Page 57 of Fear the Fall
The instant I have that thought, a high-pitched cackling sounds surrounds me. The screeching comes from every side, yet it’s still just me and the girl. My head turns back to the spot in the road, but the girl is gone. In her place is a box sitting innocently, but its mere presence indicates it’s anything but.
I make my way to that spot in the street, bending to pick up the box while my head swivels to keep an eye on my surroundings. It’s a plain wooden box with no etchings or decorative painting. My instincts tell me to put it down and vacate the area, but when have I ever run from a potential fight?
My right hand goes to my back, patting Solis to affirm I’m not alone in what’s to come. Without overthinking it any longer, I pop the top of the box and stare down to find a bloody, beating heart.
I drop the offending object and take a colossal step away from it. What. The. Hell.
“I see you got my gift.” An unfamiliar voice sounds from behind me, and I spin around to come face to face with a creature that’s undoubtedly an upper-echelon demon.
At first glance he appears human. Chiseled cheekbones, raven hair, devastating smile—it’s all there. But I know what to look for. That shimmery glamour just at the edges gives him away. If I focus for just a few seconds on that shimmer, it’ll start to fade away and the demon’s true identity will be revealed. This particular demon is strong. After several seconds of trying to uncover the glamour, I’m only able to capture glimpses.
“Who are you?” I ask, grabbing for Solis.
The demon tsks. “Is that any way to repay me? I think a thank you is in order.”
I do the most unladylike thing I can think of and spit at his feet. “There’s your thank you, demon.”
“I’m going to enjoy enslaving you,” he sneers. “I see why Lucifer is so taken with you. You truly are a rare beauty.”
Definitely top rank, if he knows my past with Lucifer.
“Good luck. You have no idea how much trouble you’re in. Coming for me alone? Big mistake.”
He chortles. “You think I came alone? Oh, no. I brought friends.”
He whistles, and the shadows all around me start to form into creatures that get uglier as they materialize.
He brought a horde, and that isn’t good for me.