Just Like Animals ≫ Blackheart

ØNE {pt. 2}

Part two, Chapter one

We walked a long ways to San Venganza; just short of three miles. Blackheart didn't seem to mind; I, on the other hand, minded very much, but decided not to say anything about it.

The town is completely deserted, and just as I imagined it to be, was run down. I immediately spot the church Blackheart had mentioned to me before; the whole side wall of it is destroyed and had no roof. The wooden front doors are semi-open and badly worn, with several chunks of it missing.

"This is it," Blackheart says, "Welcome to San Venganza."

Blackheart takes my hand into his as we walk down the aisle of the church. An altar stands at the end of the aisle, weather-beaten and chipped in various places, with a book of vows still resting open-faced on its surface. I walk ahead, pick it up, and read a few sentences aloud. The last one I read caught Blackheart's attention.

"'Till death do us part'? You don't have to die, Olivia. I can fix that easily, if you like," He says, cocking an eyebrow at me.

"How?"

"It's quite simple, really."

"What is required?"

Nearing me, Blackheart warns, "It's very painful." I narrow my eyes.

"Well, what is it?"

"I'm sure you know by now that the touch of a demon on human skin is like fire?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"A demon's kiss is much worse, sadly. But with it, you would achieve immortality."

"So all you have to do is kiss me and I'll be immortal?" I ask, entertaining the idea in my head.

"To put it bluntly, yes. I will have you know that I will not be holding anything back, should you agree."

My heart skips a beat, and a moment passes where I do not breathe. I'm not sure how long I can stand him restraining himself.

"It's alright if you need time to decide; I will wait. But when the time comes that you are ready, let it be known that I do not intend to be gentle," Blackheart informs me, placing his hands behind his back. His tongue flicks out and slides across his lips briefly.

"I heard you the first three times," I mumble in response to his third warning against the absence of gentleness. The moments that follow are silent, and my mind wanders back to my brother, who is most likely living the quiet hometown dream with Roxanne. He must be happy. It must feel good to be truly happy. Am I happy? I'm not sure. I don't feel any different. Not yet, anyway; though that might change depending on whether or not I take Blackheart up on his offer.

Immortality: it can be mine, if only I'd kiss a demon.