How To Make A Demon

Gift

The journey back was not as treacherous as it had been to get up. I found that I was much steadier on my feet when I was going downhill, and the pressure of the setting sun spurred me on too. I really didn't want to be wondering through the forest in the dark.

Alastor of course was speedy and light on his feet. I felt bad, he must have been frustrated with my slow pace, even though he would never say anything.

But we made it back to the car just as the sun was disappearing and the moon rising. Dusk was settling in and crickets chirped all around us as the day drew to a close. I shivered as the evening chill started to hit me and rolled the sleeves of my cardigan down. Alastor noticed my discomfort as he held the car door open.

"Here," he mumbled, rummaging through his satchel again. He took the blanket back out and wrapped it tightly around my shoulders.

"Is there anything you're not prepared for?" I asked through chattery teeth as I sat down in the car.

He grinned and kissed me on the forehead before closing the passenger door and walking across to the driver side. He jumped in and started the engine, much quicker and easier than he had this morning. I wondered if he secretly wanted to keep the car.

However, he still drove like a maniac, cutting corners and going far too quickly. It was unnerving, travelling at such a speed with the icy wind whipping through my hair, but oddly freeing in a way. He definitely enjoyed driving, his huge smile made that evident. I could see him getting his own car in the near future. Then he could take me back to the meadow, I thought with a thrill.

I let off a huge yawn as we got closer to home, the long day finally catching up to me. I'd never hiked before, but as hard as it was, it was certainly rewarding when you reached the destination. We would definitely have to do that again. And everything we did at the top too... I blushed as my mind replayed every glorious detail.

"Home, sweet home," Alastor announced as we pulled up outside my house. He turned the engine off and turned to face me. I giggled at his windswept hair.

"Thank you for today, it was so lovely." I told him. "Everything was perfect."

"I'm so glad you enjoyed it." He flashed me a grin. "There's still one more thing, though."

"What is it?" I frowned. Surely he hadn't planned anything else.

"Your present, remember?" He smirked, reaching into his pocket.

"Oh!" I whined. "Alastor, I don't need anything. You did so much already."

But he ignored my complaints and pulled out a small, black box. My heart stopped as he placed it into my hand. I stared at the little velvet square with wide eyes, wondering what kind of promise was inside.

"Open it," he whispered.

I gulped as I prised the lid open, carefully prising it upwards. Something twinkled back at me, a shimmering teardrop diamond, glistening in the moonlight.

"What is this," I breathed, gently stroking the cool surface of the stone. I then saw that it was attached to a delicate silver chain. Not a ring, as I had initially thought, but a necklace. Was it silly that I felt a little disappointed?

"Just a token. Something to remind you of me." He said thoughtfully.

"As if I need reminding." I muttered, my eyes still glued to the glistening rock.

He chuckled. "Would you like to try it on?" He asked nervously.

"Of course," I breathed, meeting his gaze. He looked wary, worried that I didn't like the gift.

"Here." He took the box from me and carefully pulled the dainty necklace out. I held my hair up and out of the way as he fastened the chain around my neck. The cold diamond nestled against my throat.

"Beautiful." He sighed once it was in place, his eyes fixated on the stone.

"It's lovely. Thank you," I whispered, but my voice held concern in it. "You shouldn't have spent so much on me."

He smiled, almost sadly, looking up to meet my eye. "It's a hand me down. Don't worry, I didn't spend a dime."

"A hand me down?" I queried, looking down to the diamond on my chest.

"My mother's. And her mother's before that." He told me gently.

"You've given me a priceless family heirloom?" I hissed. "Alastor! It's yours."

"It's mine to do with as I please. Besides, I have plenty more where that came from. And I intend to make you my family one day, anyway." He grinned.

That shut me up.

"It suits you," he added after a moment.

I sighed. "I'm touched. Thank you, for the gift and for today. It's been wonderful."

"It's my pleasure." He smiled. "I've had the best day too."

"Won't you come in?" I asked hopefully. The day didn't have to end yet.

He shook his head. "Not tonight, love. I have to get this back to its owner." He patted the cars dashboard.

"I shall see you in the morning then." I told him, trying not to let too much disappointment in my voice.

"Ah. I am working a double shift tomorrow." He sighed. "That's how I got today off."

I frowned, feeling guilty. "Another sacrifice you've made for me."

"Oh, it was worth it." He waved his hand dismissively. "You're performing at the club tomorrow night? I'll meet you there."

"I am. I'll miss you during the day, though." I moaned, the idea of a whole day without him making me feel glum.

"I'll find you in the evening, I promise." He grinned, chuckling at my despair.

"You'd better," I growled. I started leaning towards him.

I kissed him hungrily, my lips claiming his. He accepted enthusiastically and his hand reached up to cup my cheek and then fall into my hair. As always, the kiss was over far too soon.

"Goodnight, cherie." He whispered, stroking my hair.

"Goodnight," I replied breathlessly. I reluctantly popped the car door open and climbed out before closing it behind me. But, before he could speed off, I leaned back over the door and planted my lips on his one more time. I felt him smile against my mouth.

"See you tomorrow," I murmured as seductively as could when I pulled away. Without waiting for a response, I trotted up the front path toward my house.

As soon as I was on the other side of the door, I heard the shriek of the engine as he drove away.