EDIT2: Fixed a major inconsistency with the story, the date of Clarissa's death. For some reason she's saying it's her death date 'tomorrow' in this chapter, but it's the middle of summer and in her flashbacks she dies in winter. Sorry . Also fixed the inconsistency with her personality. Read on, my friends!
EDIT: Went through some edits, thanks to my darling proofreader Alexis babbu!3 I hope this reads better.
Another mundane day in the life of me, Victoria Gray. I slipped out of my bed, too tired to have coherent thought or speech. "Morning" I muttered to myself under my breath, but it came out as more a garbled grunting. The sun was beginning to shine through the clean white blinds, it only 8:00 in the morning. I rubbed the sleep out of my chocolate liqueur colored eyes, and rummaged through my nearly barren drawers, most of my clothes being stuffed into a black suitcase at the foot of my small bed. Ah yes, today, I will graduate, and be shoved into the wide, horrible world. Well, more like be shoved on a plane destined for Paris, France, where my parents have given me a large apartment to live in while I pursue my career as a painter.
I took one last look at my half of the room, the half that might as well have tumbleweeds rolling around. I glanced at the sleeping lump on the other side, my roommate, Mandy. We were not close, one would consider us acquaintances. We were simply roommates at our boarding school, and nothing more. The girl was still just a sophomore, and would be here for another two years. I took out the last bits of material from my dresser and shut it as quietly as I could, scuttling over into the bathroom. Sharing a bathroom with six other girls is a pain in the ass, you know, but thankfully only one of them was already awake.
"Victoria!" She gasped, not expecting me to be there. Her name was Olivia, a pretty half-hispanic girl with a cute, round baby face and big green eyes. Her hair brown was curled and pinned back with a pearl barrette, and she was wearing a seafoam green dress that had a white, mesh tutu-like skirt that reached just past her knees. It reminded me of the waves splashing on the beach near my family's vacation home. The dress had a sweetheart bust line and two puffs of white mesh that hugged her shoulders. "Getting ready for graduation early, huh? Everyone else is asleep." She attempted to make conversation, uncomfortable with my stoic silence.
"Yeah, morning, gotta take, y'know, a shower." I pulled a back a screen that separated the baths and toilets from the sink area. There were three nice shower stalls made of clean, white tile. Not the tacky tile though, the kind you'd expect to see on display on a high end renovation store. I stripped out of my pajamas, happy to let the scalding water soak my body as a bathed and washed my hair, happy to feel clean after I stepped out and dried off. I pulled on a pair of ivory lace panties, looking at my strapless graduation dress.
I stared at it, and found it quite beautiful. It was short, stopping just above my knees, and was a pale red. I zipped it up, finding it's compression to work nicely as a bra-substitute. The top was fairly plane, the bust line being nearly straight, but the bottom half was made completely out of fabric roses, and there was an ivory colored bow in the back. When I first bought it, I figured that I would look like a candy cane, but thankfully it was flattering to my body and didn't make me look like said holiday confection. It complimented my red wine colored hair (that would have to be redyed soon, mind you, as my deep brown roots were starting to show) and my coal brown eyes.
"Oh my god! You look fabulous!" Olivia commented from behind me.
"You don't look so bad yourself." I laughed and lightly smacked her ass. She let out an indignant squeak, but then again I /was/ Victoria Grey, notorious moody pervert. I turned to the mirror above the sink, and applied foundation to my lightly olive toned skin. Pink blush was flicked onto my cheeks as pale red eyeshadow was swept onto my lids. Olivia finished getting ready in an uncomfortable silence, while I applied a thick line of liquid eyeliner and a bit of black mascara. The final touch was in the form of my signature bright red lipstick that I was smoothing across my lips. I let up a soft smile at my handiwork, just as all of the other girls started to file into the bathroom to get ready. I brushed out my hair short, boy cut hair before pinning a large, butterfly wing shaped hair clip into it before making my quick escape with Olivia. I slipped on a pair of simple red pumps that had a had a white ribbon at the toe. Graduation was in four hours, I thought to myself, and I'll finally be free to do what I want. What do I want? Well that's a secret.
