Page 6 of Ashes to Ashes

Belial’s expression turned from surprised to amused as he chuckled darkly. “You have quite the spirit in you,” he said, circling around Ashe like a predator stalking its prey.

Fear crept up her spine as Belial towered over her, but she refused to back down.

“I like that,” Belial continued, his voice low and dangerous. “I think I’ll keep you around for entertainment another time.”

Ashe’s heart pounded in panic at his words, but she knew better than to show any sign of weakness or fear in front of him.

Belial narrowed his eyes at her before turning his attention back to the trembling girl behind Ashe. With one swift movement, he grabbed the small child by the hair and dragged her away from Ashe. Ashe lunged, but was caught by the red-skinned demon, forcing her to flail unsuccessfully as Belial did god-only-knew what to that poor child.

“Hey, Ashe!”

Ashe looked up from her bowl of gray slosh to see Evelyn watching her with a smirk. “Keep ignoring this delicious slop and you’ll pass out while he’s working you. Trust me, you don’t want that.”

“Sorry,” Ashe mumbled and straightened.

“Relax, I’m just messing with you,” Evelyn said, throwing her a bottle. “You’re too tense. You have to loosen up if you want to survive here.”

Ashe caught the bottle and sipped the liquid, her parched throat contracting from the burn of alcohol. “Thanks.”

“No problem. Listen, we don’t have much time, but I’ve been around here for years. Let me help you so you at least earn a little free time. Belial likes to live up to the area and be the envy of every other high demon lord. We help with that and we get a little peace.”

Ashe hesitated, but knowledge could help her escape. It didn’t matter what Evelyn said a few days ago, she was getting out. “Okay.”

Evelyn grinned. “‘Atta girl. Follow me.”

Ashe trailed Evelyn through the halls, her heart racing with every step. She knew this was a bad idea, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself from following the other woman. They passed cells filled with moaning souls, the stench of death and rot churning Ashe’s stomach.

“First rule. Don’t look,” Evelyn hissed, tugging Ashe’s arm. “Makes it easier that way.”

Ashe forced herself to keep her gaze ahead, focusing on Evelyn’s back.

“Here’s the deal,” Evelyn began, her voice low and urgent. The demons here are as awful as they come. They’re always on the hunt for sins—lust, greed, pride, all that jazz. That’s how they feed.”

“What are their weaknesses?”

“Ah, one step at a time. First, we have to survive. And to do that, we have to fly under the radar. We don’t escape, we just live without punishment as often as we can.”

Evelyn led her through a passageway concealed behind a painting of Belial in his human guise, the wall closing in behind them with a sinister hiss.

“This is one of the many secret passages in this dump. Useful for avoiding the guards. Remember it.”

They emerged in a dank, dimly lit chamber lined with bunks.

“This is my quarters,” Evelyn said, flopping onto a thin mattress. “Not much, but it’s home for now. Feel free to find your way in here when you need to, just don’t let them catch you or it’s my ass on the line, too.”

Ashe lay down beside her newfound friend, exhaustion overtaking her soul.

“You’ll do fine, Ashe. You got grit, I can tell.” Evelyn yawned, closing her eyes. “Tomorrow, we’ll start your lessons properly. You can sleep here for a bit, but it’s off with you after that.”

Ashe stared at the ceiling, her mind whirling. She had a purpose. She was going to do more than survive. She was going to use these tips to get out.

Laying on the second makeshift bed, Ashe tried to calm her breaths and slow the rapid fear in her heart. The events of the day replayed themselves over and over in her mind. She couldn’t ignore the fear anymore - fear of the demons, the never-ending servitude, and most of all, the darkness that seemed to be creeping into her very soul. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stared at the ceiling.

“It’s all right, you’re allowed to cry,” Evelyn said softly, sensing her distress. “We all break sometimes. But remember, tomorrow you have to get up and keep fighting, all right?”

Ashe nodded, wiping her tears away. “I. . . I’ll try.”

“That’s all I can ask for.” Evelyn’s voice was gentle, almost motherly. “Sleep now, Ashe. Tomorrow, we start your training, and you’ll need all your strength.”

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