Okay, because people decided to keep emailing me, I've updated quickly=) But, mu T.V. show is about to start so I am NOT editing today. Sorry, but if you like it you'll excuse mistakes=) Sorry…anyway, quote time: "They say when you get knocked down get, back up. But what if you have been knocked down so much you're tired of getting up?" And sorry, but I just couldn't be bothered changing everything to quotations marks. So sorry! =S Anyway, REVIEW!
Everything aside, I thought I was handling everything quite well. Or at least, I was until I had been kidnapped, told I was a Demon and then forced through some wavering pool of darkness that was actually a portal into the Demon Realm and the Underworld's infamous kingdom of Hell. Now, everything aside, I thought I was lucky to still be standing. The shock had knocked me sideways, and I was spiraling further into the depths of hyperventilation and insanity with every passing second. As soon as I thought I had hit rock-freaking-bottom some new twist just had to be thrown in my face like a glass of cold water. Maybe a bucket was more-like what I was feeling? Or a hose. Take your pick.
Just thinking of the cold made a shiver run through my spine. Whatever dumb-ass said that Hell was fiery, hot and scorching was a retard, because where I was felt more like the North Pole than the Underworld. The chill was numbing, and the freezing climate was making my body extremely stationary and hard to move. My teeth were chattering together painfully, and as I looked around in disdain I was unsurprised to see that I was the only person suffering in this cold, frozen Hellhole. Ironic that a Hellhole meant fiery flames and blazes of heat. I didn't expect to see fire, as I would have about ten minutes ago, but rather I expected hail storms and mountains of snow. Oh, the world was cruel. Cruel and wrong.
"Why…the Hell…is it so cold?" I stuttered, my teeth gnashing together painfully. But before anyone could answer me two figures clad in black metallic armour appeared in ribbons of black smoke, their forms materializing in front our group. Through their helmets I saw the flashes of red stream through their eyes, rivers of crimson staining the globes and dying the original colours of their eyes. It must have been a Demon trait, the blood eyes. I was definitely not seeing things.
"Prince Xavian," the guy on the right acknowledged, sweeping his head low in a respectful bow. His companion followed, his eyes cast toward the floor. I tried not to gape. Fang…his name was Xavian? Didn't Avian mean bird?
Fang nodded in response. "Is his majesty ready?"
The guard (or what I guessed was a guard) took his obsidian helmet off, revealing hair as blonde as Dylan's. Actually, after taking in the fair hair, green, almost turquoise hair and sharp defined features, it was impossible to think he was anything other than Dylan himself. Except Dylan was standing next to Ella, so he must have been his brother. The guy's next words confirmed as much.
"Brother," he said with a slight smirk plastered to his face. By the gleam in his eye, he must have been older than Dylan.
"Irial," Dylan replied flatly, his arms holding Ella closer into him, jaw tight. It didn't look as if the two got along very well, that was for sure.
He grinned evilly, almost smugly, and I instantly took a dislike to him. Well, a greater dislike to him than I had to Dylan anyway.
"The Demon King has requested that I direct you to the Palace. He is very, interested in meeting you Max. As are many…others."
I blinked, confused for a moment. Was he actually addressing me? Oh God, how the Hell did he know my name?
Note to self; I needed to stop using Hell and God so much. They seemed wrong, especially in the same sentence.
Irial's green eyes, not turquoise I noticed, but rather aqua, met mine and he grinned lazily. I narrowed my eyes. Was that his attempt at flirting? Sheesh, I was pretty sure Iggy did a better job at it.
"I'd rather stick pins in my eyes and rally with the Demon King empty handed and weaponless than meet you," I replied in the snarkiest voice I could come up with. For as freaked out as I actually was, I thought I was putting on an excellent façade.
"I suggest you take us to His Majesty," Fang snarled viciously and I blanched. Holy Hell, did an actual person make that sound? It sounded more animalistic than anything. Even from a Demon.
Irial's eyes widened as they instantly fell to the ground. "Of course My Lord. This way." I watched in amazement as the warrior and his companion spun around and left, our group following behind them. Irial…he was afraid of Fang. I looked around and noticed the rigidness of my captors and realized with a pang of worry that they too were afraid of him. And they were stronger than I was. So theoretically, I should have been shit scared.
Well, maybe not theoretically.
I knew the second we entered the Demon Kingdom. The huge imposing castle/palace thing sat directly in front of us, the onyx structure much more intimidating than the mansion Fang lived in. Or rather, stayed in. This castle was larger in comparison by tenfold, and it was literally shrouded in a thick, foggy darkness that emphasized exactly where we were.
