Tʜᴇ Dᴇᴍᴏɴɪᴄ Gɪғᴛ ..::Tsᴀɪʀ & Iʀᴏɴɪᴄ::..

[Ironic]

Nevaeh grasped the towel that hung around her body, feeling the cool air taint her heated skin after her shower. Tonight, would be the night of her first date with her longtime friend, but the lingering sensation of butterflies infiltrating her stomach left her questioning why tonight FELT this way? With a towel draped messily against her locks she would walk barefoot to her bedroom. The floor was frigid on her toes, causing her skin to crawl with goosebumps.

Sprawled out on her bed was the outfit she had picked for the night. A large smile played on her rosy lips, showcasing her elegant smile. Her fingertips lightly caressed the silk fabric of her dress, her hues following the movements of her hands until they moved towards the dazzling necklace. The small diamonds shimmered against the rays of the bedroom lighting, but the iridescent purple reflected in her eyes. Tanzanite. It was her birthstone; December. An infinity-like design encased the hand-crafted necklace gently. Neveah grabbed the white gold necklace before draping it against her neck, neatly sealing the clasp to ensure it was securely wrapped around her neck. It was hard to take her eyes off her new accessory as she turned her neck around to see the difference in shimmering the diamonds projected.

Time was on her side, having an hour and a half to get ready. The sophisticated red dress fit her like a glove, the silk soft against her skin. Those nude pumps strapped on her ankles made her appear taller than what she was. Her long, chestnut locks were arranged in spiral curls, her skin dripping of the scent of roses and honey.

7:15 PM. Forty-five more minutes until she had to arrive, and she was already finished getting ready. Her heals snapped against the staircase as her hand gripped the railing for support, feeling as if she were walking to go to her senior prom. Her father waited downstairs as he heard her heals clicking against the stairs, grinning to see his daughter as happy as ever. A light buzzing echoed in the room as he fumbled through his pockets. An abrupt phone call attracted his attention. He excused himself from the room, leaving Nevaeh to stand by herself at the foot of the stairway.

Stealthily, she would eavesdrop by standing close to the doorway of the room her father was in. It was hard to make out what he was saying, but she did manage to catch a few sharp curse words. Her brow quirked upwards, wondering of what was happening. Not everything in Nevaeh’s life was peachy. Her father was a part of the mafia, a felonious man who was always targeted by other rival mafia’s, even the police. Either way, the phone call wasn’t a decent one. The click of the call being disconnected resounded in the hallway, Nevaeh peeping her head out to see what the fuss was about.

“Is everything alright, father?” She asked, her eyes searching his facial expression to try and find the answer to her question before he could respond. He shook his head before biting his lower lip, fists tangled in fury.

“We have to leave. Now.” His voice was hard, cold. Nevaeh’s heart dropped to the floor, mouth slightly opened in surprise.

“Wait, what? We can’t leave now!” She protested before her father’s stern eyes riddled her to her core, ceasing anymore retaliation.

“Look, Nevaeh. I am sorry that this is happening, and I know he is going to be upset, but we HAVE. TO. GO.” He emphasized each word, causing tears to well up in her eyes. The makeup she had just put on was beginning to smear, mascara dancing along with the tears that cascaded down her rosy red cheeks. “Gather some clothes and some belongings but leave your phone here. We can’t take it, they have it tracked.” He spat out the details, so she wouldn’t question it furthermore. She sniffled before using the back of her hand as a rag to wipe away some of the mess on her face before rushing upstairs.

This wasn’t the first time they had to leave like this, and it probably wouldn’t be the last. Grabbing her suitcase, she would toss her favorite clothes chaotically inside of the widened luggage, along with jewelry that her deceased mother gave her. Her mother was unfortunate during an attack from a competing mafia, capturing her and killing her. That is the reason why her father was so strict with her, and she could understand why.


“Let’s go!” He shouted up the stairway, Nevaeh quickly grabbing a few of her cherished items of choice before giving her phone a final glance. Her heart shattered, feeling the shards cut deep into the surrounding tissue. She’d known him for all her life. He was her best friend, her companion, the one she could confine to. This would be the first time she left him blank. Gone without a trace. No means of contact. On a special night like this.

“I’m coming!” She hollered back. Zipping up her suitcase she would rush down the stairs, meeting her father before he grabbed her wrist and dragged her in a hurry towards the door. There, a plane awaited, the rushing wind stinging her face as she winced. “Where are we going?!” She yelled overtop of the whipping noise of the plane’s engines.

“We’re traveling overseas. Paris more than likely.” He responded before helping her inside of the aircraft, soon following her before closing the doors. Quickly she rushed to a window, placing her palms on the glass as she watched the plane lift. Her home was fading away, the memories of her beloved friend, and there was nothing she could do about it.

“I hope you can forgive me…” She whispered, her breath fogging the glass before her forehead leaned against it in defeat.

 

[Tsair]

Bell arrived to an empty house. Nevaeh was simply out, she must've gone shopping or something. Five minutes before their date. He didn't want to open up his senses yet, as he hadn't shown her who he truly was. He would simply wait for her to come back. He sat on the hood of his jet black car, picking lightly as his pressed collar on his dark suit. It was uncomfortable, but he had to dress up nicely. She was worth it. He would wait.

