Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

A she’s footsteps echoed off the narrow walls of the corridor as she quickened her pace. Her heart pounded against her ribcage, and she struggled to catch her breath. Sweat beaded inside her clenched fists as she navigated through the maze-like hallways, searching for an escape, this time from the inhabitants.

She had managed to fend off three lecherous demons that morning, their grotesque forms and putrid stench making her stomach churn. Their yellowed claws reached for her as they vied for a chance to claim her as their own, their hungry gazes filled with lust and malice. They held no semblance of a human visage and would surely haunt her dreams far more than any of Belial’s cruel beatings ever could.

Fearing for her life, she’d made a run for it, abandoning the task of peeling potatoes, which had been far kinder than she’d anticipated after Belial’s attack the day before.

Wrapped in tattered rags, she tried in vain to shrink into the shadows, praying that her plain ring would continue to work its magic, masking her extraordinary features from prying eyes. She would forever be grateful to Lily, but she had to wonder if this was not the proper course of action. Could the angel not have given her the gift of beauty upon reaching the prince?

Ashe pressed her back against the cold, rough stone wall, desperately trying to slow her rapid breathing. Every inhale burned in her chest, aching for oxygen. She knew she wouldn’t be able to defend herself if someone were to attack her in this state. Her body was weak and trembling, but she fought to control her panic and steady her breaths. The air around her seemed thick with tension as if every sound could betray her presence. Her mind raced with thoughts of escape and survival, but she forced herself to stay still and quiet against the wall. She couldn’t let fear consume her - not yet. She needed to get through the days and ensure the next time Leviathan came, she seduced him the way he’d nearly done to her.

A rush of blood filled her head, drowning out any other sound, until she realized she heard the ominous echo of footsteps approaching. A chill spread through her body, sending shivers down her spine and causing her breath to catch in her throat, completely undoing her attempt to breathe easier. It was as if the very air around her had turned to ice, a frozen stillness enveloping her in fear. Her blood ran ice-cold as she recognized the heavy footsteps. Only one person in the castle walked with such a stride.

Belial.

She did not turn, did not need to know without a doubt that Belial strode toward her.

“You will face me,” he barked, forgoing his pet name for her almost as if he did not know who hid in the hallway.

Ashe tried to conceal the worry she knew showed on her face as she turned to Belial. His jet-black hair was slicked back from his chiseled features, and bits of flesh and splashes of blood clung to his dark beard. His cold, calculating green eyes displayed a hunger that made her skin crawl.

The stench of violence and death clung to him, mingling with the metallic scent of fresh blood. His physical presence seemed to press in on her as he loomed over her, towering over her tiny frame like a dark shadow.

His voice rumbled low in his throat, sending shivers down her spine despite the heat that radiated off his body. “You are exquisite tonight, my pet,” he purred.

Ashe swallowed back the bile rising in her throat at his words but knew better than to show any signs of fear or revulsion—it only amused him further. He’d never commented on her appearance before.

Remaining still as a statue under his gaze, she prayed she could hold on to her blank look. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she struggled for breath, each ragged intake filled with anticipation and dread at what was about to happen next based on how the other demons behaved.

The air around them crackled with tension, charged by their mutual hatred and disdain for one another.

His blackened fingernails tapped restlessly against the handle of the blade he held, a sickening sound filling the air as he licked his lips.

“You’re even more beautiful than the last time I saw you, I wonder if you are even still you.” his voice dripped with sadistic pleasure.

Ashe’s heart raced as she met his gaze, his red gaze reflecting the torchlight that flickered above them. The fire cast dancing shadows across his demonic form. Horns protruded from his head, wings sprouting from his back like twisted darkness itself. Belial was so like the demon prince, yet every part of him repulsed Ashe.

A single clawed finger reached out towards her cheek, and Ashe flinched away before realizing it. Something about him made it impossible not to react defensively.

His hand stopped midair before dropping back down to his side in frustration. “You know you can’t escape me,” he snarled through clenched teeth, taking another step closer. And even if you could find a way. . . there’s no one here who’d take care of you.”

