A Realm of Hell

Chapter 3

Heavy.

The liquid I'm swimming in is heavy. It's dark and quiet as I float through nothing. I try to open my eyes but the water is much too suffocating. It encases my eyes, nose, ears, and mouth. It takes control of my body, of my every sense and I? I let it. I let it ensnare my soul.

It's beautiful.

The nothingness. The quiet. How lovely would it be just to stay here, in my nothingness. No life, no death, no stress, no happiness. Nothing.

But life is unfair.

My eyes blink open and my world is invaded with gray brick walls.  I slowly look around, feeling the pound of a headache starting to bloom.

I sigh as my hand rubs my crinkled forehead, beginning to recall my memories.

The dark angel.

My heart skips when the soft click of a door opening is heard. I stiffen ready for a fight only to have a man in neat dark clothes walk in carrying a bowl. He doesn't say a word as he sits the bowl down on the table next to me. We lock eyes and I watch as he examines the right side of my face from a distance.

"You're lucky," is all he mutters in an angery tone before he leaves.

Confused by the interaction I look inside to find it full of steaming soup.  My stomach turns at the sight. Just how hard did she hit me?

The room around me is plain. The walls bare of color and paintings, only a single door and window break up the white paint. I eye the door afraid of what might greet me on the other side

I slowly swing my legs to the side of the bed mindful to not move too fast as I walk to the window. It's dark and there isn't much to see. Even the moon doesn't show it's face. I seem to be on the second level of a stone building. I may be able to jump from here, I ponder eyeing the latch.

I don't hear the click of the door this time, instead I feel the presence. It's overwhelming in this small room, almost suffocating. I don't turn right away and she gives me the time to collect my thoughts.

"Why.." is all I have to say. I'm not even sure the question. Why did you bring me? Why do you want me? Why didn't you kill me?

"Many reasons," is her answer. So soft, I can't help but turn to make sure it's real. And when I do, I wish I didn't. Before me is a monster. She stares back at me patiently, letting me take a moment to absorb her.

She's beautiful.

No. That's too light, she's mythical. Everything from her hair, to her brows, to her lashes, and eyes are black. There is no shade or tint, it's almost unnatural. But the thing that stuns me the most is just how white her skin is.

It reminds me of death.

"How are you real?" I blurt out, but that wasn't the question I wanted to ask. What I want to know is if is she is alive?

Her snicker is small and quiet but the sinister grin that escapes is stifling.

"Who says I am?" She teases, her smirk making my ears run hot. I look away, embarrassed by my lack of control. She sighs and runs a hand through her hair.

"We will get no where with these kind of questions," she mutters before making her way to my bed. She plops down and turns to me patting the space beside her.

"I don't bite too hard," she states when I hesitate.

"I'm not afraid biting,"  I mutter while making a seat on the opposite side of the bed.

"Hmmm. Good," she purrs before I realize what I said, "but that is a subject for a different time. For now, let's start slow."

"Why am I here?" I ask.

"I was told you would be of some help," she answers, looking me in my eyes. I can't help but stare back.

"So you fought me and kidnapped me?" I question, wondering how I could help this kind of person.

"Well...," she muses, as if she doesn't know the answer to her own actions, "I had to see if you were worthy."

"Worthy of what?" I persists, trying to buy a straight answer.

"Worthy of helping," she proclaims.

"This!" I shout shooting up and turning on her my anger taking over. I'm stopped short when my eyes land on her.

The atmosphere. It's different, heavy, chilling...suffocating. She didn't move an inch. She didn't need to. Her body is at ease but her eyes, they begin the whisper. I had forgotten, just how overwhelming she is. I take a breath before sitting back down. Her eyes never leaving me.

"I am trying very hard," her voice flows with no trace of emotion, "to not snap that pretty little neck of yours."

My heart stops as I lock eyes with her. Unwavering she reaches out to lightly touch my face, I flinch as heat stings my cheek. How is she so warm? The pads of her fingers leave a river of warmth in their path. As if she is in a trance she slides her hand down, her index finger teasingly brushing my Adam's apple. Swallowing, I'm enslaved to the darkness in her eyes. Her fingers wrap around my neck. I don't move, from both fear and enchantment.

"Beautiful," she whispers, her face so close to mine. She leans closer her lips barely brushing mine, stealing my air. She stares into my soul, pulling me into her hot waters before she leans back. The spell broken and air returns to my lungs.

"I will let you in on a secret," she purrs, her hand still wrapped around my throat, "I will tell you who I am." She waits, silently asking if I want the answer, asking if I want this secret.

"And who are you?" I finally ask, my throat drying.

She smiles wider, barring her teeth, the canines a bit too sharp.

"I am death," her eyes gleam as her grasp tightens.