Alice in Demonland

15. The Pool of Terrors

I was falling... or floating... or both. It felt like both, especially since I wasn't picking up speed. My descent meandered through the thick mist that smelled of deep earth and decaying worms and when I finally landed it was like landing on soft pillows.

By the time I stood upright the mist dissipated giving me a clear view of my surroundings, which consisted of very little. Ruddy rocks that looked like giant anthills protruded from the ground and sides of the chasm. In the center of the room stood a compilation of black pillars shaped into an oversized throne. It was shiny yet crude and dark. Jagged edges pierced the air, its points glistened in the non-light. Sitting on the throne was a being, elegant and cold. He radiated evil. It rolled off him in droves. In a strange way he was beautiful. A beautiful monster, my mind said. And it was true. He looked more or less like a man with dark hair and skin so white it could've been snow. He reminded me of a demon who'd taken on human form. Dressed head to toe in red, he stood out against the dark rock. Worst of all were his eyes. The way he studied me, inquisitive, his blue eyes exactly the same color as mine.

The white rabbit hopped into my line of sight and approached the man. "See, my liege. I did as you asked and brought her." He bowed slightly. The rabbit looked ridiculous in a charming way. His vest nearly matched the color of his fur, except his collar, which was red like the monster's suit.

The being turned his gaze onto the rabbit. "You did very well, Bleach. Thank you. You may go." He dismissed the rabbit with the wave of his hand. I couldn't help but notice his fingers. They appeared to be mostly bone and very little flesh.

Bleach wriggled his nose, causing his whiskers to bounce around. "Good. Good." He took his watch from his pocket and checked the time before glancing at me. "Very good." The rabbit hopped away, disappearing behind the throne.

"Now it's just you and me, Alice." The pretend man grinned, his lips shaping a smile with oily clarity.

"Who are you? How do you know me?" Something told me I didn't want to know the answers to my questions. Even as I had the thought, my body lost its strength and I crumpled to the ground. It happened in an instant and I had no control, like a puppet without strings. "I don't want to be here." The words came out softly.

"Oh, but you do." The ground came up around me, bending me into a sitting position facing the man. "You see, Alice Blackburn, I have your answers." He steepled his fingers in front of his face and waited.

"No." That was all I could utter because speaking proved difficult. I'd lost nearly all power over my body. Fear is an emotion, one that is all in the mind. But it's a weakness that can strangle a person physically and I was feeling the effects. It was so strong all I could think was that I wished I'd never been born.

"Don't play coy. I sense you've already guessed the answer—at least to a degree." One side of his thin, red lips lifted.

I closed my eyes and wished I could cover my ears, desperate to disappear. "Who are you?" I finally struggled out.

"A decent first question, but I must admit I'm a little disappointed."

I cracked open one eye and saw he'd left his perch on the throne and stood in front of me. Had I the faculties I would've screamed. As it was I pushed against the chair that held me fast.

"Still, I'll answer. My name is Deckland Friche." He smiled, his putrid breath burning my nose. "Better known as the Devil. I am the ruler over all demons." As he spoke the ruddy chasm around us vanished and was replaced by millions upon millions of demons, their bodies twisted and hairy, an evil kaleidoscope of claws and teeth. An incomprehensible force of pain washed over me. Like an ocean wave, it struck my body. My mind wanted to explode at the idea that I stood in front of the Devil himself—the most powerful demon known to exist. But I couldn't get further than that. My mind seemed to be shutting down.