-hhow………k…..killing my…..family…won’t protect me!.......” I interrupted, before he could say more, breaking into sobs, barely able to make myself understood. “Why….don….don’t……I………rem-mem….ber…..any….. of…..t-this?!” I was a baby, how could a small child kill somebody?
Why does he have a memory which should be mine?
“L…..leave….me…..alone……” I laid and buried myself under the covers. “Please….”
There was a moment of silence, and then, I heard the door close.
His words repeated in my head: Vision…life….family…protect…
Oh, my God. I lost it.
The warmth rose to my ears, and my body reminded me of the previous state I was in. I trembled and felt colder.
My family, both the real and my foster parents-this vision I have ruined their lives.
Spade is right, I killed them.
“Lily, wake up.” Dr. Burke whispered.
Huh? I opened my eyes, a little surprised. I must have fallen asleep.
“Help me pick a venue for your parents’ burial tomorrow.” He seemed anxious, fixing his glasses though they are aligned properly.
But, I don’t feel so good. I forced myself to sit up, swaying a little-everything I see is swaying before my very eyes. Stupid fever.
Picking a venue won’t be so hard. I just have to choose the nearest place he’ll show to get it over with. My legs wobbled as I rose out of bed and wore the thickest robe and fuzzy slippers I spotted. Can I blame myself? I’m burning up, here!
Dr. Burke smiled and walked out. I followed, and glanced at the century-old grandfather clock-three o’clock in the morning? What kind of venue rental would be open at this hour?
Oh, I forgot. Dr. Burke’s a rich guy. It might be his chain of venues and he just wanted to let me choose.
As soon as we stepped out of the house, I almost dropped to my knees from the sudden cold. I can’t do this. I’ve got to tell Dr. Burke that I’m sick. It can wait until tomorrow.
“Hurry up!” He exclaimed, opening the passenger seat. What is he so fussed about? Maybe he’s just tired. I ignored my ready-to-collapse body and stepped inside his car, a black limo without a chauffeur.
He started the engine, not saying a word.
I closed my eyes to rest a while. I still feel tired and the heat from my throat is rising to my mouth and nose. I should’ve worn something longer underneath instead of boxers, taken medicine as well.
The ride felt long, stretching from thirty minutes to almost an hour but it feels like we just went in circles.
How long is he going to drive? Are these venues really that far? Jeez.
“We’re here.” He announced. I smiled and opened the door, wrapping my hands around myself to prepare for that intense wave of coldness, then, stepped out.
I can’t see anything but a vacant lot and a house standing several meters away.
Squinting my eyes to get a better view of the venue, an unexpected shadow suddenly jumped from the trees, standing as I tried to make out who it is.
“Fathom?!” I exclaimed, recognizing his huge form.
My heart thumped loudly in fear as he approached me.

EMBER IN DARKNESS Chapter13 (Demons)

My eyes widened and I slowly shook my head. Reading those things will turn him into this scary, violent person.
“If you don’t read it, I will be turning into a vampire…and I will kill you.” He tore his shirt and wiped the bloodstains off the marks.
Left without a choice, I read the words engraved on his chest. “Kryl tas…” he began to heave, closed his eyes and continued taking in deep breaths. Even though I my brain refused to read the final word, I went on anyway. Read it or not, things will be screwed up…”valtmyr…” I squeaked. River growled slowly; his breathing became deeper until he appeared to be sleeping.
Of all circumstances to lose consciousness, this certainly isn’t one.
“Wake up. Don’t scare me.” I grabbed his collar and continuously tried to shake him out of unconsciousness.
Please don’t be a vampire when you wake up. I chanted while feeling for his skin’s warmth.
Well, it’s still warm.
“Coward.” He muttered. I gulped at the deep sound of his voice.
Even in the dark, I could see his eyes-almost clear, but not as clear as before as I am still unable to see the bloodspots on his iris. Is that what happens? When I read those things on him, they become black or clear…yet, sometimes, when he freaks out, even his eyeballs turn black.
There’s just one occasion where those eyes turned clear. I felt his strength during that time, but now, it’s different. There’s a static charge of energy exploding on his skin completely unavoidable to the senses.
He slowly stood up while I continued making a fool out of myself just by staring. He gives me this weird feeling every time he looks, and I always respond the same way, desperately trying to stop myself from stumbling into awkward situations.
“Out.” He ordered, pushing the door open. Like a mole rat feeling the light for the first time, I hesitantly stepped out, but River had to ruin all the drama and shoved me hard that I literally had to stop myself from stumbling and rolling down the floor of dirt.
