Within the Devil's Grasp

The devil

This is what it felt like to be dead. My body was still. I wanted to move but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't - even my eyelids felt too heavy. All of a sudden, the pain left me. My body floated, feeling lighter than it ever had, and it just kept floating. And then I stopped. Cautiously, I opened my eyes; that's when I saw something odd. White, fluffy clouds with a clear, blue sky. I took one look at my outfit and had a long, sliver robe, and colossal, feathered wings. It felt majestic, but bittersweet too. I had left behind the life I used to have, it was all over, I wouldn't be able to see anyone again (although maybe that was for the better). No matter how hard my life was, it didn't mean I wanted to be dead, it never did. My thoughts were interrupted by the clouds parting. Desperately, I tried clinging onto one half of the cloud I was standing on - but I felt weakened - I couldn't support my body. I began to fall and I just kept on falling. I had no idea what to do - the thought of flying did occur to me, but even though I flapped as hard as I could, something, somewhere was pulling me down. The pressure and strain I was under felt like nothing I'd ever been through, alive or dead! After what felt like countless hours of falling, my body felt as if it were on fire. Looking around, deadly, burning fire surrounded me, with the colour of blood red, along with a gateway to hell. There I was. Helpless. All I had was a restrained body that would strangle me - was it possible to die twice? It sure felt like it.
I don't remember what happened next, but I do remember waking up, to see a large, crimson creature in front of me, clearly trying to intimidate. Black horns, greedy and evil smile - was this the devil? Was this the end of the road? My body just lay there, helpless, whilst 'the devil' examined me. Clearly his intimidation was working on me. After picking up his weapon he spoke.
"Ebony... the cursed, fifth child. The very person who stole half of my identity. After the stunt you pulled, I hope that life taught you to behave."
I had no clue what he was talking about. Maybe he got me mixed up with someone else? Although, he must of noticed my confusion as he then gruffly and impatiently said
"Looks like the memory wipe worked. Like it does on everyone. You obviously have no memory of your past life, so I will say this. Stick with me and never speak ill of me... or you will regret it, and I will make you suffer."
I had no idea what to do. I was frozen. Stiff. Motionless.
"Your life was one big mess - but I'm not done with you yet. I want you to suffer badly. I want you to know and acknowledge my power and status - you are nothing. You will always be nothing. You're nothing compared to me."
In the snap of a finger, my vision went hazy and red. My head split and fell apart, launching me into agonising pain. You might have stabbed hundreds of daggers in my back, and I would have never noticed.