Sold My Soul *editing*

Eight - Hell, Sweet Hell

Lucifer held my hand as we walked through the streets of San Francisco, towards the portal. I could sense that we were getting close, because the demonic void that was once my soul had filled with nervous anticipation. I was going home.

As I walked through a woman and briefly felt the pain of her recent divorce, I heard my name being called.

"Ivy!" the voice called, again. It was oddly familiar.

I turned to see an out of breath Westley jogging up behind me. Memories filled my mind, of him kissing me, of the note I left for him. I let go of Lucifer's hand as I turned to face Westley full front. I heard Lucifer growl behind me as he noticed why I had stopped walking.

"Westley," I breathed.

"Ivy, where are you going?" Westley questioned me.

I opened my mouth to reply but Lucifer cut in. "With me, mortal, to fulfill her blood vow. So stand aside."

I lowered my eyes, too ashamed to meet Westley's betrayed gaze. Lucifer grabbed me by the arm and started pulling me again, much faster than before. I followed mindlessly, trying to ignore the pang in my chest at the sight of Westley's quickly fading form.

"That's one soul I won't be taking anytime soon," Lucifer muttered to himself. I closed my eyes, breathing deeply in a selfish attempt to rid myself of the pain in my chest. It didn't work. When I opened my eyes, Westley was still gone and Lucifer was still gripping me tightly.

I didn't even need to look to know we had reached the portal. I felt its darkness, allowed the absolute pleasure of its aura to run through my body. My nerves tingled in joy. My body was betraying me in the worst way.

Before stepping in, Lucifer spun me around roughly to face him. He stared at my face, searching for something in my expression. When he didn't find what he wanted in my questioning gaze, he crushed his lips to mine, almost as if he was reassuring himself of whatever he hasn't found in me. The kiss was rough and lacked the sparks Westley and I had had. He stepped back, satisfied and, grabbing my waist, pushed me into the portal.

This was a short trip that I had made many times since my arrival in the Underworld. The initial whirlwind of the portal was dizzying, but I had grown used to it. I closed my eyes because it helped with the sensation. I stepped forward easily, without any trace of a stumble. I felt the whirlwind stop and opened my eyes to find myself in the familiar throne room of the Underworld. Around the room were the five pentagram-forming columns, in the center sat the raised iron chair, and in the chair sat Lucifer, looking grim.

"Look at me, my love," he spoke softly.

Stiffening at his nickname for me, I turned to stare him in the eye.

"We will hold the ceremony within a fortnight. It won't be long until you are my queen. Until then, you are to stay in my chambers and are not permitted to leave without my supervision or consent. Do you understand?" he commanded.

I nodded, suddenly feeling more trapped than I had in the past two hundred years.

"Very well. And Ivy... thank you," he added the last part very quietly.

I did not respond, merely turned on my heel and strode towards the hallway leading to his room. When I reached his large wooden door I flung it open and launched myself onto his large bed, unable to hold back the tears any longer.

"Westley," I whispered into the black silk sheets, "ohh, Westley, what have I done."

The sound of someone clearing their throat scared me into stopping my sobs. When I turned, I saw a butchered looking man in a butler's suit standing at attention. His head was bashed in from behind, revealing his brain, one eye dangled precariously from the socket, and his jaw hung open loosely.