Chapter 3~ Devil's cry
Angels will feel remorse, ocean will rise up high,
the earth might shatter and wind will defy,
Sun will choke, stars may pass by
Life will come to console,
As the devil cries!
Last ten minutes felt like a daze, as she stood in the driveway alone his face emerged in front of her eyes. Those eyes looking straight into her, piercing her soul, she squeezed her eyes shut hoping to escape it all but his voice echoed through the nothingness. She couldn't hear the words but it was exactly like before, cold, void of feelings. There was no temper to feel terrified, no arrogance to feel rejected; it was empty, as if she never existed. Elena shook her head violently in order to forget everything and climbed on her scooty. As she started the engine, she felt her chest tightened, her heart constricted, tears that she was desperately trying to hold fell freely and at that moment she knew it was no dream, her pain was the realization it was all real.
Damon was standing beside the mirror, it reflected an image of his bare back, sweat tricking down his sculpted figure his fingers caressed the bade he was holding. From the look of the handle one can tell it was a vintage item but the blade was glistening, freshly sharpened waiting to penetrate. The room was dimly illuminated, the faint candle lights fell on the curtains flying in harmony letting the moon light peek in and fall on his porcelain skin. The sight was alluring creating a delicate veil but what he felt was fire. The diamond flame was burning his flesh devouring him to core.
In fury he turned and banged his hand on the dresser, causing it to dither. He looked up to the mirror, staring at his own reflection. His deep blue eyes darkened with rage, transmitting fume to his body. He kept on staring only to see his eyes now turning a shade of emerald, his clenched jaw turning soft. The dark brown hair framing a beautiful face, a face he would never forget.
FLASH BACK~
Summer breeze played through the room; it was humid yet had a soothing effect. With the afterglow of dusk enveloping the evening, it was rather pleasant. The two frames lay side by side, rising and falling, maintaining a rhythm. Damon drew his arms around the petite figure in order to bring her close. A smile tugged her face and she let herself melt in those strong arms. Damon took in her scent feeling intoxicated he let himself immerse in the sweet smell of her body. He found himself trailing kisses on her neck, slightly nipping the flesh. Unable to resist the urge his lips met hers caressing, nibbling, holding for a while and releasing. His tongue slipping in, engaging in a battle that he was more than willing to lose. His hands grazed her body, fingers brushing over every inch of skin that it found.
Naked skin colliding with each other, his toned chest upon her soft mounds, his fingers entwined with hers, lower halves grinding in unison, eliciting moans that vibrated through the room. Hands desperately holding onto one another, sweat cloaking their bodies, both awaiting for the sinful pleasure. His thrusts were passionate yet gentle, taking care of her, making sure only to give pleasure. She cupped his face in order to look into his eyes that conveyed love. She kept on gazing capturing the moment forever. While her fingers drew comforting circles on his face she noticed a change in his posture. His grip tightened around her body as he plunged hard and rough into her core, his jaw clenched, once soothing eyes now infuriated.
Before she could comprehend she was met with a throbbing pain on her shoulder. "Damon… " she tried but was muffled by the hand firmly pressed on her mouth. Every penetration becoming more aggressive than the previous, causing the brilliant red fluid soak through the white sheets. Her body gave up immediately after the first slash, the cut sunk deep in the neck. But it didn't interrupt his ministrations. Her once flawless skin was now nothing but withered mass of flesh and blood, naked, raw and open to core. Satisfied with his newest creation he lay down next to the figure. His hands caressing her cheek, "Darling, you're beautiful… Delicate like a flower, covered in red, just as your name… Rose!"
Damon woke up in frenzy, nearly breathless, muscle tensed, mouth open; he rubbed his face with his palm. It was just a nightmare, a scary one indeed. A nauseating smell trickled his nose, he glanced at his hands and then at the figure lying next to his own. Horror pounded through his veins at the sight of the slaughtered body. The vile scenery replayed over and over again, knife nipping at the skin, slowly penetrating the layers, blood prickling through small puncture, one drop, followed by another then a continuous stream. He stood up frantically, squeezing his eye shut, walking backwards as his feet met with the cold metal lying on the ground. His eyes picked up the distinctive blade, his grandfather's hunting knife.