The rest of the day is a blur, I received my diploma, but didn't stay for the after party, then returned to my room. I packed up the very last of my belongings. I also changed, into a pair of heeled combat boots and skinny jeans, with a leather bustier and jacket. I arrived at the airport after taking the bus, and I boarded the plane with my only carry-on. I think I fell asleep, and my dreams were nothing. Not that I didn't /have/ a dream, I literally dreamed of nothing...well, except for a pair of golden eyes peering at me from the darkness, like two lanterns in a dark forest.
"...Miss? Miss wake up, the plane has landed." I opened my eyes and stared at the flight attendant, before muttering a "right" and standing up, grabbing my bag and hurrying off the plane and out of the airport. I stared at the small map displayed on my phone, and blindly walked in the direction of my apartment. It was rather close to the airport, and I was there in just about twenty minutes. It was a high rise, on the 15th floor of the building, and was about 2,000 square feet.
"Excuse me? My name is Victoria Gray, I'm here to pick up the keys to my apartment." I dinged the bell at the front desk of the building.
"Gray? Oh yeah," the girl was obviously American, and she smacked her gum together in a way that made me want to punch her in the face. She plopped a key in my hand and I muttered my thanks before dragging my bag into the elevator with me.
The place was very grand, I must say, very contemporary. A white fireplace was nestled against the wall, with a flat screen TV above it. The furniture was black suede with salt and pepper pillows, and the floor was cherrywood. A kitchen opened up next to the living room, black tiles shining on the floor and fancy appliances lining the granite countertop. The island had a nice bar, the black leather stools just waiting to be sat on (and tipped over due to drunken revelry).. I shook my head at the immaculate appearance of the place, it wasn't old fashioned enough for me. I loved victorian style architecture, and while this place was nice, I wish it at least had some color. A nice vase full of multi colored roses, and maybe a few antique tea sets and pottery would spruce it up.
I marched upstairs onto the second floor, heading into the master bedroom first. The plush white comforter hugged the wrought iron bed frame like a glove, the black pillows looking soft and inviting after a night of sleeping on an airplane. The amount of detail in the bedframe was in very good taste, it reminded me of the iron gates that guarded cemeteries. There was a fluffy black rug on the floor by the bed, and the dresser and bedside tables were made of wood that was stained black with gilded steel handles. The bathroom had clean white tiles with black flecks, and the bathtub was rather large and made of a pale, gray granite. A removable stainless steel shower head hung above the bath faucet.
I shuffled back into the bedroom, unpacking my clothing and arranging it in the drawers, not bothering to fold it. "Gotta buy some hangers..." I muttered, stuffing my clothing into drawers and lining my several pairs of boots and high heels against the wall. I explored the rest of the second floor, which included the guest bedroom and bathroom, which were like slightly downgraded versions of the master rooms. There was a nice office space, and a room that I could convert into a studio. I smiled, it may not be quite my style, but it was nice. Of course, the universe just /had/ to fuck me over. On my descent down the stairs, I tripped over my own two feet and was sent tumbling down.
Ow, ow, god damnit, fuck, OW! Tears welled in my eyes as I could feel my broken bones splinter in my flesh. I trembled on the floor as I laid there, blubbering and shuddering like a scared child. I weakly coughed up blood, the thick red liquid like syrup dribbling down my lips as salty tears rolled down my cheeks. I could feel holes being ripped in my lungs, probably by broken ribs, and there was a gash on the back of my head that I could only assume was a fractured, if not broken, skull Wave after wave of unimaginable pain shot throughout my body. Only one feeling overshadowed that pain, and that was hatred. Hatred, for the people who took her away from me. I can't die now, I can't!
I coughed up more blood, memories of her face filling my mind. Her curly black hair covering her alabaster toned shoulders as her rosy cheeks lit up in a mischievous smile. My Clarissa...it's your birthday tomorrow, isn't it? You would've been 18, if those men hadn't raped...and murdered you...you had such a long life ahead of you, my dearest friend. I pledged I would find the people who violated you, kill them and anyone connected to them. I guess I can't do that now, can I? Hatred for the men who had ruined my life by taking her away from me overwhelmed my small form, my body unable to understand hatred this great. I felt something brush against my skin, and it was raining feathers.
