Dark Path to Heaven [Demon Romance]

Chapter 41

Chapter Music: "Snowmen of Darkthorn Town" by Derek Fiechter

It was true. Going back to Astaroth could mean suicide. That woman seemed to know exactly what was going on in my head, after all. I had the right to choose my own death just as many other people; so why had it been taken away from me?

I heard her voice again: "I'll prepare your body for teleportation. Please resist any negative thoughts."

Little by little, I found myself gasping for air. My chest tightened and I welcomed the energy loss. If it was to take me back to him, I would be grateful for it.

I weakly addressed the mysterious woman: "Thank you." Thank you for giving me a little more time.

I didn't know her but I decided to trust her suggestion. Nothing bad could happen by trying not to pass out. Thankfully, I was already prepared for such a case. Remembering my recent training, I closed my eyes and concentrated on happy thoughts. Neither memories nor obscure situations. Damn, it's hard to do so at the moment. But I couldn't give up without at least trying.

Let's see: Hot chocolate, Christmas, health, my intelligence. Shoot, I can't come up with more right now. Let's just enrich the current examples.

Still curled on the floor, eyes closed, I tried to delve into my heart, seeking for happiness. And as soon as I was out of flavors to add to my chocolate, I felt a light, yet chilly, breeze against my skin and, of course, an entirely different sensation coming from the floor I was now lying on.

My eyes burst open and I slowly examined my close surroundings. Leaves, huge trunks and a familiar dark aura all around me. The only thing covering my nudity was that black necklace, Astaroth's gift for me.

I shuffled uncomfortably to break contact between my private area and the dark soil and weakly raised my head to look further. I had certainly changed worlds again.

But instead of the vast forest, something I wasn't quite expecting captured my gaze.

A... demon?

Oh my god, this isn't him, is it?! The silver-haired man was face down on the forest floor and looked as if he was dead. From behind he looked exactly like him so I pushed any fears to the back of my head and dragged myself towards him. I only hoped he would be in a better state than me. Please let it be him! And let him be alright!

For a split second, I stopped dead in my tracks. If Astaroth was alive, what would I do next? That would be my best chance to escape and stop putting his life in danger.

But if that was how he would end up if I left, what was the point? He would end up hurt in any case. Besides, if I stayed with him, there was still a chance for a miracle to happen. That was illogical of me but it was not like I had a better choice. Why not do both of us a favor and spend some more time together?

I renewed my resolve.

With my heart pounding wildly, I slowly approached the lying demon and kept myself from startling him – that is, if he was alive. Oh, what would I do if he wasn't?!

I reached for his long hair and carefully moved it away from his face.

For a moment, I thought my heart had stopped. Astaroth, Astaroth! I'm so happy to see you again!

I caressed his cheek and timidly called his name, countless dreadful scenarios passing through my mind.

He doesn't respond! Goodness, he doesn't respond! Why?! What happened to him?!