Three hours later, he had accepted she wasn't here. She wasn't answering her phone, which was unusual. She never ignored him, especially when they had plans. He looked up from his space on the hood of his vehicle, towards her house. He thought of how many she'd gone to, and how she'd always let him know when she was leaving. It seemed not this time, however. Thoughts races through his mind of what could make her bail on their plan. Perhaps she had found out from her father what he was, perhaps she just was tired of him and wanted to get him away from her in a way that would hurt him. His rage was beginning to build as he looked angrily from behind a veil of white strands of hair that fell past his ruby eyes up towards her house.

He jumped off the hood of the car, his hands in the pockets of his dress pants. Traces of smoke began to come from his outfit, as he walked towards the front door. One knock, and the door flew off its hinges with a loud crash. "Coming in." The normally upbeat and jovial tone of his voice was replaced by an angry hiss from behind his teeth. He had been betrayed, by the father, and by his friend. The person who made him feel human. It was time to cast those weak feelings aside.

His senses opened as he touched his true nature, and he discovered Nevaehs phone was left within. He walked to it, lifting it up from where it had been left. She could've called him. She could have let him know a direction, he would've found her. Whatever caused her to leave, it was clear she wasn't hurt. Her suitcase wss gone. She had left with her father, not bothering to tell him this time. The father had failed their bargain from long ago. The phone melted to slay in his hand, as his body began to transform.

The house burned to the ground with nothing remaining, as Belphegor rampaged. His anger was vicious, and unrelenting. Once he heard the sirens of incoming rescue teams, he spread his long, sinewy wings as he took flight, his jet black skin hiding him as he took to the night sky. His last act of kindness for the family; he would help them disappear. If they crossed again, he would ensure they were made to regret breaking a demonic bargain. Cast against the moonlight, the horrifying silhouette was only visible for a few seconds before the Demon vanished.

- - - - - -

Years passed, as Belphegor made his name feared once more. He had spent too long playing at being human. She was the only thing that had made it worthwhile, and he once more embraced his true nature. With every soul he gained and dedicated to his abilities, he grew stronger. Small beads adorned his tattered and torn belt that hung loosely on his broad waist, each bead containing a soul that offered him power. He was not one to be trifled with, and he was ruthless to those he sought to destroy.

Yet, he had never attempted to seek out Nevaeh. Something within kept him from taking his vengeance, something that he disregarded and tried not to think about. He spent far too long dwelling on why she would've abandoned him. Now, he needed to focus on the future, he couldn't afford to spend time debating on chasing down someone he didn't know if he could kill. One day, after being summoned for a contract, he found himself face to face with her father. A snarl creeped across his massive fangs that dripped with a viscous poison. "I should kill you where you stand."

"I... I know you're angry. You have every right yo be. But Nevaeh's been taken," The man began. Belphegor waited before furthering his plan to kill the man, seeming frozen by the words he stated. Anger welled up within him as he noted traces of... worry? It was an emotion he had become unfamiliar with. "I'll give you whatever it takes. You can take everything I own, you can take my soul," he pleaded. He seemed different than before. Perhaps he felt repentant for the lifestyle he chose that led to his daughters capture. Still, this offer was one Belphegor couldn't turn down, as a soul was on the line.

"Your soul. But I'll collect immediately. Do we have a deal?" His voice was a rolling hiss, the words stricken with venom and holding an ethereal weight to them. The man nodded in acceptance, more than enough to seal the contract. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. Instead, he fell a dark fluid dripping from it, the toxic fluid seeming to generate from nowhere as it filled his lungs. His skin tone changed as the fluid began to come out of his pores.

"The price of the betrayal. This will hurt. But Nevaeh will be saved. I will not harm her without a contract to do so," he promised as the man began to grasp at his own throat, unable to breathe and choking on the dark matter. His eyes began to leak the same fluid, giving him a ghastly visage as he looked up at Belphegor for the last time. He succumbed painfully, and from his mouth, a small bead emerged. Belphegors thin tendril of a tail shot out and wrapped around it, lifting it to his belt and forming a new notch for it. "Now, time to go see an old friend..." he hissed, her location coming to him from the power of his new soul.

 

[Ironic]

“Mph… my head…” Nevaeh muffled as her head pounded like war drums, the beat raddling her entire body. Her head was drooped down, her chin almost touching her chest. The more conscious she grew, the more she could feel her body again. Both of her wrists were bounded together behind the head of a wooden chair, immobilized as she endeavored to test her movement limitations. Her ankles bounded to the legs of the chair, making it even harder for her to contest her restraints. Cracking her eyes open into a squint, her pupils adjusted to the dim lighting, the surroundings growing purer in detail. An abandoned warehouse. The scent of stale dust irritated her nose, prompting a sharp cough to leave her delicate lungs.

“I see you’re awake.” A tall figure emerged from the shadows, towering over her as he was rather tall than the average man. His jawline was as sharp as a blade, his arms adorned with scars and the muscles to show he won through the rough times. It wasn’t hard to mistake the lust that flourished in his hues as they scanned the body of his prey. His tongue lashed outwards, wetting his lips in deprivation. Two other men, resembling his height and build, parting ways with their hiding spots to assemble their group.

Neveah had no words to exchange as she met their enthusiastic glances, connecting the dots straightforwardly without any doubts. “You’re all filthy pigs.” She spat the ugly comment with gritted teeth, using her words to attack despite her powerless state. The group wasn’t afraid to demonstration their amusement, chortling at her failed attempt of belligerence.

