Journee's POV
I don't know what happened.
One moment, I was putting on fake smiles, introducing my father to some guests whose name I don't remember.
Next, I find my father in the pond. It has been freshly stocked with Koi. It's a lucky thing, I guess. At least he didn't hit his head and have a concussion.
However, no one seems to understand that my father cannot swim!
A few of the household staff have come forward to help him, urging him to reach out to the rescue buoy they have thrown in. I scream and lunge forward to dive in and save my father.
Several hand hold me back.
"You'll only soil your dress. Wait for the servants to handle the matter, dear." A distinguished looking man told me.
"No harm, no foul. Every party needs a little drama to make it exciting." A lady around my age winked at me.
I felt like screaming at them, but no sound escapes my lips. What on earth is wrong with these people?! How cruel can they be? Is that how they garnered their wealth? By having a sadistic character that allowed them to enjoy the suffering of others!
LET ME GO! LET ME GO, YOU WRETCHED, INHUMAN BEASTS!
I must speak. I have you. Please…don't let fear rule over me. Let me find my voice. I silently prayed to the heavens to let me find the strength to call out.
"Help…" I finally squeaked in a small voice as I watch my father struggle to keep his head afloat. In his panic, the water drags him down, stifling his movements.
I must do better. I cannot be this weak! I must be strong. Strong enough to save my father.
"HELP!! HELLLPP!!!" I screamed.
It seemed an age as I push against the hands that hold me. I know I tore my dress in several places as I struggle against their hold.
All hope is lost…my father is lost. My heart lamented as I watch the number of bubbles that surface reduce.
Out from the corner of my eye, I see Ma'oz rushing through. Like an expert diver, he plunges into the water.
Swimming like a fish across the 4.5meter pond, I see him pull out my father. My father who has passed out. Motionless. His eyes are closed. Is his chest moving? It seems like it isn't.
I watch the world move silently around me. Like shades of grey and black, passing me by. I see Ma'oz performing CPR on my father, trying to revive him. Then I see Dorthy on the phone, tears streaming down her eyes. Moments later, someone places his arms around me as the EMTs haul my father away, the ambulance going off into the distance.
"JOURNEE!!!" Ma'oz yells into my ear.
"Wha…what?!" I snap out of my daze. Did it all truly happen? Was it only in my imagination?
Dorthy's tear-stained face approaches. "Do you remember what happened? Are you alright?"
"What happened?" I asked, unsure if my mind was playing tricks on me for outside my window, the Baby Shower is still on-going. There are toasts to my child, gifts presented, even in my absence. It seems like the world is carrying on without a care.
"Where is my father?" I finally ask.
"Don't you remember, my Sweet Angel?" Ma'oz cups my face in his hands.
"Remind me, my Dark Prince?"
Instead, he sighs. Both my lover and my best friend led me to the limousine, where we sit in silence.
"Hey. I've got a question." Dorthy breaks the awkwardness in the air.
"Whaaat?" I ask slowly.
"Why do you call Ma'oz Dark Prince? Isn't he like… King of the Demons?" She asked.
I think about it for a moment. "I never noticed that I call him that."
"Seriously? I've heard you saying it like…10 times since this weird family whisked us away today." Dorthy looks at me, and I know she thinks I am crazy. "And you don't mind? It's a downgrade you know, from King to Prince?"
"Whatever she choses to call me, it comes from her heart and that is all I care for." Ma'oz's love and affection reaches the depths of my soul. If not for the presence of my best friend, I would have wrapped him up in a passionate kiss.
The car stopped and someone opened the door. "We're here, sir."
Taking a deep breath, I take Ma'oz's outstretched hand and brave my way into the hospital to see my father. Patiently, I wait as Ma'oz speaks to the doctor in Greek.
I mean…what else can I do? I no longer have any energy to rant or go into a frenzy. I feel half empty, half sad.
"My Sweet Angel…you should know before we see your father." He swallowed hard as I turned to look at him, waiting for him to continue. "Too much water entered his lungs and they had to put him in an emergency coma. He is in the ICU for now, but the doctor thinks he might just pull through if his vitals stabilise by morning."
"That's…good." Those are the only words I can muster as I follow Ma'oz's lead. We walk through the corridors and whatnots. It is all a blur until I see my father. The tubes and machines that surround him makes it all just too real.
"Why…" I break down into a flood of tears. Heaven has been unkind. First my mother, then now my father. I am still in my 20s, too young to have lost both parents. Beating my chest, I let loose all my emotions, my disappointment, and my fears. It is all too much for me.
