Demon World

by Balvir Bhullar

  ‘You are a monster,’ said Rowanne, unable to keep quiet any longer. ‘You were Lillian’s friend, how could you do this to her?’

  Rowanne felt something spark within her, some power long dormant. It started slowly as she felt something leave her, and shoot out into the crowd of frozen demons below the platform. Evelyn was too consumed in reliving her glorious rise to the top to notice, and Rowanne intended to keep it that way.

  Lady Enid looked sharply in Rowanne’s direction. She knew that Rowanne was a half demon, but even so, she should not have been able to do what she just did... She sensed the demons stirring awake, only their bodies were frozen, as a hundred minds snapped to attention. She dreaded what they’d do once they regained the use of their limbs...

  After all, they weren’t ordinary demons, but the crème de la crème of Demon World’s high society. They may have been Nobles by birth, and Nobles by nature, but they lacked the intrinsic qualities that made one noble. Less righteous and more self-righteous. Self-serving.

  ‘It’s simple, really. I wanted to rule, but Lillian was in the way. The circumstances were to my advantage, and besides, no other Noble family has ever had the chance to rule Demon World. It was high time Lady Enid stepped down and allowed another more rightful ruler to be Queen,’ said Evelyn.

  ‘What makes you more worthy than any other Noble to rule? How did you have the audacity without consulting them to name yourself as the next Queen?’ asked Rowanne in a firm, crystal clear voice that carried out into the audience.

  The demons listened patiently, realising that they had been betrayed by the daughter of the Adara Clan. Blood was chiefly on their mind; that clan would be made to answer for treason.

  Rowanne and Lady Enid could hear the deadly collective consciousness; it screamed, ‘Prima Stella! Prima Stella!’

  Rowanne knew that she should be afraid, but from the moment that she had untied Amanda, she had felt the awareness which she had first encountered in the hall growing steadily within her, and there were no signs of it stopping its momentum. She didn’t know what was happening to her, but nevertheless accepted it with a quiet grace.

  Lady Enid sensed a force of such magnitude and power forming in the atmosphere. Where was it coming from? she wondered, and felt an uneasiness deep within her core.

  Rowanne knew the exact moment when the demons heads went up and their eyes snapped open. The demons wanted to unleash the full force of their power on Evelyn, she could feel it; ironically, Evelyn was the only one keeping it in check.

  After giving it some serious consideration, Evelyn answered thoughtfully, ‘It’s not just me who thinks that the time for the Morning Star Clan to rule has passed.’

  ‘And what do you mean by that impertinent remark?’ asked Lady Enid, standing tall and graceful, in no way ready to step aside so easily to allow the conniving girl before her to ascend to her throne.

  ‘There are many demons here who do not — and it might come as a bit of a surprise — like your way of ruling. You have become soft, and lenient to the point where you allow half demons to walk free. Don’t even get me started on your debacle of allowing humans to reside here...’ said Evelyn calmly.

  Rowanne could sense a mixture of feelings, all of the demons in this world were outwardly obedient to their Queen, but she could feel the hatred they had for half demons and humans. The Queen was in danger from more than one direction. Evelyn was just the first to make an outward attack. This was a volatile situation, and it could just as easily go in Evelyn’s favour; the Queen was not assured of loyalty here in this hall, anyway.

  Lady Enid had been wondering the same thing; how many of her so-called supporters would dare to stand beside her...

  ‘So, you’re not so self assured now, are you? Whereas I know who I am and embrace all parts of myself. When I ascend the throne, eliminating half demons will be top priority. I will cut off all interaction between Earth and Demon World; no more interacting with humans. Thus minimising the number of half breeds.’

  ‘You speak as if you’re already Queen, that’s presumptuous,’ said Rowanne.

  Rowanne felt the demons heads turn in her direction. They probably wanted to tear her to pieces as well; it was not only Evelyn that they wanted to punish. They were probably questioning the audacity of a human to stand as an equal beside their Queen, let alone talk to one of their Nobles.

