by K. G. Reuss
The chandeliers running down the center of the hallway burned brightly—the eternal flame that encased the city finding its way inside the castle to light the way.
When I got to the end of the hallway, I stopped in front of the heavy, obsidian door, the same door I’d been pulled to by the guards with Olivia’s frightened body beside me two hundred years ago. I tried to shake the memory of the terror on her face out of my mind. It was no use. The look on her face would haunt me for eternity.
His guard pushed the door open, and it creaked ominously from its old, burnt hinges. The sound caused goosebumps to rise on my skin despite the heat of Hell. The last time I heard that sound, Olivia was being dragged out while I was held back to accept my fate. The images of that night were still as fresh in my mind as the day they occurred.
Olivia had snuck away from king and entered my room. I felt like I’d been waiting for her for eternity. These quick, secret meetings never got to last long. Damn, I hated having to share her. I wanted her with me always, but until we could figure out a way, this was all we had.
Rushing up to her, I pulled her against my chest and locked my lips on hers. Her delicate fingers threaded through my hair as she held me closer, silently begging me to never let her go.
My hands found their way to her lower back, one traveling down to land on her ass and one running up her back to tug at the strings of her corset.
Before we got too far, the doors busted open, and four guards stormed in as we dashed away from one another. Malachi waltzed in behind the guards with a look of triumph on his smug face. “Donovan Weaver. Your grace. The king as requested that you both be brought to his royal court immediately.”
The men grabbed our arms and began pulling us from the room.
“What is the meaning of this?” I questioned as I looked over at Olivia. She had a face of stone, not giving off the impression she was scared or nervous in any way. I, however, felt threatened. He must have found out about us.
“I think we all know the meaning of this,” Malachi chuckled darkly. “Did you really think you could get away with what you were doing? I’ve been following you both for quite some time. I just needed to catch you together. Today you gave me such an opportunity.”
“You’ll pay for this, Malachi,” I hissed at him.
“I very much doubt that,” he answered back. “I think I’m about to be promoted.”
I didn’t get to say anything else because we came to a stop in front of the heavy, obsidian doors leading to the throne room. I chanced a glance at Olivia who gazed back at me, her eyes now filled with fear.
“It’ll be OK,” I whispered to her. A tiny noise escaped her trembling lips as she gave me a shaky nod.
My gaze was pulled away from her as the demon standing guard pushed the door open, causing the hinges to creak in an eerie fashion. One of the guards shoved me inside the room and pushed me to my knees at the king’s feet. I turned my head just in time to see Olivia forced to kneel before him also.
“Well, well, well. What do we have here?” Lucifer asked standing from his black throne and walking around us in a circle, coming to a stop directly in front of us. When my eyes met his, I could see the truth. He knew everything.
“Donovan, do you not value your position here?”
“Very much so, my king.” My head dipped forward in a bow.
“I gave you an easy task!” he yelled, his voice echoing off the stone walls around us. “And you betrayed me.”
My head popped up, my eyes meeting his. “I didn’t —”
“Do not lie to me, Donovan. I trusted you to watch over her, and instead, you defiled her.” He bent down and grabbed Olivia by her hair, yanking her head back and forcing her to look at him. Even though I knew it must hurt, she didn’t make a sound or show any signs of pain.
“And you…” he spat out, “…I gave you everything, and you discarded it like trash.” He was so close to her their noses were almost touching. “I was going to make you a queen.”
“Let her go,” I ordered.
He jerked his head up, his red eyes locking on mine. “You think you can give me orders?” He released her hair with a jerk as he walked closer to me. She fell forward, catching herself, a tiny whimper escaping her lips.
“You did this, Donovan. You had everything you could ever need here. You were practically royalty yourself. But you threw it all away. And now, you must be punished.” He pulled his sword from its sheath.
“No!” Olivia screamed, her green eyes wild.
Lucifer threw his head back and let out a menacing laugh.
