The Devil’s Consort
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All my life I’ve played by the rules. I’ve kept quiet. That’s just how it was. That’s how it was supposed to be. Nothing seemed odd about my life. I was simply the daughter of my village's priest. I was a good, holy, and honorable child. I never left my fathers side, not even for a moment; the thought of being alone frightened me. He had raised me to become a priest, like himself, so that I could spread the glorious preaching of the lord to all in the land! What a load of bullshit! I used to play by the rules, until I turned eighteen. That’s when everything changed and my life became a living hell.
“C’mon wake up!” I felt myself being shaken from my deep sleep. “We’re going to be late! Do you have any idea how much trouble I’ll be in if we’re late? The entire village is counting on us!” My eyes fluttered open and I rubbed my forehead. What does it take to get some peace and quiet around here?! I slowly rose from my bed and met my eyes with my fathers. He had a soft, kind smile on his face.
“Good morning! Are you ready to go to church?” He enthusiastically asked. I shook my head. He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me close to him. “Aw, cheer up! It’s going to be a great day! I just know it. Remember if you have faith-”
“Then everyday is a good day. Yes, I know. You tell me every single morning.”
“I just want you to know that I am always here for you...as is the lord! Now, hurry up! Get dressed!” He happily walked out of my room and closed the door. I laid back down and rolled over so that I could see out the window. The sun was rising over our village. I could see it begin to peak over the roofs of the small homes. The sky was painted a brilliant orange, purple, and pink. It was beautiful in it’s own way. Suddenly, I saw a bright flash of red zip past me. I shot up and leaned my face against the window, hoping to see things more clearly. What the hell was that? I shrugged my shoulders. It was probably just a bird. Still, it was rather quick. I wonder what kind it could have been. I shook my head and wandered over to my closet. I opened the door and searched for something suitable to wear. I grabbed my favorite black dress and swung it over my shoulder. Normally, I would loathe wearing a dress, but for this particular one I’ll make an exception.
I quickly undressed and slipped on the dress. It felt good to be wearing it again. It felt so...natural. What the heck am I thinking? I smacked my forehead and exited my room. I could hear my father hurriedly walking downstairs as he scurried about trying to get all of his things.
“Okay, holy water...check; robes, check; candles, check; bible…” he swung his head from side to side. “Oh, my...where is it?” He rushed to the dinner table and shoved a stack of papers onto the floor. “Where could it have gone! I swore I had it with me just last night!” I glanced to the side and saw it lying on the small bookshelf next to me.
“Dad, here,” He perked his head up and I tossed the bible to him.
“Oh, thanks, honey. You’re an absolute angel!” He gushed. Tch, I wouldn’t go that far. He put his bible into his bag and put it over his shoulder.
“Ready?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” We both walked outside and down the cobblestone street. I saw small children running around playing with their friends, older women were sitting on their porches, and the young were traveling to church just as we were.
“‘Morning, Pastor!” A young man said to my father.
“ Good morning, Jacob. How are you on this fine Sunday morn?”
“Doing mighty fine, sir. Morning miss,” he tipped his hat. I scoffed and rolled my eyes. My father nervously chuckled before nudging me with his elbow. Still, I remained quiet.
“I apologize, Jacob, you see she hasn’t quite woken up entirely. She’s still asleep in that mind of yours aren’t you?” He and Jacob laughed.
“It’s no trouble...I’d best get going. I’ll see you both around!” Once Jacob had left I let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness he’s gone. I thought that he would never leave.
“You know, you’re never going to get a husband if you keep pushing away every man that comes your way.”
“Dad, no. Please, not now. I don’t want to talk about this-”
“No, you listen to me young lady, I don’t want-” I ran in front of him and pointed at the church.
“Oh look! We’re here! Guess we’ll have to talk about it some other time!” I rushed inside and quickly sat down in the pew furthest from the front. I crossed my arms and slumped into the corner. My eyes darted around the room until they landed on a face that I had never seen before. A boy, looking to be my age or older, was reverently sitting in a pew. He had short black hair that just grazed the back of his neck, rich pale skin, and shimmering eyes. I felt my heart skip a beat as I looked at him. He turned his head around and I quickly looked away. I shook my head and stood up. My turned to face everyone and raised his hands into the air.
“Welcome everyone to this Sunday morning church service. I invite you all to stand as you are able…”
After a long, long service, church was finally over and we all were free to go home. I walked outside and looked around.