  Well, I can’t let them down now, can I? thought Rowanne; she intended to continue the way she had started.

  ‘I could say the same of you: how dare a half demon presume to lecture me. You are nothing in this game. No one. When all this is over, no one will remember you, Ms Rowanne Knight!’ said Evelyn contemptuously.

  How will I protect her now? thought Lady Enid, sadly. Rowanne’s identity and status as a half demon were now laid out before the Noble Court.

  CHAPTER 32

  The portal flashed open, and Alexander pushed Lillian through it.

  She turned around angrily, hell-bent on going right back through it, but she was too late as it snapped closed, taking with it her only means of escape.

  ‘What the hell do you think you’re doing, Alexander?’ she asked, keeping her arms loosely by her side as she watched his every move intently; she was ready to fight, if need be.

  ‘Why are you so tense, my beloved Lillian?’ asked Alexander mockingly.

  For the first time, she felt a cold dread take hold of her heart as she looked at where they had ended up.

  ‘Do you like it? I thought it was the perfect spot for our long overdue reunion...’ said Alexander. He wiped his hand along the wall. ‘See, not a speck of dust. I’ve looked after it well, don’t you agree?’

  Lillian felt physically sick as she looked around the candle lit crypt. She wearily circled the stone table accommodating the two coffins. She had a bad feeling about this place, especially the coffins; they made her skin crawl...

  Alexander had crept up behind her while she had momentarily been distracted by the sight before her.

  Lillian snapped her attention back, but it was too late as Alexander encircled her from behind. She struggled in vain. How was it possible for him to even touch her? Only Rowanne had that ability.

  ‘I thought you didn’t fear anything, love, but your heartbeat tells me otherwise... Don’t tell me you fear death, especially now?’ he whispered against her ear.

  ‘My heartbeat? That’s laughable. It stopped seventy years ago,’ she replied sarcastically.

  Lillian heard him laughing bitterly behind her. His breathing had become shallow and he took a deep breath.

  ‘I know...’ Alexander said cryptically by way of a reply.

  ‘It’s common knowledge, I suppose,’ said Lillian.

  ‘No!’ said Alexander forcefully.

  She struggled against him, but it only made him hold on to her more tightly. It was like he was made of stone. She craned her head back to look at him, and was met by his beautifully glacial green eyes boring into her own, as his mouth slowly turned from a grimace into a smile; but there was a bitterness to him. She turned away from him.

  Alexander let her go but kept a firm eye on her as she moved slowly around the table keeping a distance between them.

  He smirked, ‘Are you not in the least bit curious as to why I brought you here, of all places?’ as he gestured at their macabre surroundings.

  ‘If I had known of your grave obsession, then I’d have warned Rowanne to stay the hell away from you,’ she replied tauntingly.

  Alexander just laughed darkly, ‘My only obsession, as you so eloquently put it, is you, love.’

  ‘When did you develop this unhealthy attraction?’ asked Lillian, as he slowly inched his way around the table towards her - but she matched him step for step. After all, she was a reluctant partner in this dance, it was best to keep her distance.

  ‘How long do you propose to keep this up?’ he asked sardonically.

  ‘For as long as it takes to strike you down and get back to Rowanne
,’ replied Lillian, equally derisive.

  ‘Tut tut, Lillian. What would Rowanne say if you destroyed her Alexander?’ he asked, smiling evilly.

  ‘I’m sure she’d understand. If you belong to Rowanne, then why am I here?’ she asked, genuinely intrigued as to why he’d taken her instead.

  Alexander paused at the foot of the coffins, and looking piercingly into her eyes, he replied, ‘Now, that is a good question. Why did I choose you? Once, you really consider it will become painfully obvious, love.’

  ‘Stop calling me that! I’m not your anything!’ said Lillian irritated, as he began to stalk towards her again.

  She was missing something here. What was it he had said earlier... ‘What did you mean, when you said you knew of my death?’ She breathed a sigh of relief as he paused.

  Alexander smiled broadly, ‘Now you’re on the right track. Keep going.’

