Demon World

by Balvir Bhullar

  Rowanne felt a knot of fear curl in her stomach, as she thought, Amanda, what’s happened to you? ‘Listen, I know you won’t agree, but I want you to go back and look for her. I’ll continue to follow Thomas.’

  ‘Are you out of your mind? Do you think for one moment that I’ll just allow you to walk headlong into danger without me?’ hissed Lillian, glaring at Rowanne. She looked frightening to Rowanne with the full force of her power trained on her.

  ‘Lillian, you have to trust me at some point. I will be fine. And besides, this is not the first time I’ve had to follow someone! You’d be surprised at what I’ve done for my profession. I won’t take any unnecessary risks, and I’ll stay a good distance back. Now go and help someone who might really be in need of your help,’ she looked pointedly at Lillian, whilst keeping Thomas in her sight.

  Lillian thought it a stupid idea, and didn’t like it, but realised that she was wasting time by arguing. She’d have to eventually let Rowanne go at some point, and had to have faith that she could survive without her intervention all the time. She looked at Rowanne disgustedly, before gruffly nodding her head and quickly headed back to look for Amanda.

  Rowanne tried to make up the distance she had lost while speaking with Lillian, and was just in time to see Thomas turn a corner. She shot forward at a dead run.

  She rounded the corner in time to see Thomas being attacked by two Shadow men. One of them knocked him out by hitting something against the side of his face, causing him to bleed and collapse; the second Shadow man caught him before he could hit the ground, and a portal opened behind them.

  Rowanne had not expected this when she was going through all the possible scenarios! She stood where she was; it was safer than going forward. The surrounding street lights turned off, as if a power failure had occurred, and it extended to the surrounding buildings until the whole area was plunged into darkness.

  In the centre of the portal stood a tall shadowy figure - it was hard to make out the finer details from where she stood. And the two men seemed to answer to that person, as they duly carried Thomas through the portal that closed behind them.

  She had a small fleeting hope that Thomas could still be alive, but then why this whole elaborate display of him appearing in a ghostly form? And where exactly was he taken... to Demon World, or was he still here, somewhere on Earth? She had a sinking feeling... It’s a trap you fool, her mind screamed at her, and her necklace had also been flashing wildly: she had felt an invisible pull to go back, but she’d been heedless of its warning, immersed as she was in what was going on before her.

  Why would they take Thomas? It just didn’t make any sense. Rowanne realised that she might very well have to go to Demon World to find out, if there was no other option.

  Just as she was turning back to find out where on earth Amanda had got to, she received a sharp blow to the head.

  CHAPTER 23

  Rowanne heard a strange buzzing sound in her ear, and it took her a moment to get her bearings. She realised it was Alexander, trying to get through to her. She held her head in her hands, willing the sharp pain to go away, and closed her eyes to block everything out.

  Slowly the pain receded to a dull ache, and she could now make out Alexander’s concerned expression as he knelt beside her. ‘Sorry, what were you saying?’ her voice sounded unsteady.

  ‘Are you alright? Do you want to lie down?’ asked Alexander, with his attention trained on her. She didn’t seem to be unduly concerned by the fact that someone had attacked her, and could still be close by.

  ‘Well, apart from having one hell of a headache, I’m fine. Did you happen to see who attacked me?’ asked Rowanne, as she tried getting up but felt a wave of nausea hit her, and collapsed back down.

  ‘Perhaps I should take you to the hospital, you could have a concussion,’ said Alexander, helping Rowanne up, who actually took his support without complaining for once! Well, it seems there is a first time for everything, he mused.

  ‘I have to find Amanda first, she was here with me. I’m worried about her,’ said Rowanne as she tried to walk back to the office building, practically dragging Alexander along with her.

  ‘Walk slowly, otherwise you might collapse again. And then I will have no choice but to carry you into the hospital myself!’ He looked at her with a disgusted expression, for the lack of care with which she looked after herself.

  Lillian appeared before them so suddenly that Rowanne ended up walking straight through her, and spun around in shock.

  ‘You have to stop doing that! Every time I get the sensation of someone walking over my grave,’ said Rowanne, shivering.

