Page 1 of The Demon Who Loved Me

1

EVELYN

Tangier, Morocco

As I step out of the jeep, the sweltering heat of the sun almost takes my breath away. I pause for a moment, shielding my eyes with my hand as I survey the awe-inspiring sight before me.

Rising from the heart of the medina, the ancient temple seems to grow out of the very earth itself, its weathered stone façade adorned with intricate carvings and symbols that hint at the secrets locked within. The temple's distinctive architecture, a blend of Moroccan and Amazigh influences tells a story of a bygone era when different cultures and beliefs intermingled in this vibrant coastal city.

“It’s gorgeous,” I murmur, stunned for a moment.

The air is thick with humidity, and the pungent aroma of spices, incense, and rich earth fills my nostrils. In the distance, I hear the melodic call to prayer echoing from the minarets, its haunting notes intermingling with the chatter of locals and the distant crash of waves against the shore.

The atmosphere is electric, charged with a sense of anticipation and mystery that sends a shiver down my spine, despite the oppressive heat. Tangier has always been a city of secrets, a crossroads where East meets West, and where the veil between the mundane and the mystical seems to grow thin.

As I gather my equipment and prepare to embark, I can't shake the feeling that the temple holds more than just historical significance. There's an energy emanating from its ancient stones, a whisper of something powerful and unseen that draws me forward like a moth to a flame.

The bustling sounds of the medina fade away, replaced by an eerie stillness that seems to hang heavy in the air. It’s as if I stepped into another atmosphere, a place where time stands still. The carved symbols on the temple walls seem to dance before my eyes, their meanings tantalizingly close yet just out of reach. With each step, I feel as though I'm being pulled deeper into a world of ancient secrets and forgotten lore.

The air inside is cool and damp, a stark contrast to the scorching sun outside. The musty scent of age and decay fills my nostrils, mingling with the faint aroma of incense and spices that seem to emanate from the very walls.

As my eyes adjust to the gloom, I take in the intricate carvings that adorn the walls, a dizzying array of geometric patterns, stylized figures, and ancient script. The artistry is breathtaking, the dedication of the craftsmen who labored over these stones centuries ago holding up perfectly.

I should be frightened to be here. I’ve heard the rumors surrounding this temple - whispers of curses, hidden treasures, and supernatural events that defy explanation. But as an archaeologist, I know better than to let superstition cloud our judgment.

"Okay, Evelyn," I mutter to myself, steeling my nerve. "There’s a lot of ground to cover today. Let's start by focusing on the main chamber. Look for any signs of hidden passages or compartments that might contain artifacts."

As I begin to explore the main chamber, I find myself drawn to the opposite end, where the wall seems to be crumbling more than the rest. Curiosity piqued, I approach the area, running my fingers along the weathered stone. To my surprise, I feel a faint draft emanating from behind the wall, hinting at a hidden space beyond.

With growing excitement, I begin to carefully clear away the loose rubble, revealing what appears to be a hidden door. My heart races as I realize that I may have stumbled upon a previously undiscovered part of the temple. As I break the door open, a musty odor escapes from the darkness within.

I pull out my flashlight and step cautiously into the secret room, the beam of light piercing through the gloom. The air is heavy with the weight of centuries, and the walls are adorned with strange, otherworldly symbols that seem to dance in the flickering light.

In the center of the room stands an altar, its surface covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs. Atop the altar rests an artifact unlike anything I've ever seen before. It is a demonic-looking object, its surface etched with sinister runes and emanating an eerie, pulsing energy that seems to call out to me.

As if in a trance, I find myself drawn towards the artifact, an inexplicable pull guiding my steps. The rational part of my mind screams at me to be cautious, to study the object from a safe distance, but the allure is too strong to resist. I reach out, my fingertips mere inches from the artifact's surface, and at that moment, the world around me seems to hold its breath.

The instant my skin makes contact with the cool, metallic surface, the artifact begins to glow with an otherworldly light. The runes etched upon its surface come alive, pulsing with a sickening red hue that fills the room with an ominous ambiance.

I try to pull my hand away, but it's as if an invisible force holds me in place, my fingers locked around the artifact in an unbreakable grip.

Suddenly, the ground beneath my feet begins to tremble and a deafening roar fills the air. I cry out in fear and confusion, the sound echoing through the chamber.

A blinding flash of light erupts from the artifact, engulfing me in its searing embrace. I feel as though I'm being torn apart, my very essence unraveling before the relentless power of the ancient object.

And then, as quickly as it began, the chaos subsides. The light fades, and an eerie silence settles over the room. I blink rapidly, trying to clear the spots from my vision, and as my eyes adjust to the dimness once more, I realize that I am no longer alone.

Standing before me is a tall, dark figure—a man with piercing eyes that seem to bore into my very soul.

2

MALAKAI

One moment, I'm lounging on my throne in the demon realm, enjoying the screams of tormented souls, and the next, I find myself standing in a dusty, ancient temple. The stench of human sweat and fear fills my nostrils, and I wrinkle my nose in disgust. What in the nine hells is going on?

My eyes fall upon a woman holding something, and realization dawns upon me. She’s holding a cursed object that has summoned me to this wretched place, binding me to the mortal woman before me.

Anger surges through my veins, and I clench my fists, my claws digging into my palms. "You there, human," I snarl, my voice dripping with contempt. "Release me from this accursed bond at once!"

---