Inner Demons

Chapter 2. Treachery

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul:

but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28

I was terrified when I saw the creature hovering over me.

I had never encountered a demon in my entire life. But now, staring into the crimson eyes of one, I realized how careless I'd been. I had let my guard down, failed to watch over the prison I had been entrusted with, and a series of mistakes had led to the release of this monster. Yes, this was probably the biggest mistake of my life - I had simply underestimated these immortal beings who surely knew how to bide their time. After all, why rush when you have all the time in the world?

But I couldn't call this being a "creature" - it was too majestic, even beautiful, for such a word. At the same time, it radiated an inhuman strength and fury. It didn't even have to show any emotions for me to feel how much it despised me for simply existing.

"Judging by the look on your pretty face, you finally got it," the demon sneered. Then, quite unexpectedly, it straightened up, moved its shoulders as if stretching, and unfolded its leathery wings, flapping them a few times as if preparing to take off. The movement kicked up the dust that had already settled in the air.

"Damn..." he murmured as if something hurt. "How long was I stuck in that rock?"

I remained silent. Even if I wanted to answer, I couldn't. Only a painful gasp escaped my chest. I tried to move, but my body responded with another flash of pain.

"You were more talkative a few minutes ago. What's the matter, little girl? Did Belial scare you half to death?"

Belial... The name sounded familiar. I think it was the name of one of the demon kings. It was so hard to concentrate through the pain... Just a little more and I might lose consciousness. Or is this what dying feels like - agonizing pain followed by darkness?

"Oh no!" Some force lifted me off the ground, and I hung at the demon's eye level. "You're not planning on dying already, are you? Don't even think about it, sweetie, the fun's just beginning. What did your sister say? 'It's rude to leave your own party first,' right?"

He looked around the room as if searching for something.

"Oh, wonderful. Traditions don't change with time, do they?" The demon pulled me back to the altar. "Tradition is the heart of a people, my dear. They must be honored, for each clan is bound by an idea."

"Didn't your father teach you not to play with your food?" a gruff male voice shouted from somewhere to the right.

The newcomer made Belial stop his torment just as he reached the first row of benches. He turned his head to face the guest. Sitting on one of the benches, one leg crossed over the other, was a man. Pain and lack of air from my broken ribs made my vision swim with colorful spots, so I could barely make out the stranger's face. Judging by his voice, he was older than the demon from the stone. And he was definitely of the same kind, for as soon as he looked in our direction, his eyes glowed crimson.

"Ah, brother. I was wondering where you were. Come to lecture me?" My tormentor seemed pleased to see the newcomer.

"Actually, I missed you, but call it what you will." The so-called brother watched us, leaning back on the pew. "I gave you a few hours to assess your condition after your release, but I see you've already found some entertainment."

"Wise of you. Now, do you think I'm not completely out of my mind?" With a single wave of his hand, Belial sent everything on the altar, including the Bible the preacher had left there, flying to the floor. He stepped closer, threw me into the now empty room, placed a sword beside me as a warning, and looked back at his "brother.