  Truth be told, she was confused as to what he was referring to. She could tell that he was frustrated with her lack of understanding, as he restlessly tapped his foot against the floor.

  Lillian began moving again as he advanced towards her. She backed up, not realising that the wall was behind her, and accidentally knocked a candle off. Shocked, she looked towards the floor, and then back up at Alexander, who was smiling broadly.

  ‘Confused are we? You’re probably wondering how it’s possible for a ghost to knock things over when you are insubstantial, right?’

  She was in a daze, not understanding what was happening to her, and this only compounded her frustration. Hang on, if I can knock things down, then... it stands to reason, that I can hurt him!

  ‘You’re welcome to try, love...’ he said condescendingly.

  Lillian felt the flames of anger burn within her; she’d wipe that smirk of his face. Egotistical moron.

  ‘Are you sure it’s anger that burns within you...?’ he asked innocently, before suddenly rushing towards her. Grabbing her hand, he placed a gentle kiss upon it, and before she could grab him, he rushed back out of her reach, laughing heartlessly.

  ‘Do you know how I died?’ she asked, taking deep breaths to steady herself whilst looking for an opening to take him out.

  ‘Well-’ he began, momentarily distracted as he contemplated how much to reveal to her.

  Lillian rushed him, intending to knock him off his feet, but he just went along with her attack, using her momentum against her. He lifted her up and brought her crashing down onto one of the coffins.

  ‘You-’ but she was cut off, as he covered her mouth with his hand.

  He shook his head gravely. The eyes that looked down at her were now a blackish green. ‘My dear, sweet, Lillian.’

  She realised that it was not Alexander above her, but suspected she was looking into Evelyn’s eyes instead; it even sounded like her. She had never imagined Evelyn to be this powerful, to be able to split her mind so effectively that she could be in many places at the same time.

  However, it was not only Evelyn who occupied his mind; there was someone else making their home within Alexander.

  Lillian kicked with all her strength, aiming the full force of her power against his larger frame, sending him crashing against the wall. She got up quickly and swung her legs over before gracefully jumping down to the floor. She was satisfied with her handiwork.

  Alexander, breathing heavily, got onto his knees and looked up at her. His lip was split and bloody, and he had angry bruises blossoming on his forehead and cheek.

  ‘Very good, love,’ he wiped his mouth coming away with blood.

  ‘Just tell me what you want me to know so I can get the hell out of here.’ Lillian straightened her crumpled suit jacket. Wait a minute... She looked at him with a mixture of fear and wonder. How was it possible that she could actually feel her jacket? It felt silky. No, this was not possible... was it?

  Alexander smiled up at her, ‘It’s wonderful to be able to feel after so long, is it not?’ he asked, as he got up off the floor to lean casually against the wall; well, as casually as a man with death on his mind was able to. He laughed softly.

  Great, it’s my luck to be stuck with him in this small room, thought Lillian. He is right though, she admitted reluctantly; it was incredible to have the sense of touch back after being so long without it, however impermanent it may be.

  ‘What’s happening to me?’ she asked wearily.

  ‘I was there, when you died...’ he said coldly.

  Lillian stumbled back as she felt the force of those words strike like a knife directly to her heart.

  ‘Hurts, doesn’t it?’ he asked maliciously.

  She swallowed painfully a couple of times before forcing the words out of her mouth, ‘Who are you?’ she asked quietly, not trusting herself to speak. It was clear that the man before her could not be Alexander; who had not even been present at her trial, let alone know the gory details of what became of her.

  ‘I was wondering how long it would take for you to figure out that I am not this idiot, Alexander, before you.’

  ‘Were you one of the Nobles at my trial?’ It had been a closed court in Prima Stella. There would have only been a few elite Nobles present, and they too, would have been sworn to secrecy on pain of death.

  ‘Nobles,’ he spat. ‘No, I do not belong to that ignoble circus.’

  Funny, he sounds like my mother, she thought, and mentally shook herself out of her manic state. Great, it must be infectious; his state of lunacy is rubbing off on me.