All I know is that I would give my life, if it is to reduce my father's suffering. If he knows he is in a hospital, he would be so afraid.
I am so sorry mommy… I am unable to uphold my promise to you. To take care of daddy. I'm so sorry. Forgive me.
I repeat the words over and over in my head. The world around me spins, moving further and further away.
"JO!!" "JOURNEY!!" I hear both Dorthy and Ma'oz call out as the darkness, a black world takes over.
***
Ma'oz's POV
I stay by Journee's side. Her pulse is weak, but the doctor said she only passed out from shock.
It is frustrating that only I know our baby's heart too is irregular. The human machines don't seem to pick up the signs until it is truly dire. How they still manage to save thousands of lives daily is a puzzle to me.
I would move Journee how, bring her back to the Demon Realm where my healers can nurse her back to health, but it is dangerous for now.
"You know, her heart seems to become irregular when we move her away from her father." Dorthy spoke up.
"Right." I realise that too. The complication of her pregnancy also increases. It seems like our baby is protesting,
Having little choice, I instructed the nurses to keep them together in the same ward and immediately Journee's condition stabilises.
I then turn to my lover's best friend. "You should head back to the mansion and rest."
"No…I can stay and help." She insists.
"Please. Just do as I ask." I tell her without a trace of emotion. I can't. All my worry, all my love, my every thought is with the owner of my heart, the master of my soul right now.
"Oh…ok. I'll just be in the way. Just tell me when she wakes up." Silently, I hear Dorthy's footsteps recede and the clicking sound of the door as it opens and closes again.
"Ma'oz…" I look up to see my darling, my Sweet Angel stirring. Her eyes bloodshot, her lips cracked and peeling. The emotions within her have taken its toll.
"My Angel…you only need to ask. I can cause a miraculous healing." I kiss her knuckles, trying to bring her some comfort.
"No." Without a hitch of hesitation, she answered me.
"Are you sure?"
"If I wish for it, there will be a price to pay, right?" Her voice is strained as she states the fact through her question. "I love my father with all my heart, and it pains me to see him in this state. But I cannot bear to cause the end of another being, another living creature just because I selfishly want my father to live."
Without another word, she closes her eyes and slips into a deep slumber.
"Journee?" Quickly placing a finger under her nose, and a hand on her chest, I feel for signs of life. "Thank goodness." It is not of my doing. Merely her body and that of my child needing rest.
She is so upset that her body cannot take the strain. My poor little angel. My heart, my life. I MUST FULFILL HER WISH. To save her father without the usual repercussions so she never needs to feel guilty. I vow.
Snapping my fingers, a sealed envelope appears in my hand with Journee's name written beautifully on it. I stick it on to the side of Journee's hospital bed – an explanation to my whereabouts so she doesn't worry, and an assurance that I will be back. A promise, the proof of my love for her.
"Damon!" I mind-link my Chief Minister.
"Yes, My Lord." He answers immediately.
"I need you to watch over Journee. But be discreet. Don't appear in human form." I command, there is no need for me to wait for an answer. I know Damon would do as I ask. He has always watched over Journee when I was busy in the Demon Realm, unbeknownst to her.
With faith in my Chief Minister and oldest friend, immediately I will myself to appear in the farthest corner of existence. A dark place where no living creature dares to enter.
"This is for Journee!" I remind myself.
Taking a few strides forward, I come face-to-face with the entrance of a cave. Built in the shape of an orb, thousands of heavenly black silk were used to make this place. To create the living space of these terrifying beings.
"What have we here? It has been a long time since we last had a visitor." A figure floats towards me.
"Sister. A handsome one too." The second giggled like a child.
"State your business, Demon. We haven't got all day." The serious voice comes from deeper within the cave.
With a bold move, I step forward. "Sisters Fate. Please, I beseech you to save the father of the one I love."
"Impossible. Go back. You are wasting time." The same serious voice answered.
"I must. Please, tell me what I can do to save him." I pleaded sincerely. If they want me to beg on my knees, I will cast aside my pride and do so. Anything that would please Journee, I will do.
"Handsome one. It is not that we refuse. What is meant to happen, will happen. Changing the tea of one person will cause a domino effect in the world, a ripple if you will that will have a disastrous outcome." Less flirty than before, the voice reasoned.
"Is there truly no way? Is there something I can give up instead of the death of another?" I asked.
"We are not the ones you should seek." The three voices answered in unison. With that, the cave drifted off into the distance and I am left near the Void of Nothingness.
"And this is how the Sisters Fate are." I sighed.