“Oh yeah? What are you going to do? Tell daddy?” Withdrawing a pocket knife from the slit in his pants he would flick the blade upwards, the edge slicing through the air as it stood erect. Neveah’s reflection taunted her as it glistened against the blade, portraying just how defenseless she was. “You look rather uncomfortable in that shirt, mind if I help you?” Sincerely he spoke, almost believable to an eavesdropper. He closed the distance, gripping the base of his weapon securely before aiming it towards her chest. Wickedly he smiled before nudging the tip into the fabric of her clothing, quick to add suspense before flicking his wrist downwards, the shirt ripped with little effort.

Her eyes were shielded tightly, body quaking in fear as she held in her scream. Exposed for the gang to see was her grey laced bra, shielding her breasts from being exposed, but left enough visible to fill in the blanks inside one’s head. “You’re a lot bustier than I had initially thought.” The man knelt to his knees, wanting to be eye level with her. His free hand extended to decisively clasp her right breast, the tissue molding to the shape of his hand. A small groan of disapproval rattled in her throat, top teeth clenching onto her lower lip.

“Don’t touch me!” Angrily she yelled, knowing well that it didn’t matter if she spoke or not. Her prediction proved right as he ignored her and proceeded to take his knife up to her chest again. She gulped, feeling the chill of the weapon graze her skin. He would line it up perfectly towards the tiny strap in the middle of her cleavage. Flicking it upwards, the tiny piece of fabric gave away and allowed both of her breast to pop out form the confines of her bra. Their eyes truly widened at the sight, almost drooling to finally see a revealed piece of lewd flesh. Greedily the man in front of her covered both orbs with his palms, giving them a tight squeeze before smiling in acceptance.

“Nice, very nice.”

 

[Tsair]

The man's hands moved with fervor, enjoying the feel of Nevaeh's breasts underneath his touch. He molested her with desire, as the two men behind simply stood watch, wicked grins adorning their features. The man removed one of his hands from her breast to grip his knife once more, drawing it up centimeters from her skin as he traced a line up to her throat. "How about you keep your mouth shut, or we'll fill it with something else?" he warned, a sadistic grin crossing his face as he looked back to the men behind him, who seemed as though the only thing holding them back from doing so was the order.

He pulled the knife back down, tossing it down and to the side as he smirked up towards Nevaeh as he moved his head to her breast. "I don't suppose it'd hurt to sample the goods... She screams, fuck her throat," he commanded, though it implied a warning to HER. His tongue moved gently against her bud, his other hand aggressively gripping against her breast with enthusiasm. There was no gentleness in his motions as his free hand moved down to her waist line, separating the button securing her jeans closed. Her position made it a bit difficult, but his goal for now seemed simply to open them.

His tongue moved in agitation to caress her nipple before he lifted his head once more, a taunting laugh towards the girl. "You lads will need to take a turn with her when I'm done, this is one top shelf woman right here!" he enthused as his own hand moved towards his own waist as he began to remove his belt.

- - - -

Belphegor circled above the city where Nevaeh was located. His hook-like nose sniffed at the air, steam gently lifting from it as he searched for her scent. He knew she was in the vicinity, now it would just be a matter of time before he pinpointed her. He focused on his newest soul, using it's power to search for her scent, her habits, her sound...

He heard her shout. It was time to fulfill his contract. The dark figure streaked across the sky towards his target, prepared to wreak whatever devastation he needed. He no longet needed to worry about her fearing him.

 

[Ironic]

The warning made her seal her lips from any invasion, not wanting to be a product for their twisted pleasures. Her hands tightened in response to his coarse touches, a reddened imprint of his hand lingering on her delicate skin. Their laughter sickened her, stomach twisting and churning in revulsion. How could they take pride in their actions? It boggled her. His motives were clear as he unfastened his belt and her jeans, already smelling their arousal and the bulge in their pants.

“I’m first dibs, of course.” He proudly alerted the other men before standing, hands stationary at his pants before pulling the zipper downwards. With a shake of his hips his pants cascaded downwards to pool around his ankles, his erect member excitedly rocketing upwards to glance at the ceiling. “Don’t try to retaliate.” Nevaeh was warned before his hands swiftly darted towards her unfastened pants. Manipulating them to his approval he would grip the belt loops before shimmying them downwards, piling at her knees. Her matching laced panties was the only fabric that sealed her innocence. He cared nothing about morals, quick to snag the panties downhill to exhibit her shaven cunt.

Since her legs were already partially spread by the ankle restraints, there was little work on his part to open her thighs. His index finger and middle finger would touch his lips before plummeting into the cavern of his wet mouth. His cheeks hallowed in as his tongue whipped around his digit to coat them with saliva. Once satisfied with how saturated they were he would pull out his soaked fingers. He separated his fingers, almost like a peace sign, to show the strands of saliva connecting from one finger to the other to demonstrate how wet they were.

“This’ll only hurt if you let it.” He smirked before brushing those two fingertips against the sensitive bud between her legs, stroking it as his eyes stayed glued on her reaction. Neveah jumped at the complex touch, attempting to close her thighs together but it was no use. Her lips tightened against each other, the surrounding skin around them turning white from the force as she exhausted all her power to control herself. “I think she likes it.” He taunted before massaging her clit for a few seconds longer before drawing his digits downwards towards her slit. Involuntarily she grew someone wet from the violating strokes, his eyes glistening in happiness.

In circular motions he would caress her slit, the tips of his fingers beginning to impale her only slightly until he tightened his hand, and without warning, shoved those two assaulting fingers into the pits of her warm hole. Her body tremored to hold in the scream that wanted to bubble out, a petite discomforting groan fizzing in her throat.

