Journee's POV
How I long for... My heart clutches my throat, stifling my breath. The air within this luxurious plane suffocates the very essence of my life, slowly prolonging my torment.
I yearn for... an escape. To spread my wings and soar away, perhaps even to return home... With a sigh, I shut my eyes, holding back the tears. The dreams of a blissful life with my soon-to-be husband have shattered, crushed by his recent behaviour. He embodies everything I despise in the male species, from his rudeness to his arrogant imposition of opinions upon others. I am a bird, meant to thrive and return when set free. Now, I am trapped, forced into a gilded cage fashioned by my father's hand.
Even the dark prince no longer visits my dreams, and yet, his presence would bring some solace. With him, my life could bearable, an escape at my fingertips, a life of partial happiness. That would be an acceptable compromise... alas... alas... alas... If wishes could come true and I remain trapped, then I wish Montgomery would maintain his current detachment and keep his distance, just as he does most of the time.
For the remainder of the journey, I occupied my mind with versions of the life I could have lived. The adventures Dorothy and I might have embarked upon. I pondered the struggles and politics we would have fought against, how we would have united to bring change for the betterment of our comrades, ultimately reshaping the world itself.
I have forever been a dreamer, a hopeless romantic. Yet now, all those aspirations remain mere echoes of the past.
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Ma'oz's POV
"How typically human, desiring what they cannot attain, instead of seizing it for themselves. Weak! Foolishly weak!"
Though born into a lineage of mighty demon kings, I had to ascend through blood and battle.. Each challenger for the throne had to be defeated in raw combat. It was a matter of kill or be killed. That's how I honed my strength and abilities, with every punch, cut, and fractured bone.
Yes, demons possess physicality too. Most humans find it absurd, assuming our protective barrier renders us invincible. We bleed like humans, we break like them, yet our constitution is far sturdier. We heal swiftly, possess greater strength, and each bear a unique power that defines our essence.
I, Ma'oz, son of Zaltar, am the Master of Death... but now, I am bound to a feeble being.
I yearn for... an escape. To spread my wings and take flight. Perhaps even to return home... She continues. Alas... alas... alas... If wishes were to materialize, and I remain ensnared, then I wish Montgomery would remain detached, just as he is most of the time.
"Blast it!" My powers surge involuntarily. I have no choice but to grant her wish. She is my master.
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Journee's POV
It was past 8 pm when we arrived in Mykonos, greeted by a calm, cloudless day and a high crescent moon in the sky. In the stillness of the night, I spotted an elegant Alfa Romeo Giulia Q4 Veloce racing towards us. My jaw dropped. It was my dream car! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!!! Internally, I squealed like an overexcited fangirl, but I maintained a neutral and unaffected expression on my face.
A few minutes later, the door swung open, and a man emerged. "Monty! Mama!" He waved enthusiastically, flashing a broad smile that revealed coffee-stained teeth. There was a hint of haughtiness in his deep blue eyes as they met mine, as if he were assessing my worth. "...and you must be Journee. A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Lee."
"A pleasure, Mr. Lewis," I replied wearily. Though he appeared friendly, there was something about him that unsettled me. His slightly protruding lower lip resembled that of a hyena, as if it puckered at my greeting. Running a hand through his slicked-back black hair, it reminded me of a block of coal, ready to ignite with the slightest spark of friction.
Since our arrival, Montgomery had remained silent, hardly acknowledging his uncle. We all squeezed into the sedan, while Granny and her son engaged in animated conversation. I did my best to focus on the scenery, lest I be caught caressing the leather seats or marvelling at the smooth transitions of this engineering marvel. It was a platonic and intellectual admiration that could easily be misconstrued as something else entirely.
As we neared the family's estate, fog blanketed parts of the beach, creeping towards a distant mansion. Curious, I asked, "What is that?"
"That, my dear, is our home. Welcome to La Montagne," announced Granny's son.
"Isn't it marvellous, my dear? It's one of the most private properties in the St. Lazarus Peninsula. That's what I love most about it," Granny warmly exclaimed. I felt relieved that she welcomed me with open arms.
"Tell me, what comes to your mind when you look at La Montagne?"
"Well, Mr. Lewis..."
"Humphrey, please.
