The Devil in her Dreams Chapter 11
The Devil in her Dreams
Heaven told Gina where she was supposed to meet the silver-eyed stranger. Black rosewood.
Gina knew where it was, but she didn’t like the idea of going there.
“Why did he tell you to meet him there? I heard that forest is eerie.”
Heaven wanted to back down, but then she gathered her courage and decided to get it over with.
“Should we feel scared? I mean, we are what people fear.”
Maybe people believed supernatural beings like ghosts or demons to dwell in the forest, but Heaven didn’t believe in ghosts and she was a demon.
Gina shrugged. “Yeah. I guess we have nothing to be afraid of.”
But once they arrived at the forest, Heaven could feel that something was definitely different about the place.
It was dark, the leaves from the many tall trees covered the sky like dark clouds. The air was cooler, making her flesh creep and her body squirm. She turned to Gina who was walking next to her with arms wrapped around her shoulders.
“Why is it so cold?” She asked.
“I don’t like this.” Heavens said. “Maybe we should go back.”
Gina shook her head in denial, as expected. Her friend liked the scary and the dangerous.
“Since we are here, we might as well take a good look. What could be in here? Animals?”
No, not animals. But surely predators.
The silence was haunting. There was no sound or signs of life around them. Only the trifling noise of rustling branches and leaves and the howl of the wind.
Heaven and Gina scampered through the wispy trees, stumbling over stones and roots.
Suddenly Gina drew her sword. The scraping sound of sharp metal echoed in the silence.
“Did you hear that?” Gina whispered.
Heaven straightened her ears.
“Hear what?”
“You were right. We should go home. I don’t think it’s safe here. Not a romantic place to meet either.” Gina said, looking around with hawk-like eyes.
Heaven knew her friend was right, but something far away, deep in the forest, was calling to her.
“Heaven, what are you doing?!” Gina hissed.
She was already walking into the forest without realizing. Gina came after her fast and grabbed her arm.
“We should really leave. I don’t like this place.”
“Gina, we are close.” Heaven said without knowing what it meant.
“Close to what?” She was still looking around for any threat.
Close to him. He was here. Heaven knew from the way the icy wind gusted. Every time he was near, she felt cold.
Ignoring Gina’s question, she continued further into the dark forest.
“You will get us in trouble.” Gina muttered, following behind.
A smile curved Heaven’s lips. She was usually the careful one. It was fun now that they switched roles.
As they continued further into the forest, it became colder and darker.
��Oh God,” Gina shivered. “Do you think ghosts exist?”
“Are you asking me or God?”
“Are you being sarcastic right now?”
Heaven thought this was the perfect opportunity to scare her friend. Turning around, “maybe you can ask the ghosts themselves.” She said nodding behind her.
Gina swung her sword behind her, just to cut through thin air.
A laugh escaped Heaven’s lips.
“This is not fun!” Gina turned, looking angry.
“I am sorry. I have just never seen you so scared.”
“I am not.” She denied. “But… we should really go back. I don’t feel good about him calling you here.”
“Just a little further.” Heaven returned to walk, but after a few steps she discovered a cave a few feet away.
“Gina.” Heaven nodded toward the cave. “Look.”
The cave’s mouth was an impenetrable darkness covered with spider nets.
“I don’t like this.” Gina repeated, looking at the entrance. “We should go home.”
Gina was usually not an easily scared person, but Heaven could resonate with her fear. There was something about this forest that indicated darkness and danger which erected fear in someone’s heart.
But Heaven was too drawn to the darkness now that she couldn’t back down. The further she got into the forest, the stronger the pull toward the darkness became.
Despite the force that drew her closer, Heaven took safety precautions. She withdrew her daggers from her pockets while strolling toward the cave.
“Heaven. Where are you going?!” Gina sounded annoyed.
“Let’s take a look.” Heaven said waving for Gina to follow.
Gina shook her head. “You are getting us in trouble.”
Yes. She was, but why couldn’t she stop. This was dangerous. She was putting her friend, her family and herself in risk?
Why were her feet taking her toward danger?
When they came near the entrance, Heaven looked inside. It was pitch-dark, so she couldn’t see anything. Suddenly she became afraid, yet she continued to step inside.
Gina used her sword to remove the spider nets from the way.
When they entered the cave, it engulfed them in a chilling darkness. Underneath her feet, rocks shifted, causing her ankles to twist left and right. The noise from the rattled stones echoed off the heavy walls. Ahead, she could hear the sound of water dripping.
Heaven got an ominous feeling. She tightened her hold on her daggers as the road darkened. She could still see because of her supernatural senses, but if she continued, it might not last. Just when she chose to turn back because it was getting difficult to see, she stumbled over something and fell on a hard surface.
“Are you alright?” Gina called, but then paused when she noticed something.
Heaven got up on her feet before taking a look. Her eyes widened in surprise.
“Is that a coffin?” She asked.
“It seems so.” Gina shrugged. “But look at this.”
Gina touched the surface with her fingertips. Symbols were carved into the wooden coffin. Heaven got closer to see. She knew these symbols, or to be more correct, spells.
Her grandmother had taught her how to perform basic spells, but these seemed a lot more complicated.
“These are spells.”
“Why would someone carve spells into a coffin?”
“I don’t know.” That confused Heaven as well.
Leaning down, she tried to figure out their meaning. It seemed the spell was to protect what was inside from getting out or to hinder someone from getting inside.
But why?
“I think there is something in there, and it’s not a dead body.” Heaven said.
“What do you think is in there?”
“I don’t know. But something valuable enough to hide in a cave and lock with a spell.”
“Oh, then we should open it.” Gina got suddenly excited
“I don’t think I am powerful enough to open it. The spell is complicated.”
“Well, try before giving up.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t open it. It probably belongs to someone.” Heaven hesitated.
“We don’t have to take it. I am just curious to see what’s inside.”
Heaven couldn’t deny that she was curious too. What could there be inside, that someone would go through so much trouble to hide?
Thinking that she probably wouldn’t succeed in opening it, she performed the spell.
And she was right. Nothing happened.
“I told you. Let’s go home now. All this was a terrible idea.”
Gina let out a sigh. “Came all this way here to see nothing.” She muttered, disappointed.
As they turned back to leave, they heard the creaking sound of wood, making them stop in their tracks. Heaven glanced behind at the coffin. Then she looked at Gina.
“I think it opened?” Gina whispered.
She made her way to the coffin and tried to lift the lock. It wasn’t opening.
“God this is heavy. Help me.”
Heaven hurried to help Gina, ready to use all her strength, but when she lifted the lock it opened so easily.
A heavy smoke came out of the coffin, blurring their vision and making them cough. When the smoke slowly followed the wind and disappeared, they saw what lay in the coffin.
A gasp escaped Gina’s lips. It was indeed a dead body. It lay unmoving like a statue, with only bones and skin. The skin was a pale grey and blue and seemed to rot, making the veins underneath visible.
Heaven stared, shocked. This was not what she expected, and she was still confused. It made no sense. Why would someone put a spell on a coffin with a dead body?
It’s not like the body could escape.
Unless…
It was alive.
Oh, no!
Heaven was about to step back when a skeletal hand grabbed her wrist, making her unable to escape. Her heart jumped to her throat when the dead body opened its eyes.
A pair of unearthly silver eyes.
A scream erupted from her throat.
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The Devil in her Dreams Chapter 12
“Your Majesty, the people are still asking for the princesse’s wedding day. We need to give them a date soon before they cause a rebellion.” One general spoke.
Lucian looked around the table. All the others in the meeting seemed to agree.
“They will have a date once I give a date.” Lucian said calmly.
He could see disappointed looks around the table, but he didn’t care. This was a matter of his daughter’s happiness, and if it needed to take time, so be it.
“You are dismissed.” He said standing up from his seat and then leaving.
How he hated those meeting lately. All they talked about was his daughter’s wedding day.
