Shadows of Helvete

Chapter 22

Euronymous paced around Helvete, his head a mess of thoughts, nerves, and a lingering headache from the night before. He hadn't planned on drinking as much as he did at the party, but lately, that seemed to be his answer to everything. Tonight was supposed to be different, though. He'd left the party early, hoping to clear his head and set things right with Emilie after days of icy silence between them.

Their relationship had hit a breaking point. The tension between them had been building for weeks, ever since Varg's reckless behaviour put everyone on edge, making Helvete feel like a prison instead of the empire Euronymous had worked so hard to create. The police were everywhere now, their eyes on anyone connected to the black metal scene, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was always being watched. The weight of it all had become too much, and his paranoia was bleeding into every part of his life, especially his relationship with Emilie.

He'd thought he could handle it all, but the arguments with Emilie had become a daily occurrence, each fight uglier than the last. They had spent the past few days barely speaking, each of them retreating into their own world of hurt and frustration. And tonight, as he walked through the dimly lit shop, he realized he missed her terribly.

With a sigh, he ran his fingers over the small velvet box in his pocket. Inside were the keys to a flat he'd bought just a few streets away. He could still hear the real estate agent's questions about his choice, asking why he wanted such a dark, secluded place. But he knew it was exactly what he and Emilie needed—a refuge from Helvete, from the Black Circle, from everything.

He'd thought that maybe if they could just have their own space, away from the constant pressures of the scene, they might find their way back to each other. He could picture it already—just him and Emilie, away from the chaos.

As he waited, he could hear the muffled sounds of the party still raging on, echoes carrying through the empty streets. Emilie hadn't been thrilled when he left without her, but he hoped that tonight's surprise would make up for everything. He hadn't told her about the flat yet, wanting to make it a grand gesture, a fresh start. But it was nearly midnight, and Emilie was still nowhere to be found.

Just as he started wondering if she would even come back tonight, he heard the door open. Relief washed over him, but it was short-lived as he turned to see Ann-Marit stepping into Helvete, a sly smile on her face.

"Euronymous," she purred, walking toward him with a swagger that set him on edge. "I was just passing and I couldn't help but notice that you were all alone."

Euronymous forced a smile, nodding politely but taking a small step back. "Just needed a break. You know how it is," he muttered, hoping she would take the hint.

Ann-Marit only smiled wider, closing the distance between them. "I get it, you needed some time to yourself," she teased, her voice dropping to a whisper. " All the people, the noise, girlfirend..." Her hand rested on his arm, lingering far longer than necessary.

He shifted uncomfortably, glancing toward the door. "Ann-Marit, it's late. Maybe you should get going. I'm... I'm waiting for someone."

"Waiting for Emilie, I assume?" she asked, a sly edge to her tone. "Come on, Euronymous. You can do better than that." She leaned in closer, her hand traveling to his chest as she pressed herself against him. He tried to take a step back, but she closed the gap, her gaze never leaving his. "Haven't you ever wondered what it would be like?"

"Ann-Marit, stop," he muttered, trying to shake her off. "I'm not interested."

She tilted her head, lips curving into a pout as she looked up at him. "Are you sure?" she whispered, leaning forward, her lips brushing his. "No one has to know. You could use a little distraction."

He was still drunk enough for his head to feel foggy, but even through the haze, he knew he didn't want this. He raised his hands to push her back, but before he could say another word, the door creaked open, and Emilie stepped inside.

For a moment, there was only silence. Emilie's eyes went wide as she took in the sight of Ann-Marit pressed against him, her hand on his chest, her lips still hovering close to his. Ann-Marit glanced back, feigning innocence, while Euronymous froze, feeling a surge of panic that was unlike anything he'd ever felt.

"Em—wait, this isn't what it looks like," he stammered, his voice thick with desperation. But the hurt in her eyes told him she didn't believe him.

Without a word, Emilie turned and walked away, her footsteps echoing down the hall. Euronymous wrenched himself free from Ann-Marit, who looked after him with a satisfied smirk as he ran after Emilie, calling out her name.

"Please—listen to me!" He pounded on her door, his heart racing as he heard the sound of things being thrown around, her hurried movements as she packed her bag.

"Leave me the fuck alone!" she shouted, her voice shaking. "I'm done!"

"Please, Emilie, it's not what you think," he begged, his hand resting against the door as though he could somehow reach her through it. "Nothing happened, I didn't do anything!"

The silence on the other side was deafening. He could hear her moving around, her breaths quick and angry, and he knew there was nothing he could say to make her believe him. After everything they'd been through, he couldn't blame her for not trusting him. But the thought of losing her now, when he'd finally found something he wanted to hold on to, was more than he could bear.

"Emilie, please," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I bought a flat... a place for us, away from here. I was going to tell you tonight. It was supposed to be a surprise." He waited, hoping for a response, but there was only silence.

Finally, the door creaked open just an inch, and he saw her face, pale and tear-streaked, as she looked up at him. "You think that changes anything?" she whispered, her voice cold and hollow. "I'm tired, Øystein. Tired of the lies, the paranoia... tired of watching you destroy yourself and everyone around you."

Her words struck him like a physical blow, and he reached out, trying to touch her, but she pulled back, her eyes hardening.

"I'm leaving, I can't do this anymore, it's too much for me. I'm sorry," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.

"Emilie, please—you don't understand," he said, desperation clawing at his throat. "I need you."

But she shook her head, her expression unreadable as she took a step back, slipping out of his reach. "Goodbye, Euronymous."

And before he could stop her, she left Helvete, disappearing into the night, leaving him alone in the darkened room.