Deal with the Devil - Fear the devils series book 1

Chapter 54

How was it possible? Celine's mind raced, each thought more frantic than the last. Her breathing became rapid, eyes alert as the burden of reality pressed heavily on her. She took a step back, her thoughts swirling.

"Excuse me, are you okay?" The voice was remote, akin to a murmur amid a tempest. However, she did not reply. Instead, she pivoted sharply, her legs launching into action as if her very existence relied on it.

She sprinted–faster than she thought possible. The frigid air bit at her throat. Snowflakes danced around her, softly settling on her face, yet she sensed none of it. Her body cried out for rest, yet she persevered, her determination driving her through the frigid air. At last, her legs wavered, and she fell onto the icy earth.

She raised her gaze, and a sense of relief washed over her. Residence.

The residence shone with festive joy, the yard decorated with twinkling lights and ornaments. It appeared unspoiled by the reality she had just fled. After what seemed like an eternity, a real smile graced her lips.

Once she regained her breath, Celine stood up unsteadily and made her way to the front door. Her legs shook, but it wasn't the chill that disturbed her–it was the expectation. Thoughts raced through her mind: Had they seen that she was missing? Were they able to sense that something was off? Her hand lingered above the doorbell as she faltered, her instincts prompting her to retreat. She looked back over her shoulder. The world stood still, with snow gently drifting around her.

Nobody tracked me...right?

Resolved, she faced the door again and pressed the bell.

The delay was unbearable. She rang again, her anxiety eating away at her determination. Footsteps drew near, and the door slowly opened. Celine's breath caught as her gaze fell upon the figure she hadn't seen in so long she barely remembered their face.

"Mom."

Her voice wavered, filled with deep emotion. Before her mother had a chance to answer, Celine leaped into her embrace. The heat of the hug shattered the barrier she was unaware was keeping her intact.

"Celine, what are you doing outside?Aren't you supposed to be in your room? And what are you wearing?" Celine's mother spoke with a tone of doubt, yet Celine couldn't find the words to reply. She held onto her mother tightly, fearing that releasing her grip would cause her to vanish.

Her mother's bewilderment increased. "Oh, my, what makes you cry?"

Celine was not even aware that she was. Her cheeks felt icy and damp to the touch.

"Come inside before you catch a cold, dear," her mother remarked, moving aside to let her enter.

Inside, the house seemed otherworldly, as if it had been taken straight from a dream. The comforting warmth and glow enveloped her like a soothing blanket.

"Where is Dad?" Celine inquired, her voice hardly rising above a whisper.

"Sleeping, just as you should be," her mother responded, already making her way up the stairs.

Celine remained in the doorway, letting the comfort ease her tense nerves. I'm back home, she reflected, her lips moving without sound. She took off her costly jacket and shoes, sensing the significance of the moment settling in.

On the upper floor, she stopped in front of her brother's room. Her heart expanded. Joshua. She swung the door wide with no hesitation.

The room was dark, but the faint glow from the hallway revealed his sleeping form. A burst of unrestrained joy overtook her, and she leapt onto him with a high-pitched shriek.