 

[Tsair]

The man's assault on her continued as he abused her hole, his fingers slick from her juices as he pumped them into her. His eyes were trained on her in a predatory smirk, feasting on her figure as it lay exposed for all to witness. His fingers rotated and searched their way around inside of her, seeming to try and elicit a moan out of her to excuse his friends to silence her. At his lack of success, he gave an exaggerated such as he shrugged back to his allies. "Sorry boys, you'll have to wait your turn, doesn't look like she's squeaking... yet."

The final word came with a wink directed at Nevaeh, as he picked up his knife with his free hand. One of the men moved behind the chair, his arms moving from behind Nevaeh to grip her breasts harshly, keeping her from moving while also fondling her. The main offender brought the knife to her ankles, slitting the rope roughly and freeing the girls legs. "Hold her down for me." His order was clear to the one holding her steady, as he roughly lifted her from the chair so her wrists weren't keeping her held there. He pushed her down, into her knees as he moved a hand to her head, holding it to the ground. He used his other hand to keep her ass in the air, leaving her exposed to the next stage of the assault.

The first man held his erect member firmly in his grip as he approached Nevaeh with dastardly intent, slowly kneeling to the ground behind her. "Don't worry, ain't no way you're a virgin, you gotta be used to this," he said with a cackle. He slapped a hand fiercely against her ass, leaving a sharp handprint as he began to position himself to enter her. "Let's break this bitch i-" he began before a crash of metal broke the relative quiet of the air around him. The dim light was gone, and Nevaeh couldn't see what was happening. A soft ripping sound could be heard, followed by a shriek. Nevaeh felt the hand on her was pull away, and there was no longer any pressure holding her down. She felt faint splashes of liquid on her exposed skin, and heard the vicious slashing that sounded like an animal attack. The pitch black room didn't help her understand what was happening, but she could see the cloud covered moon through the newly created hole in the roof.

Her figure was bathed in moonlight, and there were various splashes of red liquid on her flesh, and it seemed to also be pooling from somewhere just outside of the light. The screams and sounds had stopped, the only remaining noise the sound of heavy, monstrous breathing. Two gleaming crimson eyes glowed in the darkness, turning towards her. They began to move closer, slowly clacking against the hard floor of the warehouse.

Belphegor approached her with his glowing red eyes trained on her, seeing her helpless. It was a rough way to come upon someone he once had deemed a close friend. "Long time no see." His voice hissed out into the room, as though it were filling it with a poison.

 

[Ironic]

Nevaeh was stirred around sloppily, her own body bounded by someone else’s control. Bleakly she was forced to the ground, the cold cement stinging her face, little pebbles of debris digging into her flesh uncomfortably. The cool breeze of the night caressed her bare skin, not lingering long before the heat of the men closed in on her. She would tense her body to the best of her abilities, eyes tightly shielding themselves from the horror that would come.

Everything seemed to stop in time. Filthy laughter was replaced with bloody screams, flesh ripping apart accompanied with the sting of iron and plasma. As quick as the cries formed, they dimmed down to nothing but silence, the crickets singing their song underneath the pale moonlight. Nevaeh was shuddering, almost too frightened to lift her head up to see the mutilation that had been done.

“Am I next?” She thought to herself before gathering enough courage to lift her head up, though shakily and unsteady. The glimmering space rock lit the room that used to have no sign of lighting, displaying all that held inside. A pool of crimson liquid was the first to be observed, the reflection of the moonbeam glistening against it. The sight that soon followed afterwards was the trio, fallen and motionless, blood staining their lifeless bodies. The distress settled inside of her, lips quivering before the culprit opened the curtains for a grand finale.

….But it wasn’t human.

Quickly, she rotated her body onto her back, unable to stand from the horror of the beast that paced nonchalantly towards her. She scooted away, uncaring to her body being displayed to him, but more worried if she were to make it out of here alive or not.

“Long time no see?” She repeated, questioning why he would say something so obscured, obviously never seeing the creature before. Was he stalking her, and she didn’t know it, and was this his intention all along? She wasn’t very good at hiding her fear, more than likely causing him to feed off from it. The wall brushed up against her back, scooting away far enough that left her nowhere else to go.

“Just make it quick!” Already she accepted her fate, holding her body tightly before shieling her eyes, whimpering as she waited for him to slay her as he did the men.

 

[Tsair]

The demon gave what could only be described as a scoff to Nevaeh as she backed away, as he slowly began to shrink in size. He continued walking towards her amidst his transformation, turning from a horrifying monstrosity into a familiar face. Her eyes being closed, he let out a small sigh as he looked her over. She was nearly naked, pants around her ankles as she backed away. It wasn't a proud moment for her, though he could understand her outright fear. Still, it stung a bit. He removed his black jacket he was wearing, revealing a white t-shirt underneath. He tossed it onto her as he spoke, "Get yourself covered up. And stop cowering, it doesn't become you." His words were sharp, holding ire from her previous scorn of him.

He turned towards the room behind him, placing his hands on his hips as he assessed their situation. "I've not yet kept my bargain, those three were hired by someone to find you... glad they hadn't delivered you get, but..." He almost apologized for her situation, but he caught himself. Her suffering was the life she followed. His anger overrode his compassion, though there was more of an internal struggle than he was comfortable with.

After giving her time to get dressed, he turned back to her, no longer covered in blood. His crimson eyes seemed to glow in the night, giving him a more intimidating countenance than he'd had in the past. "I'm not going to kill you, don't worry. If I were you wouldn't have had the chance to worry about it."

