Thread: Demon Heart (work in Progress)

The light is blinding. Is this heaven? Her eyes opened, staring unbelievingly. No, not here, not here, her mind screamed. Sitting up to quickly the room began to spin. She lay back down, focusing on the tapestry above the bed. Slowly, as the aching pain traveled the length of her small frame, it all came back to her. The Demon Lord, his minions werepoised to destroy her home. She would not let that happen. She would kill him first. Stupid, she hissed to the empty room. She sat up slowly this time, surveying the room. Anger filled her heart. Leahannon swung her legs over the edge of the bed. She pursed her lips and stared at the ornate room. He slept in comfort while I suffered. He had heat while I froze. Standing up she spotted a clean gown, dress and shoes on the chair near the fireplace. On a nearby table was a tray of food and a pitcher of water. Leahannon dressed quickly and examines herself in a full length mirror. The end results of the battle with the Demon Lord were evident. Angry bruises stared back at her, laughing at her. There was also the scars from her last punishment at her fathers heavy hands. She scowled and dressed quickly. She also noticed her hair had been washed and braided. A smile crept across her face. Agnes. she said wistfully. Leahannon sat down to eat some sweet meat and bread and drank some water. She knew the Demon Lord was still here. She stood and paced like a caged animal. I will cower before no man anymore. I will face him and win. No man will rule me! she snarled. It was then she spied the sword by the door. She smiled and went over and took it. In a sweep of her muslin skirts, Leahannon put the sword behind her back and headed to go slay the demon. At the landing, just above the grand staircase, she stopped. The sight that met her eyes made her drop the sword to the floor and reconsider her plan. Below her, her people worked hand in hand with the Demon Lords minions and they seemed happy. She couldnt believe her eyes. The keep was being cleaned. Anything that had belonged to her father or carried his likeness was carted out. Leahannon held her breath when she saw the children. There were children in the keep. Never before had there been children in the keep. Why were there now? They were running and laughing. The sound was like music to her ears. Light reached in with long fingers, warming the keep and chased the dark from every hiding spot. A dream, she thought, this must all be a dream. I hope I dont wake. Is this possible? She saw him then. It was hard to miss someone so huge. He was a giant among mortals. Next to him, shorter than him, was a golden angel. The two were as different as night and day, dark and light. The angels eyes caught hers. Leahannon was nervous but then the Demon Lord turned his dark eyes to her and Leahannon found herself stuck to the spot where she stood, as if held by some invisible force. It felt as is his eyes were peering into her very soul. Aidan and Jared were walking through the keep, making note of what needed to be repaired, replaced or trashed. I still can not believe that Lord Kenny let this place go as he did. Jared said. He looked sideways at Aidan. He could tell the Demon Lord was angrier than normal. He was about to say something when he saw her- on the top of the stairs. Jared stopped. He deserves to be treated in the same manner as his people, before he is killed slowly and painfully. Aidan replied. He suddenly realized that Jared had stopped. He glared at his second in command and then saw at whom Jared was staring. The girl was standing on the landing, staring at them. No she wasnt a girl, he thought, though her size made him wonder. His eyes drank in her form and he heard music. It had been said by many a wandering minstrel that the world melted away leaving only two people when one saw a beautiful woman. Aidan felt that way briefly before a heavy iron curtain swallowed his feelings. Amazing. Jared whispered. Aidan glared at him before moving to the stairs, his eyes fixed on the woman on the landing. Leahannon watched the Demon Lord as he moved. It reminded her of an animal-- powerful, lethal. She could see the muscles of his legs move under the material of his trews. His clothing echoed his power, his darkness. A black shirt, opened slightly, revealing part of a chest she knew was muscled. His boots were black and made little sound as he moved. The Demon Lords hair was past his shoulders and fell like a dark curtain down his back. Yet it was his eyes that demanded her attention. Dark as midnight, they drew her in, to hold- her very soul to him. They commanded her without words and Leahannon soon realized her feet were moving down the stairs. Her mind screamed for her to get the sword yet she couldnt stop herself. She felt like a lamb being lead to the slaughter. She managed to stop on the bottom stair. The Demon Lord was still taller than her even there. His eyes, she thought. Close up she felt under their very control. But the Demon Lord had yet to unveil his greatest and most powerful weapon. Aidan watched the woman descend and when she stopped on the bottom step, he smiled at her. He knew he had won another round with her by her reaction. Her green eyes, widened slightly. Aidan held out his hand to her and watched as she placed her own hand in his. He marveled for a moment at the difference. Her hand was so small in his, almost childlike and fragile. Yet her skin was not smooth as most ladies her hands were rough as if they knew work. I am glad to see you were not seriously injured during yesterdays activities. He saw the confusion cross her face. Yesterday? she whispered. Her voice soothed Aidans raw nerves. Aye. You have been out since your fall. Many were worried, but Agnes said you would pull through. Though twas a foolish, foolish game to play. You are lucky I wasnt truly out to hurt you. He watched as the confusion in her eyes was replaced by something else and he smiled. In a snap, she was out from under his thrall and she yanked her hand from his. Foolish! she hissed. He smiled at her more and this increased her anger. Aidan found this to be a pleasurable experience. He was accustomed to women who backed down, who cowered to him. Yet the one before him did the opposite. Aye, foolish. he responded. What would you have done? Stand idle by as the legions of hell are set to march upon your home, ready to destroy all you hold dear? I would die to protect my people, and I know you would, too. Aidan felt an odd stirring he never had before. He looked her up and down. She was small for a female. Her body was perfect though. She had nice hips for cradling a man and breasts that were full. He noticed her hands were balled at her sides. He also saw the fire in her eyes and wondered if that same fire would be there as he took her hard in his bed. Aye, I would have done the same., he responded huskily. I am no mere slip of a lass. He watched as the fire in her eyes flamed more. Yes, he thought, there would be fire in her eyes for him as he possessed her body. Let us not talk of it anymore. Come lass, walk with me. There is much I would like to discuss with you. Leahannon was perplexed. What did he wish to talk to her about? Men did not speak to women about anything other than how to run the keep. She was curious about this discussion but nervous about being with him. He was a trap to women and she was determined not to become his next prey. I will go with you. But only if your friend comes too. She watched anger flare in his eyes and vanish suddenly. The Demon Lord was master of his emotions and Leahannon saw that clear as day. He smiled at her again. Afraid? he asked. He watched as the fire flared again. Aye, afraid of what I would do to you give the chance. The Demon Lord laughed, surprising Leahannon. She noted the other man also seemed taken aback. Jared, you will accompany us, to protect me from the lady. Jared tried not to laugh, but his eyes showed amusement Of course, my Lord. The Demon Lord surely needs protection from a mere lass. Aidan glared at Jared before heading to the door. Jared tuned toward Leahannon, bowing. After you my lady.