He dropped to his knees holding the knife in his hand; it was him all along, the psychotic monster, blood thirsty devil that he couldn't control, that he didn't know to exist until this moment. The peculiar nauseated smell took over him, his blood boiled and his skin shivered with chill, he was unable to breathe; it felt like ice and fire all together. As the disaster sank in he was paralyzed and then it all turned black.
END OF FLASH BACK~
The mirror still held a reflection of Rose's withered frame. He couldn't bear it any longer; he shoved his fist right in the center. The glass cracked under force, ripping his skin through and through. He ignored the sharp pain and continued to stare at the broken pieces that projected a feminine figure, not quite familiar though. A face as pure as a child, brown locks falling like a cascade over her frame, those almond eyes gazing at him. He knew those eyes; he has seen it before, through the tinted glass starting at him in the afternoon. Those eyes holding empathy, curiosity maybe ignorance as well, he has seen them turning blank in the elevator while he rejected them. He has seen those eyes lose their charm, as despair over powered her in the drive way. While she thought she was alone, no one has witnessed her vulnerable form but she was wrong. He stood there at a distant, observing her, enduring every shred of pain that coursed through her.
With all the power he had he flipped the dresser over the floor, causing the broken glass piece to shatter further. His body was now shaking violently, he screamed at the top of his lungs, lashed out through the room breaking everything that came in his way. His eyes spotted that blasted knife lying near the dresser and without wasting a second he grazed it through his wrist. The physical pain numbed his mind, the images of the girl fading reluctantly, as he fell to the ground and sleep took over his being.
Damon woke up to a feeling of burning sensation on his hand, a hand gripping his sides trying to pull him up, still in the daze he didn't open his eyes. Incoherent voice fell to his ears; he strained his eyes and found his one and only friend mumbling something to him. He still couldn't make out, as he continued to look at his pain struck face.
"Damon… Are you listening to me? What the hell happened?" Alaric's voice was frantic as he desperately tried to steady the other male.
He just wanted to be alone, not ready to face anyone, not yet. "It's… nothing. I'm fine Ric." His reply was distant as if he was residing in a different world.
Alaric ran his hands through his hair as he glanced at the room that looked like earth quake has stuck it. He let out a sign and continued, "This… doesn't look like nothing to me. You've got to be honest with me if you want this to work. For God's sake Damon, look around! Shattered glass, bloodied wrist, an unconscious body lying on the ground!" He took a deep breath in order to calm himself down before he spoke again. "You were doing okay Damon, our sessions were working, you had it under control, something has clearly triggered this, and you have to tell me what it is."
All this while Damon kept quiet, staring out of the window, watching the morning sun in its glory. Alaric's questions were like needles piercing into his skin, he couldn't contain himself, with his last words he just lost it. "Under control! You think your hypnosis sessions are going to fix me, as if that's ever going to happen? I'm broken beyond repair Ric, there's never going to be a change, I'm a monster and will continue to be one until I end this."
Damon and Alaric knew each other from college days, Alaric was his senior. As both were media and communication major they were together for a lot of events and over the course of time their friendship blossomed quite naturally. Despite of the fact that Damon was like any other college student Alaric knew there was another shade to his character. His father was a Parapsychologist, he too had keen interest on the subject and observing his father's patients; he had grown to understand the hidden traits of any individual.
All his suspicions were confirmed the day when he received that call from Damon confirming Rose's death. He was the only one to witness that dreadful scene of Rose's torn flesh, other than Damon himself. Alaric knew well that Damon's feelings for Rose were real, he had cared and loved Rose, and he was there for her even after discovering her medical condition. Damon loved Rose not only when she was beautiful and glamorous but even when she was sick and miserable. When she was everything but charming as her disease took away her allure Damon stood beside her. It took everything in him not to hand over Damon to the police, when Damon himself was more than willing to do so. Alaric understood what Damon needed was a friend, who will understand him and guide him. And since then he has stood by him.