As he strode through the hall, he came across Lincoln. “Your Majesty. Princess Heaven left the castle.” He informed.
Lucian nodded, a bit confused. He knew this wasn’t the first time Heaven snuck out of the castle, but she had never done it during daytime before. He wondered if something happened.
“Princess Regina accompanied her.” Lincoln added.
“Alright. Does Hazel know?”
“I am not sure. Maybe her guards told her already.”
“Tell me when she comes back.” Lucian ordered.
Lincoln nodded and left.
Lucian went to his chamber where he expected to find Hazel. Ylva was helping her get dressed when he entered the room.
“Your Majesty.” Ylva bowed before getting back to helping Hazel.
His wife turned to him. “Your daughter left.” She stated simply. This time she sounded less accusing.
Lucian always felt the need to correct her. It was their daughter, not just his, but he knew what she meant. He was the one who spoiled her.
“And you are angry again.” He said.
Hazel shook her head. “No, I am not. I have been thinking.” She dismissed Ylva before sitting down on a chair.
Lucian went to sit next to her, sensing that she was about to tell him something unusual.
Hazel sighed heavily before she spoke. “I feel that my fear of losing her has made me into the kind of mother I don’t want to be. I am giving her the same fate that I had and I am making her unhappy.”
“You are not making her unhappy and you are a wonderful mother.” Lucian assured her.
Hazel shook her head, her eyes getting a little teary. “I feel that I have to choose between her happiness and her safety and it’s so difficult. I don’t know what to do. That’s probably why she likes you more. I don’t want her to dislike me, so I think I have to let her decide what to do with her life. If she wants to go out, then…” She shook her head, a tear falling down her cheek.
Lucian knew motherhood had been difficult for Hazel. She hated that their daughter had to have the same fate as she had. If someone knew what it felt like to live isolated, then it was Hazel, therefore she had hoped to give their daughter a different life. But it was easier said than done.
Lucian took Hazel’s hands in his. “You are doing great and Heaven loves you and she doesn’t blame you. She told me herself. We have taught her everything we could, now that she has grown up we have to let her decide the way she wants to live. It’s alright to let go.”
But Lucian had to admit that even he was worried. Where did Heaven go this time? Hopefully, she would come back unharmed as she usually did.
Maybe Roshan knew where she could be.
After making sure that Hazel was alright, Lucian teleported himself to Roshans home. He hated to arrive uninvited, but that’s what Roshan always did.
Roshan loved to live a luxurious life. His house was built like a castle and had the most expensive furnishing.
“Oh, look who is here?” Roshan beamed as he found him in the parlor. It was almost as if he had been waiting for his arrival. “I have been waiting for this day but…” He looked closely at Lucian. “Did something happen.?”
“Nothing besides our daughters being gone.”
Roshan raised a brow as he sat down on the couch. “Well, they have to leave sometimes.”
“I just want to know that they are somewhere safe.”
Roshan shook his head. “You can’t always keep an eye on your daughter. She will suffocate. But if you insist to know, then they are probably attending some feast or festival.”
“It’s easy for you to say. You don’t have enemies waiting to get their hands on your daughter.”
“No, I don’t. But I know one thing. I would rather live a short happy life then a long boring one.”
Of course. Roshan and fun went hand in hand, but Lucian thought deeply about what he said. A life without happiness might not feel worth living.
“You should try it to. You know, to live a less boring life.”
“My life is not boring.” Lucian disagreed.
Roshan chuckled. “I am sure. Only dealing with state affairs and then going to sleep must be so much fun. Don’t you miss going out there and fight?”
Lucian sighed. Yes, he missed it, even though he hated to admit it. But war only brought destruction, and it was always the innocent who payed the price.
“I don’t miss it.” He said.
Roshan tilted his head, studying him closely. “You know, since your father left you have been bitter. We live a long life. You will get used to it with time.”
Lucian knew Roshan was thinking of his mother, who left him.
“Get used to the idea that my father wants to corrupt people’s minds.”
“He is the devil and even the devil gets tempted. He got tempted to have a normal life and forgot about his mission. Now he is back to his duties.”
“Are you siding with him?” Lucian asked, appalled.
“I am not. I have chosen a side a long time ago. I grew up next to your father. He taught me all evil tricks. Me and my father were ready to follow in his footsteps and we did for a while. Until I asked myself what I was gaining by tricking people. Nothing. Was I losing something? Yes. My morality. So think. You father has been doing this since the beginning of times. He has no sense of morality. So while you are here feeling bad, he doesn’t care.”
“But you were with him all this time.”
“Yes. I really thought he had changed for the better when he was with Irene. But I was wrong.” Roshan sounded disappointed.
If he grew up with Lothaire, he probably saw him as a father figure. But now that Lothaire hadn’t changed as he had hoped, he became disappointed.
Lucian had enough caring for people who didn’t care for him. If his father didn’t want to be in his life, then he didn’t want him in his life either.
Suddenly Roshan stiffened, glancing behind Lucian.
“Gina!” He called rising hastily.
Lucian turned back. Before he could see he already knew something was wrong. He could smell the scent of blood in the air.
Gina walked into the parlor, clothes torn and stained with blood. She was bruised and in pain. Roshan was next to her in the blink of an eye before she fell into his arms.
“What happened? Are you alright?”
Lucian’s looked around for Heaven and when he couldn’t find her, he quickly put the pieces together.
His daughter was in danger.
“Heaven. She is in danger.” Gina hurried to inform.
The Devil in her Dreams Chapter 13
The first thing Heaven saw when she opened her eyes was the dark ceiling and the broken, dusty chandelier that hung from it. It was covered with spider webs, as if it hadn’t been used for ages.
Heaven sat up slowly; her movements causing the bed to make a creaking sound. Her eyes searched the dimly lit room she was in. It looked gloomy and uninviting. The furniture was old and dusty, and looked as if it would collapse anytime soon. Mold ate away at the damp freckled walls and floor, and she could hear insects crawling around. Where was she?
Suddenly pain shot down her neck, and she reached for it only to feel wetness on her fingers.
Blood.
Gradually, her memories came back to her. The dead body. The skeleton hands. It was him, the silver-eyed stranger.
She remembered his skeleton hand grabbing her wrist, and she had screamed at the top of her lungs. Horrified, she had cut his arm with her dagger, but before he could bleed his wound had already healed.
Gina tried to jab him with her sword but ended up stabbing an empty coffin. Just like that, he had dissolved into smoke.
Their eyes searched the cave carefully. Heaven tightened her hold on her daggers and Gina was ready to sprint anytime.
The sound of footsteps made them look behind quickly. There he stood in the shadows. The sight of him was very frightening. A walking dead body was not something you would expect to see in a lifetime, or ever.
“Heaven step back!” Gina ordered before attacking him.
With a wave of his hand, the skeleton man caused Gina to crash into the cave’s wall by an invisible force. She hit the wall so hard Heaven was sure her ribs and spine cracked. Then she fell to the ground and got covered by enormous stones that fell off the wall.
“Gina!” Heaven screamed in horror, running to save her friend, but the stranger blocked her way and grabbed her by the neck.
She tried to stab him with her dagger when he spoke, “Don’t move.”
Heaven halted. What was happening to her?
He was compelling her.
How?
She was partly demon, so it shouldn’t be possible.
His eyes. She had to look away from them. Compulsion happened by looking into someone’s eyes, but it was too late now and she couldn’t look away. She was spellbound.
Those silver-eyes that had haunted her dreams were now right in front of her. But the face was terrifying.
“Good.” He said when she listened to his command.
Releasing her neck, he drew her into his arms. Heaven panicked. What was he doing?
Removing the hair from her neck, he leaned in.
Oh, God! He was going to bite her. No!
Heaven screamed internally. That would be marking her. He can’t! She didn’t want to!
Suddenly his teeth sank into her flesh. Heaven whimpered in pain, but she couldn’t move. He was drinking her blood, and he wasn’t stopping.