“Wow, the priest's sermon really made me think about my purpose here on earth. Maybe I should try being more religious! Maybe this is my calling!” I heard a girl say. I rolled my eyes and leaned my back against the wall of the church. Trust me, sweetheart, being a priest is not a calling. Anyone who claims that it is...is insane.
“Hello there,” I looked up and locked eyes with the boy that I had earlier seen. I stood upright and tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear.
“H-hello,” Dammit, why did I have to stutter like that? “How are you?”
“I’m doing great now that I’ve gotten a chance to talk with you. I noticed that you were looking at me, so I figured I’d come and say hello. My name is Leander, by the way.” He stuck out his hand and we shook. His skin is so soft! I wonder what kind of moisturizer he uses! I heard him chuckle and I quickly let go of his hand. Oh crap! Did I say that out loud? He stuck his hands into his pockets and looked around.
“Well, I’d better get going. I hope to see you again...Miss?”
“Oh, I’m Angelina!”
“Well then, I’ll see you around Angelina.” He turned around and walked in the opposite direction. There is something off about that boy...but I can’t seem to put my finger on it. It feels like he’s from a completely different era of time. The way he talks, his mannerisms. What is up with him? I wanted to follow him and ask him more questions, but I was rudely interrupted by my father.
“Shall we head home?” I peered over his shoulder and watched Leander turn the corner.” Father looked behind and smirked.
“Oh, so someone has caught your eye?” My eyes widened and I shook my head.
“N-No! Don’t be ridiculous!” I protested, but it was in vain.
“You don’t need to hide your true feelings from me! I really wish you’d be more open with me!” He rubbed the top of my head with his hand. “Let’s go home. I’m gonna make cookies for you.” I looked back down the street and realized that he really was gone.
“Alright, let’s go…” We walked side by side down the road until we reached our house. I sat down in the kitchen and twirled my hair around my index finger. Father took cookie sheets from the cabinets and cookie dough from the fridge. I laid my head on the table and closed my eyes. I must have let sleep overtake me, because I was suddenly shaken away by my father. My eyes popped open and I looked around. All the lights were switched off. I saw a panicked look on his face.
“Dad, what’s”
“Shh!” He covered my mouth with his hand. “We have to be quiet…” he whispered. I pushed his hand away and we both couched to the ground.
“What’s happening?”
“They’ve come for us...the time of purification is upon us…”
“What are you talking about?” I paused as the sound of a woman’s scream rang through the village. Moments later, more screams came about. I stood up and walked to the window. I moved the drape aside and poked my head out. My eyes widened at the sight. The sky was painted black and a red full moon lit up the sky, the street was dyed crimson, and many people laid wide-eyed in the road. I quickly shut the blinds and leaned against the wall. What is this? Why is this happening? My father snuck up next to me and put his arms around me.
“We have to get out of here. If we stay, death is certain…”
“But how?”
“Follow me…” He stood up and put his hand on the door handle. He slowly opened the door and stepped outside. A deadly silence filled the air as all was quiet, but only for a moment. My father waved his hand and signaled for me to come forward. I watched a large group of people running past us.
“Hurry!” I ran out the door and we joined the group. A screeching noise followed us as we ran. It was almost demonic. I felt my feet trip over themself and I crashed to the ground. I looked up and saw my father struggling to beat back the crowd to get to me. “Angelina!” He shouted, but his voice was drowned out by the screams. I saw him disappear into the crowd. I stood up and winced in pain. My leg had been bashed open and blood gushed out of my knee. I grabbed my knee and tried to conceal my tears. I limped along until I could no longer run. I leaned against a wall, blood staining my hands. I crumbled to the ground. Darkness surrounded me.
“Where is she? I specifically asked you to bring her to me!” A voice boomed. It was Leander! Maybe he can help me! I mustered up my last ounce of strength and stumbled to where his voice was coming from. I turned the corner and saw him standing on top of a large pile of bodies. He looked different. He had small dark horns poking out from his head, his eyes were glowing deep red, a black cape blew in the wind and he held a black cane with a golden handle.
“We couldn’t seem to find her, your majesty!” Majesty? He sighed and looked around. His eyes landed on me and he grinned sadistically. I swore I could see two sharp fangs.