Once I regained balance, I took the mirror from my bag and checked on my hair.
Still a reddish-brown.
I wrinkled my nose and threw the small mirror back in my bag. Why am I doing a mirror check anyway?
“River?” I swerved around and sighed at the closed door.
Forget about knocking. He might need some time inside.
The moment I folded my knees to squat on the floor, the door burst open and I, on the other hand, curved into a perfect ball and continued rolling until I hit an empty garbage can.
Thank God it’s empty.
River came out of the dim room and looked at me questioningly.
“Don’t give me that look.” I hissed at him, bringing myself up the second time around.
“I’m sorry.” He approached me, showing off a sincerely apologetic face.
Honestly, I’m not much of a punisher. Though I’d love to kick his foot so he could do a somersault over and above the ground, his sincerity is enough.
River was protecting me after all. Spade is going too far. He didn’t have to hurt River.
“Where the hell are your bruises?!” I exclaimed upon noticing that the cuts and blood are gone.
He just shook his head. Okay, I understand-leave it to the unknown.
“I heard what Spade said.” My voice sounded croaky while the uncomfortable lump made its way to my throat again. Don’
After swallowing and taking a breath, I felt at ease but it was only for a few seconds. After which, what Spade said will hit me again and I’ll be stuck in the same cycle. A few more breaths and I’ll be fine.
BREATHE. I commanded myself when my throat hurt more. Spade’s voice echoed inside my head. She was adopted…
I was adopted.
I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to wipe the whole thing out and then, I recalled River’s tone when he asked Spade why he’d give me up… He was angry and I know he felt sorry for me.
“I can’t forget what happened.” I told River, who is observing me, probably wondering why I’m acting weird. My face tightened a bit. I could feel the tears rising up to my eyes.
A loud BANG bashed our ears and we both looked up at Fathom, who squat over a huge, rusty metal shelf beside the garbage can, grinning.
River immediately got himself into a defensive stance and pulled me behind him.
Fathom’s eyes flared a piercing green color-brighter than Shade’s.
“I will not harm you.” He announced, leaping down, landing on the floor with one hand. “The vampires know about you, Lily.” His voice really freaks me out. How can somebody with a thundery voice pretend to be human?! “If you come with me, we will protect you and your friend, here.” He nodded at River, who looked ready to tear him into pieces.
Did he just say he’ll protect me and my friend? River is a demon, like him. Even the vampires knew it when he was bleeding. I’m definitely missing something here.
“Spade is a human. We will be able to dispense him if he’s a threat to you-“
“NO! Don’t do anything to Spade!“ He’s still my brother and I know I can still fix the misunderstanding between us.
Fathom nodded intently, keeping his green eyes on River. After a few more seconds, he walked away.
“I think he’s a good guy.” I whispered to River when he was out of sight.
“Because they need you to read their seal. They don’t have any other use for you after that.” At least he responded. The last time this happened, River was totally non-conversant.
I took a peek at his eyes-a pure onyx. If I didn’t know better, I’d surely think that he’s a vampire.
“Can we just head straight home? I’ll call Dr. Burke later on.” I asked River. If Spade is not my real brother, does it mean that I’m an adopted child-or is Spade the adopted child?
Heavens, I wasn’t able to find out who killed my parents and now, I have another question inside the bag.
We both started strolling down the halls and warily made our way outside. Maybe Neon will back off, now that they know that River’s a demon…well, that is, it shadows the fact that I could read seals.
“What if I pretend that I can’t read seals anymore?” I asked River as we waited for a cab.
“Then they will kill you, just like what the vampires could do to Spade.” He stretched out his hand to call the empty cab.
What does he mean by that?! Will Neon kill Spade? He couldn’t!
Then, the most absurd idea drilled into my head. “What if they turn him into a vampire?” I nervously asked him.
“Then the demons will be the ones to kill him. Get inside.” He snapped while holding the door open.
He acts constipated ninety-nine percent of the time. I can’t believe that my patience has stretched this far.
I flipped my hair towards his face and crawled inside the cab. How will I know if I’m facing a vampire? Do they have somebody who could read seals as well?
Impossible, it’s easy to see a vampire-when someone has fangs, then it’s positive.
I glanced at River. How lethal could he get? If I finish reading his seals, then how will he control himself?
River blinked and turned to me-I stuck my tongue at him.
Nice move, Lily. That was really mature.
“How did we get here so fast?” I mumbled when I recognized the huge gate. After River paid the bill, I jumped to open the door, unexpectedly sprawling all over his lap.