Alaric knew him to the bones, his dark secrets, his trauma, the root to his atrocity but he has also witness the care in his heart, his passion for work and his never ending battle with his demons. "We'll work this out together." He told Damon and helped him get up on his feet and proceeded towards the bathroom.
A few weeks have passed; Elena was no longer the naïve intern trying to grasp the fast pacing journalism industry. Sedona Daily has decided to launch their first magazine in the upcoming month or so, it included different segments, from creative writing to town history, travel log, sports & events and even a business section. What got Elena excited was a small segment in town history devoted to 'Mystery of the month.' Caroline was supervising the entire thing along with the elder Salvatore. Thankfully Elena's interactions were constricted to the female authority.
But Elena knew if she wanted her article to be part of the segment it had to undergo Damon Salvatore's approval. Today is the day, she had a meeting scheduled after lunch to discuss about her topic. She looked at the watch it was still 10 passed two, twenty minutes and it was time for the inevitable. To say she was nervous would be an understatement, she was terrified. Their first and last interaction was within the cramped walls of the elevator and that dreadful conversation had a long lasting effect on her. She couldn't foresee what today's encounter would bring upon her. Before she took hold of her delusion it was time to go meet the devil. She collected all the articles from previous news papers along with her note pad and went ahead.
After a few deep breaths she knocked on the door and pushed in, "May I come in?" To her complete surprise she was greeted with a small smile, brief one but it was indeed real and not a product of her imagination. She flashed one in return and settled on the chair in front of his desk. There was an awkward moment of silence she was hesitant about how to start the conversation, whether she should go first or let him start.
"So, have you chosen a topic ?" his voice broke her chain of thoughts. It was not blank and emotionless as she remembered it to be, though far from friendly unlike her other colleagues.
She replied instantly, "Yes I have Sir." She took a pause to observe his expression and continued, "And please call me Elena, if that is okay." Elena saw a faint smile; she had a hard time considering this to be real rather than yet another one of her delusions.
"What is your topic Elena?"
She found herself having a hard time answering his questions; she thought he would be cold but that was not the case still she couldn't figure out the reason behind her inability. She reminded herself it was just two professionals having a conversation, nothing more nothing less.
"Death… Murder. I think that will be an interesting topic. Readers will be curious and it will keep them intrigued for the following one." Elena saw him narrowing his eyes and before she could interpret it was gone.
"Interesting. I believe you have jotted down your reference material." He said pointing at the pile of papers next to her chair.
Elena was about to say something when she noticed the files displayed on his desk. All of those were sorted according to the title with photographs of the buildings, monuments and events. Each contained separate set of news articles and a fresh print page assuming it is the draft of the final copy that was to be put in the magazine. She couldn't help but feel astonished by his passion towards work. At the same time she realized her inadequacy and deficit. She lowered her head as she answered, "I'm afraid I do not have the crux to present to you at the moment Sir."
"That's alright." He replied.
She looked up to read his expression but he was gone, turning her head to the side she found him near the metal shelf digging out a few folders. She continued to stare at the photographs in front. From the looks of it she could tell those were old but well preserved nonetheless. She saw him return with three folders and handing it over to her.
"These might help. Go through them and day after tomorrow I expect the draft on my table."
Okay so she's got 36 hours, better get ready stay awake all night; she made a mental note before saying, "Thank you." She watched him return to his seat and diverting his attention to the computer screen. She understood it was her cue to get out of his office. But her curiosity over powered her as she found herself asking, "Are those the original copies?"
Damon glanced up at her face and then where she was pointing. He took a brief pause thinking whether to answer or not but decided to tell. "Yes, those are the original copies; most of it were in my family's possessions. My family has been living here for generations so happen to witness a lot of these events."
Elena nodded and collected all the folders before saying, "Thank you again for the articles. I'll comeback with the draft on Friday. Have a good day Sir." With these she vanished from the cabin.
A/N: Thank you for following the story I really appreciate it but my request is please drop in review as you read a chapter. It's the only reward writers want. Now this chapter there's a lot about Damon and his past, I hope the violence is not overwhelming, little bit of Delena is there too. I know it's hardly enough but please give them time, attraction takes time to develop. Coming chapters will contain more. Thank you all! :)