 

[Ironic]

Hues that were once powered with distress now was substituted with misunderstanding She watched the figure shape-shift back into a human form, appearing more conversant with each phase of his transition. “…Bell?” Her vocal sound prickly, almost inaudible, before narrowing her eyes, just to make sure what she was seeing was reality. Questions multiplied, but she couldn’t peal her lips to word them out, instead, she engrossed the jacket as it was flung her way.

Obediently, like a disciplined child, Nevaeh would drape the jacket around her before noticing his back facing her for privacy. Promptly she gripped her pants to jerk them upwards, clasping the buttons with their pair before adjusting the jacket against her chest. It was loose fitting and smelled like the Bell she knew, but it didn’t change the new perspective she had on him.

It was easier to talk to him, once he was back in this form, but the memories of that night flooded back, never knowing what happened to him after she was forced to leave. “It doesn’t become you…” She replayed his words in her mind, collecting up the bravery to express herself. Nevaeh was aware that a deep wound would be reopened, but she wasn’t going to sweep it under the rug. This conversation was long overdue.

“Bell, I’m sorry.” It was obvious what she was referring to, no explanations needed. “You know I didn’t want to leave like that, I was forced to leave everything behind.” He doubtlessly didn’t want to hear her excuses, but has she ever made him question her truth before this happened? “Father didn’t want me to talk to anyone from before, out of fear for being tracked, but obviously it didn’t work too well, because, you know, here we are.” Shamefully she looked down, wondering if he was tuning her out, her speech pointless.

“I will be honest, but I do not know how to apologize. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I appreciate your help…” Sorrow, yet curiosity coated her words, wanting to ask him about what he truly was, and if he was always like that, but shifting the conversation like that just wasn’t appropriate.

“I have to get home to father, he’s probably worried…”

 

[Tsair]

Bell made no reaction as she apologized, seeming to ponder the words. It was obvious in this situation she would apologize, but it was likely that she did mean it, regardless of the current threat he was to her. After her words, his tone held a faint chuckle as he responded, "Your father knew what I was. It was his deal in the first place that brought me into your life. He backed out on it that night. I -still- kept you from being found out immediately, despite the disrespect shown to me."

A small smirk crossed his lips. Time for the big reveal, this would be a moment he could truly cherish. "He's not worried. Not much of anything, really. He made another deal tonight... one the just kept you from being a plaything on your knees for those three. Good on him," he mused in a brackish tone. The contempt was palpable, as his eyes flashed in the moonlight when he retrieved a small, aqua colored bead from his belt. The item seemed familiar to Nevaeh, almost as though it were calling to her.

"Your father's dead, by my hand. I made sure that he suffered for his betrayal. His soul belongs eternally to me, in exchange for ensuring your protection. What a good fatherly act, he had to make one somewhere in his life." Venom touched his speech as he sought to cause her a modicum of the pain he'd felt. The emotions were coming back now that they were face to face, and he was going to lash out. He stored the best once more, his eyes shifting to the side as he looked towards the door behind him. A car was approaching, likely for her pickup. "Sounds like whoever was coming to get you is arriving. Shall I greet them?" he asked. He smiled, his teeth no longer human, instead jagged and vicious, as though his mouth were full of knives. He spoke once more, his voice touched with the hiss he carried as a demon. "Also, you don't get to call me Bell any more. It's Belphegor, the Soul Keeper." Two leathery wings with spikes coming from the tips spread out from his back, a ripping sound as they tore through his shirt.

 

[Ironic]

The way Bell talked of her father… it caused her to stir uneasily, not too certain at where the point of his small-talk was heading. He talked as if she owed him favors for his selfless acts long ago, even when she was oblivious to his identity. Nevaeh was caught in the middle, and now she was the enemy in a situation she was defenseless against. Before he revealed the truth, she butted into his heated ramble, brows furrowing as she felt targeted.

“Hold on for just a moment to allow me to get things straight. So, you mean to inform me, even if you are not blatantly saying it, that regardless of how unknowledgeable I was in the deal my father and you made… you’re still going to blame me as if I meant to cause harm to you and to hurt your feelings?” The more she spoke of the thoughts on her mind, the angrier she became, undeserving to the punishment he was tossing at her through words.

But her real punishment would soon slice into her soul, tearing the only source of family she ever knew. The man who raised her, who sheltered her and tried his best to keep her out of harms way was now but a memory. The rage that she had just demonstrated soon faded as her lips perked downwards, quivering as she fought back the mists growing in her eyes. Her hands trembled as they brought themselves up to her mouth, her head lightly shaking in disbelieve, but it was true. Hell, the smirk on his face as he drank her emotions was more than enough proof.

“Why even put up the struggle with me if I make you so sickened?” Neveah spoke with a cracked voice, the steaming tears finally building up enough to roll down her face involuntarily. “I obviously mean nothing to you, and now that my father….” She couldn’t bare to admit he was dead, and paused, not wanting to say it. “Your exchange from him is done and over with, he’s no longer with us, so just leave me here to die.” She spat the words out before stumbling onto her feet. Using the back of her hand as a rag she would wipe away the embarrassing streaks of tears, feeling ashamed at herself for Bell being able to witness her weakened side.

He would always be Bell to her, so she disregarded his sassy comment in regards to his name, but his name held a powerful meaning that she couldn’t understand as his wings outstretched in the still air, the moonlight highlighting the spikes that appeared sharp enough to slice anyone who trespasses apart effortlessly.