“It would seem that our search is no longer needed. She has crawled her way to me, slithering on her stomach like a snake. Bring her to me.” The two creatures next to him flew down to me and hoisted me off of the ground. They carried me over to him. Leander snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me to his side. He brushed my hair to the side and inched his face closer to mine.
“Beautiful, isn’t it? All of this terror.” He looked out at the vast ocean of bodies as they continued to climb. “I can see that you are afraid of me...allow me to formally introduce myself. My name is Lord Leander. I am the son of Lucifer, the demon of Pride. I prefer to be called by my full title, but I’m not too picky. I’ve come to the earthly realm in search of a bride. Father continues to pester me and it’s become rather tiresome…” He continued to talk about himself like it was an average day. “I can see that you are bored of my stories. That’s the thing about you humans that always angers me. You are all so easily bored. Once something displeases you, you turn your backs. No matter, an eternity of life will change your savage ways.” His grip on me tightened and he grinned even wider.
“Now, my dear, I have a little proposition for you. You, like your fallen friends, wish to live correc? I can offer you a life that no mere mortal could possibly imagine...all I ask is that you marry me.” I tried to push him away, but he was too strong. “Hehe, there is no need to fight me. If I wanted to, I could snap your fragile human body like a twig. It’s best not to fight me, darling.”
“Why would I marry you?” I shouted.
“You wish to live, right?” I gulped and said nothing. “That’s what I thought. It’s really not that difficult. We don’t even have to see each other, although I’d prefer it if we acted as a regular married couple.”
“So, all I have to do is...marry you?”
“That is correct...so, what do you say?” I thought for a moment. If I say no then he’ll likely kill me on the spot, but if I say yes...I’ll be eternally damned, but at least I’ll be able to live. I nodded my head.
“I’ll marry you...but only if you promise that my father still lives here on earth!”
“Of course, that can certainly be arranged. Levi, Beel, make sure that my young bride’s father is safely sent somewhere.” The two demons flew back into the village square to find him. “You, my dear, are coming with me…” he snapped his fingers and a red glowing portal appeared. He picked me up and carried me into the portal. Everything seemed to shift for a moment before quickly returning to normal. I looked around and noticed that we were in a large room. It had white walls with golden trimming, white flooring, and black drapes.
“Welcome to your new home. Look,” he walked over to the window, still carrying me, and opened the drapes. Outside was a city covered in darkness and sin. We were in hell. I slightly trembled at the sight. “Oh, come now. You agreed to this, remember?” I joked. “Now then, I must go fetch father and alert him to this,” he placed me down and walked to the door. “Wait right there.” He winked before closing the door. I ran to the door and tried to open it, but it was locked. He locked me in here! I pinched my cheeks and shook my head. Come on Angelina, wake up! This is all a dream right?
“I can assure you, this is no dream.” I turned around and saw a man standing in the corner of the room. He, like Leander, had dark hair and had bright yellow eyes.
“W-Who are you?”
“You mean Leander didn’t tell you? I’m Satan, the embodiment of wrath. Didn’t he tell you he has a brother?” I shook my head. “Ah, just like him. It’s all about him and what he wants. Me, me, me all the time!” I stared at him with a blank expression. “Oh, sorry I must be boring you with all my blabbering. I’m sure Leander will be along soon with father. I’ll leave you.” He then vanished into thin air. I gasped and looked around. Did he just?
“Angelina~” I heard Leander’s voice coo. The door opened and he walked in. Standing behind him was a tall man dressed in black robes. He had his black wings tucked behind him. He had a presence of authority.
“Is this the woman you spoke of?” He asked. Leander appeared at my side and pulled me to him.
“Mhm, she’s really something. I’ve taken her as my bride.”
“Hmm...so I see. Tell me, mortal, how are you enjoying hell? I know you haven’t been here long, but I know you’ll like it. Oh, my name is Lucifer. I’m the ruler of hell; a king as some would say. My sons are the princes of hell and you are to be the princess,” he explained.
“Father, you’re frightening her.” Lucifer sighed.
“Of course I am...well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Angelia. I hope to see more of you. I’ll take my leave.” He turned around and left, leaving me with Leander. He took my hand and it to his chest.
“Welcome to hell, my dear. I just know that you’ll love it. Together we will rule this wretched place as husband and wife.” He inched his face closer to mine. “And now you belong to me...I wonder...what shall we do first…”
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9niGuP7ArS
496Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2ygtMs0xM