His words were like poison, seeping into her mind as he circled around until they stood face-to-face once more. His breath was hot against her neck, sending a chill through - not from arousal but from dread and revulsion mixed together into an unholy cocktail.

If he touches you, let him . The disgusting thought came from a need to survive. She would live with the consequences so long as she lived to secure a kiss from Leviathan.

Belial’s hands moved to her face, and he roughly turned her head towards him. His kiss landed on her neck. He didn’t stop there, biting down hard enough to make her gasp in pain as his sharp teeth that may as well have been fangs pierced her skin.

Ashe’s stomach churned at the thought of this creature touching her even more intimately than before, but she forced herself to ignore it—to bear with it.

His lips moved lower, nipping at the muscle at the base of her throat. His foul breath filled her nostrils as he inhaled deeply while his other hand slid underneath her tunic, gripping tightly onto her breast through the thin fabric bra. Ashe winced at the cold touch of his fingers against her warm skin and closed her eyes tightly.

At that moment, there was a flash of Leviathan’s features in Belial’s eyes. It was almost enough to make Ashe pause, but she knew better than to show any signs of weakness. So, she pressed forward through the rising disgust and horror, forcing herself to relax into his hold, allowing him access as much as possible without encouraging him further.

With one last deep inhale, Belial pressed his mouth against hers roughly, their lips meeting in an awkward fight that felt more like a struggle than anything else. It was like kissing death itself as his tongue pushed past her teeth while his breath mingled with hers, making it feel more like suffocation than anything else.

Belial’s kiss was aggressive and forceful it hurt far more than it repulsed her. His grip on Ashe tightening as he deepened the kiss. Ashe fought back, unable to simply allow his kiss. Despite pushing against his chest, Belial’s strength was overwhelming. His tongue explored every inch of her mouth, leaving a trail of revulsion in its wake.

Ashe felt like she was drowning in his touch, in his scent, and in the darkness of the room. She tried to push back against him, but he only held her tighter, his lips moving hungrily against hers.

Kill him.

The thought burst into her mind, bright and sudden like a spark of lightning, as his hand dared to caress the smooth expanse of her stomach. The single thought ignited a fire in her veins.

Kill him and take what’s his. Escape.

Ashe’s heart pounded against her chest as a surge of adrenaline coursed through her body, surpassing any lingering traces of terror. She knew she had to act quickly if she was going to escape this dangerous situation. With a fierce determination, she would use his momentary distraction to her advantage and put an end to this once and for all. Every muscle in her body tensed, ready for action.

Desperation fueled her actions as she reached for the small, sharp dagger attached to Belial’s waistband. She gripped it tightly in her trembling hand, summoning all of her strength before plunging it deep into his chest. The sound of Belial’s roar of pain echoed in her ears as she pulled the dagger free and slashed across his throat, a sickening spray of black liquid covering her face. With a final burst of adrenaline, she whirled around and watched as Belial stumbled back, his grip on her releasing. She couldn’t believe what she had just done, but she knew it was necessary to save herself.

The dagger fell from her shaking hands, landing with a subtle clatter on the cobblestone path.

As she watched him collapse to the ground, his hand flew to his throat and clawed at it as if trying to escape an invisible grip. Ashe’s heart pounded frantically in her chest, and she gasped for air, feeling the fear once again wrap around her like a suffocating blanket.

Ashe stood her ground, refusing to back down as the rage and terror mingled in Belial’s intense gaze. Their eyes were locked, neither one willing to give an inch. Suddenly, Belial’s mouth twisted open in a soundless howl as if fighting against the inevitability of death.

A single gasp pushed past his lips before the demon’s face froze. The blood still dripped from his neck, pooling faster now that he no longer fought. No heartbeat beat within his body. She knew that much, but the blood still came.

Ashe didn’t move for what felt like an eternity. She knew nothing about demons and death. There was a good chance he would awaken and kill her. She did know she should run, but her feet wouldn’t move. Time ticked slowly, and a howl somewhere nearby snapped her from her state.

