I surrendered my very being to him, a willing sacrifice for the devouring, all for the sake of power, all for the sweet taste of vengeance.
He drew nearer, his approach measured and deliberate. Strangely, it was my own desire, yet unease coursed through me. Each of his steps seemed to amplify the pounding of my heart, my apprehension mounting. His fingers, cool and gripping, found purchase on my shoulder, and he leaned in, his breath like a frigid gust against my skin, something I inhaled involuntarily.
In that instant, a sense of instability swept over me, as if an invisible force were attempting to sever my very foundation. It was as though my legs were being slowly dismantled, as if my skin were being delicately peeled away from my lower body. A chill crawled through my limbs, and my legs grew numb under its icy touch.
Out of nowhere, his hand pried open my mouth, and in an instant, it was as if he was drawing my very soul from within me. As he inhaled, a brilliant radiance flowed from my lips to his, like a cascade of light being devoured by his being. His eyes grew even darker, a fierce fire burning within them, and they locked onto my own green eyes. In that moment, fear overcame me, a primal terror that held me captive in the gaze of his intense stare.
I trembled uncontrollably, my very foundation shaken as if the ground beneath me had turned to quicksand. His grip on my shoulder tightened, a lifeline holding me steady in this tumultuous moment. And then, in the blink of an eye, it felt as though I was slipping into a deep slumber, or perhaps even deeper still. My eyelids descended, shutting out the world around me, while he continued to consume, siphoning away a portion of my essence. In an instant, darkness engulfed me, leaving me adrift in a void where sensation ceased to exist.
And there I stood, transported back in time to my old house, a place steeped in memories. My younger self emerged before me, adorned in the familiar attire of my high school days. It was as if the currents of time had wrapped around me, pulling me into the embrace of days gone by. As I observed my past unfold, I couldn't help but ponder if this was the culmination, the final unveiling of my life's tapestry before me.
Yet, amidst the ethereal tapestry of my memories, a new figure emerged beside my younger self. Those crimson eyes gleamed with familiarity, unmistakably my partnered demon. His presence resonated with the truth he had spoken earlier – always by my side, a silent companion through the journey of life. As I gazed upon this surreal tableau, a question gnawed at my consciousness – where was this enigmatic journey leading me now?
My younger self emerged from the familiar threshold of our house, the world cloaked in the embrace of night. A wave of recognition washed over me – a memory intertwined with sadness, etched deep within my heart. Yet, despite the familiarity, a peculiar haze seemed to cloud my recollections. Why did it feel like I was struggling to grasp the details of this poignant moment?
I found myself standing before my teacher's residence, the memories of that time flooding back with an intensity that surprised me. It was an earlier hour, and the wounds from her hurtful words still stung my pride. The mockery she had directed at my family, our humble background as farmers, it had ignited a fierce anger within me. And so, driven by a surge of emotion, I acted on my instinctual response.
As I observed my younger self striding forward, fueled by a blazing fury, the weight of a bag laden with knives in my grasp, an unexpected presence emerged beside my younger self. It was my demon, standing at my side, his words a sinister whisper in my ear. "Do you believe she deserves nothing more than a scare?" he intoned, his voice tinged with malice. "She subjected you to public humiliation, reveled in your torment before the entire class. That woman, a shameless seeker of attention. End her life! Bring her to an end!"
What? The memory rushes back, a surge of recognition flooding my senses. I recall that moment, when the very same notion flitted through my mind, mirroring his sinister suggestion. Yet now, as I reflect, I realize it was his presence, his insidious influence, that guided my thoughts down that treacherous path.
Suddenly, the memory shifts, pulling me into the midst of that fateful confrontation with my teacher. Yet, to my bewilderment, the scene has transformed. No longer just the two of us, there are now four figures, surrounding us. A chill runs down my spine as I gaze upon their unmistakable crimson eyes - unmistakable signs of their demonic nature.
In that surreal moment, a chilling realization dawns upon me. Their sinister whispers intertwine with the memory, a malicious symphony urging me towards violence. "Kill her, beat her," their voices hiss, goading me to unleash my pent-up fury. They mock my past passivity, branding me as weak. "Stab her!" they command, their words cutting through the air like daggers, dripping with venomous intent. Each syllable is a call to arms, a proclamation of retribution.
As the memory unfolds, their violent speech crescendos. "Fight for yourself," they urge, exposing my teacher's prejudiced contempt, their words laced with an undercurrent of rage. "He's a mere student," they sneer, belittling my worth with their disdainful words, as if taunting me to defy their expectations. The conflicting voices create a maelstrom of emotions, stirring a tempest within me, pushing me to the brink of embracing the darkness they offer.
In the midst of their disturbing chorus, an impulsive surge of anger courses through me. I remember, vividly, how I lashed out in that moment of fury. A surge of adrenaline fuels my actions as I act on their relentless goading. I didn't intend to cause her harm, just a fleeting scare, yet my outburst proved costly. Panic overwhelmed me, and with a heavy heart, I fled the scene, the weight of my actions sinking in. It was a reckless act driven by their insidious voices, one that sealed my fate and led to my expulsion from the very place that had been my refuge.
Abruptly, the memories shift once more, and I can't help but chuckle in a bittersweet way. It's almost ironic how life can play out. This recollection takes me back to that unjust moment – the pinnacle of unfairness, perhaps. I can vividly recall the scene: my father's anger burning like an unquenchable fire, his hands unleashing a torrent of blows upon me. It was punishment for my actions, a brutal response to what had transpired. The sting of his wrath, both physical and emotional, lingers even now as I journey through these past moments.
Amid the barrage of blows, his voice slithered in like a sharp whisper. It felt like he was telling me I was weak because of that teacher. Why couldn't I defend myself? His words were like a challenge to stand up and fight, like a spark to ignite my strength.
"Why stay defenseless?" he asked, urging me to rise. "Fight back!" he insisted, like a call to action. "Is it because he's your father?" he questioned, wondering if family ties held me back. "See that vase? Smash it against his power!" he encouraged, as if the broken pieces could free me.
"Take control!" he demanded, his words pushing me to make a choice. The room shrank, his words mixing with my dad's anger. It was a moment to decide: stay passive or tap into my hidden strength.
Surprisingly, the voice inside my head was my demon all this time. I mean, who would've guessed? But truth be told, I didn't pay much attention to what he was saying. I just stayed rooted in place and let the blows rain down on me.
Is this real? The room around me seems so vivid, yet I know it's a recollection. My demon's gaze follows my every move as I arrange my belongings. Memories of Thomas and his note flood my mind. Regret nags at me; I should have paid closer attention. And now, my demon inches closer, his words a chilling whisper in my ear. "Who does he think he is? Don't let him dictate to you. It's time to assert your control and see who truly wields the power."
Why did I let curiosity grip me so suddenly? It's as if he's the puppeteer of my actions, pulling me into this maze of thoughts. That conniving demon – what a manipulative scoundrel he is.
A sudden burst of light blinds me, then all fades into shadow. I find myself transported through time and space, landing in a peculiar and eerie shop. My eyes fixate on a mirror, its surface dancing with an otherworldly gleam. Drawn closer, I peer into it. Red, blazing eyes stare back at me – is this the abyss within my partnered demon's very being?