 

[Tsair]

Belphegor didn't move from his spot towards the sound yet, retaining his human form mostly as he looked over his shoulder back at Nevaeh. His eyes narrowed as she spoke, acting as if she were innocent, as though she had no choice but to abandon him. She seemed to accept her father's death surprisingly easily, though it was fair to assume her new perspective on him contributed to that. He placed his hands in his pockets as he flapped his leathery wings once, a small gust brushing against Nevaeh. "You meant to cause no harm? So were you oblivious to how close we We're? Did you think that us going on a date meant that leaving would be perfectly fine?" A vicious laugh came from him, tinted with malice as he glared, his form turning towards her.

"No call. No email. No message. No form of contact at all. I get that you were just respecting your father's wishes, but one who does wrong at the command of another still does wrong. It was a mistake to let myself feel like a human, it's a problem I've since remedied. And your father may be dead, but our contract stays. And that was to ensure your safety. Unlike humans, I don't fail to fulfill a commitment," he remarked with a small flash of his teeth towards Nevaeh. He was letting his anger cross his words, but he didn't try and calm it. He felt it was owed to her.

The sounds of men outside the doorway to enter the warehouse became more prominent. The door slammed open as two figures draped in black robes shoved into the room, freezing as Bell turned around, his glare now directed at them. He still spoke to Nevaeh, his voice now kept at a monotone as he took steps towards them. "Besides, it'd be worse if you died,"he admitted somewhat offhandedly. The robes figured gave no words as they turned to retreat, only to be found too slow as they were caught by a hand of Bell's that turned massive, squeezing them both around their ribs. The sounds of violent cracking filled the warehouse as bloodcurdling screams came from the robed figures, blood pouring out of their orifices as they were wrung.

The altercation was over almost before it started, the crumpled forms dropped to the ground as Bells hand shrank down to its normal size, blood dripping from it. "Congratulations. You have your guardian angel again," he said, touching the word Angel with sll.the irony that could fit the situation.

 

[Ironic]

He countered her attack with hurtful words, even if she felt undeserving of them. Nevaeh didn’t consider pondering on if the roles had switched, being in Bell’s place on that special night, leaving emptyhanded with no explanations. She should’ve just took her damn phone or sent him a quick text before leaving her home forever. If he was trying to guilt trip her, he did it in just the right ways. The cherry on top being her fathers demise.

The overflow of emotions from finding out Bell’s true identity, being greeted with heart-piercing words, being molested and raped before murder appeared… She was almost too shocked to show any emotion.

She didn’t catch glimpse of how he quickly slayed the trio before, only hearing their brittle bones caving in, their screams accompanying the eerie music of their death, only to see the aftermath. But right now, she was witnessing how he complied with his dirty work. At his command, her hands grew, shaping into something inhuman, right out of a horror film.

The men didn’t know what was coming, and before they had too much time to think about it, he would make it quick, but the pain of his demonic hands was everything but tender. Observing how effortlessly he took a life made her uneasy, shielding her face into her knees as she couldn’t bare to watch anymore, waiting for the silence to signal her to lift her head.

“I still don’t understand how our contract stays when I was unaware of it, and the man who created it is no longer present.” Her skin was as pale as the moonlight, feeling sick as her hues bolted to see the bloody aftermath. “If you’re going to belittle me for that night, regardless for my apologies and explanations, then I want nothing to do with it.” Neveah tried to be tough, to show she wouldn’t take his attitude, but on the inside, she was breaking. Bell already witnessed her vulnerability, so she had nothing else to hide, but she was too embarrassed to control herself. If only she could hear herself speak.

 

[Tsair]

Bell lifted an eyebrow toward Nevaeh as she spoke, taking a confrontational tone with him. She was still impressive, holding against him despite the fear he knew he must instill within her. She was disturbed by his methods, and yet she still didn't try to run. "A demons contract exceeds the death of the mortal. Otherwise there wouldn't be any value in offering ones life," he explained as he wiped off his hands.

He stepped up to her, putting only a foot of distance between them. "Belittle you? That's not my intent. I'm simply saying words I've had for you long ago. You can't apologize for it, it's not that simple, just as I can't apologize for taking your father's soul. What's done and can't be changed, whether or not you regret it." He looked at her eyes, his own gaze softening lightly for only a moment as he considered their history. "You made me human. That's gone. Even looking at you now... My memories make me..." He shook his head, his glare and tone returning.

"Whatever we had, if it was anything... we don't have it any more. Whether or not the contract is in place, it would... be bad if something happened to you, so I'm not going to leave you to whatever plans they had." He walked over to the crumpled figures he had discarded, glancing as he began to search them, looking for clues on where they were sent from. Nothing. Perhaps in the car?

 

[Ironic]

Nevaeh swallowed her tongue as it got her in more trouble than she would’ve liked. She wanted to retaliate, to snap back at him with words that hurt more than his own, but nothing came to her mind except for sorrow. Particularly when he mentioned their past. ‘But there was something there…’ She screamed at herself, but the words weren’t vocalized, instead she swallowed them to rid of the chances of further opinions.

It was difficult trying to read him now when it was so simple and required no effort before. She couldn’t understand why he still wanted to help her after all that she had done to him. Sitting in fear and grief wouldn’t solve anything, and with the faint amount of strength her legs had she would stand tall, pacing the floors until she stood behind him. None of the men looked familiar to her, unable to connect the puzzle pieces as she stared long and hard at their deceased bodies. Their car sat in the graveled driveway, and she would walk past Bell before inspecting the inside through the passenger window.