Heaven began to feel weak and lightheaded. If he didn’t stop, he might kill her. She wasn’t sure if the little part of her that was demon could save her.
Her legs became weak, unable to hold her, and she fell back in his arms. Would this be how she died?
Suddenly he stopped and drew back. His lips were stained with her blood before he licked them.
Heaven’s vision became blurry, but she could see how his skin slowly came alive, changing its color and healing itself. Some flesh appeared on his bony face, giving him some structure. His hair thickened and elongated, and his earlier blue lips turned into a pale pink. His veins retracted and his skin became radiant.
Once he looked alive Heaven recognized his face. All this time she had seen him in her dreams, but she hadn’t been able to remember. Now that she saw him in reality, he was even more breathtaking.
Heaven wanted to take a closer look, but her vision was darkening.
Was she dying? She didn’t want to die.
Please save me! She begged before falling into a fathomless abyss.
Later when she woke up, she found herself in this gloomy room. The stranger must have brought her here. She needed to escape.
Heaven’s eyes scanned the room. It had no windows, but the door was open. First, she would need a weapon if she was going to escape through the door. He could be anywhere and she needed to protect herself.
As she rose from the bed to find something sharp, her head spun. She was still weak from the loss of blood.
Carefully, trying not to lose her balance, she searched the room.
“Are you looking for these?”
Startled, Heaven turned hastily to where the voice came from.
There he stood at the entrance behind the shadows, holding her two daggers up. He threw one at her and then the other and she caught them in air.
Confused, she gazed at him. Why did he return her weapons to her? Was he telling her she could never hurt him?
Slowly he walked into the dim light so she could see him. The first thing she noticed was his silver eyes, as usual. They reminded her of smoke coming from a fire that burned deep, or the storm on a rainy night. They were cold and metallic, glistening in the dimly lit room.
His hair flowed down his shoulder like black ink, thick and shining. It looked so well kept, not one strand out of place. He had a strong, defined face with sharp edges, but his long thick lashes and pale pink lips gave him a softer look. He was a mix of roughness and delicacy.
Heaven tried to avert her gaze, but she couldn’t. She found herself unable to move, just like her dreams. But this time she knew he wasn’t compelling her, she was just lost in his dark web.
The stranger took a few steps forward, but Heaven backed away and held a dagger out, defensively. “Don’t come close.”
He lifted his hands in surrender. “If I wanted to hurt you, I would do it while you were unconscious. Don’t you think?”
“Maybe it’s not really me you want to hurt?”
He tilted his head to one side and seemed genuinely confused. “Then who would I want to hurt?”
“My Father.”
“Who is your father?”
Heaven paused. Did he really not know or was he tricking her?
“My father is probably looking for me. Trust me, you don’t want to be on his bad side.” She warned.
His lips curved into an amused smile. “No trust me. Your father would not want to be on my bad side.” He corrected her.
“Then you don’t know my father.”
“Tell me about him.” He urged getting closer to her.
Heaven stood her ground, trying to not be intimidated by him. But her prenatural senses warned her of the danger she was in. She could tell this stranger yielded great power. He could destroy her with ease. He had to be the ancient smoke demon Lozan told her about.
“Are you an ancient demon?” She asked.
“If by ancient you mean did I exist before the human race, then yes.”
Oh, no. She was in trouble. What would happen to her now? What would happen to her family?
Gina! Where was she?
Her stomach churned thinking of what could have happened to her friend. Her head spun, her legs gave in and she started falling. Before she could hit the ground, the stranger caught her and carried her up.
“What have you done to her?” She asked as he carried her to bed.
“She is alive, don’t worry.” He assured, as if knowing who she was talking about. Carefully, he laid her down on the bed.
“Where is she?”
“Probably back home.”
Heaven let out a breath of relief. She was feeling so weak and tired. Her eyelids felt heavy falling over her eyes, before darkness embraced her.
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The Devil in her Dreams Chapter 14
Heaven woke up with headache and chest pain. Her heart was beating too slow, that it was painful to breathe. Carefully, she pushed herself up in a sitting position.
More candles were lit, illuminating the room. The scent of freshly baked bread replaced the musty smell from earlier. Heaven’s stomach growled loudly, and her gaze hunted the scent. Far in a corner, food was served on a clean table.
Was it for her?
She didn’t care.
Removing the blanket, she swung her legs down off the bed and then stood up slowly. She made sure she could hold her balance before stalking to the table. Sitting carefully down on a chair, she ate without hesitance.
Heaven knew she shouldn’t. It could be poisoned. But she knew the stranger didn’t want to kill her. He had other plans. To know his plans and be able to escape, she needed to refill and regain her strength.
While stuffing bread and meat in her mouth, she thought of what this stranger could want from her. And why was he locked in a coffin with a spell? How long was he locked and by whom?
All this time that he had appeared in her dreams, he had wanted her to release him. But why her? He could lure any witch to perform the spell. Maybe the witches knew he was someone who shouldn’t be released, and she was stupid enough to free him.
What had she done?
He would probably seek revenge on those who locked him inside. Heaven hoped her grandmother had nothing to do with it, but since he abducted her, she probably did.
Pain shot down her neck, making her hiss.
Oh no. She had a bigger problem now. He had bitten her! Marked her! How could he?
Marking was like marrying someone in human language. It was a bond even more sacred than marriage. How could he have done it so easily? She did not want to be his.
Or wait! He was probably going to kill her at the end so he didn’t care about the mark. She was part witch after all, and demons hated witches, especially this demon since they locked him in a coffin. He was just waiting for her family to come looking for her so he could destroy them all together.
She had to escape.
Getting up hastily, she turned back but came face to face with the silver-eyed stranger. A gasp escaped her mouth, and she stumbled back, hitting the table behind.
“Didn’t you like the food?” He asked.
Heaven let out a deep breath.
“I did. But there is no need in feeding me if you are going to kill me.”
The stranger chuckled darkly. “I haven’t decided what to do with you yet. But if I spared your life, it would be a pity if you died from starvation.”
“Why don’t you just tell me what you want?”
“I wish I knew what I wanted. It’s the first time in my life I am confused.” He said.
Heaven had this strange feeling when he spoke. She believed him. She could easily tell when people lied, but this man spoke his mind every time he opened his mouth.
“So, you are not my father’s enemy or my grandmother’s?” She asked.
“Your father must have many enemies since you seem so concerned. Who is he?”
“Lucian. The king of Decresh. Son of the devil. He won’t be happy that you are keeping me here.”
“Son of the devil?” He furrowed his eyebrows.
“Yes.”
“Then is it your mother who is the witch?” He asked.
“No. My grandmother.”
Suddenly he laughed cynically. “The devil and a witch. That was unexpected.”
Heaven had hoped he would be a little scared knowing her grandfather was the devil. But it only seemed to amuse him.
Smiling evilly, he went to sit on a chair. He didn’t mind that it was covered with dust.
“Please sit.” He told her and she sat down without hesitance just to realize later that he had compelled her for a short moment.
“How did you do that?” She asked.
“What?”
“Compelling me.”
“The benefits of being ancient.”
“So you are a demon? A smoke demon?”
“I don’t like to be called demon. The devil’s puppets and those who follow in his footsteps are called demons. I am a Djinn.”
Djinn? Heaven had never heard of such a thing.
As if sensing her confusion, he decided to explain.
“Djinns are beings created from smoke and fire. Therefore, smoke djinns and fire djinns. When djinns choose to corrupt people in order to disobey God, they are called demons. That’s why people associate demons with evil.”
Heaven nodded while trying to digest what he said. So was he a demon or not? Clearly, he didn’t like the word demon.
“So you are not evil?” She treaded carefully.
“I have no intentions of making people sin or turn them against God. The rest you can judge for yourself.”
“So you are not a demon? I need to know because you bit me and…” She shook her head, unwilling to believe it.
