Infernal Passions

Chapter 5 - Now What?

Lili sat at her desk first thing Monday morning with a blazing headache. She was completely exhausted after her physically and emotionally draining encounter with Terzo Friday night. Adding to her angst was the amount of work she had had to get done by today. What she needed was another two days off to recover. She was taking a sip of her third cup of coffee when her work bestie, Beth bounced over.

"Well, you're awfully chipper this morning Beth. How was your weekend?" she asked unenthusiastically.

"Forget my weekend...how was Justin's party? I heard he had over two hundred people show up. I guess there was a leak online and everyone crashed it. Cops came and everything. Were you still there when it happened?" Beth said excitedly.

Lili deadpan stared at her. "No, I wasn't because SOMEONE gave me the wrong address! What number is Justin's place?"

Beth checked her phone. "1667 Hemlock. Why?"

"Check the text you sent me that day."

Beth zipped back a few messages. "667...OH. I sent you to the wrong address!" she said eyes wide.

"Yes you did. But, it kinda worked out in the end. Kinda." she said with a little smile.

"Oh? Do tell!" Beth said, pulling up a chair without asking.

"So I knock on this really nice door. It was unusually quiet for a party but I figured maybe I was early. The door opens and this guy in a black jacket and white mask is standing there looking at me all confused."

"Was he hot?"

"Oh my God, beyond. I got flustered so I turned to leave but he stopped me. He introduced himself as Papa Emeritus 3...Terzo. He had one hazel eye and one white eye...and an Italian accent!"

"Girl, stop. Who is he? Did you stay?"

"Oh I stayed alright. He was quite charming. He showed me around his place...which was to die for if I might add...and took me downstairs to a party he was having."

"And?"

"We danced, had fun. It was a good time." she said vaguely, a hit of blush creeping up on her cheeks.

"I've known you five years Lilith, there is a lot more this night than you're letting on. Spill it!" she demanded.

"Ok fine. Come closer. I don't want to yell this."

Beth leaned in, listening intently.

Lili sighed. "So we got all hot and bothered on the dance floor and we ran off to his room where we had the most Earth shattering sex I have had in my twenty eight years of existence. Turns out he's the Pope of the Dark World, is madly in love with me and wants me to live with him forever. Happy?"

"Wait the Pope of the Dark World?" she asked confused.

"Yes. In a nutshell I fucked Satan himself and shut him down completely when he asked me to live with him. I'm sure these flooding rains are all his doing." Lili rubbed her eyes. "It's really complicated."

"You think? How do you feel about him? Truthfully girl. Do you feel the same?" Beth asked.

"I don't know. I'm scared. He's Satan...I'm mortal. Devils get a bad rap. He is so sweet. Until he didn't get his way, then I saw the real Terzo. But I was able to stand up to him. I wasn't the least bit afraid. He actually looked afraid of me when I yelled back."

"Huh. So what now? Have you called him? Are you going to?"

"I haven't and I don't know. I miss him, but I really need to figure out my next move. I guess we'll see how the week goes, right?"

"Exactly. You know where to find me if you need me." Beth stood up. "Come here." she wrapped Lili in a bear hug. "Whatever happens we'll get you through it, OK?"

"You're the best Beth. What would I do without you?" she smiled.

Lili finally got home at six to a very hungry and impatient Void. "I swear Cat you act like I never feed you. There's still food in your bowl!" She laughed, scratching his head. He was her best friend, which was kind of pathetic at her age to be honest. She mindlessly sifted through her mail and grabbed some leftovers from her fridge. Woo hoo, the single life.

She pulled the piece of paper with Terzo's number out of her purse. She was so tempted to call him, but what would she say? She wasn't ready to give him an answer. He didn't seem like the dating type. He wanted her now and forever. Period. He said he'd make her his queen. And why was she so special? She looked out the window at the street below. At least the rain had finally let up. She went into the bathroom and drew a hot bath before bed. She desperately needed to unwind and relax.

By the time Lili was able to fully unwind, it was after eleven. She fell into a fitful sleep, tossing and turning until she finally began dreaming.

The air around her swirled red. She was oddly comfortable here. She wandered aimlessly wondering where she was heading. She heard music in the distance. She stopped and listened...

You must always think of me, there can be no in between . When your pride is on the floor, I'll make you beg for more. Stay with me...

It was what Terzo had said to her before she had left him. Now she was confused. She looked around, there were shadows and voices around her. She heard laughter, similar to the dance party she had attended with him. Two young demons approached, extending their hands to her. They guided her down a corridor to a mirror and pointed to it. She didn't recognize herself. She was wearing a floor length black gown with a tight bodice. Her auburn hair was bright red and wavy. Her eyes glowed red and...were those nubs of horns on her forehead? The female demon wrapped her arms around her waist, looking up at her fondly. She didn't speak, but it as as she knew her well. They took her hands again, this time running towards a large room. It was dark but again, she had no fear. She felt at home here. There were two large chairs wrapped in black roses. She stood and stared in awe at their beauty. Out of nowhere she heard Terzo's beautiful voice...it filled the room and her soul with it's passion...

"I love you so much, my Lilith...there are no words in any of the realms, languages, or the languages of all the worlds, combined, that could even begin to describe what I feel for you...you are one of us, my love...come back to me, be my queen...forever..."

She sat straight up in bed, tears pouring down her face. What just happened? What was that? She jumped out of bed, staggering to the bathroom. She turned on the light, looking at herself in the mirror. She was just as she was went she went to bed...messy bun, baggy t-shirt, and no horns. What the ever living fuck was going on? She looked closely at her eyes. Only bloodshot. Her pupils were her normal color. She wished she could call Beth, but how would she explain something that she didn't even understand herself?

She went back to bed, afraid to go back to sleep. She finally passed out at daybreak, waking briefly to call out of work. She was taking a mental health day. There was no way she was going to be able to focus on anything but this today.