Pristine, nothing out of the ordinary. Gripping the handle, she would pull it towards her, unlinking the connection to grant her access inside. Her fingers sprawled out to open the glove compartment, a neat stack of papers lying inside, some business cards on the side. The name on the business card looked familiar as she read it with a whisper, ‘Bradley White.’ It was one of the men that her father would occasionally gamble with. She didn’t hear about him for a while, suspecting something happened or he got tied up in business.

“I found this.” She held up the card to show Bell her finding, the gold font reflecting with the moonlight. “I know of him, but never met him. He use to hang out with my father a lot. I don’t know what happened to their friendship, though, but perhaps this night explains a lot?” The men would use fake names, Bradley obviously not being his real name. They would use business cards in order to spread the word on their drug business faster, the W in the name 'White' having a tiny * on the bottom to symbolize his signature heroin exchanges, only visible to those who looked closed enough. "He's a well known guy, so if something happens word is definitely bound to get out."

 

[Tsair]

Bell was impressed by Nevaeh's sudden change in attitude. She had taken initiative to begin searching the car herself, without his prompting. He stepped after her, folding his arms across his chest as she searched. She had found success in a lead, producing the business card that he moved next to her to inspect. He still remained conscious of his position, making sure they weren't shoulder to shoulder as he inspected their new information. If this man had any information, it would be worth finding him. He looked to Nevaeh, a small devious smile creeping to his lips.

"Look at you. As effective as ever. We have a few options, the easiest being me giving this... White a call, and scheduling a deal. Or you could act as bait, get another expedition after you. Last one I had was we can just start going after dealers." His voice was completely human now, though his eyes retained their ethereal glow. He didn't want himself seen as human any more, especially to her. He didn't want to let her see his resolve as Belphegor wavering, just because he found himself with her once more.

Most of all, he didn't want to feel like things used to be. He held an anger towards her now, one that he couldn't afford to let go of. His fingers fiddled lightly with the small gem that was her father's soul; a reminder of who he was now.

 

[Ironic]

Nevaeh ignored his witty remark, twisting the paper in her fingertips like a mini baton. Bell seemed to be back to normal, but the eternal spark in his eyes only reminded her that he was nothing but different now. She wanted to be strong, to prove she wasn’t weak after he had to save her, and as she swallowed the lump in her throat, she would propose her idea on the situation.

“I don’t mind being used as bait, they are after me right now, after all.” She couldn’t believe her words; offering herself as a lure after she just escaped with barley her life, all thanks to Bell, of course. What was in it for him, though? Why did he want to stick by her side after everything? She already asked too many questions and figured to bring it up later.

“Maybe you could bring me there in the car? I believe the GPS was set to go back to their hideout.” She suggested as an index finger poked in the direction of the navigator, the location being 30 minutes away. “Perhaps in the trunk there are some masks that you can wear, and something to bind my hands, unless you just want to use your own hands.” The more she talked, the more she realized just how crazy she was becoming. Was his aura rubbing off on her already? Involuntarily she trembled, playing it off as if she were chilly in the night.


"But enlighten me if you have a better idea." She said, not meaning to sound hostile if he took it that way.

 

[Tsair]

Bell seemed to assess her as she spoke, his arms folded across his chest in a surveying manner as he listened to her stance. It was about what he expected, but he was still impressed that she was taking everything so well. She'd been through a lot, and was already thinking of how to be put through more. "I don't think a mask will be necessary. I can... convince them I was one of those men, at the very least. As for the binding..." he said as he went to the trunk of the car, pulling it open after in matching it.

Sure enough, inside there was a nice amount of rope. It had seemed that bringing her unwillingly was fully expected. Bell retrieved it, moving to Nevaeh and gesturing for her hands. When they were offered, he would bind them tightly, making it authentic as she genuinely would be unable to free herself from them. He surveyed her again as she was tied, saying, "I'll leave your legs untied. Probably won't be able to wear my jacket..." he thought out loud, looking towards his article that was keeping her decent.

He made a small 'tch' noise as he contemplated their options. "Might need to just have you come shirtless. Whoever this delivery was to might have expected you to be... broken in. At the very least, they were aware of the possibility," he commented. He always had found her attractive, and her chest was something he'd only seen for the first time just moments ago. It wasn't an unpleasant sight, but it felt... like the wrong situation to see her like that. Still, he wasn't about to put their situation in jeopardy by overlooking simple facts.

 

[Ironic]

Nevaeh glanced down at the jacket shielding her chest from exposure as Bell suggested to take it off. Tightly her hands folded against her chest, not feeling as courageous anymore. He was right as he ignited some valid points, but it still didn’t unsettle the anxiety she was feeling. Instead, she just nodded as she nipped at her lower lip. Her hands lifted to remove themselves from the sleeves of the jacket, soon showing the two mounds on her chest before shifting to the side uncomfortably. Her head bowed down in an attempt to avoid eye contact as she handed him back his jacket.

“Alright, just make it quick.” She closed her eyes before holding her wrists firmly behind her back, waiting to be immobilized like before. The tiny hairs of the robe dug into her skin, causing them to feel itchy and irritated. She winced in discomfort before straightening her shoulders to ease some of the ache. Since the back door to the vehicle was already opened from their search Nevaeh would wobble inside, waiting for the slam of the door to cease the chilly air blowing into the car.

“I’m ready whenever you are.” She swallowed down with force to rid of the frog in her throat, and she wondered if he could hear her vocal cords tremble with fear, the bravery she once exhibited now nothing but a lie.