Good Lord…I froze in ultimate shock. I’m all over him. He didn’t move as well, as mortified as I am. Sticking with the original plan, my sweaty hand reached for the bolt and opened the door…now, how to get out?
Cold sweat formed on every imaginable part of my body as I crawled and squirmed my way on his lap and successfully slid off when my hands reached the road pavement.
Why did I even think of opening that stupid door if he could open of himself?
MORON. I slapped myself thrice on the forehead in extreme embarrassment.
Neither of us uttered a word on the long way to Dr. Burke’s doorstep.
To escape the situation, I turned right, to where the lake and shrine is.
“Where are you going?” He interrupted.
He is so nosy. “To the lake.” I said, speeding off to my most ideal place in the world. As soon as the sparkling water met my sight, I hastily took my shoes off and took a step into the cool water. How does this even stay clean? There’s no sign of moss or any of those gross stuff anywhere.
The smooth pebbles beneath my feet rubbed against each other, giving me a bit of massage. The water felt so refreshing that I wanted to dive in it. I continued to walk and descended further until I noticed a certain spot where the water reached until my neck.
This is so cool. I almost forgot that I’m still wearing my gym shorts…it feels like every negative feeling I had previously is being
“Hey, are you just going to watch me enjoy this?” I called out to him.
He sat on a rock, a few feet away from the lake.
I felt a little dumb to waddle in the water with someone watching.
Hurriedly, I stepped out of the water and stood in front of him…without warning, I sprinkled my hands and splattered the water towards his direction.
“Stop!!!” He madly yelled.
My hands stopped in mid-air. Did I upset him with a few sprinkles?
“Don’t do anything stubborn again.” His eyes smoldered into a pitch black. Grumpily, he snatched my shoes and walked away.
“Sorry.” I muttered under my breath. This guy can’t even take a joke. “River, I just recalled…have you seen Dr. Burke’s ceiling painting? It has you in it, a guy with seals.”
“I know. That’s why I don’t trust him. He’s just after you…” he opened the door and let me inside, then led the way to the library. Beyond the rooms and a hallway of huge paintings was a library.
We went inside.
There are still beads of water rolling down my hair and legs but I didn’t mind. I have a feeling that this will be important.

EMBER IN DARKNESS Chapter 12 (Desire)

My eyes felt heavy under his gaze.
The dryness of my throat made it so hard to speak, more to say, harder to think of the next word.
Come closer, my mind dictated him.
Every inch of me wants to touch him. Does he feel the same way?
I shook my head to shut the emerging thoughts out and faced away from River.
“Go to sleep.” He brushed his cheek with his hand and walked away.
Stunned and still wondering what happened, I stood there until I heard the door close.
Did I really think of those things?
“I am such a virgin.” I mumbled.
Gasp!
A set of fingers clasped around my mouth from behind.
“Meet me at the gym three thirty in the afternoon tomorrow.” It’s Spade. His fingers slid off my cheeks to my shoulders, and he held me for a moment.
Tears slowly crept down my eyes, too overwhelmed to hug him back. “Yes.” I replied.
When I turned around, he was gone but still left a smile painted on my face. Finally, I can be with him.
I jumped to bed and didn’t mind closing the terrace door.
My brother will be waiting for me tomorrow.
“Who was that?” A suspicious tone called from outside.
“Goodnight, River.” I smiled to myself and snuggled myself to sleep.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
Oh, wow…Another day; I wonder what’s in store for me.
My morning rituals went on; this time, I chose a sleeveless gold top, a dark cotton mini-skirt and beige doll shoes, wore everything and presented it to the mirror.
Nice.
“Breakfast, mademoiselle.“ The French maid yelled.
I smiled at her and ran to the dining room.
When I arrived, Dr. Burke isn’t there.
“Where is Dr. Burke?” I asked River, who is chewing on fillet.
“He went first.” He glanced down. “Your skirt’s too short.”
Since when did I allow him to comment on what I wear?
“Uh-huh, it’s the perfect length. Did I ever tell you that I never let anyone influence the way I dress?” I brushed my skirt and sat beside him. A bowl of strawberries and cream stood before me. Greedily, I took the huge container and dug my way down.
Even Spade can’t make me wear jeans. I wear what I want to wear since it’s my body, I flaunt my assets-not hide them.
“You’re an easy prospect for rapists.” He hissed.
I rolled my eyes at him and went back to my breakfast. Rapists are psychos overloaded with self-pity who need to get laid; from my point of view, anyone can become a rapist if they choose to. Self control and morality is the only way to stop or avoid being one.