Tears rolled down my cheeks, were angels coming to get me? To carry my soul to the gates of heaven, where I would be judged, and sent down to the fiery depths of hell? I had given up religion after the death of my best friend, were they coming to punish me for my unfaithfulness? I laid my head down and sobbed, alone with the feathers as the pain only increased.
"Hello." I raised my head, was someone here? "My my, you are in bad shape. Never the less, I have a proposition for you." The voice, presumably male, was deep, rich, and ever so seductive.
"H...hello? Who are you?" I choked out, pushing myself to my knees with shaky arms, using the little strength I had. A man appeared before me, and believe me when I say I have never seen a more attractive person in all my 18 years of living. He had creamy, pale skin that was perfect and unblemished. His long black hair framed his handsome face , one or two pieces hanging down that never seemed to move. He was dressed in many layers, much like a butler with his white gloves and tailcoat. But what struck me most was his eyes, they were a shade of crimson I can scarce describe, and they bore right into me, like they were assessing my soul. "Pro...prop...a deal?" I struggled to get the word "proposition" out, the pain quickly clouding my thoughts, so I settled for "deal."
"Yes. A contract." His face was emotionless he stared down at me.
"A contract?" I choked out, with great effort.
"Yes. I will help you achieve what you most desire in life. Money? Power? ...Revenge?" A small smirk graced his heavenly features as my eyes widened, knowing he had hit the right note.
"Y-yes...Revenge...Please..." I struggled to keep myself sitting up, lurching over with my hand gripping my left knee.
"Ah yes, revenge. But of course, there is a price." He was in front of me, face mere inches from mine.
"When all is said and done..." He smirked and ran his tongue across his lips. "I will devour your soul, as are the terms of a faustian contract." My eyes softened, and small smile graced my features, and while his face remained straight, his eyes told me I caught him off guard.
I won't have to live with this pain after all of this is done, I can finally end it all, even if I do end up demon food. It was as if the universe was smiling down on me. I nodded,
"I accept..." blood dripped from my red lips, and he smiled.
"As you wish. You are now my mistress, Victoria Gray. Where shall the mark be placed?" I looked up at him, and one of his gloves had been removed to show a pentagram-like tattoo on the back of his hand. I assumed I would have to have that same mark somewhere on me. "The more noticeable...the more powerful our bond." I thought for a moment, before tapping the middle of my chest, just below my collarbone and just above above my cleavage. I honestly didn't care whoever saw it, to them it was just be a tattoo.
He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. He pressed his palm to my chest, and suddenly it was like billions of tiny razors carving into my tender flesh. The pain was overwhelming, and a primal scream ripped through my throat, but was stopped short as the pain disappeared. The feathers disappeared, and I was no longer on the cold floor, but nestled against something warm, something that smelled of cinnamon and cloves. He was carrying me bridal style, and I looked up at him. He smirked down at me, his heavenly features shadowed by his hair, "Now now, we can't have my lady dying, now can we? Rest, my lady, all will be fine." his presence made me feel safer than I had in years. I let everything fade to black, with a hopeful mind that I will wake up.
"My lady, I do believe it is time to go." I opened my eyes, temporarily blinded by the bright fluorescent lights of the room I was in. The air smelled sterile, but had hints of ammonia and strong medicines. It was, unmistakably, a hospital. And there he was, standing over me, the man I sold my soul to. I looked over at the window to my right, the night sky of paris reflected on the glass. I sat up, only to be pushed back down by my nameless saviour. "Allow me, I have already checked you out. It has been a over a full day, after all." Before I could respond, he hoisted me up into his arms like I was a princess and we were back inside of my apartment.
"Uh..." I looked down at myself after he had sent me down, there were bandages around my legs and ribs, and I could also feel my bandages wrapped around my head. The contract seal was nestled on my chest, the deep purple color glowing ever so slightly in his presence.
"My lady." His velvet voice made me remember he was standing there, and I turned to face him. He was much taller than me, he had to at least be six feet tall.
"What?" My voice was raspy, I really needed to get something to drink before I dehydrate too much. "You have not given me name. Every time a demon is contracted to a new master, they must be named. Whatever you please shalt do." I thought about it for a moment, before coming up with absolutely...nothing.