“People call all kinds of Djinn demons so yes. In you language I am what you call a demon and…”
Before he could finish the sentence Heaven stood up angrily causing the chair to fall backwards. “Then why did you bite me? Do you know what that means?” She almost yelled.
His face hardened as if trying to control his anger. “I know what that means.” He said with clenched teeth. “Trust me, I had no choice.”
“You needed my blood?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To recover. I was in there for a thousand years.”
A thousand years? Heaven couldn’t believe her ears. Then he could not be her father’s enemy.
“Why? Who locked you inside?” She asked.
Suddenly the silver in his eyes looked like storms ready to destroy everything in their path. His anger frightened her.
“A witch.” He said with clenched teeth.
Since the topic seemed to anger him, Heaven didn’t pry. The last thing she wanted was an angry ancient demon who was already provoked by a witch.
If he didn’t want to harm her father or her, then could she just leave? Would he let her go?
Heaven decided to not ask and just go for the door. If he stopped her, then it meant he disapproved. But why would he?
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Even if she was part witch, she had saved him. He owed her.
“Alright. I’ll take my leave now.” She said and walked toward the door.
Suddenly he stood next to her with a hard grip around her arm. “You are not leaving anywhere!”
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The Devil in her Dreams Chapter 15
“You are not going anywhere.” He said, his tone firm.
Heaven gazed into his stormy eyes. She knew very well that fighting him was not a good idea, but she had to speak up.
“Why?” She asked. “I need to go home or my parents will worry.”
Why was she explaining as if he would understand or care?
“I don’t care.”
Of course he didn’t.
“I saved you. This is not how you repay someone, I saved your life so spare mine and we are done. I won’t tell anyone that I released you. I promise.”
For some reason, he found that funny.
“You can tell whoever you want. I am not scared of anyone. Now while I am being nice, go back in and sit down.”
With a groan, Heaven went back into the room and sat down on the bed. Once her father comes looking for her hell would break loose and someone would get hurt. So before that happened, she had to find a way to escape.
Or wait!
Escaping was maybe not the best solution. He was ancient and could find her easily, and when he does he would surely hurt someone. What she had to do was to convince him to let her go. The question was how?
More importantly, why was he keeping her if none of her family were his enemy?
“It is because I am a witch, right?” She asked out of nowhere.
“Yes.” Was his short reply as he went back to his seat.
“I know a witch locked you in, but I saved you.” She reminded.
“Not because you wanted to.”
“No, because you deceived me.” She tried to make him feel bad.
“You would to the same thing if you were locked in a coffin for a thousand years.”
He had a point, but she still felt angry for being used. Then she membered when he said they belonged together.
Was that also a lie?
Well, not anymore since he marked her. Perhaps he knew he was going to do it, and that could be the reason he was keeping her here. But Heaven was not going to be someone’s bride without her consent. She did not care about the mark.
“You can’t keep me here forever. You don’t want my grandfather to come looking for me.”
“He won’t. And if he does, it is not because he cares for you. It is only because his pride will be hurt if people knew his granddaughter was missing.”
“You don’t know my grandfather.”
He raised a brow. “Oh, I do. Since the beginning of times. And I don’t know how you stayed so… pure being his family.”
Heaven looked down at her hands. She didn’t want to talk about it, but she let it out. “He left when I was little.”
The Stranger tilted his head to one side and studied her closely.
“He will be back.” He said.
It surprised Heaven that he was trying to comfort her. He was very confusing.
“Don’t be happy about it. It’s not a good thing. The devil needs his children to rule his army. He is just waiting for the right moment when you and your family are at the lowest points of your lives. Then he will come back and lure you.”
“You seem to have something against my grandfather.” She retorted.
He laughed. “Who doesn’t? Please tell me. Even you have something against him. You just don’t want to admit it because you still have hope.”
“As I should. My father told me everyone has the choice to be good or bad.”
“Your father is a clever man. But how many lifetimes does a person need to leave the bad and turn to good? The devil has been doing evil deeds for so long. What makes you think he will change now?” He asked in a curious manner.
“It’s never too late.” Heaven insisted.
The stranger watched her silently for a moment. He seemed amused for an unknown reason.
“Only those willing to change will change.” Was all he said.
It felt like he was telling her something more than that.
Standing up, it looked like he was about to leave.
“Where are you going?” She hurried to ask.
His lips didn’t move, yet it felt like he was smiling.
Slowly, he stalked toward her. Heaven’s heart skipped a beat. This was it. He probably had enough. He was going to kill her.
Her head implode with so many thought on how to defend herself, but there was none that was helpful. Either she would die with dignity or beg for her life. But once she was dead, what would dignity mean.
It would be better to beg, but her mouth refused to talk.. Heaven cursed inwardly.
Too late. She was looking into his eyes.
“You are exhausted and you want to sleep.” His tone was hypnotic.
Heaven felt suddenly sleepy and her eyelids fell over her eyes. She tried to fight it but to no avail and soon after darkness embraced her.
*********
The stranger stared at the young woman sleeping on the bed. He wondered why he still kept her alive. Killing her as soon as he got his chance was the plan, but when he heard her voice begging to be saved, he hesitated.
Deep down, he knew he was just avoiding the inevitable. If he didn’t kill her, he would be bound to her forever, just like the witch wanted.
How clever. Locking him inside just to make another witch awaken him so he would mark her unwillingly.
He didn’t want to be with this woman or with anyone that had anything to do with witches.
While pondering on what to do with her she stirred in her sleep and slowly opened her eyes. As usual, her eyes widened when she took notice of him and her pupils enlarged in panic. Yet she tried to mask her fear and appear calm as she sat up.
“What are you doing?” She tried to keep her voice firm, but he could hear the slight tremble in her tone.
“What is your name?” He asked.
No!
Why would he care? He was getting attached.
“Heaven.” She whispered.
Heaven.
How ironic.
So Heaven had saved him from hell?
“Who named you?” He asked curiously.
“My father.”
This father of hers made him curious. He had always expected the devil’s children to follow in his footsteps, but this man had been able to resist the devil’s whispers.
“What is your name?” She asked.
“Zamiel.”
She nodded, but her body language showed she was uncomfortable. Not that he expected anything less. He was after all keeping her against her will.
“Are you hungry?”
She shook her head. “I want to go home.”
Zamiel cursed to himself. He should just kill her, but he had never killed the innocent. Just looking at her made him feel guilty.
She was so young, a little girl just beginning to live her life. He could not take that away from her.
And there was a part of him that wanted to protect her, but he shouldn’t listen to it because it was probably the mating process messing with his head.
He wondered if she was feeling it too?
“Please, let me go home.”
Probably not.
“Heaven! Heaven!” Suddenly a voice called from the outside.
Heaven’s sad face suddenly lit up, and she bolted out of bed. “Zarin!”
Zarin? Who was he?
As if realizing something, her expression quickly changed from happy to concerned and frightened.
Who was this man who made her worry?
He would pay a heavy price.
*************
The Devil in her Dreams Chapter 16
Heaven’s heart accelerated in fear upon hearing Zarin’s voice.
No! Why was he here? She could already see the anger in Zamiel’s eyes.
“Heaven!” He was suddenly inside the room with a sword in his hand.
Heaven’s heart jumped to her throat. He was going to get hurt today.
Zarin’s eyes darted between her and Zamiel before he lifted his sword and pointed the tip at the stranger.
“Heaven come here!” He ordered his eyes boring into Zamiel’s, warning him to not move.
Zamiel crossed his arms behind his back, not feeling the least threatened. “Don’t move Heaven!”
Heaven didn’t move. She wasn’t stupid.
Instead, she turned to Zarin. “Zarin leave. I am alright.” She gave him a warning glare.
Zarin held onto his sword, still pointing at the stranger. “You don’t need to be afraid. Come here now!”
“I told you to leave Zarin!” Heaven warned.