The way I dress could attract people who like it but it’s not enough to make them that desperate or obsessed.
“Let’s walk to school.” I requested. I’m going to prove that clothing alone won’t spark that much interest.
He nodded. I hastily ate the last berry from the bowl and grabbed the cream-colored hand bag I had with me earlier.
“Let’s go.” We still have an hour before class starts and we might just need forty-five minutes for it. Traffic’s impenetrable at this hour anyway.
He wore black jeans and a snug, wheat-colored shirt, brown converse sneakers and a white scarf. Maybe he doesn’t trust me when I say I won’t read the seal on his nape, but he has other scriptures on his chest.
After the long walk out of the front yard, we strolled down the sidewalk. I stared straight ahead, feeling stares shooting at our direction.
“Every guy is looking at you.” River muttered. As if I didn’t notice it.
“Let them stare.” I raised my chin and continued walking.
“Hot stuff.” A guy remarked while passing by,
Two guys standing on the bus stuff gave me dirty looks and grinned. Gross.
“Hi.” A blond-haired guy crept in front of me.
“Can I help you?” I scrunched my face in disgust.
“I would love to-“he stepped closer. Double gross.
Out of nowhere, a hand draped over my shoulder.
The blonde looked up at River and walked away.
Everybody who stared at me earlier now turned their heads and began to do other things.
“You could be an obsession if people feel that way towards you.” He whispered. “I wouldn’t blame them if they think they should have you.”
Is that a good thing or bad thing? He blurts out words without warning. It’s shocking and mind blowing. People can’t just assume something right away, it needs time and he needs to know people well before he could say such things. The words came out of his tongue with utmost carelessness.
“You’re really weird.” I replied.
He called on a cab and opened the door for me, giving one last glare at the guys who stalked us before he closed the door.
“I almost forgot to tell you.” My face glowed with excitement. “Spade and I are okay now-we’ll meet at three thirty, after classes.”
He reacted as if I told him that I broke his favorite toy, River’s face clouded with disapproval, different from what I’ve expected.
A little disappointed, I gazed outside.
No traffic?
We arrived at school fifteen minutes early and it is amazingly clutter-free at this time in the morning because there’s no cootie girl group in spandex outfits, buzzing anywhere near our classroom corridor, plus, everybody didn’t arrive until the exact time class starts.
The atmosphere in here seems to have lightened up a bit, maybe it’s because Neon’s not around yet.
Wrong.
He’s on his chair, staring into space. It’s a real inconvenience to have your ex-boyfriend in your class, and have a snobbish rock as a companion.
Pulling on his hair and shirt didn’t get his attention and I’ve been waiting for him to at least flash a glance in my direction but no, he remained absorbed in the lectures in our three subjects.
Shade and I both remained quiet. I avoided looking, turning or peeking at his direction though I wanted to ask why their group was waiting on us yesterday. I hope it doesn’t happen again.
The lunch break bell rang and sent a shockwave all throughout the school. I guess were not the only ones who have a horrible teacher like Ms. Fames at this time.
I twitched my lips as she marched out of class and left us with another inconsiderate task-a report on our school’s history, the founders and faculty from start to present-to think that this school is almost a hundred years old. On the bright side, she gave us the day after tomorrow to finish it.
“Stop being so childish.” River muttered when my fingers pinched on a tiny group of hair.
“Prick.” I mumbled releasing the strands of ebony. How can I stop picking on him if he’s acting like he has been having PMS all morning? I know he hates Ms. Fames but he has no right to bring it all out on me.
Two more subjects after lunch and after that, I’ll be seeing Spade.
The hours rolled by, unnoticed. Our lunch was made up mainly of fruits and veggies. I love fruits; I can live on it alone. Neon and his crew sat behind River and I. They remained a little quiet than usual, giving more density in the atmosphere than usual, as if they’re just watching me.
They are vampires. Maybe they’re thinking of what my blood would taste like. My scent will drive them off-what more with the taste?
Maybe if I rub garlic all over my body, they will stay a dozen feet away from me.
“I’m a genius.” I chuckled goofily, not realizing that I was looking at River, lest making me appear like an idiot.
I will never forget the look on his face when he reacted to that.
First period after lunch is Literature. Our teacher gave a lecture, after which, asked us to write a five-sentence essay about happiness or give five things that would describe happiness for us.
My paper had: strawberries, shopping, family, World of Warcraft, I would’ve written River but that would be weird, so I wrote blueberry cheesecake as the fifth thing.
