Page 18 of Ashes to Ashes

Ashe’s stomach churned at the thought of this creature touching her even more intimately than before, but she forced herself to ignore it—to bear with it.

His lips moved lower, nipping at the muscle at the base of her throat. His foul breath filled her nostrils as he inhaled deeply while his other hand slid underneath her tunic, gripping tightly onto her breast through the thin fabric bra. Ashe winced at the cold touch of his fingers against her warm skin and closed her eyes tightly.

At that moment, there was a flash of Leviathan’s features in Belial’s eyes. It was almost enough to make Ashe pause, but she knew better than to show any signs of weakness. So, she pressed forward through the rising disgust and horror, forcing herself to relax into his hold, allowing him access as much as possible without encouraging him further.

With one last deep inhale, Belial pressed his mouth against hers roughly, their lips meeting in an awkward fight that felt more like a struggle than anything else. It was like kissing death itself as his tongue pushed past her teeth while his breath mingled with hers, making it feel more like suffocation than anything else.

Belial’s kiss was aggressive and forceful it hurt far more than it repulsed her. His grip on Ashe tightening as he deepened the kiss. Ashe fought back, unable to simply allow his kiss. Despite pushing against his chest, Belial’s strength was overwhelming. His tongue explored every inch of her mouth, leaving a trail of revulsion in its wake.

Ashe felt like she was drowning in his touch, in his scent, and in the darkness of the room. She tried to push back against him, but he only held her tighter, his lips moving hungrily against hers.

Kill him.

The thought burst into her mind, bright and sudden like a spark of lightning, as his hand dared to caress the smooth expanse of her stomach. The single thought ignited a fire in her veins.

Kill him and take what’s his. Escape.

Ashe’s heart pounded against her chest as a surge of adrenaline coursed through her body, surpassing any lingering traces of terror. She knew she had to act quickly if she was going to escape this dangerous situation. With a fierce determination, she would use his momentary distraction to her advantage and put an end to this once and for all. Every muscle in her body tensed, ready for action.

Desperation fueled her actions as she reached for the small, sharp dagger attached to Belial’s waistband. She gripped it tightly in her trembling hand, summoning all of her strength before plunging it deep into his chest. The sound of Belial’sroar of pain echoed in her ears as she pulled the dagger free and slashed across his throat, a sickening spray of black liquid covering her face. With a final burst of adrenaline, she whirled around and watched as Belial stumbled back, his grip on her releasing. She couldn’t believe what she had just done, but she knew it was necessary to save herself.

The dagger fell from her shaking hands, landing with a subtle clatter on the cobblestone path.

As she watched him collapse to the ground, his hand flew to his throat and clawed at it as if trying to escape an invisible grip. Ashe’s heart pounded frantically in her chest, and she gasped for air, feeling the fear once again wrap around her like a suffocating blanket.

Ashe stood her ground, refusing to back down as the rage and terror mingled in Belial’s intense gaze. Their eyes were locked, neither one willing to give an inch. Suddenly, Belial’s mouth twisted open in a soundless howl as if fighting against the inevitability of death.

A single gasp pushed past his lips before the demon’s face froze. The blood still dripped from his neck, pooling faster now that he no longer fought. No heartbeat beat within his body. She knew that much, but the blood still came.

Ashe didn’t move for what felt like an eternity. She knew nothing about demons and death. There was a good chance he would awaken and kill her. She did know she should run, but her feet wouldn’t move. Time ticked slowly, and a howl somewhere nearby snapped her from her state.

“Take the invitation he holds in his pocket.” Lily’s voice drew Ashe around to see the angel perched on a tree branch. “Do it now. You took a dangerous risk and you must take what you need before someone comes.”

Ashe inched closer to the dead demon and leaned down. She did not wish to pat him down to find the scroll she knewLeviathan had delivered and was surprised to know it was still on him.

“He coveted it. He would not dare let another use it in his place. It was in his left inner pocket. Quickly.”

Ashe’s hand darted out, pushing the corduroy coat lapel aside. Sure enough, the invitation scroll was tucked inside. Again, she stuck her hand out quickly, her fingers gripping out the soft scroll before tugging it free.

“Now go!”

This was her chance.

Ashe ran for the door, trying not to focus on the imaginary phantom echo of thundering footsteps behind her. He could not have followed. The door moved quickly open, sending her out into the frigid night air. Ashe didn’t dare look back or pause to let her body warm up. Her heart pounded in her ears, feet flying over the cobblestone path in the courtyard. It was only when she collapsed against a shadowy alley wall that she allowed herself to breathe. The dagger fell from her shaking hand, bloodstained and wickedly beautiful. Tonight, she had taken a life, but for the first time in years, Ashe felt a flicker of hope—hope for freedom, for a life beyond Belial’s grasp.

In the distance, a shrill cry broke the night air. Ashe knew her time was short. Yet, as she darted into the night, a newfound fire burned in her once-deadened eyes. She would not be prey any longer.

“You can no longer look as you do. With the extreme beauty I unlocked, you’d be in terrible danger.” Lily once again appeared out of thin air, this time standing behind Ashe with a solemn expression on her delicate face. “No, it’s time for something truly surprising.”

The angel tilted her head slightly, considering for a moment before holding out her hand towards Ashe’s necklace and theenchanted gold band. Ashe hesitated. She’d never removed the chain before, and doing so now felt wrong.

“There isn’t much time. I must tie this enchantment to the necklace because your body cannot take another enchantment, it will fail you.”

With trembling hands, Ashe undid the clasp at the back of her neck, nearly crying out when the cool chain slipped away from her body when Lily grabbed for it.

With an ethereal glow surrounding them both, Lily began to sing in an ancient tongue. It was quiet, barely louder than a whisper, but it was the most beautiful thing Ashe had ever heard. It continued for just another few seconds, before Lily stopped and passed her back the necklace and ring.

“Put it on, and I will show you, you.”

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