  ‘Well, that’s the thanks I get for coming to warn you that our dear Driskell is just around the corner with Amanda! He doesn’t look too pleased... Call me if you need me,’ and with that, she vanished into thin air.

  However angry she may be, Rowanne could still feel Lillian’s presence; she was close by, and Rowanne found it extremely reassuring. She looked at Alexander’s tense expression - she didn’t want him to feel like that anymore. And she would try not just for herself, but for him, to become stronger to be able to face their problems. It was her turn to keep everyone safe, and she’d do whatever it entailed; damn the consequences to herself!

  ‘We’ve got this, just follow my lead,’ said Rowanne, with a confidence she only half felt.

  She smiled at his look of astonishment. She stood straight, gently unclasped her hand from his arm, and after two wobbly attempts managed to walk forward with grace and poise, while he kept pace with her.

  Rowanne stopped and turned to him, ‘Look, I think perhaps it would be better if I faced Driskell alone. His suspicions will be aroused if he sees us together.’

  ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea. You can barely walk as it is, and I’m amazed you haven’t fallen flat on your face yet. Maybe I could be of some use to your friend, if she’s in trouble,’ said Alexander wryly.

  ‘I haven’t got the time to argue with you. It’s important I get to Amanda, who by the way is clearly capable of taking care of herself, and-’

  ‘Taking care of the good detective as well. I remember,’ added Alexander, under his breath.

  ‘I don’t know what you’re mumbling about. But trust me, we can take care of Driskell, rest assured on that front,’ said Rowanne, and looked at him steadily, hoping he’d get the hint.

  ‘Finally! You’re talking sense. Let’s go,’ he said, smiling brightly.

  Rowanne coughed, and said awkwardly, ‘I was actually referring to Amanda and I.’ She was exasperated with him, but was pleased to see the smirk wiped off his face, replaced by a disparaging smile.

  Alexander held up his hands, ‘Fine. But I will be close by if you need me, and I will not wait for your permission,’ with that bleak warning, he left.

  He’ll probably be close by watching my every move, thought Rowanne. Now I have two sets of eyes on me. How did he manage to turn it around to his favour, every time... perhaps the man was beyond help! Don’t count me out just yet... she thought.

  Rowanne rounded the corner, and found Amanda leaning against the wall, talking furiously with Driskell. Well, she had not expected that. What on earth was going on?

  ‘Ms Knight, I was wondering when you’d join us,’ said Driskell mirthlessly. ‘Perhaps you can persuade your friend here to accede to my humble request,’ he smiled audaciously at Amanda.

  Rowanne looked at Amanda’s awkward expression; she could have cut the tension with a knife. Amanda seemed to be the devil-may-care type, so what could have incensed her? But, then again, looking at Driskell, it all made sense.

  Rowanne realised slowly that Driskell was not here for her, but for Amanda. He seemed to be fixated with her, and she didn’t envy her that position. Driskell seemed to barely register Rowanne’s presence.

  ‘And what request would that be?’ asked Rowanne, trying to figure out a way to intervene, if it was at all possible.

  Amanda’s eyes flas
hed dangerously; she was losing patience fast, as she quickly answered, ‘I was just informing the Chief Inspector-’

  ‘Please, call me Dewain,’ insisted Driskell, he had on his most charming smile as he flashed his teeth; he was in an unusually good mood.

  ‘Like I said, I’ve just been explaining to Chief Inspector Driskell, that you’ve been helping me with research on a piece I’m working on,’ she paused, as Driskell’s smile was replaced by a more contemplative look. He didn’t seem to be the type of man to handle rejection well, and she doubted anyone had ever said ‘No’ to him before.

  ‘I was just suggesting to Miss Eghan that perhaps I could help her with... research,’ added Driskell quickly.

  Amanda looked at him sharply; only moments before, he had asked her out for dinner tomorrow night. Why was he suddenly so reluctant to reveal this? She waited for him to speak, but he just looked at her with a death stare. Suddenly, she felt very cold, and it started to spread through her until her mind became murky.