  He strode towards the coffins, pausing briefly to look at her.

  ‘No. Don’t do it!’ pleaded Lillian. She intrinsically knew that she didn’t want to look at whatever lay in those coffins.

  ‘I’m tired of waiting, love...’ and holding her gaze, he mercilessly ripped the lids off the coffins.

  The silence was deafening in the aftermath of the lids crashing to the floor.

  Lillian refused to look down, and instead kept her gaze locked firmly with his. His eyes were a dark bottomless pit; there was no mercy to be found there. A cruel smile played on his lips.

  ‘Eventually you’ll look down... You won’t be able to help it,’ said Alexander, as his eyes changed to the colour of metallic green.

  Lillian felt the full force of the combined power of Evelyn, and whoever the entity within Alexander was. She tried to fight against it but her energy was dwindling fast. If she should disappear now when Rowanne needed her the most, then what would happen?

  Alexander’s gaze captured hers, and slowly he began to look down, pulling her right along with him, so that she had no choice but to look into the coffins. She felt cold as the temperature in the room suddenly dropped, and her breath misted before her. She should not be surprised though; another thing that should be beyond the realms of possibility for what a ghost could or should be able to do.

  Alexander watched the surprise and fear chase across her face. Finally the moment had come that he’d been patiently waiting for, for so long...

  Lillian’s heart almost stopped as she looked into the coffin before her. She looked back up at Alexander, but there was no comfort to be found there.

  ‘What trick is this?’ asked Lillian.

  ‘What you see before you is the truth,’ he replied calmly.

  ‘No! I refuse to believe it!’ said Lillian in denial, and started to back away when suddenly her knees gave out, and she collapsed.

  Alexander walked around to her side and knelt down beside her. ‘It’s not that bad, really... It could have been worse,’ he said bitterly.

  ‘No. I remember exactly what happened; I died. That... that thing in there is not me, is it...?’ she asked uncertainly, as her energy momentarily deserted her.

  Confusion clouded her mind; she could not make sense of what happened all those years ago when she had died. Lillian covered her face to block out the images that were cascading down, visions of herself and Elisedd in the fire.

  ‘Stop it. Stop it!’ she screamed, but the echo of her own screams c
ame back to haunt her...

  Lillian felt someone rubbing her hands, bringing her back from the brink of eternal madness, and desperately she followed the sensation back and slowly opened her eyes.

  ‘Alexander?’ she asked her voice hoarse.

  ‘No, I’m afraid not, love. Still me here,’ said the entity possessing Alexander.

  ‘Who are you?’ she asked again, hoping to actually get a reply this time.

  He stood up and offered her a hand. When she refused, he shrugged his shoulders, and watched her struggle up. She was unsteady on her feet and ironically leaned against the coffin for support.

  ‘I’m glad you asked, but in order to answer your questions fully, I think I need to get rid of this dead weight.’

  Lillian was more than ready to face the entity.

  He took a step away from her and a green mist seemed to cocoon him, which pulsated with light. A shadow detached itself from Alexander, who would have fallen had not the shadow caught him, and turning to her, he said, ‘Give me a moment, love.’ The entity momentarily portalled out of the room but was back in less than a minute.

  ‘What did you do with Alexander?’ asked Lillian anxiously.

  ‘Relax, I’ve set him outside. He’s a bit dazed but that should soon pass. Alexander was never my target. I just needed him to get to you,’ said the entity matter-of-factly.

  ‘Why do you still persist in hiding? Stand before me as your true self!’ said Lillian indignantly.

  ‘Patience, love. That wish will come true in a second whether you like it or not... But first, have you not wondered why there are two coffins?’

  ‘That thought had briefly crossed my mind. Am I right in assuming that the other is yours?’ asked Lillian.

  She could not quite get over what she had seen in the coffin; just this thought was enough to make her morbidly curious. Her feet seemed to move against her volition, shuffling slowly and inexorably until she was once more before the coffin.