"Whatever name your last master gave you, I have no idea." I leaned on the wall after he had set me down, my hospital gown ruffling. He bowed to me, his gloved hand pressed over his heart. Heh, If demons had hearts, what a funny thought.
"Sebastian Michaelis, at your service, my lady." He smirked up at me. I tch'd, his smirks and smiles seemed genuine, but anyone smart enough could tell he was toying me, mocking my mortality.
"So...you will do whatever I tell you? Anything?" I thought out loud. He was in front of me in less than a second, his mouth unnervingly close to my ear while one hand rested on my hip, the other pressed against the wall right next to my head.
"Anything." His sultry voice whispered, I could feel his hot breath on my skin. A blush rose to my cheeks before I lightly pushed him away.
"Sebastian, I order you to go to the store and stock the fridge with Sobe Lifewater Fuji Apple Pear flavor, as well as other groceries that you deem necessary. I also need the pantry stocked, as well as an assorted variety of in-season fruits. Get a set of silverware, as well as dinnerware, glasses,and teacups. Make sure to get pots and pans, and a tea kettle. One more thing." I was writing all of this down, with a notepad and pen that I fished out of my suitcase, which was still in my living room. "Get one large box of each of these teas. Vanilla chai tea, peach and white mangosteen green tea, raspberry and goji berry green tea, blueberry and acai green tea, earl grey tea, english breakfast tea, spiced republic chai tea, mochi green tea, sleepytime tea, camomile tea, jasmine tea, lavender tea, peppermint tea, darjeeling tea, ginger tea, gunpowder green tea, hazelnut chai tea, lady london tea, raspberry white tea, pomegranate white tea, and of course african honeybush tea blended with mandarin and orange. Make sure to get a bag of sugar as well." If it wasn't obvious, I was a big tea fanatic, and would be getting rid of that coffee maker that came with the apartment. He looked surprised at the amount of tea I had just listed, but he quickly smirked and bowed.
"Yes, my lady."
"You can't go out like that, though. You look like a butler from the days of horse drawn carriages and candlelight." he looked down at me, a slight confusion in his eyes. "Since I have no clothes for you to wear, you'll have to take off that jacket, and the gloves, and the vest." He quickly removed those articles of clothing and was left in a neatly buttoned up white shirt, with black dress pants and black shoes. His nails were painted black, something I overlooked when he showed me his seal last time. "Is that all, my lady?" His red eyes bore into my brown ones as he smirked and bowed.
"I expect you will have to make trips to several stores, but I have confidence in you. If you can't find something on that list without going to more than five stores though, skip it, I can live without. I'm going to take a bath now, I'll probably be asleep when you get back. Goodbye." I forked over at least 2000 dollars out of my wallet, and my suspicions that he had inhuman speed were confirmed when he disappeared in a blur. I rubbed my temples after he left, looking out of the large window in the living room at the skyline of paris, lit up like a candle. It was so beautiful, something as vile as me shouldn't be allowed to live here...Wait, where the hell did that come from? That thought, it wasn't my voice. I think in my own voice, sometimes Morgan Freemans, but that was neither. Her voice was silky smooth, but rotten to the core. Did she think I was vile? I shook my head, now I'm hallucinating sexy temptresses taking over my thoughts and insulting me through my mind, I need sleep. I gulped down a few handfuls of water from the kitchen tap to quench my thirst before inching up the stairs.
So, here I was, I had just promised my soul to the most attractive being I had ever seen, who also happens to be a demon, in exchange for revenge on the people who raped and on murdered my best friend and anyone connected to them. I had thoroughly convinced myself that this was a dream, and I had not landed in Paris yet, and was still sleeping the plane. I groaned as I found myself too tired to even bathe. I pulled off the hospital gown and tossed it on the floor where it landed in a rumpled heap, quickly crawling into my new bed in my bra and panties. "Oh Victoria" I chuckled as my head hit the pillow. "What have you gotten yourself into?"
AN: Hey guys! Alabaster here, call me Viktoria. Yes, with the K. I hope you like the introduction to the story so far, I feel it was a bit rushed. But that's how the thought process of our heroine is, rushed. This chapter was mainly just to get you introduced to Victoria, and how she got into the mess she is in now. Reviews and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism are greatly appreciated! 3