  Driskell took the momentary distraction to take Amanda’s arm and loop it through his own. ‘I’m so glad you’ve changed your mind. Let me walk you to your car,’ and he was about to walk away when he was stopped in his tracks by Rowanne.

  ‘I don’t think she wants to go with you,’ she said confidently, confused at the bizarre exchange between them. Rowanne looked at Amanda, ‘Do you want to go with the Chief Inspector?’

  Amanda thought it over carefully, and though her mind was confused, one thing was crystal clear — she did not want to go with him. But the look in those merciless eyes spelled trouble for Rowanne; that was the strong feeling she was getting from him. After all, she had promised the family to watch out for Rowanne, and she would do her part, even if it meant angering Rowanne.

  Amanda put on her brightest smile; she hoped it was not too brittle, and she absolutely loathed what she was about to do... But diligently, she went through with it, and turning to Driskell, she replied, ‘I could use your help.’ Turning back to Rowanne with a yawn, she said, ‘Look, Rowanne, it’s been a long night, and I’m feeling lightheaded. I’m going to head back home. I’ll catch up later to see what else we have to finalise on the piece, just send me the draft.’ Amanda hoped Rowanne would understand, and she was curious to know what she had learnt of Thomas.

  Rowanne took the hint - she was not in a good position to help Amanda, who wanted to keep her distance from her for now. She knew that Amanda would explain everything later.

  Rowanne was becoming more adept everyday at reading people and their intentions; it was very subtle, like a watercolour painting slowly unfolding before her eyes. The different colours imbued their emotions, and then the story would unfold. However, it was harder to read some people; especially if they chose to shield themselves.

  ‘I’ll see you tomorrow, Amanda. Goodnight, Chief Inspector.’ Rowanne watched them walk away towards Amanda’s car.

  ‘Is she still watching us?’ asked Driskell, his voice low.

  ‘Yes,’ replied Amanda. She hated leaning on him, but her only other option was to fall, thereby giving the game away to Rowanne.

  ‘Only a few more steps,’ said Driskell. He held on tight, but he didn’t know whether it was to keep her from falling, or running away - either way his grip tightened.

  ‘Get in,’ he said coldly, as soon as they had reached her car. Amanda reluctantly obliged and got into the passenger side, while he got into the driver’s side and held out his hand for her key. He started the engine, reversed out of the car park and began to drive. He didn’t speak again until they got onto the main road.

  Amanda’s brain began to clear as the fog receded fast, and, turning to Driskell, she asked sharply, ‘Why are you kidnapping me, Chief Inspector Driskell?’

  ‘I told you, call me Dewain,’ he said, exasperated with the fact that she had deliberately chosen to ignore his reasonable request. He could not remember the last time that he had actually asked anyone for anything; he usually gave an order and that was it.

  ‘So, I should be flattered that you’re lavishing such attention on me?’ she asked, mockingly.

  ‘I see the headache is gone,’ he said, by way of making conversation.

  ‘A lot more will go in a second,’ she said sweetly, pointedly glaring in his direction.

  He laughed, and contemptuously replied, ‘I think you’re referring to my guard!’ and gave her a quick derisive look, before turning his attention back to the road.

  ‘Yes... the guard.’ I was referring to you! Pretentious idiot. ‘My patience is wearing thin, Chief Inspector. If you have something to say, then now would be the time. Otherwise, I insist you pull over to the side, and make your own way home.’ Amanda crossed her arms. She didn’t know whether it was to keep her distance from Driskell, or to stop herself from tearing him limb from limb.

  ‘I find that amusing, if a little unreasonable! After all, I am only driving. Do you usually feel the same about anyone who gives you a lift?’ asked Driskell charmingly.

  Amanda wanted to wipe the arrogant look off his face, but she also had an instinct for self preservation. She knew of his reputation, and was not about to bring the wrath of the law upon her head just yet.

  ‘I see my reputation precedes me,’ said Driskell pretentiously; much to Amanda’s chagrin. He pulled the car up to a deserted spot along the Thames.

  Amanda calmed her breathing and steadied herself in case her life depended on it.