Hanging my head in the face of defeat, I took the long journey back to my Sweet Angel.
If I can't fulfil her wish, I will at least stay by her side.
When I stepped into the room, Damon looked up and bowed. Disappearing quickly, I am left alone with the sounds of the machines and the heartbeat of my family.
I cross my legs on the chair and set into meditation mode. To find solace, peace and to beckon wisdom to help me.
***
Journey's POV
I awake to see Ma'oz asleep in a chair. His hair tussled and messy. Exhaustion is written all over his face, with puffy eye bags, I watch him breath, comforted by the motion that means life. As compared to the rhythmic hissing of the ventilator in the room, it gives me hope that things might turn out right, no matter how bleak everything looks.
"Enjoying the view?" His eyes are half open, his mouth stretched into a smile.
"Yup." I am completely in love with him. So much so, my brazen self has emerged. I feel so lucky to have him by my side.
Having experienced first hand how inhuman rich people can be, I can't imagine life being married to Montgomery Lewis for the rest of my life.
They say demons are heartless. The last few weeks have told me that humans are the ones we have to be afraid. Demons, in all their forms can sometimes hold more compassion and wisdom than the entire human race put together.
"You know, there might just be a chance that everything will ride out." I tell Ma'oz.
"It's nice to know you are still thinking positively." He moves to my bed and pulls me into the protective circle of his arms.
"Well, who knows? I escaped a dreadful marriage and found the love of my life. Heaven must be blessing me with all these chances, don't you think?" I state the words in my heart.
Ma'oz stares at me for a moment.
"What?" I feel my face, wondering if I got some snort on my cheek or something.
"Why didn't I think of it?! The Spirit of Chance and Blessing!" Ma'oz jumps up on his feet excitedly.
Wow… I wish he had behaved like this when we were told about my pregnancy. I thought wistfully.
"Spirit of Chance and Blessing, I, Vasileios Tlatipla Mathius Remigius-Ardehi-Tapachula call upon you. I lay before your feet, my request."
It is as if time has stood still. The sounds of the machines keeping my father alive have quelled. The sound of nurses chatting outside have stopped. All I see is fog. It comes like the wind, yet it snakes up around us slowly, taking its own sweet time.
"Do you love me?" A familiar voice called out. The last time I heard her voice, I was trapped in Ma'oz's castle when he first made me pass out.
Closing my eyes, I seek the comfort that her gentle calm offers. The pure love that rolls with her words.
"I cannot love another. I am bound to Journee in body, mind, heart, and soul." Ma'oz replies.
Taking my hand in hers, the beautiful face with tumbling tresses asks me. "Do you love me?"
I smile with joy, allowing my instincts and my subconscious mind to take over. "I love you as much as I should. No more, no less. You, a being of existence. A spirit who has existed far longer than any others. I respect you and love you for existing."
"Ah…the mother of answers, you have chosen. Child of my bosom, tell me of the boon your seek, and I shall grant you whatever is within my power." She answers, clearly elated with my response. However, she didn't give me a chance to voice what I wish to say. The Spirit of Chance and Blessing disappeared as quickly as she has appeared.
"Jo…Journey." I hear an odd voice calling out softly.
"It worked!" Ma'oz smile at me.
"This…Thank you…thank you…thank you so much." I cry out. Tears stain my cheeks as my gratitude. I will forever be in your debt.
Ma'oz helps me out of bed as I move towards my father. "I'm here. Don't worry. We're in the hospital." I hold his hand, giving him a source of comfort. Though he grips on almost to the point of pain. "You're alright. Everything is alright. You are safe."
"Could you get the doctor, please?" I ask Ma'oz. With a nod, he leaves to do as I asked.
"Why…when…" my father asks weakly.
"Ma'o…Montgomery pulled you out of the pond and we rushed you to the hospital immediately. The doctors said you are safe. The ventilator is just to give you…more oxygen so you can get back to your gardening ASAP." I cooked up the first thing that I can think of.
Geez. It sounded less lame in my head. But…I think daddy bought it. He has always been afraid of hospitals and hated it whenever doctors gave him the bad news. Even if it was just to tell him that he had caught a cold.
My father settles in. I notice that he is no longer clenching on. Instead, he merely concentrating on his breathing and relaxing his muscles now.
"Doctor's here." Ma'oz announced.
This is nice. I wonder if Ma'oz is simply behaving normal for my father's sake or is this something he has to do? Then again, back in the Demon Realm, he would call for the Healers each time I was unwell instead of curing me with his powers.