The Underworld. Oh, Joy.
I had expected to see some kind of moat or drawbridge, like in the Medieval Era. Then again, those structural techniques had been used as a means of defense, not decoration, and I was sure that the Demon King himself was enough of a defensive mechanism for one kingdom.
As we stepped up to the great doors, I noticed with awe that the doors were well over fifteen feet high. What was this, the Land of the Giants? They began to open of their own accord, and to my surprise they did so silently. No creaking here. Though, I didn't know what was worse—the eerie quiet or the intimidating squeaking. When the inside was revealed to me, again I was surprised to find the great hallway ahead of us brightly lit, crystal chandeliers and modern day lights illuminating the insides.
"Nothing like a warm welcome home," Sam said before chuckling to himself. As we began down the path, with black carpet lined in gold, the silent companion of Irial's began down a separate hall attached to the main one we were walking down. I took a deep, freezing breath to calm myself. It didn't work, to my complete and utter dismay.
"I'll drink to that," Ari replied with a cheer I hadn't seen in him before. I had to say, it lit up his face. With a swirl of his hands, a drink appeared in the form of a huge black glass, materializing out of black fog. What was it with things appearing out of blackness and smoke around here?
It took us a fare few minutes, but after a path of turns, stairs and confusing hallways, we finally found ourselves at a set of doors as large as the ones on the front of the palace. I realized that these doors were only used for important rooms, like the grand entrance or an exit into a courtyard or ballroom. Which meant this must have been where the Demon King was. Scary prospect, but okay.
"Whatever you do, do not speak unless you are spoken to." My breath hitched as Fang's soft, calming words were whispered into my ear, his breath a contrasting warmth compared to the freezing temperature around me. His arms were wrapped around my waist, so he must have been behind me. I blinked—I hadn't even noticed him until he'd pulled me into the back of the crowd and into him. Which, at the moment, seemed almost comfortable. His body was like a sun in this place, the burning disparity to the frozen world that had previously enveloped me.
"You will get hurt. Pretend to agree with him, even if you don't. You're important to this kingdom, but show any signs of disagreement or loyalty to King Gabriel and my father will kill you."
King Gabriel. He must be the King of the Angelic Plain. "I can't believe my ears," I said breathlessly, much to my dismay. "You're actually giving me words of wisdom to make sure I don't get hurt. Who are you and what have you done with Fang?"
I couldn't be sure, but I thought I heard him chuckle. Not a good sign. "I'm serious Max. This isn't a game anymore. If you show connections to the people of the Angelic Realm you will be punished. And trust me, death is the easiest, least painful option. You'll be begging for it if you anger the King."
"And why should I trust you?" I whispered, breathing fast and heavy. "I have no reason to. Why would it matter to you if I get hurt? It's not like you haven't brought that fate on me before."
Fang took a long, deep breath and I blinked in surprise. The arms that were wrapped around my body tightened ever so slightly. "That would be extremely…undesirable," he replied, and I could tell, without seeing him, that his eyes were staring hard at the doors we were currently stationary behind.
"Undesirable?" I asked flatly. Wow, that would be undesirable. Way to make me feel amazing. Not that I cared. This was the Demon that had, as Ella had put it, pulverized me. Then again, it had been out of his control…
…oh my God, I was not making up excuses for Fang, not matter how hot, cute or sexy he was. I couldn't forget; he was only being moderately nice because he was trying to convince me to join his side.
"When I thought you were a human," he began thoughtfully, "you were nothing. You meant nothing, because of your weakness, your pathetic mortality. The disrespect you showed me and my people meant that I had to do something to you, as punishment. It's kind of like a law if you will. You should be dead. And then I found out what you really were. Then everything changed. You weren't weak, you weren't unimportant. Max, you were what we needed, what my Kingdom needed." Fang paused, dipping his head down toward my collarbone so that what he said next would only be heard by me. "Max, you're what I want," he whispered, so low I barely caught it. But I did hear him, and my breathing pattern, however uncoordinated, stopped altogether. I literally couldn't breathe. No, I was not going to even think about Fang that way. Not this violent, impassive, uncaring Demon.Two words—Hell no.
Despite my complete mental rejection and denial, it took every bit of will power to tell him to get off me. Well actually, it took every bit of will power to think of telling him to get off me. Actually saying it? Well, that was a different story.
