Running With Devils

Forty-Two

Song: What Was I Made For- Billie Eilish

The Witch

Those were tears I had seen in his eyes. I had no idea demons could even shed tears. The sentence of never laying eyes upon me again must've been brutal.

I shouldn't give a fuck if his heart was broken. Mine had already been in pieces since the moment I laid eyes on him.

But there was something off about how he acted in the presence of the demon I now stood beside. When I hadn't given him an answer, he had stepped forward with intent to strike.

But Malachi had stepped in as if shielding me from unwarranted wrath.

"Beloved women of this coven," the demon spoke as if a benevolent king above them. "You were given the task of raising and protecting this precious life with your loving hands."

Addie's face was grim and untrusting. Gen had her eyes fixated on me, tears pouring down her face. Sam and Des shifted uncomfortably beside me.

"I have come to say that your task is complete. You have raised, not just a fine young woman, but a fine young queen. And she," he took my hand gently, "will become the beginning of a new age for all who are beyond mortal comprehension."

I wanted to yank my hand away and run.

"Go ahead, my dear," he said smoothly beneath his breath. "Say your goodbyes."

He didn't have to ask me twice. I surged forward into Gen's arms, taking in the last of her warm hugs and gentle kisses.

"I don't want to go," I begged quietly. "Don't let them take me—"

"Shhh," she whispered shakily. "Be brave. There's so much more in store for you than a boring small town coffee shop."

My heart broke that I would never see the shop again— the place I had made my sanctuary and safe haven.

I held on to Gen for dear life, only letting go when she distanced herself to look at me. A wide proud smile on her face.

"Your mom would be so proud," she beamed.

I shook my head. "You are my mom, Gen. You've been my mom since you let me walk through your front door."

It was then that Gen began to sob uncontrollably. Lydia took her into her arms, giving me a nod to let me know that she would take care of her while I was away.

Addie stepped towards me carefully.

"Cor," she said softly. "I wanted to give you something before you left."

She pulled out a worn out backpack that looked filled to the brim.

"What's in here," I asked, laughing tearfully.

She shrugged. "Odds and ends. Tampons," she laughed quietly. "I wasn't sure what would be waiting for you down there so I packed everything I could think of. It's the mother hen in me."

"Addie," I breathed, pulling her in for a tight hug.

"And one other thing," she said, wiping her eyes as she pulled away. She pulled out a picture.

It was of the entire coven surrounding a hospital bed, with Addie on the bed holding her newborn baby girl.

"Our family," she said shakily. "It won't be complete without you, you know."

I nodded, tears falling down my cheeks as I pressed my lips to the still life of my most favorite people in the world. "I'll miss you all so much."

I felt a large hand take my shoulder gently. "It's time, Coralynn."

Des's voice was somber. I would have never though he could sound... sad.

Addie looked up at the giant demon with so much ferocity, he nearly stumbled back.

"You don't take your eyes off her, demon," she warned sharply. "You keep her safe. You hear me?"

Des nodded in thoughtful understanding."Yes, mam. I hear you."

Her eyes softened slightly at him, eyes filling with tears.

"Alright," she swallowed. "Go before I don't let you leave."

At that point I wasn't sure if she was talking about me or Des.

"Come on, peaches," he said, guiding me away. "You're not the only one leaving people behind tonight."

I looked up at him. There was a glint in his eyes. His jaw ticked as he swallowed hard.

"Are you okay," I asked him quietly.
He flashed a tired smirk. "Just fine, peaches. How bout you?"

I shook my head. "Not much better," I breathed.

"Well, we both will have to buckle up for this next part. It's gonna be one hell of a ride," he said grimly. "You ready?"

I was absolutely the fuck not.

"Let's do this," I nodded, rolling my neck tiredly.

The demon, who's name I still had no idea what it was, had drawn the rune in the dirt and watched us cross the threshold. Once inside, he began to speak the words to pass us through the veil.

Seven circles.

One for each circle of hell.

My heart picked up its pace as the lines began to glow beneath us. An infernal burning wind blew upwards across my skin.

It hurt. It fucking hurt so badly.

"Hold onto me, peaches," Des said firmly, arms tightening around my body. "You'll get used to it. Just hold on."

I buried my face into his chest, trying not to think about the searing pain I was experiencing.

And then it stopped.

I knew that I had officially found myself in hell.