The Heart Of The Demon

Chapter Nine: Of Contacts and Demons

I laid in bed staring at the ceiling and dreading the moment my eyes closed. What would I see? Or what would happen that I didn't know about? Sure, I had been able to find out what occurred the other night but before that I had no idea. There was no predictability to this, whatever it was. Demon general. . . Was that what it was? While it made the most sense, something in my gut said otherwise, it denied this, as if some part of me knew exactly what was going on. I'd love if that part of myself would communicate to my brain, any time now, that knowledge would be useful. It was like having the word on the tip of my tongue but continually having it falter from my memory.

What would happen if Geayu had people follow? I dreaded to see what would become of them with the things I had seen before. How many more were to fall at this psycho's hand before we put a stop to him entirely?

A darkness started closing in around the edges of my eyes, summoning me into sleep, submitting me to whatever it was Zendar intended to do. Just as it had all but taken over, I saw my hands begin to disappear in a cloud of red. We were going somewhere, and no one would be able to follow.

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Zendar

Music sounded all around me. It was loud, obnoxious, I loved it. Bar wenches walked around with low cut dresses, serving not only things appealing to the eye but disgusting brew that some thought delicious. I didn't understand Falosa's fascination with rotted shit. Then again, I did appreciate a good body decay, you could say we had the similar interests. The only difference is I preferred blood fresh, not fermented.

Across the bar, seated on the far edge, two Demi's whispered with demons. I couldn't hear them from where I was towards the middle of the chaos, but I knew what they were talking about. The young Demi I had the opportunity for a few dates with had been most helpful with acquiring that information. They knew I was here, we had already made eye contact more than once. The question remained, what were they going to do about it? I brushed my fingers across the daggers, I couldn't wait to see what excitement awaited the nights end.

A hand settled on my shoulder, but it was lighter, non-confrontational. "You can't imagine my surprise when I stepped into the bar and saw you here, Zendar. What brings you around?"

I smiled broadly and turned around. "Devis! Long time no see, I noticed you acquired a few more scars. They suit you."

The demon appeared human, with pale skin and horns subtly tucked beneath his hair. He was albino by demon standards but it made his ability to navigate society that much easier. His white hair that matched mine in hue was longer now, reaching down to his lower back. He held it tied back in a ponytail with a black ribbon. The outfit he wore was regal as ever with a deep navy blue coat and a white shirt underneath with ruffles. On his face, he had a scar across one eye he'd had since I met them, and a new one at the edges of his mouth.

Devis returned the smile. "Thank you. May I have a seat?"

"Please," I said gesturing to the barstool beside me.

"Barkeep! Get me an ale!" Devis called before turning to me, his lips a breath away from my ear. "I heard more about Tragore's arrival. He will be visiting every portal location within the months end. I don't know which one he will be going to first but I do know he always rotates right, so if he's sighted, I will tell you and then you can predict his next move. . . " Devis grabbed my face, turning me towards him. "Are you sure about this? Tragore is unchallenged, no one can beat him. What if you get hurt? Or Worse?" He brushed my hair back, tucking it behind my ear. "I care for you Z, I don't want to see you getting hurt."

I shrugged. Despite how many people I've fucked I can't say I ever felt any of what they felt. It was an empty action, a temporary pleasure. Even as Devis stared into my eyes like a lost lover, I felt nothing towards him. I enjoyed his company, his aesthetic, but I would never be the lover he sought. "I need to take him out. After what he did to me—he has to pay." I grabbed Devis' hand, knowing it would bring him comfort. I mirrored the things I'd seen other couples do, as they seemed effective. "Please understand that I need to do this, for my own sake. I won't rest until Tragore lies drowning in his own blood."