“I said come here!” He shouted, startling her. It was the first time he raised his voice.
Zamiel didn’t seem to like his behavior, so he stalked toward him. “Who are you?” He asked Zarin.
“Please don’t hurt him. He is a friend, and he is just worried.” Heaven pleaded, but Zamiel still had his eyes fixated on Zarin.
“Who are you?” Zarin asked, turning the question back to him.
“Someone you shouldn’t provoke. I would listen to your friend if I were you.”
“I am not going anywhere without her.” Zarin didn’t show any sign of fear.
“Very well then.” Zamiel replied.
Zarin lifted his sword to strike.
“Zarin no!”
But it was too late, and Zarin ended up cutting through thin air.
Oh no! Now the ancient stranger was probably enraged.
Suddenly Zamiel stood behind Zarin and with a light push of his hand caused him to crash through the wall and end up landing on the terrace outside. Zarin quickly got onto his feet, ready to strike again while Zamiel was relaxed with his arms still crossed behind his back as he stepped outside.
Zarin began to attack again, but Zamiel dodged every strike and seemed to almost enjoy Zarin’s effort.
Heaven watched in horror, but then decided to stop it before it was too late. She stepped through the broken wall, “Zarin stop!” But he wasn’t listening.
Zamiel knocked the sword out of Zarin’s hand and then grabbed him by the neck, lifting him up from the ground with one hand. His nails elongated, piercing through Zarin’s throat, causing blood to spurt out of the wound.
Zarin struggled to get out of his grip. His legs dangled in the air, kicking Zamiel who didn’t get the least effected. He stood still like a wall.
“Stop! Please!” Heaven called and when he didn’t listen, she hurried to pick up Zarin’s sword.
Grabbing it steadily, she stabbed Zamiel from behind. The blade went through his back and came out of his stomach.
Zamiel dropped Zarin before turning to her. If she thought he was angry before, now he was furious. He reached for the sword behind his back and pulled it out without flinching. Heaven stood there horrified as blood seeped from his stomach. She didn’t know whether to keep her eyes on him or on Zarin, who lay motionless on the ground behind him. Was he alright?
The stranger slowly stalked toward her, and she stepped back. “I didn’t mean to… I was just trying to stop you.” She explained.
“Step away from her!”
Another familiar voice.
Heaven turned back. Her father found her. She felt a mix of emotions, relieved yet concerned.
Roshan and her grandmother stood by his side.
If Heaven didn’t know her father well, she would think he was calm and collected, but she could see the fury behind his calm expression. Unaware, Heaven placed herself between her father and the stranger as he approached them.
“Heaven.” Her father searched her body for any wounds before drawing her in for a hug.
“I am alright father.” She didn’t want any fight to happen.
Her father drew back and stared at the stranger. Zamiel’s wound was still bleeding, and Heaven wondered why he wasn’t healing.
“I am taking my daughter back with me.” Her father said with resolution while holding her arm.
In the back, Roshan and her grandmother were tending to Zarin.
Zamiel put his hand on his stomach and seemed confused to why he was still bleeding. Did she stab him somewhere shouldn’t have?
“You can take her.” He said surprising her. Why would he suddenly let go of her so easily?
“If you defeat me in a fight first.”
No! Heaven shook her head and gripped her father’s arm to stop him, but she knew he wouldn’t listen.
Her father removed her hand. “Heaven step back.”
Before she could protest, he pulled his daggers out and they already began to fight.
Heaven hurried to her grandmother. “Grandma, do something. Stop them. He is very dangerous.”
“You are his daughter. You can’t expect him not to fight for you.”
“He is ancient. Killing him won’t be easy.”
Her father was very skilled, but he was no match for Zamiel. He was already getting badly hurt. Roshan left Zarin to her grandmother and went to help her father. Still, both of them were unable to defeat him.
The stranger moved as fast as a wild storm. So fast that no one could detect his movement or keep up with him. Demons were usually fast, but his speed was on another level and he ended up knocking Roshan and her father to the ground. Both of them were covered in blood.
Unlike both of them, Zamiel had no weapons, but his claws looked sharper than a blade. Blood dripped from the pointy tips and onto the ground as he waited for them to get up.
All while her grandmother was doing her best to stop Zarin’s bleeding. He was half human, so he didn’t heal as fast. Heaven didn’t know who to worry about. Zarin or her father?
Deciding to leave Zarin to her grandmother, Heaven went to save her father instead, who was getting up on his feet. Zamiel picked Roshan’s sword from the ground and was about to strike her father when Heaven placed herself between them.
“Stop!” She covered her face with her arm, waiting for the sword to cut through her skin, but nothing happened.
Slowly she looked from behind her arms at the stranger. He stopped mid action, still holding the sword up.
“I’ll stay with you. Please let them go.”
“No!” Her father tried to move her out of his way, but Heaven refused.
She turned to him and gave him a pleading look. “Father I am fine. He hasn’t hurt me. I’ll come home soon, you just go home, please.” She begged.
“Heaven stay out of this!” Her father spoke in harsh tones.
Then he pushed her away before glaring at the stranger. “What is it you want?” He asked.
Something was happening to the stranger. He was not listening to her father anymore and looked down at stomach again. He was still bleeding. What was happening to him?
Suddenly Roshan came from behind him and slit his throat.
Heaven squealed in terror as more blood drained down his body. Her father took the opportunity and stabbed him with his dagger.
Zamiel fell on his knees and Roshan wrapped his arm around his neck. He gave her father a look.
Oh no! They were going to kill him! Stabb him in the spine!
Heaven looked into the stranger’s silver eyes. She could see he was in pain. Why wasn’t he healing?! What went wrong?
A pool of blood gathered underneath him. Heaven had never seen so much blood before.
Her father handed Roshan his dagger.
“No!” Heaven yelled, surprising herself, and Roshan, and her father.
But the stranger seemed to be the most surprised. He lifted his gaze and looked into her eyes.
“I am sorry, Heaven.” Roshan said before stabbing him.
The Devil in her Dreams Chapter 17
Heaven lay curled in her bed, still shocked and shaking from everything she had witnessed. Her grandmother sat next to her and stroke her hair.
“Are you alright, dear?” She asked.
Heaven nodded.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Heaven shook her head. She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t even know why his death affected her so much. If they hadn’t killed him, he would have killed them. They did the right thing and she shouldn’t feel sad about it. She should be happy now that everyone was safe, including her.
As her grandmother stroke her hair, she noticed the mark on her neck. “What is this?” She asked.
Heaven hurried to sit up and covered her neck with her hair. “It’s nothing.” She said.
“No! Let me see.” Her grandmother reached for her hair and removed it from her neck. “Oh, dear.” She said looking shocked. “He bit you. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Heaven looked down at her hands. “It means nothing.”
“It does. That’s why you are sad. He…” She stopped when she noticed the tears in Heaven’s eyes. “Oh, come here. Don’t cry.” She said enveloped her in hug.
Heaven began to sob in her grandmother’s arms. She was still confused as to why she was sad. Did the mark effect her this much?
“It will get better with time. The mark will fade away and now that he is gone it will fade away quicker.” She explained, clapping her on the back gently.
How quick, because she was in pain? Was this how her grandmother felt when grandfather left her?
“I am sorry.” Heaven apologized.
“For what?”
“That grandfather made you go through this.” Now she hated her grandfather. How could he inflict so much pain on someone?
“It’s alright.” Her grandmother smiled.
Heaven drew back and wiped her tears, before looking at her grandmother.
“How is it alright? Don’t you hate him?”
“I don’t blame him. That’s how he is. I should have known better but now… I am just paying for my sins.”
“What sins?”
Her grandmother sighed and looked down at her hands.
“You don’t have to tell me.” Heaven hurried to say.
