A dozen swords circle my throat, mostly for intimidation. A dozen royal guards pace around me and my love, glaring at us as if we were sinners. If loving a Demon was a grave sin, I will gladly label myself as a Demoness. The title held more meaning than a puppet of the brutal Heavens!
"My red chrysanthemum, I have lived to see the sunrise a billion times. Yesterday night my only thought was that if I ever died, your face will be the last thing I see. I have closed my eyes as they dragged me through the dungeons and the Heavens." Now, his eyes were wide open to stare into mine.
I slowly gulped, feeling the tips of celestial swords press against my throat. What was the use of wielding righteousness and magic when innocent people are killed by it? I scoffed in their smug faces, pulling North Demon Lord closer to me. I sobbed at the sight of his ruined body.
"North, please stop talking. The more you speak, the more angered they become. I will find a way to save us both from these vile creatures." I clutch his hands and laughed out of agony. I know the Heavens will let us go if I offered an irresistible trade. "I will trade my life for his. Kill me and let him live!"
North Demon Lord should have perished when we kissed, but I have transferred a quarter of my life source to him. Although Demons cannot stand celestial magic, we are fated to be together. If he dies, I will also die even without being slain by God of Punishment. His life has been prolonged when he received my spirit.
"Why would we kill one of us? We are gathered here to eliminate the evil man in your arms, he is the sinner!" God of Punishment pushed the royal guards away from us so that he can stand before me. He placed his golden axe on a velvet chair, then he bent over to forcefully grab my chin.
"If you want me to do anything, I will do it! Ask Heavenly Emperor what he wants me to do for him. I'll even be a concubine in his harem, but let North Demon Lord go." I whack his hand out from under my chin. The stares I received did not make me rethink my words or actions. I wanted to kill them all.
"No, don't offer yourself to beasts to save me! I am happy dying after revealing my love for you. It would have been bliss if we had more time together as lovers, but I am satisfied." His dark violet hair tickled my collarbone like his breath sending shivers down my spine. He was at peace with his terrible end?
"I will not allow it!" I shake my head vigorously. There must be something the Heavens would want from me and I would take on any task to ensure my North's life. "Because I just found this love, I will not let go so easily. You must be by my side -even when I am incarnated in the mortal world."
"Goddess of Love," a voice bellowed from the blue vault above our heads. A man is seated atop the dragon flying above the execution platform. It is the Heavenly Emperor, the old geezer who signed the decree to kill North Demon Lord. The smirk on his face made immortals cheer.
I wanted nothing more than to slap the smirk clean off his face. Unfortunately, he is the face of the powerful Heavens despite him being weak compared to his subordinates. Like mortal kings, Heavenly Emperor is a puppet ruler. I grin because of my thoughts. Although I want to throttle the ancient man, I needed to act well so I can save North Demon Lord.
"It is unfortunate you have been seduced by a Demon, I was considering a union between my eldest son and you. It's a shame he's here." His gnarled hands raised above his head, gathering energy from the sun.
My eyes widen as I see his motives in his eyes. Just like the rest of the immortals, he believed the man in my arms must die. I close my eyes and tilted my head up to the sky, accepting our demise. "My North, let's leave this cold Universe together! May our short love thrive as theirs rot along with their hearts."
"No, you must live on without me." The Demon leaned over my shoulder and whispered in my ear. My eyes widened, but he put a wet hand to my mouth to keep me from gasping or speaking. "Remember that I will be with you even when my body becomes ashes. Meet me where we first met on Earth when the incense stick dies."
Louder, he spoke for all to hear. "You will forget me after a few decades. Marry a good man, have beautiful children and do not think about me anymore. You are a goddess, you can never be with me even if it is the Universe's will."
I shake my head and clung onto the purple-haired man, attempting to rip a piece of his clothing before he is pulled out of my arms. My throat constricted, threatening to close my airways. I let go of North Demon Lord after pocketing his jade pendent. I turned away to face the immortals cheering around the stage.
"You made the right decision, Love Goddess. If you had not moved, I would have blasted you to bits with him. See, this is why immortals and Demons do not fall in love." Heavenly Emperor cackled on his gigantic mount. "Your love is not real. After I kill him, you will be sent to the mortal realm to reflect on your deeds."
I ball my fists and vowed to rise when I fall. I have undergone five trials on Earth to become an immortal and High Goddess of four dominions. I can be demoted to Toilet Goddess, but I will not let my love for North die. "Fine, hurry and kill him! His vile blood is soaking my skirt!"
I felt my heart had been torn to pieces as I urge my enemies to kill my newfound love. I clutch my wretched chest, doubling over to throw up blood. My mind went blank and my body froze when I can no longer feel North Demon Lord's presence beside me. Instead, a raging fire licked my ankles. I raised my hand to touch my mouth, smearing my love's blood on them for colour.
Wicked immortals prance around, praising Heavenly Emperor whilst mocking the Demon whose body had been gobbled by flames. They continued to speak ill of him even after he is reduced to soot and ash. How foul this lot is! To think these bloodthirsty mongrels held the most power in this Universe!
I look up to see Heavenly Emperor had left his seat on his dragon and immortals started to leave the area, whispering among each other. I turn around to see God of Punishment wiping his already clean blade, he looked disappointed. "Are you sad you didn't get the chance to kill him? Do you drink blood for wine?"
"No, only Demons drink blood!" The poor, brainwashed soul spat into the fire before lumbering away. He throws a wave over his shoulder. "You should prepare to be thrown into the human realm. Forget about this Demon."
I watched the muscled man step off the platform. I sat in the lotus position, staring into the dying fire with an empty heart. Sitting on this bloody stage, I felt alone. I was truly alone during Demon Lord of the North's execution. I rubbed my hands together, wrinkling my nose as dried blood fell as flakes. My clothes are always red, but I can clearly see his blood.
I cannot see his body, yet I can see his blood. I had pretended to hate him when he died and now, my heart ached. I have failed him thinking we were meant to be good friends for such a long time. I had a feeling he cared for me as more than a friend, but I have also felt more.
He should be alive after gaining my life source! If it wasn't for Heavenly Emperor, he would be alive! His ashes were swept away by a gentle breeze, finally leaving me.
I was in shock, but I also felt peaceful. My heart ached for my lost love yet a part of me knew that we will meet again. We will meet where we first met when the incense sticks die.
Love is a powerful force that allows fated lovers to find each other. Even after death and as the Goddess of Love, I will find my North when I have fallen.