Page 37 of Cuddly Demon

"But it doesn't always work," he continues, his voice low and serious. "Sometimes the portal doesn't open when it should, or it won't let certain people through. It can be unpredictable at times." He turns back to me and smiles again, but this time there's a hint of sadness in his eyes.

I gnash my teeth. "I'm not sure about this."

"We'll step through it together and it'll transport us to where we can find Azazel. Then, we'll ask him how to break the curse."

I'm still in awe of the portal, but I'm also a little scared. "Am I really going to accompany you?"

"Humans are safe as long as a demon protects them. Don't worry. I'll be right beside you every step of the way. We'll be safe as long as we stick together."

"What actually goes on... inside the portal?" This scares me the most. It looks like a hurricane.

"An ethereal mist will immediately envelop us. It'll guide us to where we need to go. Along the way, we may encounter all sorts of creatures—both good and evil—so it's important to stay close to me and not get distracted or lost in this realm."

My jaw drops. "We'll bump into other paranormals?"

"Yes, we will. The spiritual realm is teeming with all kinds of supernatural beings, from angels to demons and every kind of creature in between."

I gulp. "Oh my."

"But don't worry, I'll protect you." Onyx gives me a reassuring smile. "You don't have to be afraid."

"Okay." I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. "Let's do this."

Onyx takes my hand, his rough skin sending shivers down my spine. His eyes meet mine, blazing with anticipation, as we step towards the portal. My heart pounding with excitement, I follow him into the unknown.

As soon as we cross the threshold, a cool mist envelops us, an eerie sensation that sets my nerves on edge. I can feel the portal pulsing with a powerful energy, an electric surge that threatens to overwhelm my senses.

The colors around us swirl and dance, a kaleidoscope of hues that defy description. The once-familiar shapes distort, folding into themselves and twisting into impossible configurations.

As I stumble forward, my feet sink into the shifting ground. It's like a mossy cloud that's impossible to stand up straight on.

Onyx's grip on my hand never falters. His presence is a reassuring anchor as we navigate the chaotic landscape of the spiritual realm.

Other creatures pop up around us as they journey through various realms. Demons, like Onyx, lurk in the shadows, their eyes gleaming with primal hunger. Their forms constantly shifting between human and animal, their movements fluid and unsettling. Spirits and ghosts flit about like will-o'-the-wisps. Each one leaves a trail of whispers and phantom touches in their wake. The air is thick with their essences, the fragrance of their ethereal bodies sending a shiver down my spine. Even banshees wail in the distance to wispy spirits floating by, each with their own unique aura.

I freeze, my breath catching in my throat, when a pack of bloodthirsty hellhounds locks their eyes on us. They snarl and howl, but Onyx pulls me forward, his grip tight. We move quickly and quietly, our every step soundless through the silence.

At last, the portal spits us out onto the ground. My palms smack into sand, and I fight not to bump my head.

"We did it." Onyx smiles, his eyes twinkling.

My heart swells as I stare into his eyes. "You kept me safe."

Onyx leans in, his lips brushing against mine in a tender kiss. I melt into him, my body humming with desire as his tongue glides over my lips. His hands dig into my hair, his kiss deepening as he pulls me closer. I moan, my body arching against his as a wave of pleasure washes over me.

We break apart, gasping for air. "I think I'm addicted to kissing you," Onyx admits, his voice husky with desire.

I grin, feeling my cheeks heat up. "Me too."

I lean in for another kiss, but Onyx pulls away, his expression serious again.

"We need to find Azazel. He's the only one who can break the curse."

I nod, pushing aside the desire that still lingers in my body. "Right."

Onyx and I take a look at our surroundings. We're on a gorgeous beach—that much is clear.

The grains of sand ebb and flow beneath my feet. The sun beats down on my skin as I look out into the vast blue ocean, but my eyes are quickly drawn back to the shoreline.