“No. I think you should know everything.” She began. “I was married when I met your grandfather. Yes, my husband was not the most affectionate, but still I committed a crime against him. I was unfaithful. Your grandfather knows when our hearts and souls feel empty, and that’s when he comes. When you are at the lowest point of your life, he shows you the life you wished to live and the things you wished to have, and he presents them to you. He tempts you and I fell for it. I was lonely, and he made me feel loved and cherished. But meeting him was not a coincidence. Nothing is coincidence with the devil. He plans his every step, and I was part of his plan. He was looking for a powerful successor, therefore he needed to find a powerful mate. Demons don’t have many females, especially powerful ones, therefore I was the perfect choice for him. But my mother spoiled his plans when she put on a curse, and he realized that mixing demons and witches was much more complicated than he had planned. Both sides showed resistance, so he did nothing to break the curse. It served his purpose. His successor would stay protected until he grew up and learned his powers, and only then your grandfather would try to break the curse. All this time I thought he wasn’t breaking the curse because he cared for me, but I was wrong.”
Heaven could hear the pain of betrayal, the self-blame and the anger in her grandmother’s voice.
“Anyhow. I got my punishment by not being able to be with my son. Now I want to make things right and be happy, and nothing makes me happier than to be with you. As for your grandfather, he will also pay for his sins some day.”
Heaven gave her grandmother a tight hug before looking at her. “I think you should start anew. Find someone who truly cares.”
Her grandmother waved her hand dismissively. “No… I am fine. Right now I am enjoying the small things in life and I am content this way.”
“Very well, then. As long as you are happy.” Heaven smiled, but then she remembered something.
Zamiel had told her that her grandfather would come back and lure her when she was at the lowest point of her life. Just like her grandmother explained. He was looking for a successor. Did that mean he would come back for her like Zamiel had said?
“There is more I need to tell you. I have been trying to find the right moment and I am not sure if this is it, but you need to know soon. When you dissapeared, I thought it was you grandfather who took you. Even if it wasn’t him, it could have been him therefore I need to tell you now.”
Heaven was suddenly worried. Why did she think her grandfather had something to do with her dissaperaring? What was it that she needed to know?
“Your grandfather will come back. For you.” She said.
Oh. Zamiel was right. But how did he know?
“He wants me to lead his army.” Heaven breathed.
Her grandmother nodded. “Yes. He will try to convince you or rather manipulate you.”
“That won’t work. I don’t want to lead his corrupted army.”
“Don’t underestimate him. He knows what we desire and he will find your weak point and use it against you and you won’t even realize. Promise me that if he comes to meet you, you will tell me.” She said.
Her brave grandmother seemed truly worried, which made Heaven worry. “I will.”
“Good.”
Heaven dismissed the disturbing thought. She had other things to think of now.
“Grandma, can you take me to Zarin? I need to see if he is alright.”
Heaven felt suddenly guilty that she was sad for the man who had hurt her friend.
Her grandmother teleported them to uncle Roshan’s house and Heaven hurried to Zarin’s room. Gina and Princess Klara were tending to him. Heaven felt ashamed walking inside. They probably hated her since she was the reason he got hurt.
“Heaven!” Gina called and hurried to hug her. “Thank God you are alright.”
“Are you alright?” Heaven asked.
Gina backed away and twirled. “See, I am perfectly fine.” Then she leaned in and whispered into her ear. “Don’t blame yourself.”
How did she know?
Princess Klara stood up from her seat and came up to Heaven. “Are you alright?” She asked.
Heaven nodded. She felt like bursting into tears. Why was everyone nice to her when she put them in danger for selfish reasons?
“Yes. I am fine. Thank you. Is Zarin alright?”
“Yes. He is just resting. You can stay here if you want.” Said his mother.
“Thank you.”
Klara left, leaving her with Gina and Zarin. Heaven slowly went to Zarin’s bed where he lay with eyes closed. Her gaze traveled to his neck. He had healed, but scars were still visible. Suddenly she felt hatred toward the man who hurt her friend. She would not mourn his death.
Slowly she sat on the bed next to him. “I am sorry, Zarin.” She whispered.
He stirred in his sleep and opened his eyes. “Heaven!” He tried to get up as if she was still in danger when she gently put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.
“Don’t! You need to rest. I am alright.”
He leaned back into his pillow again.
“How are you feeling?” Heaven asked.
He touched his neck. “Good. Who was that man?”
“No one that matters. He is gone now, so there is nothing to worry about.” Saying those words pained her, but she dismissed her feelings quickly.
“What do you mean by gone?” He asked.
“Dead.”
Zarin frowned, confused. ��He can’t be dead.” He said.
Something seemed to disturb him.
“Why not?” Heaven asked.
“You didn’t see his power. I could feel it. He could have crushed me easily without a fight.”
Heaven was confused. “I don’t understand.”
“I don’t think he intended to kill me. He was… holding back. He was…”
“Stop! Please. I don’t want to know.” She didn’t want to talk about him anymore.
He was gone, so there was no use in adding to her guilt.
Zarin gazed at her with concern. “Is everything alright?”
Heaven nodded. “Yes. I just don’t want to talk about him.”
“Did he hurt you?”
Well, he almost drained her of blood and bit her against her will. Then he had other plans for her. Kill her, it seemed, yet not. He was confusing.
She shook her head. “No.” There was no reason to make him worry.
Zarin suddenly turned his head as if listening to something. Heaven could hear distant voices in the room nearby. It was her father and Roshan. It seemed like they were talking about the stranger.
Heaven stood up from her seat and went to the wall. Gina followed, and both of them put their ear against the wall to listen. Eavesdropping was wrong, but Heaven couldn’t help it.
“We should be careful.” Roshan said.
“You don’t think he is dead?” Her father asked.
Wait! He could be alive? Heaven’s heart skipped a beat.
“It was too easy. He is a smoke demon, an ancient one. Killing him should almost be impossible. Something is wrong.”
“Why would he pretend to be dead?”
“I don’t know.” Roshan sighed. “But we should be careful until we are sure.”
Heaven started shaking. If he was alive, they were all doomed. He would not go easy on them this time. He would come back and hurt everyone she loves and cherishes.
The Devil in her Dreams Chapter 18
The sleepless nights began again. Caused by the same person, but for a different reason. Heaven couldn’t close her eyes without seeing a pair of angry silver eyes.
She could not relax to sleep. What if he came and killed everyone while she was sleeping? It would be all her fault.
“You are still awake again,” her mother spoke, who lay next to her on the bed. Her mother had been sleeping with her the last few days. Heaven found comfort in her presence, and her father was probably feeling lonely at this moment.
“I can’t sleep.” Heaven admitted.
“You don’t have to worry about anything as long as I am here.” Her mother said .
“I know. I am not worried.” Heaven lied. “I am just not sleepy.”
“But you haven’t been sleeping for many nights now.” Her mother sounded concerned.
Heaven didn’t reply. Instead, she closed her eyes and tried her best to sleep. She didn’t want to worry her mother.
The truth was, Heaven was counting the days till the stranger comes to have his revenge. She wondered what was taking him so long. Or could he actually be dead? She also wished for her mating mark to fade away quickly so she could truly hate him for what he did.
When the morning came Heaven woke up still feeling tired. After her handmaidens helped her get ready, she studied herself in the mirror, especially the mark on her neck. How long would it take to see a difference? A week had already passed.
“It won’t fade away so quickly.” Her grandmother suddenly spoke from behind her.
Heaven turned around. “How long will it then?”
“Don’t be discouraged, but it might take a few months since he is an ancient demon!
Well, she was already discouraged. What would she do till then to get rid of this feeling? This curiosity to know his story and what happened to him, this guilt and this other feeling that she couldn’t quite understand. Was it caring, maybe?
She shook her head. Why would she care for such a person?
The day went by as usual, with her either worrying, yawning or eating. Nothing felt enjoyable anymore. She was always tense or sad and guilty.
Meanwhile, her father was dealing with troubles because she didn’t get married yet. He didn’t tell her himself, but she could hear whispers in the castle. People blamed her for being selfish and putting her father in a difficult situation.
