Page 391 of Flirting with Darkness

Come to me, little bird. Now.

2

The flax ropes snap in two and I’m moving, trance-like, through my room.

I corral my wits about me and stop mid-step, just before opening my bedchamber door.

To feel flame consuming one’s body with no visible fire is a kind of madness best reserved for the depths of the Underworld. The mind can’t understand it, not at first. But seconds later, comprehension sears through me. It’s everywhere. All at once. Consuming me.

As if I’m tied to a burning pyre.

A witch at the stake.

Stop! Please!

Release me and it all goes away, little bird.

I fumble with the door, praying for the fires of passion to return. The fires I swore would drive me mad only a night ago are far better than this.

I’d take death over this.

Please! I’ll do what you want. Just please make it stop.

Instantly, the flames of Hell retreat, and I’m left hunched and panting, leaning against the doorframe of my bedchamber.

I just have to get through tonight. And then Sunday. And most of Monday, before Father’s return. Then I can tell him everything. Explain how weak I am and how much power this demon has over me.

Now I just need to convince this demon to let me survive until then.

Move, Keeper! Do not waste my time.

White-hot flames lick up my spine and even while wailing into my arm, I throw an errant thought at him.What’s a few more minutes to one such as you?

A muffled bleat of pain makes it past my lips as invisible fire consumes me whole.

Please, gods and goddesses, don’t let Mother hear.

I sink to my knees, regretting that I provoked him.

I thought I knew the order of things. Thought I understood this demon, but I was gravely mistaken. This demon’s first weapon of choice isn’t pleasure. And his second isn’t fear.

It’s pain and fear in equal measure. With that knowledge, I break.

I can’t do anything if you keep torturing me, you foul, deceitful filth!Slowly, the blistering heat recedes, and that sultry voice is back in my head.

Despite the name calling, that’s the first sensible thing you’ve said so far this eve. Now, hurry along and release me, so I don’t have to continue torturing you.

I stand, shaking, trying to get myself together, but not before throwing every epithet I can think of at him.Swine. Most unclean. Vile creature born of suffering and pain!

Mmm. Are you quite finished?

No.Arse. Prick. Deviant!

He sighs in my head.Had your fill?

Maybe.

Good. Now, if you please, join me in the cellar with that little key of yours.

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