  ‘You needn’t look so worried. You shouldn’t believe everything you hear about me. No, leave the light off, we can’t risk being seen.’ He watched her hand pull back as she backed up to the passenger door, putting as much distance between them as possible. Not far enough, he mused darkly.

  ‘Speak fast, Chief Inspector. I don’t intend to spend all night here,’ she looked at him steadily, on the lookout for any sudden movements.

  ‘Let’s cut the nonsense, shall we? Which clan do you belong to?’ asked Driskell, his voice sounded weary.

  ‘How long have you known?’ asked Amanda, as she carefully considered her next move — after all, it could very well be her last.

  ‘It was blindingly obvious with that little show of yours at the pub,’ he sounded highly amused. He looked at her squarely as he crossed his arms and relaxed back in his seat. ‘Did you really think you could hide it from me of all people? You are sadly delusional as to your abilities,’ he said disdainfully.

  ‘And you are a narcissist!’ stated Amanda.

  Driskell was unfazed and nodded encouragingly. ‘Well, naturally,’ he said wryly, by way of a reply. ‘Now let’s get back to which clan you belong to...’ and he tapped his fingers on the dashboard, as his other arm now rested behind her head rest.

  ‘What right do you have to question me?’ asked Amanda calmly. ‘I haven’t broken any laws.’

  ‘You’re a demon, but your power radiates a delicate complexity... and you seem to have an empathy with humans. What’s the connection, Miss Eghan? What am I missing?’ he asked as he looked at her, head cocked to one side, continuing to drum out a rhythmic beat. Driskell enjoyed the look of annoyance that briefly flashed across her face. He could tell that she was trying to evade his questions - so much the better for him, he got to keep her company for longer.

  ‘Having empathy with humans isn’t against the law,’ replied Amanda decisively.

  ‘Which law would that be?’ he asked, and continued to toy with her.

  ‘Not coming from a Noble clan is nothing to be ashamed of,’ said Amanda quietly but distinctly.

  ‘What did you say? Are you trying to be impertinent?’ Driskell suddenly became tense, like a cat on a leash threatening to let loose. He didn’t appreciate any slander against his family, or on the reputation he had so diligently built, despite not being born into a First Family and having all that went with it! They seemed to radiate a golden aura, as if they were better than everyone else. He was cut short by Amanda, who had been trying to get his attention f
or the past minute.

  ‘Finally! Before you went off on your little tirade, I was trying to say-’

  ‘Measure what you say carefully. I am also a man with limited patience,’ said Driskell, cutting her off. But to his deep vexation, she had the audacity to roll her eyes at him. She didn’t even have the sense to be afraid! What was wrong with this woman? Well, apart from her mixed demon heritage: half of which, he was almost a hundred percent positive, was human; it had that essence to it.

  Driskell felt he was well within his rights to have her carted off to the Noble Court for that fact alone. But he was being remarkably charitable by not even really deigning to pursue the truth beyond this car.

  ‘You really do have an inflated sense of importance,’ said Amanda, and before he could respond, she held up a hand to stop him. ‘You might be interested to know that I was talking of myself!’ There, he finally got it; she watched him deflate as all the anger drained from his body.

  Driskell looked at her awkwardly. He did not appreciate anyone, least of all the woman before him, making him feel this way: uncertain and insecure. He glared at her, challenging her to explain herself to him.

  Amanda didn’t feel the need to elaborate; truth be told, she could not. She didn’t trust the man before her, and she had people to protect. She watched his growing annoyance as the minutes passed, and she remained silent.

  Driskell did not like to accede to anyone, but wisely chose to let it go for now. He would find out the truth eventually; he always did. It was his gift, or curse, depending on the situation, and who was involved. He watched as Amanda furrowed her brow, bringing her eyes close together in concentration as she tried to analyse him. What was she looking for? he wondered, and why did he care…?

  He feigned boredom as his eyes casually slid to hers. Amanda’s blue eyes suddenly dilated as she looked directly into his penetrating gaze — she’d been caught off guard, looked a little too long...

  Oh for the love of Demon World, she thought, suddenly finding a spot in the car that needed her urgent attention.