“Take the invitation he holds in his pocket.” Lily’s voice drew Ashe around to see the angel perched on a tree branch. “Do it now. You took a dangerous risk and you must take what you need before someone comes.”

Ashe inched closer to the dead demon and leaned down. She did not wish to pat him down to find the scroll she knew Leviathan had delivered and was surprised to know it was still on him.

“He coveted it. He would not dare let another use it in his place. It was in his left inner pocket. Quickly.”

Ashe’s hand darted out, pushing the corduroy coat lapel aside. Sure enough, the invitation scroll was tucked inside. Again, she stuck her hand out quickly, her fingers gripping out the soft scroll before tugging it free.

“Now go!”

This was her chance.

Ashe ran for the door, trying not to focus on the imaginary phantom echo of thundering footsteps behind her. He could not have followed. The door moved quickly open, sending her out into the frigid night air. Ashe didn’t dare look back or pause to let her body warm up. Her heart pounded in her ears, feet flying over the cobblestone path in the courtyard. It was only when she collapsed against a shadowy alley wall that she allowed herself to breathe. The dagger fell from her shaking hand, bloodstained and wickedly beautiful. Tonight, she had taken a life, but for the first time in years, Ashe felt a flicker of hope—hope for freedom, for a life beyond Belial’s grasp.

In the distance, a shrill cry broke the night air. Ashe knew her time was short. Yet, as she darted into the night, a newfound fire burned in her once-deadened eyes. She would not be prey any longer.

“You can no longer look as you do. With the extreme beauty I unlocked, you’d be in terrible danger.” Lily once again appeared out of thin air, this time standing behind Ashe with a solemn expression on her delicate face. “No, it’s time for something truly surprising.”

The angel tilted her head slightly, considering for a moment before holding out her hand towards Ashe’s necklace and the enchanted gold band. Ashe hesitated. She’d never removed the chain before, and doing so now felt wrong.

“There isn’t much time. I must tie this enchantment to the necklace because your body cannot take another enchantment, it will fail you.”

With trembling hands, Ashe undid the clasp at the back of her neck, nearly crying out when the cool chain slipped away from her body when Lily grabbed for it.

With an ethereal glow surrounding them both, Lily began to sing in an ancient tongue. It was quiet, barely louder than a whisper, but it was the most beautiful thing Ashe had ever heard. It continued for just another few seconds, before Lily stopped and passed her back the necklace and ring.

“Put it on, and I will show you, you.”

Ashe obliged, half expecting a tingle or zap as the necklace settled back into place.

“Look into my wings and see the version of you the world will now see so that you are not taken off guard.” Lily folded her silver wings forward, allowing them to act like a mirror.

Her red hair curled softly, its bright hue shifting to a white-blonde color that shimmered like platinum. Her ice blue eyes were gone, now a mesmerizing shade of emerald green, framed by long, sweeping lashes that seemed to glow against her porcelain skin. A pair of short silver horns grew from her forehead, casting shadows over her features as they arched back gracefully. A tail sprouted from beneath her dress, slithering across the floor like a living thing as it flicked playfully behind her. The sensation of scales crawling up her spine was unexpected yet oddly comforting. Ashe inhaled sharply as small wings burst from her back, silver feathers sprouting from beneath her skin and unfolding with a glorious snap before spreading outwards with an audible rustle of sound. She could feel the air around her change—not just the temperature or the scent but also the taste of it; everything became richer, more potent. They didn’t hurt at all—these changes—instead, they filled her with a sense of power and freedom she’d never known before. It was intoxicating.

The ratty, dirty shirt and dress were gone. A midnight blue gown clung to her every curve and seemed to glimmer with specs of silver. It plunged down, exposing part of her breasts, a sweetheart shape with nothing but her bosom to hold it up.

Lily stepped back, shifting her wings to their normal place. “There you are,” she said softly, “a beautiful creature hiding in plain sight.”

Ashe’s heart raced, but she knew this was the only way. To secure a kiss, she would need to be more than what she always had been.