“Don’t hurt him. I’ll do whatever you wish. I’ll marry you,” she pleaded, crawling to him on her knees, tears streaming down her face. Her red dress fell open in the back, and the satin ribbons from her corset pooled on the black stone floor. It was the first time she’d ever shown him any emotion.
His black eyebrow arched as his face turned to one of disgust. “You think I want you now? After he’s already pillaged your innocence?” He aimed his sword at her chest. “I should end you now. Turn your soul to ash so that I have more to step on. You’re worthless.”
“Stop!” I yelled, trying to get to my feet, but I was pushed back to my knees by the guards on either side of me.
I couldn’t get up, but I did, at least, take his attention off of her. He kicked at her, knocking her sideways. I didn’t care if he killed me, turning me to ash, as long as she’d not be harmed.
He walked back over to me. “Why should I honor any of your wishes after your betrayal?”
“I beg of your forgiveness, my king. I will do anything you wish. I will serve a thousand years in the hole. Please just spare her soul,” I begged like a cowering dog.
“Anything?” he mumbled, thinking it over as he began pacing back and forth in front of our kneeling bodies.
He paused in front of me. “Are you willing to do anything to save her?” His red eyes squinted, causing his normally smooth skin to wrinkle.
“Anything,” I agreed passionately. He seemed to contemplate something for a moment before a wicked smile was carved into his features.
“We shall see. I think a bit of incentive will work.” He gave me a wink that made me want to vomit. He was up to something. Something bad. “Olivia Ryan, show me your gratitude.” He stood in front of her.
“M-my king?” She stared up at him with fearful eyes. He offered her his hand. Her eyes flickered to me momentarily before she tentatively put her hand in his. He brought her to her feet, so she was face-to-face with him.
“What are you willing to do to keep Mr. Weaver from being turned to ash?” He raised an eyebrow at her. “Surely, there’s something you could do for me to help persuade me to keep his worthless soul.” His fingers brushed against her cheek causing her to visibly tremble. I gnashed my teeth as all the wicked possibilities flooded my mind.
“Livvy, don’t,” I whispered painfully. “It’s OK, baby. Let me go.”
Her eyes traveled to me quickly, a heartbroken expression on her face. Her hands shook as she rested them on the devil’s chest. He regarded her with an even expression as she stepped closer, her body touching his.
Leaning in, she pressed her mouth to his causing me to growl in anger. The king’s hand moved forward, and he fisted her hair, tugging her head back roughly. She let out a painful gasp as his hold tightened, his mouth finding the sensitive skin on her neck, his tongue flicking out to taste her.
“Don’t,” I called out, my voice trembling. “Don’t you touch her.”
A wicked laugh escaped the devil’s maw as he pulled away from her neck, his hand still clutching her hair tightly.
“Sucks when you give a command, and no one listens, doesn’t it, Donovan?”
I ground my teeth as I glared back at him. His smile broadened as he turned his attention back to Olivia.
“I want more. I’m not convinced Mr. Weaver is worth saving just yet.”
“I’ll willingly give you whatever
you want to save him. Everything is yours, my king. You need not even ask.” With trembling fingers, Liv undid her dress fully, letting it fall away from her slender frame. The red silk pooled at her feet, leaving her in nothing but her undergarments.
His hand gripped her breast roughly, causing her to cry out, her voice laced with pain. I struggled to break free and was met with a kick to my side, doubling me over.
“L-Livvy,” I called out as the devil tore her undergarments away and grabbed her roughly, her naked body pressed against his. It didn’t take a genius to figure out his wicked plans.
“Say yes, Olivia. And I’ll save him,” he crooned.
“Yes,” her voice was barely above a whisper as she agreed to his evil plans.
She was thrown to the ground unceremoniously, her head smacking off the marble floor with a sickening thud.
“Livvy! Liv!” I shouted, struggling against my captors as her eyes locked on mine. A large fist connected with my head. Then my face. Over and over again until I was prone on the floor with a foot on the back of my head and a sword poking painfully into my back.
I stared in horrified realization as the devil went to his knees, positioning himself between her legs.