I wish I knew what River wrote. Unluckily, I didn’t have a chance to take a peek because every time I try to, he’d look at me like a greedy wolf defending its food.
The last period came. P.E. class. We all proceeded to the locker rooms to change into shorts and sleeveless jerseys, then, to the gym. Our practicum is basketball. I hate the sport and the odds were in my favor. I was given the least irritating task: scoreboard.
I of course, did my job well. The numbers on the whiteboard are nicely written and there’s no single erasure.
For the last fifteen minutes before dismissal, I excused myself for a bathroom break-I really needed one.
“Thank God.” I muttered upon seeing that all stalls are unoccupied. There are usually a lot of seniors crowding in here at this time and it’s pretty hard to hold it in for ten minutes.
As soon as I sat on the bowl, somebody knocked on the door.
Unbelievable. Whoever it is can just come in and look for a comfortable stall-on the other hand, if that’s a guy knocking, shouldn’t he be going to the other restroom?
“Coming!” I pulled my shorts up and washed my hands. The nerve. After drying my hands, I pulled the door open.
“You can co-“ River stood outside, arms crossed on his chest. “-what are you doing here? You do realize that this is the girls’ bathroom, right?” Or is he not familiar with the female sign?
“I’m sorry about this.” He sighed and snatched my arm.
What is it this time?
He dragged me away, and, without another word, threw me inside a closet. I quickly got up, despite a painful feeling somewhere on my leg and banged my hand on the thick door.
“River! Let me out!” he is so absurd! I pounded hard, a little scared.
I stopped when he spoke from outside. “Keep quiet and listen to me. Spade is not your real brother.”
“That’s not a reason, let me out right now! I want to hear it from Spade.” I gritted my teeth, feeling infuriated with his nonsense when it’s not the time to do so. “Is anybody there?! Help me out!” I continued hitting the door with my hands and feet to make enough noise.
“Calm down. I will let you out when I’m sure that Spade is safe to be around with. Keep quiet as long as you’re in there.” He assured.
When Spade doesn’t see me in front of the gym when three thirty strikes, he’ll check the whole place anyway. “Don’t hurt him.” I threatened.
My lips trembled a little. In an attempt to calm myself down, I sat on the dusty floor and played with a brush and a small can of gold paint which I got from the shelves and used the walls as my drawing canvas.
A few minutes passed, then, I heard footsteps outside.
“Where’s my sister?” Spade’s voice echoed among the walls. I immediately stood up and was about to scream, when I heard another voice.
“You heard him, River. Where’s Lily?” Neon parroted.
Spade is with Neon? He hated him before…how could he be with him?
“I sent her home because I knew bloodsuckers would be here.” River responded, a sharp threat in his tone.
A chorus of growls and hisses sent my heart pounding against my chest.
“Why would you surrender your own sister to these vampires, Spade?” River asked.
My heart thundered and waited for him to answer.
“She was adopted-technically, we’re not related.” Spade proclaimed flawlessly, without a bit of hesitation. He spoke the words like it was a long-kept secret that he so wanted to share with everyone.
I was crumbled to bits. He can’t be serious.
My knees shuddered and I felt every pain inside me weigh a million times heavier.
That’s not true.
All of a sudden, a loud, rustling sound from outside almost sent my back to the corner of the small space where all the mops are. There were grunts, and several thuds on the door.
What is going on out there?! I looked for a small hole or slit around the door to find out, but there was none. The only slit is the space between the door and the floor-that won’t help much; I barely had enough space to stretch my legs when I was sitting but I still gave it a try.
An extremely deafening hit on the door sent me back up. I want to open this door so bad. There’s something wrong.
I froze when a path of blood trickled inside and covered my hands over my mouth to keep from screaming.
“He’s a demon!” One of them exclaimed. “Get out of here!” The trail of footsteps sailed away until it finally disappeared.
I gasped when another sound on the door was made-the door’s beginning to open.
“River!” I horrifically stared at his beaten form, leaning against the wall beside the closet door.
He spat blood and bled a lot-cuts covered his arms and neck. Two bite marks swelled on his arm, letting out extremely dark blood.
Almost absentmindedly, I grabbed tore the towel in my pocket and tied one strip around his wrists to stop the bleeding and another to wipe the blood off his skin, just in case there are damaged veins or arteries. His cuts are deep, as if claws were used to make them.
“I’m so sorry.” I choked out. I feel responsible for this.
“Take me inside.” He weakly responded. I gently pulled him up and let him sit slowly on the floor and managed to kneel myself beside him.
“Read the first three words you see on my chest.” He ordered.