Not What It Seems
Chapter 28

The night wore on. Zeriah slept next to me, her head leaning on my shoulder. Glancing down at her, I reached over and pulled the blanket up to cover her shoulder, so she would stay warmer. Her peaceful expression brought a smile to my lips and my eyes turned towards the sky. The magic that flowed through the air here enhanced the stars at night. Though they were a spectacle all on their own, the magic brought more hues of color to the sky and painted a picture that only nature could.

While I watched the sky, the weight on my shoulder lifted. I looked towards Zeriah and saw she had stood up and began to walk. She had never slept walked before, and so I began to worry again.

“Firefly?” I asked as I stood up and followed her.

“Tell me, Vudu.” Her voice didn’t sound right. “Why does it take so long to bring this pure soul to me?”

Zeriah turned around, and I could tell it wasn’t her in control. Xegon, the Devil I followed, had taken control of her body, though it would only be temporary. He still didn’t have enough power to even hold possession that long. I couldn’t let him know my plans, and I had to protect my Firefly from him. Thinking quickly on my feet, I bent down to a knee and bowed before the Devil.

“My Lord!” I responded in kind. “I did not expect your visitation.”

A snort of disgust came from him. “I had to be sure that what Ripper told me was true. Once I felt your presence outside my realm, I made sure to come and see for myself. I can confirm that this girl is the pure soul we have been seeking.”

“I am glad you can confirm that, my Lord.” I replied.

He suddenly turned in Zeriah’s body. His eyes met mine, and I saw nothing but an abyss of darkness where usually her color changing eyes were. He glared at me, and my head bowed once again to avoid his gaze. Every demon feared Xegon, because he could remove us from existence with just a motion of his hand.

“Ripper’s report concerned me, Vudu.” He continued. “He said something about you being sympathetic to this mortal. Why did you not bring her to me sooner?”

“My Lord,” I began to explain the best I could while hiding my true motive. “This pure soul was stubborn and would not leave her hometown with me. I had to gain her trust. I was close to having her ready to leave with me until Ripper interfered. I wanted to bring her without the poison. He chose the faster route.”

He sneered down at me. “He also said that you set a false trail for him to follow.”

I allowed my eyes to roll. “This was my glory. I did not want my brother to steal that glory for himself. He brough you your last pure soul, I wanted to be the one to bring this one to you. And I can tell you, my Lord, she will be a succulent treat.”

He stared down at me for a while before a laugh escaped his lungs. “You are truly a demon to not to be reckoned with, I am proud of your achievement. It does not surprise me that Ripper tried to steal your glory. He is a very proud demon.”

“I had to remain sympathetic to the mortal and her friends to keep up appearances.” I further lied. “Building a false friendship with her to be comfortable with me.”

“That stubborn.” Xegon seemed impressed. “Well, I am glad that you have fulfilled your purpose. I expect her in my realm tomorrow. Understood?”

“Of course, my Lord.” I answered.

“Good.” He gave a crooked grin through Zeriah’s lips and turned to look at the sky. “You are a competent demon, Vudu. Being able to do what you did, is monstrous.”

I remained silent at the compliment. I didn’t want to be a monster.

He turned and looked at me for my silence. “Vudu.”

“Yes, my Lord.” I felt a heavy weight on me, and my knee felt as if it was digging into the ground.

Walking over to me, Zeriah’s hand reached out and grabbed my chin harshly, forcing me to look her in the eyes. But they weren’t her eyes, they were Xegon’s. Her actions were not her. She wouldn’t know this happened. But seeing her face, her hair, her body, everything about her speak like him, and act like him, it felt even worse than when I first saw her reaction to being blinded.

“You have always been a monster.” He spat at me. “You will always be a monster. Do not forget that. You are a demon, and when you are a demon, you are a monster.”

I looked directly into his black void like eyes. “I know.”

He smirked once again and closed his eyes. My Firefly slumped to the side and I reached out and caught her. She fell against my chest, and her breathing evened as she slept. Letting out a breath, I was glad that confrontation was over. I hoped that Xegon believed me.

My eyes went back down to my Firefly. She moved closer into me, but still slept. Lifting her in my arms, I went closer to the fire and settled once more next to the warmth. I pulled the blanket back over her and let her continue to sleep. It was a long night, and Xegon’s words would remain in my head for a while. But one thing was for certain.

Glaring in the direction of Diab, I responded. “I am no longer your monster to command.”

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