“Livvy, stay with me. Look at me,” I whispered painfully. Her green eyes locked on mine as the devil undid his pants and pushed forward into her. She didn’t flinch. She didn’t even move as her eyes stayed on mine. “I love you. I love you so much.” It became my mantra to her as the devil had his way with her. A small tear slipped out the corner of her eye as she stared back at me. “You’re my girl. Always, Livvy. I promise I’ll fix this. Please, baby. Stay with me. I love you. I love you. I’m so sorry.”
It felt like forever, her body jostling with each of his rough thrusts as he rained hell down on her. With a guttural growl, the devil finished his task and tucked himself back into his pants, leaving her on the floor still staring at me.
“I can certainly see what the appeal is, Mr. Weaver.” The devil chuckled softly. “And to think, she let me in just to save you.”
I didn’t look at him. Instead, I kept my eyes trained on Olivia’s as hers wavered with the agony of what had happened to her, of what she’d agreed to just to save me.
“Sadly, it’s really the struggle I enjoy. And she was far too willing to engage in our activities. Congratulations, Miss Ryan. That was enough to save his soul from being turned to ash. Unfortunately for you, it wasn’t enough to save yours. Guards!” his voice rang out sharply. “Take her out of my sight. Do with her what you wish before you throw her miserable soul of out my kingdom. Cast her into purgatory to wander forever.”
“No! No! Liv! Livvy!” I bellowed beneath my captors as a handful of guards surrounded her and jerked her naked body to her feet.
“Van!” she shouted desperately, tears streaming down her face as she reached out for me. “I’ll love you for eternity!” she screamed the words at me—her face wet with tears, her hair a wild, tangled mess. I struggled once more, trying to get to her but someone struck me in the back of the head, causing me to see stars.
“L-Livvy,” I whimpered, my hand outstretched for her. “I’ll never stop looking until I find you! I swear it!”
Her cries filled my soul as she was pulled from the throne room. Once the heavy doors slammed closed, her screams erupted causing my heart to shatter into a million pieces, not knowing what was happening to her but having a damn good idea. It wasn’t long until her cries faded away, signaling she’d either passed out from the pain or succumbed to it.
“Tragic when you think about it,” the devil’s voice cut through my heartache. “Such a beauty. Unlike any Hell has ever seen before. And just as hot and divine on the inside too. Such a loss.”
“You son of a bitch,” I cursed as I was hauled to my knees to face him. “She did what you wanted! She gave herself to you willingly! You accepted!”
“The deal was to save you, not her.” He smirked at me.
“Her soul will become lost in purgatory!” I screamed maniacally at him. I knew exactly what he’d sentenced her to. “Take me instead! I’ll go in her stead! I gave my word that I’d do anything!”
If Olivia were to be cast from Hell, she’d forever be lost. She’d wander for the rest of eternity — not accepted into Heaven or Hell. She’d become a creature of purgatory. Her body and soul would be twisted by pure evil until she was nothing but a deformity—an ugly, soulless outcast.
His deep laughter filled the space around us as he grinned at me.
“That’s very noble of you, Donovan. You must really love her.” He placed his hands behind his back as he took his place in front of me again.
“I do, my king. I’d do anything for her,” my voice was a soft rasp as I let my tears flow freely. “Please, have mercy. I’ll do anything to save her.”
“If you love her as much as you claim, I could only imagine the pain you’d endure having to be with other women.” The evil grin widened across his face as he contemplated my previous words.
My face scrunched with the thought, a sickness churning in my guts. “I’d never…” my voice trailed off as an ugly illness unraveled in the pit of my stomach. I couldn’t be with another woman after Olivia. She was it for me. Forever.
“I accept your offer. Donovan Weaver, you stole the woman who was forbidden, now you must spend eternity taking countless women but the one you love. May you wander eternity searching for the one you can never have. I hereby curse you to spend the rest of your days as an incubus.” Before I could process the meaning of his words, he pulled his sword and quickly sliced an X over my heart.