Yes. She was selfish. Not only for putting him in a difficult situation but also in danger. What else was she supposed to do now? How could she get married when she already belonged to…
No! She shook the thought away. She didn’t belong to anyone. If she didn’t get married, then her father would have to deal with angry citizens. She had to do something.
Heaven made her way to the throne hall where she expected to find her father. He sat on his throne and spoke to Lincoln when she walked inside.
Her father paused his speech when he took notice of her. He gave her a nod to come forward, then dismissed Lincoln.
“Your Majesty,” Heaven curtsied. “I have come here to tell you I am ready to meet more suitors and find a groom.”
Her father studied her for a moment, “You don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I do. It’s my duty.” She said
“And mine is to make you happy.”
“But as a king your duty is to care for the welfare of this kingdom and it’s people.”
“I am not speaking as a King now. I am speaking as your father.”
“You are a king before a father, Your Majesty.” She reminded him.
Her father sighed as he stood up from his seat. He walked down the stairs to where she stood and then put his hands on her arms.
“I know why you are doing this. But you don’t have to worry. I’ll handle it.” He explained calmly. “Just take care of yourself.”
Yes. That is exactly what she intended to do. Take care of herself and her problems.
“I will. So when do I get to meet the next suitor?”
Her father shook his head at her stubbornness.
“I will send Lincoln with information.” He said.
“Thank you.” Heaven curtsied again before excusing herself to leave.
Why was she acting like this, she didn’t know.
“Why are you doing this?” Gina scolded when she told her about her decision. “I am sure your father will find a way.”
That was the problem. She was tired of people cleaning up her mess. She had to grow up someday and deal with her own problems.
“What am I doing? I am just trying to find someone to marry.”
“Suddenly you changed your mind?”
“Yes.”
“You are blaming yourself, that is why you are doing this.”
“I told you why I am doing this.”
“I don’t believe you.” She said.
“You don’t have to and I don’t want to talk about this anymore2
Gina was silent for a while before she clapped her hands together. “Alright then, I am leaving since you don’t want to talk. Have a good night.”
“Gina!”
Before she could say anything she disappeared.
Great! As if being a terrible daughter wasn’t enough., Now she was also an awful friend.
Heaven threw herself on her bed, her thought drifting away while she stared at the ceiling. Why wasn’t the stranger coming to have his revenge if he was alive? Now she started to believe that he was actually dead. There was something that went wrong that day. He wasn’t healing. It was very strange for an ancient demon to not heal. Could he have been weak after being locked inside for so long?
Why was he locked?
Closing her eyes, Heaven took a deep breath. She should not think of him now. She had other things to worry about, like getting married. But that was the problem. Every time she thought of getting married it felt like she was being unfaithful, since she didn’t know for sure if he was dead.
“Heaven?” Her mother hovered over her. Had she been so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t hear when her mother came in? Her mother was wearing her nightgown and came to sleep next to her again.
Heaven sat up. “Mother. You don’t have to stay here with me anymore. I am fine now and I would like to sleep alone.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Heaven didn’t want to be a burden. It would be best for her and for everyone if she behaved like an a.d.u.l.t.
Her mother was hesitant, but without arguing she left her alone in her room. Heaven blew out a few candles, then went back to her bed to sleep. She was very tired, but whatever she did, she couldn’t sleep. Frustrated, she turned back and forth, trying to find a comfortable position to sleep in. But everything felt uncomfortable.
Suddenly she felt a chilling cold in the air that made her shiver. She knew this feeling, the feelings of someone watching her, lurking behind the shadow. Heaven stiffened in fear, knowing very well that he was here.
The silver-eyed stranger had finally come for his revenge.
*************
The Devil in her Dreams Chapter 19
Heaven slowly sat up on her bed and looked around. This time he didn’t bother to hide. He stood a feet away from her bed and stared at her with his smoking silver eyes. If he was angry he didn’t show it, He looked rather relaxed and in good condition.
The sound of her heart beating loudly filled the room, and she swallowed the lump in her throat. A thousand images appeared inside her head. Her family slaughtered their bodies on the floor in a pool of blood. Her friends dead, the maids and guards dead, everyone dead.
The Stranger took a step forward. Heaven didn’t flinch back. If everyone were dead, then she might as well die. What was she supposed to do without her loved ones? Oh, how she wished this was just a nightmare, but she knew it wasn’t.
“My…my parents…” she stuttered.
“I didn’t kill them if that is what you are asking.”
Relief washed over her. She still had a chance to convince him.
Heaven bolted out of bed and went down on her knees before him, something she had never done in her life before. She bowed her head.
“Please. My family were only trying to protect me. Please don’t hurt them. Please.” She shut her eyes and rubbed her hands together nervously.
The room went quiet. The stranger didn’t utter a word.
Heaven peaked through one eye to see if he was still there, and he was. Standing exactly where he had been standing.
“Please. They are all I have.” Heaven said realizing that she could lose everything because of a stupid decision she made. Her eyes welled with tears.
The stranger’s hand went under her chin, lifting her face gently so that she was looking up at him.
“Stand up.” He ordered and Heaven did as he said.
A tear fell down her cheek.
“You stabbed me.” He said as a matter of tact.
“I am sorry. I was afraid you would kill my friend.”
“You hurt me.”
Heaven looked up and into his eyes. Was she imagining things, or could she see pain swirling in those silver eyes?
“How could I hurt you?” She asked.
Letting go of her chin, he reached behind his back and took out a dagger. First she thought that he was going to hurt her, but to her surprise he held the dagger out for her to take.
“Here.” He said.
Heaven stared confused at the weapon in his hands. Why was he giving it to her?
Carefully she took it from him and gave him a questioning look.
“Stab me.” He said.
“Why?!” Heaven was utterly confused.
“Just do it. You wanted to kill me, anyway.”
READ MORE >>>>> The Devil in her Dreams Chapter 21 – 30
Heaven looked at the dagger in her hand. He came back alive so a little knife would probably not hurt him. Yet, just in case, she only stabbed him on the arm. Blood seeped from the wound. Heaven stared, waiting for it to heal, but it didn’t. His silver eyes met hers in realization. She could inflict pain on him, and he didn’t like that. Yet another reason for him wanting to kill her.
“I don’t want to kill.” She hurried to say. “I just want my family to be safe.”
“Just because you can hurt me doesn’t mean you can kill me.”
“Exactly. I mean I stabbed you with a sword yet you are here.”
Oh no. She was making the situation worse.
“Are you disappointed?”
“No… I mean…” No. She wasn’t disappointed. Strange because she should be.
“No, I am just scared.” She admitted. “Please don’t hurt my family. My father is just very protective of me.”
He stared at her for a long moment. “As he should be. I would have done the same for my daughter.”
“You have a daughter?” She almost burst.
Did he have a wife? How could he?
“Had.” he corrected. “Your people killed her.”
Killed her? The witches killed his daughter? And then locked him inside.
“She was only a child. Her soul still pure. What crime did she commit?”
They killed a child. Who were they exactly? How could they do such a horrible thing?
“They took my wife away from me and my child and then a thousand years of my life. Tell me why I shouldn’t do the same thing? Tell me!” His voice was venomous.
Heaven flinched back. Afraid by the rage in his stormy eyes.
“I’m sorry for what happened to you. But all witches are not the same. I would never do that to anyone.”
While talking Heaven noticed that his wound still didn’t heal. He was loosing blood.
“Wait.” She said, turning back to her bed. She tore a piece of clothes from her bedsheet using her claws, then she walked back to him.
“You are still bleeding.” She said approaching him carefully. Slowly she reached for his arm and wrapped the piece of clothes around the wound. The whole time she could feel his intense gaze on her. She wondered what he was thinking.
She knew he was so focused on his pain that he was blaming everyone, but she hoped he would calm down, eventually. What happened to him was awful, and she couldn’t imagine the pain he went through.
