Karin: The Demon Sleeping Within

Chapter 9: The Moment

In a place far from here, there was a kingdom in the center of Astrea, a slice of Hell. This castle, that seemed to extend to no end, was lightly plastered blue, in contrast to the purple-red sky.

Though beautiful with flowers and vines wrapped around the pedestals, the castle was haunting. It was hauntingly beautiful with the way the fog from a distance would slowly creep above the nearby lake, which was also more purple than the water was blue. Only the kingdom had the seemingly liveliness, becoming one with nature itself. Whereas, past the kingdom and across the lake, there was nothing. Only dead things. Corrupted humans. Sad weeping souls.

For only at the kingdom was there any happiness- any ounce of hope.

In that kingdom, there of course was a queen. She worked hard to fight for her cause and would do all things necessary in order to achieve it.

Everyone respected her. Maybe. It was hard to tell if that so called respect was earned or due to the fear she had caused in them to feel anything else. But, nevertheless, all of the devils were loyal to her... including Satania.

Satania... The devil of the devils, cousin to Lucifer, second in charge of the gates of Hell.

She always had that aura around her... the one that seems to draw you close and make you want to... want to get to know her.

She had wanted to get to know her...

So much has changed.

Queen Keres was dead... somewhat.

No, there were no daggers to the heart; no poisons involved.

It was a different kind of dead, though...

How could I have known..?

***

"Come with me," she spoke, her smooth voice resonating through my ears.

She reached for my hand. Staring at her hand for a moment, I then took it. Instantly, I felt her warmth being transmitted through my hand, reaching every inch of my body.

As we walked away from what was supposed to be my death, I allowed Satania to lead me towards the forest.

Staring at the dirt ground we were walking on, I smiled to myself.

Satania really does care... about me.

The thought alone had both frightened and excited me. I found the second emotion to be more prominent. Though the thought of being saved by a devil was overwhelming, she was my savior. She wouldn't harm me. She proved that when she had saved me.

When she suddenly stopped in her tracks, I lifted my head and looked at where we were.

Of course. Of course she would bring us here.

"This is where it began."

"Hmm?"

Satania turned around, locking her glistening golden eyes with mine. By now, the sun was setting, the rays of the sun casting a nice light on half of Satania's face, leaving the other half in darkness.

"This is where we first met." Is it just my imagination, or is she smiling? Satania is smiling?!

I then glanced at our hands that were still locked together. I decided to deepen the touch, intertwining my fingers with hers. She didn't seem to reject me doing so.

"Oh how cute... you delusional love birds. Get a room. You're making me sick!"

Of course, the voice had wanted to chime in. Although, after earlier, it was established that this voice was more than just thoughts that I might have subconsciously. It seemed to have its mind on its own, and for a moment, it had control over my body. For a brief moment, I was powerless to that voice.