As my black blood pooled to the surface, my fleshed burned, causing me to scream in pain. The heat radiated from my heart and swirled around every inch of my body until I could no longer hold onto consciousness.
I shook the memory from my mind as I stepped foot into the room I hadn’t been inside of in two centuries. The devil sat before me on his black throne with his red eyes locked on me as I approached him and dropped to my knees.
“My king,” I addressed him.
“Donovan.” He nodded his acknowledgement. “It’s been many years, my old friend.”
“That it has,” I agreed.
“I see you’ve adapted to your new lifestyle well. You’ve been delivering many souls this past week especially.”
I shrugged. “What else is there to do? I might as well fuck myself into exhaustion. That’s what you wanted, isn’t it? Besides, you can’t take her from me in dreams.”
His red eyes narrowed as his lips formed a tight line. “I see you still haven’t learned your lesson —” He shook his head. “—dreaming about the one you’ll never touch again.” A sneer appeared on his face from no doubt thinking about the eternity of pain he was forcing me to live.
“The only lesson I’ve learned is that you’re a sick son of a bitch who gets pleasure out of watching others suffer.”
He laughed. “Hello! I’m the king of Hell. You think I got to where I am by playing with kittens and creating rainbows?” He let out another chuckle. “No! I got here by toying with twisted souls and creating demons to deal on my behalf.” He stood from his throne. “You forget that this—” He motioned around the room— “is supposed to be a punishment. You were denied entrance to Heaven. I was kind enough to accept you and bring you into my home. And you paid me back my stealing my queen? You expect mercy? From me?”
My teeth ground together on their own, causing a bout of pain to flare up in my jaw. I kept my eyes forward, no longer giving him what he wanted: a fight.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. “I want these souls. It’s time I found myself a new plaything. It’s your job to deliver.” He passed me the paper and I grabbed it from his clutches, not bothering to read it. “In case you don’t know how this works, you have their names. Concentrate on that, and you’ll find them in dreamscape. I’d say enjoy, but honestly, I hope you don’t.”
; He turned and walked back to his throne. “You’re dismissed.”
I stood, shoved the paper into my pocket and turned for the door.
“Oh and, Donovan?”
I spun around to face him, pure hatred boiling beneath my skin.
“You have one month.”
Olivia
Oh God. I was falling. My hands came out to stop myself. They landed on my desk with a thump, causing me to open my eyes and jump in surprise. A few students snickered as my face heated.
I’d fallen asleep in class. Again. It had to be the sixth time this week. I was exhausted. I hadn’t been sleeping. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to. I very much did. But the dream with Donovan had been so real that I couldn’t bear to go back in only to wake up to find it was just a dream. I couldn’t count the number of times I’d prayed for him to be real.
After only three dreams with him, I was hooked. I wanted him. My heart ached after waking up and remembering he wasn’t real. I didn’t want to get attached to something that wasn’t there. I needed to be out in the real world, trying to make it through. Survive. As much as I wanted to go back to my dreams, I knew I shouldn’t.
A flash of his beautiful face and his hand reaching out to me filled my sight before the clanging of the bell sucked me back out of dreamland. Sighing tiredly, I quickly grabbed my books and rushed off to my locker to deposit them.
Gym class was next. I hated it. It wasn’t that I was bad at sports. In fact, I was rather good at them. It was just I preferred to remain in the background like always. I caught shit for my athleticism just as I much as I did for anything else.
With a groan, I trudged off to gym, telling myself today wouldn’t be so bad. The entire week had been crap. While I hadn’t spoken to Brent, I’d heard the rumors. Apparently, in a drunken haze, I’d gone upstairs with him and screwed his brains out. Oh, and I wasn’t very good at it. Figured.
“Hey, slut,” Jasmine Marcel sneered at me as I entered the locker room. I didn’t acknowledge her. She was Brent’s opposite. If he was king dipshit, then she was queen bitch. Her gaggle of equally bitchy cronies sniggered as I passed by. I caught myself from hitting the wall as Chasity Bolton’s foot came out and tripped me. My face burned as the girls burst into fits of giggles.