Once she was done she took a step back and looked at him. “All wounds heal eventually. Some just take longer to heal.”
He gazed at her appalled, as if she was speaking a foreign language. He probably thought she was insane for believing what she said.
“You think So?” He asked.
“I hope so.”
“Hope?” He repeated the word as if it was useless. “And you hope that I won’t hurt your family?”
“I beg you.” She said unashamed.
He looked at her for what seemed like forever. Heaven waited for an evil laugh or a raging anger, but nothing of that sort happened. Instead, his gaze fell on her neck where he had bitten her.
“It will fade away with time. I won’t bother you again.” He said.
Heaven’s eyes widened with surprise. “You won’t kill my family?”
“No.”
Where her ears deceiving her? She searched his face, trying to see if he was telling the truth.
“You released me. See this as me repaying you. Now I owe you nothing.” He explained when he saw the questioning look in her eyes.
“Thank you.” She breathed, relieved and still in shock.
He just nodded and turned away to leave.
“Wait!” She said, grabbing his shirt’s sleeve.
He turned to her, surprised.
“I…I” She began to stutter, but he waited patiently for her to speak. “I am getting married.” She said.
He raised a brow. “And?”
She stared into his eyes while containing her anger. How could he be so indifferent?
“And I can’t. Because you bit me and the bite hasn’t faded away.”
“Then don’t get married.” He said simply.
“It’s not that simple. The kingdom needs a future King.” Heaven explained.
“Why a King? Can’t they have a Queen?”
“I can’t become a Queen without a husband and Queens don’t rule.”
“Then be the first Queen to rule.” He said.
Heaven sighed. Why couldn’t he understand? He made everything sound so simple.
“It’s not that simple.”
“You either take a step to make a change or you follow the rules. It’s up to you.”
Heaven looked into his eyes. There was this honesty she felt when she first met him. He spoke his mind in a genuine way and he believed what he said even though it sounded impossible. So she didn’t want to argue about the impossible yet maybe possible.
Instead she asked, “where will you go now?”
“Wherever my feet takes me.”
That sounded lonely. She wanted to ask him to stay. He couldn’t just bite her and then leave her.
“What about the bite?”
“What about it?” He asked.
“When it starts to fade, you will get the urge to bite me again.”
“I’ll be long gone by then.”
Heaven felt as though his words stabbed her in the heart. Slowly she let go of his sleeve. She looked at his face and his beautiful eyes one last time before he vanished into thin air.
The Devil in her Dreams Chapter 20
Zamiel walked through the dark streets as rain poured over him. He didn’t care about getting soaked or the icy wind that whipped his hair into his face. He could just teleport himself back to his house, but he enjoyed the walk. It helped him clear his mind now that his thoughts and even his feelings were complete chaos.
Heaven.
Heaven saved him from hell.
He laughed cynically to himself. If there was a good reason to kill her father, it would be because he named her Heaven. It felt like he was being mocked. Saved by Heaven to live in another hell. And she, Heaven, was his main torturer.
Why did she affect him so? The way she begged for her family reminded him of his own. But when he had begged, nothing had changed. Nothing could bring his family back.
He reached for his arm and removed the piece of clothes from the wound. It had healed. He seemed to be hurting only in her presence. What did she do to him?
The way she had hurried to tend to his wound, left something in his heart. Something he wanted to get rid of. He wanted no feeling for that little girl. And the way her eyes became sad when he told her he was going to leave, it made him hesitate even if it was for a brief moment. How could a person be so naïve? He expected hate after what he did to her, but it had to be the mark affecting both him and her. They would hate each other once it faded away.
Before knowing he had already reached the abandoned house where he stayed at the moment. It was an old broken house, looking like it was invaded by ghosts.
With a thought, he took himself inside the house. It was pitch dark, but he didn’t bother to light the candles. He could see clearly in the darkness. Walking to his room, he threw himself in his bed without changing clothes. Lying in it felt just like lying inside that coffin. What was the difference? He was alone there, and he was alone here too.
Closing his eyes, he saw her face.
Heaven. That little naive girl was nothing like his wife. Yet there was something about her that intrigued him, and he hated to admit it because he wanted to give her no place in his heart.
The only woman who would ever have his heart was his wife. He still remembered clearly the first time he saw her. She was buying fabric in the market, negotiating with the seller about the price. They seemed to have a disagreement, and the seller was being rude. Unable to just stand by, Zamiel interrupted their argument.
“Is there a problem?” He asked, turning to her.
She was wearing a green veil that covered most of her black hair, and her amber eyes were adorned with kohl.
She avoided to meet his gaze. “My lord, this man wants to sell this fabric for one Daric.”
“My lord, this is the latest fabric, worn by royalty. I am trying to explain it to her, but she doesn’t believe me.” The seller defended himself.
Zamiel touched the fabric. It was indeed an expensive one. Pure high quality silk.
“He is telling the truth. This kind of fabric is expensive.” He explained.
“Oh,” the woman looked down, embarrassed.
“What did you need it for?” He asked.
“My sister is getting married. I wanted to gift it to her.” She explained.
Zamiel reached inside his sleeve and took out a leather pouch filled with gold coins. When she realized what he was about to do, she held her hands out.
“No, my lord. You don’t have to do that.”
“It’s your sister’s wedding. I am sure she is looking forward to receive a gift.” He said taking out two gold coins and handing them to the seller. “I’ll take two.” He told the seller.
The woman looked at him, surprised.
“You need to dress well for your sister’s wedding as well.” He explained.
The seller packed two fabrics before handing them over. “Thank you, my Lord. My sister is going to be very pleased. How can I repay you?” She asked.
“There is no need.” He said.
She looked up at him for the first time and their eyes locked. There was a spark in there and he was sure she felt it too because she looked away quickly as a blush crept to her cheeks.
“Can I have your name?” He asked.
“Gamila.” She replied.
Her name suited her perfectly. She was indeed a gorgeous woman.
“I would still like to repay you.” She insisted.
“Do you sew clothes?” He asked since he already knew the answer.
“Yes.”
“I am looking for a tailor. I live right behind the market in the big white mansion.”
There was only one of that sort, so she wouldn’t have a hard time finding it.
Her eyes widened. “You live there?” She asked.
He nodded. “You are free to come by.” He said.
He tried not to seem desperate.
“I will.” She said surprising him.
The next day she came by with her sister. He didn’t expect any less of her. He knew she wouldn’t come alone to a stranger’s house. Zamiel asked a servant to show her around and give her the fabrics she needed to sew the clothes.
Every day, he watched her from a distance, knowing very well she wasn’t the type of woman to speak casually with men. She was a woman with a good reputation, and he didn’t want to taint that reputation of hers. Yet sometimes he couldn’t help but have small conversations with her.
She didn’t speak much, but her words had a great impact. There was maturity and a confidence in her voice that intrigued him. For every time he spoke to her, he found out something new about her that made him fall for her even more.
If she felt the same way about him he didn’t know, but he knew he had an affect on her from the way her voice quivered sometimes when they locked eyes and her cheeks flushed when he caught her looking at him. But she always kept a safe distance from him. She never tried to get close to him or flirt with him like other women usually did.
One day she knocked on his room. “My Lord, I need to have your exact measurements.” She said.
He was surprised. He never thought she would be willing to come near him this much. But while measuring him, she tried her best to not touch him, and he did his best to stand still and endure the torture of her closeness.
“I have got what I need. Thank you.” She said and hurried away.
The next time she knocked on his door was to tell him she quit her job.
“Why?” He asked.
“People are talking. They say I come here every day and… ”
Zamiel cursed. He did ruin her reputation.
“Now, no one wants to marry me.” She said as tears fell down her cheek. She wiped it away quickly with her veil.
He walked up to her. “Then marry me.”
She blinked a few times in surprise. “My family is middle class. We don’t have much to offer you.”
“You are enough for me.”
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