 

[Tsair]

Nevaeh removed his jacket from her body, and Bell couldn't help but steal a glance. He was a demon, after all. He secured her wrists tightly to the point where she couldn't escape them. It felt a hint of pleasure to him to be binding her as such, though it was as a preemptive measure to keep her safe, in the end. Still, it felt a sort of twisted game to be guiding her like this.

Once he placed her into the back seat, he looked over towards the city, and their destination. He let out a breath as he changed his attire, the clothing seeming to briefly meld with his skin and bending to his will, becoming a matching robe as the ones the men who entered had worn. He got into the drivers seat of the car, shifting it into gear and beginning their trip.

It wasn't long before they found themselves at their destination, and Bell looked back to Nevaeh with a small smirk on his face. "Show time."

 

[Ironic]

The warehouse-like building was lit by the moon as no lights shimmered in a sign of anyone accompanying the structure. Even the aura of the area sent shivers down her spine, her teeth chattering from both nerves and the depleting temperature. Nevaeh felt her pulse increase, her breathing picking up pace as Bell was ready to ignite a riot. It was far too late to change her mind and all she could muster was a nod.

Once being released from the car, the slam of the door ignited a small sound to come from the building. The rusty door knob twisted, creaking as it was forced open by a man in the same attire as Bell. The frigid air grazed her exposed chest, her nipples perking up as they were sensitive to fluctuating temperatures. She dragged her feet, showing resistance as she was taken towards the eerie structure, the robe uncomfortably rubbing up against her skin.

“What a pretty one you got here.” The man grinned to display his crooked smile, his thumb placing itself against her chin to cause her jaw to tilt upwards, eyes fastened to investigate his deathly orbs. “Where’s the others?” His attention now turned towards Bell, not seeing the rest of the group that was sent out on their mission.

 

[Tsair]

As the man came out to greet them, Bell played his part perfectly. His character only broke slightly as the man touched Nevaeh, his hand reaching to the man's wrist, as he resisted breaking it."I'll be escorting her. Hands off the merchandise... I told her as long as she came quietly none but me would have their hands on her until her final destination. As you can see, I've used my end of the bargain..." he said as he placed a hand around Nevaeh's waist, as though to emphasize their agreement. He felt a spark of protectiveness within him that made him sick, but -no one- was going to lay an unwanted hand on Nevaeh.

"The others chose a route that might get her killed. I had to disagree with their methods, and it didn't end well for them." His words held an ethereal weight to them, and even Nevaeh struggled to keep her memories straight, forgetting for just a moment who Bell was in order to believe his story. The other man seemed to believe it completely, nodding with a horrifying chuckle.

"Disagreements happen... just hope you ensured not to leave them somewhere they'd be found," he said, giving a wink to Bell before turning to lead them inside.

 

[Ironic]

Neveah couldn’t believe that he just accepted the fact that his gang mates were killed without proper reasoning. Then again, the horrifying chuckle he displayed already told them that he didn’t want to cross paths with Bell, as he already held a dominant stance on their first introduction. The way he gripped at her waist read more than just playing a role to her, but she would swallow down her feeling and play her own role; which wasn’t hard to do.

They paced evenly towards the entrance of the building, the man opening it before using his hands to usher them inside without touching them. The door closed gently despite its bulkiness, leaving nothing but the light from the structure to shine on them as a welcoming.

“Glad to see you brought her in one piece. Nice job.” A lager man swiveled in his chair to glance at his awaited guests, curling his lips into a devious grin before standing firmly on both of his feet. His footsteps were chaotic against the cement beneath him, his eyes unmoving as they stayed locked onto Neveah; his main prize.

 

[Tsair]

Bell watched the man as he rose to his feet and approached. He subdued a low growl in his throat, knowing they needed more information for now. The sturdy man approached Nevaeh, looking her over carefully as he seemed to nod. "Nicely done. I can't say I approve of the methods, but the results are all that matter in the end. I'll schedule her pickup," he said as he looked then to Bell, standing even broader in an attempt at intimidation to Bells meaker stature.

"Now, if you don't mind, leave her with me. I'll handle things from here, you'll get your pay." He wore an unpleasant smile as he looked to Bell, placing a hand on the man's shoulder. His other hand moved to remove the arm that Bell had around Nevaeh. "Step away before I need to get vio-" His words were cut short as his arm fell to the floor, disconnected from his torso.

Bells eyes glowed a fierce red as his lips parted to hear a wicked grin, parting his mouth longer than the skin should allow. "I warned that she shouldn't be touched. You're going to give me the contact information for the pick up. I'll handle that personally." His words were a vicious hiss, his clawed hand holding the man's neck now. Fear filled the eyes of the man who clearly experienced the emotion very rarely.

 

[Ironic]

As the man approached and touched her, those eyes shield shut as she bit her quivering lower lip. It wasn’t long before a large thud hit the ground, as well as the vanishing feeling of his hand that was once in her. Opening her lids, she would see the hand lifeless on the ground. Soon to follow was his agonizing scream, filling the vacant room that was once silent.

“What the fuck did you do?!” One of his apprentices asked in fury, yet too frightened to make a move on the mysterious man. Nevaeh wasn’t as phased about the mess after witnessing his capabilities earlier in the night, but it still left a chill lingering down her spine.

The leader of the group fell to his knees, staring at the appendage that he had just lost. Now that damage was done, he didn’t want to risk anything further, such as his life being taken away. “They... should be here.... in an... hour...” he mumbled, head looking down as he tried his best to fight the pain of his laceration. “Just wait until.... then...”