OH! Could it be that he is a War Demon so his powers cannot be used to heal?
"Don't think so much." He kissed my forehead as I approached.
"Hm? Who said I'm thinking?" I raise my eyebrows and smile. Trying to blank out my thoughts in case he can read them.
"Anyone who observes you enough would know when you are thinking too much about nonsensical things. It just shows on your face." I feel his eyes caress every line on my face with every word uttered.
"Excusez-moi." The lady doctor interrupted.
With a smile, I leave her to speak to Montgomery as I pull the chair up to sit beside my father. He smiles at me and closes his eyes. To sleep, I guess? I'm not sure how one would feel after waking from a coma.
"Dr. Carrel said your father seems to be doing very well. They will just run some tests just to make sure he has a clean bill of health." Ma'oz smiles at me. Turning to my father, he announces. "Mr. Lee, you'll be just fine."
"What tests?" My father croaked. I see feel reflected in his eyes. I know he wants to get off the drips and ventilator as soon as possible.
"There is nothing to worry about." Ma'oz say in a calm voice.
"There is nothing to worry about." My father repeats.
"What the…MA'OZ! Are you hypnotising my father?!" I demand to know though it was rather stating the obvious seeming that his eyes are fiery red right now.
"I'm just giving him a little bit of courage. He needs it." Ma'oz shrugs his shoulders.
"You could have warned me. Or him, at least." I complain, though deep down, I am actually glad.
***
Ma'oz 's POV – 2 WEEKS LATER
I need a break. It has to be a real one this time. Something
"What's that look?" Journee kisses my on the chin.
"Nothing. Nothing." I lie. Who would have thought that looking after one human man is far more exhausting than ruling an entire kingdom? His needs, his fears are all too much. A small part of me wonders if that is what drove his wife to her death. Journee would kill me if she knew I thought this.
It's a good thing she can no longer read my mind. Or I'd probably never get to kiss those lips of hers again. Those soft pillows of sweetness…
"Are you mind-linking someone?" She asks. "Damon perhaps?"
"He is co-ruling while I am here. But I just am so tired." I tell her truthfully.
"… You mean you need a break from me?" Her little face dims with disappointment as she makes a little pout before putting on her best smile "If you are worried about the kingdom, I don't mind if you need to go back for a while."
"What give you that notion?" How could think I need a break from her? "Little here, little human. You are the very air I breath. The magic that flows through my veins. The scent of that lingers just over your skin drives me crazy with need, that glint in your eyes is my meaning in existence." Leaning in to capture her lips with mine, I smile and continue. "I love you. Never doubt that."
In a heartbeat, she responds. I feel relief washing over her like a tidal wave. Deeping the kiss, I ravish her with the desire I feel within. Unleashing all my frustration, my need overcomes all sense.
And she thinks I need time away from her? I'll show her just what I need from her. It will be sleepless night for us both.
***
Journee's POV
Would I have known that I wanted someone this much? That even kissing him, joined to him through out mouths I would miss him this severely! My younger would have laughed at the absurdity. But here I am now. This is my reality. My moment of truth.
"Ma'oz…" Through our kisses, this warm feeling bubbles through my very being.
"Hm Hmm…" Pulling back, he admires me for a moment. "It's a good thing we are in our room, huh?"
"Why's that" I smile coyly.
"So, I can do this." With a snap of his fingers, my clothes are nowhere to be seen. Stark naked, I stand in the middle of my childhood room. Overcome by sudden bashfulness, I grab the first thing that my hand touches – my blanket. "Don't do that. Let me admire you."
"No!" I squealed, half aghast by the boldness of his eyes, half flattered and brimming with confidence.
"This isn't our first time, you know." Ma'oz's eyes roam my body greedily. His eyes telling me his every thought.
"At least make it fair!" Throwing my blanket at him, I jump on to my bed. Handing atop the mattress with my hands on my hips. It makes me feel like an Amazon woman. Strong, powerful, and desirable.
Grinning away at my confidence, every article of his clothing disappears. "Come here." I stare at his fully erect manhood, happy that I inspire such enthusiasm. At the same time, my core aches to be filled, to be plunged into a world of sensational ecstasy.
"Ugh!" Pain.
"Journee?" My vision blurs.
Pain.
Darkness.
Torture.
This rollercoaster of things…anguish, suffering, fear. My body feels continuously brings me into a loop of consciousness before pulling me back into the arms of nothingness again.
If this continues, I think, death might be easier.
"JOURNEE! No!" That is the last thing I hear. The final acknowledgement of my sentient being.