Sympathy for the Devil

34

"You can flip back to see any moment in time as if your very life has had cameras to record it. The Gods keep records and tabs on everyone. I only have kept records and tabs on you since I found out you existed."

"You didn't always know I existed? I thought Gods were supposed to be all knowing." I murmured.

He shook his head as a crease formed in his arched brow. "It's a misconception. I only learned that I had a child recently. About two years now. I did learn a few more things, though." He held up a finger as he moved closer towards the screens.

Arawn touched a screen until it rippled and showed me with Killian the night before I was brought here. The volume was mute and controlled. My words didn't matter. My face already gave away how I felt towards Killian.

"You would do anything for those you love." He sighed as if that was the worst thing in the world. "You don't love me. You have zero attachments to this realm. Your thoughts are transparent even when you block them out from my view. You know," He stepped in front of me. Tall and pronounced. I straightened to make myself seem taller than I was. "It sounds like static. A light ringing sensation when you block your thoughts. That's all I've heard from you since you wanted me to believe you were swayed." He made a humph sound as he laid an arm heavily upon my shoulder.

I crossed my arms as I stepped back towards the exit. "Perhaps motivation is best for you." He threatened as Akira blocked off the only valid exit point.

Like a match to frictional force, my arm torched wildly.

"I may not be able to leave, but I have persuaded those to follow orders at the drop of a pin. You don't have to love me. You don't even have to respect me. Fear is a better persuader in your case."

He held out a necklace. Tacky and priceless silver with dazzling black orbs. "This here can persuade your heart. I would like you to keep your clarity, but this is always an option when it comes to control, my dear Ellie. There are other ways to seek your compliance."

"What do you want from me? Why go through the efforts to have a kid?" I kept my fear in check. My voice will not tremble. I will no longer break for his sadistic entertainment.

He really needs to invest in streaming services to be entertained like the rest of us. I'm sure binge watching one season of Severance will stop whatever war he's hoping for.

"Yes, I suppose there always is a why. In your case, though, there is a what." Akira handed Arawn the present box that he left pristinely wrapped in my room.

I backed farther into Akira as she warningly dug her claws into my back. Simmer down, kitty. I thought as she eased up when Arawn shot her a menacing look for touching me without his permission.

Arawn's mouth drooped sullenly. "Akira leave us be. My daughter will not be your meal ticket."

Akira turned on her heels. "I wonder what Li tastes like." She paused meticulously. Malicious fucking bitch.

I took a swing at her face as her lips snarled, revealing jagged canines.

"She never left, did she?!" I all but screamed as Arawn held me back with a steadfast grip. "Did she!" It was no longer a question. "You told me you keep your promises. Let her go." I choked out as he spun me around.

"I do intend to keep my promises. I will when you keep yours." Arawn unraveled the ribbon slowly as he pulled out the object inside. A tiny egg shaped orb. It looked like steel with black markings around it. Celtic runes.

"You're a liar." I gasped as he pulled me into his chest. The egg hummed blue the closer it got towards me.

Akira smiled smugly from the door. "Don't pout, Ellie. She abandoned you." She sneered. "When you had no one, she left you too."