New Enemy or Old Lover (Final book in the "Love or Lust" trilogy)

Chapter 19:

Hot. Extremely hot.

That's what I felt right now. I hadn't opened my eyes in I don't know how long, but I could feel the heat radiating off of something onto my skin. It felt as if I was actually burning; as if I was sitting above molting hot lava.

I could feel my face and body were pressed against something warm and crusty. It was something rocky, and dust. It felt like a floor, but it wasn't. It felt as if it was outside, but there was no grass tickling my skin.

A small groan escaped my chapped lips. My arms, weak at my sides, moved slightly, pushing me up just a bit. Hot dust brushed off my face as I sat myself up, rubbing my temples as I opened my eyes slightly. Taking in the view, my mouth dropped.

We were in Hell.

I spun my head around, looking over the large red valleys of fire and lava that splashed up through the cracks. To my right I found a crippled Andy. His knees were bent in the same direction, and his legs were slightly spread apart. I knelt down, looking over him worriedly. The arrow laid itself cracked in half beside him; it had probably broken after the fall. His eyes were shut tightly, and his body was still, only his chest rising and falling.

I swallowed hard and turned to my other side. My stomach caught in my throat as I held my breath, covering my mouth. Tears stung my eyes as I saw him; as I saw it.. There Behemoth lie, his body covered in his dark fur. His paws were out stretched, and I saw his long tongue hang from his snout.

"Oh Behemoth.." I said softly.

His ears twitched at the sound of my voice, and I saw his large dark eyes open up slowly. Behemoth let out a snort, followed by a low yawn as he stretched his mouth out. His paws reached out as well, sliding on the dusty ground as he shook the sleep from his eyes.

Behemoth looked up at me, and it was all in his eyes. His eyes were laced with a hint of confusion, but soon was washed away with worry. He turned his large head all around. His eyes studied over his new body, and that's when he whined nervously.

He stood himself up on all fours, his legs trembling. Behemoth looked back up at me, and both of our eyes held sorrow. I felt so bad. He was back to his real form, and he wasn't happy about it. Behemoth let out a small cry as he laid himself back down, letting his head fall to the side. He looked defeated; he couldn't run away from what he wanted to.

"Behemoth.." I whispered softly.

He replied with a whine.

I snapped my head to the side as I heard a soft groan. I watched as Andy slowly turned his body, his eyes still shut. I rushed to his side, running my hands over his body as I saw his pale eyelids open slowly. He hissed angrily, shutting his eyes tightly before opening once more, adjusting to the bright light. Andy blinked a few times before sitting up.

"What the.. Where..." He mumbled groggily, rubbing his eyes. He took a deep breath in, cracking his back slowly.

"Babe, it's me," I said softly.

Andy's eyes looked into mine, and it brought a smile to his beautiful face. I smiled as well, kissing his nose gently as he spoke, "We're in Hell aren't we?"

I nodded silently, "Mhm."

Andy replied with an eye roll and a snort of disgust before pulling himself up. He extended a hand to me. Gracefully, I took it and was launched up with surprise before gaining my balance once more.

"So, where's Behemoth?" Andy asked, brushing the dust off of his jacket. I opened my mouth to reply but was too late as I watched his gaze lay on Behemoth. He studied him closely, looking at the beast that was once human. Behemoths eyes were full of sorrow and pain, and for once I saw that in Andy's. I've seen pain and sorrow in them for me, but never for Behemoth.