"Humphrey. My initial impression is that the mansion resembles a massive ship on land. It appears like a fortress from a distance," I truthfully answered.
"And how much do you think it cost?" Humphrey glanced back at me through the dashboard mirror, a challenge gleaming in his eyes, alongside a calculated coldness.
"It may not be the largest villa I've ever seen, but I can tell it's the most expensive in Greece," I tactfully replied.
"I like you! You have taste... mark my words, Monty. You've found an excellent wife. She might even take over some of that dreadful workload of yours, allowing you to relax and unwind a little," Humphrey proclaimed with pride.
"Uncle..." Montgomery spoke softly, but there was an underlying threat that hung in the air.
"Well, as I was saying... it cost $27,582 million, to be exact! And here we are."
As we pulled into the driveway, I noticed two women waiting at the entrance. The older, stouter lady wore a grim expression, as if she had witnessed much in life. Her honeysuckle hair showed signs of grey, and her posture was as straight as a bullet as she approached the door.
"Good evening. Welcome back, Mr. Lewis, Madam... and welcome, Miss," she greeted, helping Granny out of the car and guiding her into the house.
The younger lady appeared to be around my age, with plump cheeks that turned a deeper shade of pink as she smiled at me. "Welcome, miss. It's a pleasure to have you here."
"Thank you, Miss...?" I smiled in return.
"Just Rosetta, miss," she replied, effortlessly picking up my bags and motioning for me to follow. "This way, miss. I'll show you to your room."
"Goodnight, Humphrey, Montgomery," I curtsied, much to my horror. Why did I curtsy? Ugh, never mind.
Both men inclined their heads in my direction and delved into a deep conversation.
"Lead the way," I said to Rosetta, walking closely behind her and noticing a slight hump on her back that I hadn't seen before.
"I wasn't born this way," Rosetta spoke, and I felt a pang of shame.
"What do you mean, Rosetta?" I pretended not to understand her reference.
"Ah, miss... years of working for such an established family have taught me to be extra sensitive to the eyes and curiosity of others."
"Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude."
"I'm used to it, miss. No need for apologies."
As we conversed, we walked further away from the main building. "Rosetta, where is my room?"
"We're going to the south. You'll be staying in the guesthouse for tonight. Tomorrow, after the wedding, you'll move into the Master room on the 1st level with Mr. Montgomery Lewis," Rosetta explained.
We entered an eclectic bohemian interior that left me astonished. It was huge, with its own living area, dining space, and a full kitchen. "This... is a guesthouse?!"
"Yes, miss. It's the smallest of the eight. After all, you're only staying here for the night. I hope you don't mind, miss," Rosetta said, clearly embarrassed and uncomfortable. Perhaps she thought I would yell at her or create a fuss. Little did she know about my humble background. If she had seen my parents' house, she would have found the size of this guesthouse absurd in comparison.
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Montgomery's POV
The journey home felt excruciating. I couldn't bring myself to look at or speak to Journee. It seemed as though her mental barrier had transformed into a physical wall of steel and bricks, blocking me out, indicating her desire to have nothing to do with me.
Was it for the best? I couldn't tell.
A strong woman would help me build an even greater Lewis Empire, but a stubborn one could go either way. She could either stand by my side or destroy what my grandfather had built. The thought gave me a migraine.
At least I was done with work for now. I could finally rest for a few hours before we landed.
Unfortunately, my peace was shattered by my uncle's incessant chatter about his recent exploits. Being the second and youngest child of the Lewis family, he had never borne the burden of family finances. Instead, he honed his negotiation skills by manipulating my miserly father, Montgomery Lewis Sr., into indulging his passions and hobbies. It has me wondering if I would get a good night's sleep before my wedding.
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Ma'oz 's POV
Bored and enraged with the entire prospect of being enslaved, I mind linked Damon for a little entertainment and to figure a way out of this mess.
"I'm a little busy here, my Lord. Is it urgent?" Damon sounded breathless, probably due to the fact that I caught him in a compromising situation.
"The rake will find other women and other moments to continue your escapade." I commanded."
As I briefly explained all that had transpired to my Chief Advisor, he was silent. There was not a sound to be heard. "What do you supposed I can do?"
"Well…" Damon took a deep breath and burst into fits of laughter. "I never knew this day would come. When our mighty Lord gets yoked to a mere human."