"I distinctively remember a comment you made just a few hours ago."
I frowned and tried to move out of his grasp. My body however had different plans. "What comment?" I asked hoarsely. Why weren't we going in to meet the God damned King? I'd rather face him than Fang at the moment, the way my body was reacting.
"When Hell freezes over," he said, his voice sweet and extremely seductive. What happened to the vicious, evil Fang I had come to know! This can't possibly be the way he acted with people that weren't humans, could it? If it was…
…God help me.
"Max, Hell's been frozen for a very long time," he whispered at the exact moment the doors sprang open. Well, they didn't exactly spring. More like creak open dauntingly without actually creaking. Fang's arms left my body and the frozen climate enveloped me once more in one great rush. I began shivering. I hadn't realized how much Fang's presence had warmed me. Not that I wanted him next to me again. No way, that was just absurd. Stupid. I hated Fang, hated he was, what he did. He killed people. There was no way I could change what I thought of someone in a mere few hours. What he was and what he was doing was just a façade, a mask that was created to convince me to join his kingdom, to become part of his realm. I, did not, like him.
Sigh, was I convincing anyone?
My eyes were on Fang's body as he became the head of our group, coming to stand in front of me. I thought I saw a shadow of a smile cross his face and I frowned. What could he possibly be smiling about?
"His majesty the King will see you now," Irial said regally, stepping aside to let us through the open doorway and into what looked like one massive throne room. And I mean massive.
"Remember what I told you," Fang said quietly and seriously before he stepped foot into the brightly lit room. Being behind him, I couldn't see much, though I sure as Hell didn't miss the overwhelming presence in the room, the imposing air of a creature much more powerful than myself. Much more than Fang, and that was a scary prospect in itself.
Before long, our group folded out into one line, and then I could see everything. Parallel to our line was a dais where two thrones sat, one large, black imposing one with razor sharp edges attached to the top at two points, and the other made of deep grey stone. The larger one looked as if it were made of onyx. And atop this majestic chair was what I could only pick as the Demon King—all freaking seven feet of him. He wasn't standing, but his height was palpable, along with his unbelievable amount of similarities with Fang. There was no doubt that he took after his father, and if I hadn't known prior to the occasion that he was a Demon Prince, I would certainly know now. They had the same sharp, regal features, the same dark hair and eyes. Same emotionless appearance. Fang was like a clone.
The King was dressed in complete back, (big surprise there) with huge laced boots and black armour. Masking his hands were leather gloves, one of which was rubbing his chin in thought. A smile crossed his arrogant face, which scared the Hell out of me.
"Well, well, well. It seems I recruited the perfect people for this job." I was surprised by the King's voice. It was steady, peaceful, laced with arrogance that I would expect from nineteenth century England. Arrogance that could only be brought from age, and could only be used by someone as stunningly handsome as he.
"Ella," he said cheerfully, a grin spread across his face. "So good to see you again." I blinked, for he actually sounded genuine. Why was I meant to be afraid of him? He seemed so…nice.
"My Lord," Ella replied, bowing her head slightly. Dylan stepped closer to her protectively. Seriously, what was it with him and being so protective with her?
"And you must be Max then," he continued fluidly, coming to a stand. Okay, he wasn't quite seven feet, but he was getting there. His dark eyes met mine, and I could have sworn I was looking at Fang.
I nodded, mimicking what Ella had done. I evaded my eyes slightly, and keep my voice respectful. Despite his gentility, I knew this guy was dangerous. "Yes, I am."
"Well then Max, please enjoy the hospitality here. Do you understand your importance to me and my people? I would like nothing other than your happiness here. You and your sister's."
I took a deep breath, but didn't falter. I knew he was just buttering me up, but I was determined to get out of here. "Of course, Your Majesty."
The King's head titled slightly to the left. I could tell by the look in his eye, the slight gleam as he narrowed his night eyes that he'd noticed that I had called him his Majesty, not My Lord, or My King. I hadn't addressed him as if I were a part of his kingdom, and he'd picked up on it. Damn.
"Max, how much of your history do you know?"
And I'd hoped that would be all the King would say. "Not much."
"Did you know that you and your sister are the only people that can possibly tip the balance of power?"
Nodding, I replied cautiously. "Yes."
"Then you realize that if you do not join our kingdom you will be killed?" the genuine kindness had evaporated. Apparently, by addressing him differently I had pissed him off. Joy.
"Yes," I replied, swallowing hard.