If it were any other demon, I would never have revealed the true circumstance of my situation. But Damon has been with me since the very beginning. He was groomed since infancy to serve me, to cover my blindside and to always be my conscience. However, his uncontrollable amusement is currently getting on my nerves.
"I'm so sorry my Lord. It is just something no one has ever dreamed would happen."
"Do you know anything about this? Did your father tell you how this bond can be broken?"
"No, my Lord. My father merely told me never to grant wishes unless I have an ulterior motive where I will gain the upper hand in the deal."
"I see. So, my folly was in granting a wish for pure amusement. One that I would gain nothing more than a smile." I sighed. What a terrible misfortune. I had always been calculating, exacting and opportunistic. From the time my fight to become crown prince of the demons started, every action, every word was for my benefit and no one else's. Why did that chance? Could it be that I let my guard down when we entered the human realm?
"Fret not, my Lord. I will find out all I can." Damon reported.
Oh My Gosh! Oh MY GOSH!!! That human's high pitched inner voice sent a pounding migraine rippling through me. I immediately cut off the mind link with Damon to see what excited her so.
"It is a car…" I groaned in exasperation. How silly can she get? She is neither a child nor truly feeble minded.
I followed as she moved with the human family towards the edge of Mykonos. She seems enthralled by humanly luxuries. If she ever saw my domain, would she faint instead, I wondered.
I compared the silly little place they have chosen to house Journee. I find it odd that she is of such little importance to be given the smallest living space, favouring instead of place a wealthy business partner in the largest.
"I will never get used to it. In the Demon Kingdom, a bride is considered to be most sacred and treasured. If I were ever to marry, it would be customary for me to vacate my quarters from the moment the bride-to-be sets foot in my palace. Married or not."
Lazily, I compared the gaudy coloured rooms, the odd mix of tapestries and ceramics to my personal room. Strong and dominant, my floors are crafted from the rarest black marble. Heavy ombre and white curtains line every window while the walls and ceiling are luminous with faux skylight that simulates the exuberance of the sun in my dark and dreary world. Everything that denotes strength and creates a raw masculine alpha ambience.
I watch the humans' maid Rosetta leave and my little master flit about before turning in for bed. I guess I too should rest if I am to discover a good plan to break the bond.
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Montgomery's POV
"Sir, your father would like to see you in his study," Mrs. Thatcher announced as she descended from the second level, where my granny and Uncle Humphrey resided.
I nodded, as I always did. Servants and helpers meant nothing to me; they lacked the intelligence for a proper and beneficial conversation.
"Father, I'm back," I greeted the current Chairman of Lewis Bank.
"Ah, good. I received all your reports and documents. A little late, don't you think? You had plenty of time to get them done on the plane. Why did you need four days? When I was your age, I completed such a bulk in mere hours. Tsk!" I stood at the door, looking down at my shoes. Montgomery Sr., my father, had been the prodigal son, the perfect one in the family. I could only wish to be half the man he was one day.
"Now, don't think you'll have the day off tomorrow just because it's your wedding."
"Yes, father. I will make use of this time to gain better prestige and negotiate better deals for the company."
"Of course, you will." My father paused for a moment, and I looked up, wondering if he was glaring at me or having a stroke. He had one recently, which had taken away partial use of his left hand, making him even grumpier and more agitated than usual.
"And tomorrow night, you will leave for Paris."
"For the honeymoon, father?" I asked, curious about the arrangements he had made.
"Hon... honeymoon? Are you joking!? Why waste time on such frivolities when it can be used to increase one's holdings? The greatest joy in life is to multiply one's wealth daily."
I suppressed a shudder. I had guessed wrongly, and I would pay for it dearly in one way or another.
"How can you call yourself my son, my heir, when all you can think about is enjoying yourself with your wife? You will be attending a meeting with Luke Toussaint to purchase his factories in Paris."
"Yes, father. I will not disappoint you."
"Inspect them well, negotiate the price down 5% lower than the market rate, then I will allow you two days for your honeymoon. You may go."
Montgomery Sr. waved me away, and I seized the chance to quickly leave his presence. I rushed back to my rooms and called it a night. Tomorrow would be a new day, a new life for me.