"But you do understand that before I kill you, I must try every method I can to make you join our army?"
Army? "I—yes."
In the time it would have taken me to blink, King Lucifer was standing in front of me, and it took me every ounce of will power to stop myself from stepping away. The warmth that radiated from him chased away the chill that my body was slowly adapting to, but I would have taken the freezing temperature over the King's close proximity any day.
"Do you know what you can do Max?" he asked calmly. Why was he directing all his questions my way?
"No," I replied honestly, knowing that I couldn't possibly lie without being caught.
"I see…Well then, this may be a very interesting ride then." Apparently bored with me now, the King turned toward Fang, and I realized that I had as well. He dark features instantly caught my attention and captured my gaze, keeping me locked with him, despite the fact that he wasn't actually looking my way.
"You've proved yourself worthy of your title son," the King said, a smile plastered to his face. "You've brought not one, but both of the sisters to me. All we need to do now is convince the other."
Hmm, I just loved being talked about in third person while I was in the same room.
"Thank-you father. I'm sure the other will not need much…convincing." Fang shot me a look and I was sure my face turned red. Why? The reason was lost to me. Either way, I still couldn't pry my eyes from Fang. Damn it to Hell.
Huh, guess it already was damned to Hell.
"Well then, it seems we're done—"
"Wait!" There was complete silence as the new voice rang through the throne room. Everyone, including myself, turned to face the new person. When I caught sight of her I lost my breath. I truly did. The beauty that radiated from her was so strong I felt the urge to drop to my knees and bow to her. She had regal features, with bright emerald eyes and deep brown hair that made them stand out even more than they did. She was reaching around five-foot-eight, and her green dress was so regal, so royal, I guessed that she was no other than King Lucifer's Queen. Her skin was perfect, yet the slight lines around her mouth made it clear to all that she was someone who laughed and smiled a lot, which was currently being proven. Her red lips were lifted into a bright smile that looked completely out of place here. Her shoes tapped as she walked across the marble floors and up to Fang.
"Xavian," she said, the pride and love in her voice astonishingly palpable. She couldn't truly be so…genuine, could she?
"Welcome home," she said, one of those moments where tears were to be expected.
"Mother," he said, and I watched in shock as his eyes fell closed slightly with affection. His arms wrapped around her in a hug that I found hard to watch. In about two hours all my thoughts toward him were changing. This was not helping. I turned away until they had finished and the Queen was standing beside Lucifer.
"I thought I told you not to come in here," he said, but the affection in his voice outweighed the disappointed comment. I blinked, for it seems the King's impassive nature was dispersing into nothing. What was going on here? How was this one woman changing the entire room? It was as if her presence were chasing away the darkness.
"I wasn't not going to," she replied, shocked. "Not when my son is back after fifty years!" The Queen crossed her arms across the bodice of her dress, and a slow smile spread across Lucifer's face as he unfolded them and wrapped them around himself. I wasn't really seeing this, was I? It must have been an illusion, the loving look he was casting down on her…right?
"I believe we're finished here," the King murmured, keeping his eyes on his wife as he addressed us. I stood frozen in shock until someone began towing me along, through the same set of doors we'd entered through.
"I wouldn't want to stick around there, not with the Queen in my father's presence." Fang pulled me out the doors before stopping me in my tracks. "He doesn't particularly like people being around my mother, and he hates people not following his orders as well."
"I can't believe that. People literally lightened up when she walked in." I still couldn't get over that.
"She has that effect on people," he replied with a shrug.
A thought struck me. "Your name is Xavian?" I asked, interested.
He nodded grimly. "Yeah, it is."
"What does it mean?" I asked, confused by the grim look.
"It matters not. You need to sleep."
Well, talk about dodging the question. "I'm not tired."
He shrugged, grinning. "I don't care, you need to sleep."
I shook my head and threw my hands into the air in exasperation. "I don't get why you're suddenly caring about what I want or need!"
Fang clamped a hand over my mouth, shoving me gently into the cold stone wall in the process. "Because, now that you're no longer a human, I can have you." He smiled mischievously before black, smoky ribbons wrapped around his body and caused him to disappear into nothingness. I slid down the surprisingly smooth wall and collapsed onto the floor. This was a joke. Fang was only acting the way he was because I was important to his people. Because I was needed so that he and his father could take over the known world. He's hurt me, destroyed me, tortured me, fucked me over and threatened me time and time again.
So why the Hell was a falling for him?
Sorry about mistakes! Anyway, REVIEW!