Zeth smiled and stared straight into my soul with his solid black eyes. “By letting me out to play.” I didn’t answer. “You know, a demon can only remain locked away for so long before its evil bleeds into a host’s soul, forever tainting it.” His head tilted until his ear nearly touched the top of his shoulder. “Is that what you want?”
My brows furrowed. “No.” The single word burned in my throat. “But I’m not giving you control…not yet.” I wiped my face and turned the faucet off.
Zeth growled at me. “Foolish human. What was the reason for summoning me if you refuse to let me devour your enemies!”
“Enemy or not, I’m not letting you devour anyone!”
Zeth’s grin returned. “Oh, but I shall. Did you forget the words you spoke that night?” I tried to remember. “Use my body as a vessel and carry out your chaos as you see fit to ensure all those who have harmed me will bleed for their sins.” He licked his lips and my eyes widened in disbelief. “You spoke those words, and your words are binding.”
The truth left me speechless.
“I will remain patient…for now. But one day, something will happen that will leave you begging for me to take control. And when that day comes, I plan to revel in it.” Zeth ruptured into a menacing laugh, scaring the hell out of me. I grabbed my things and bolted from the bathroom, making my way out the backdoor.
I didn’t say goodbye to anyone…not even Tawny. I just left, too embarrassed and ashamed to even face them.
Once in the dark alley, I let out a large sigh. Sure, it smelled like shit, but being outside and away from everything inside was the reprieve I needed. Even Zeth was quiet.
One of my rat friends scampered over my shoe as I walked around the alley. “Oh hey buddy.” Bending down, I picked him up. “Sorry, I didn’t grab you a snack like I said.” I walked away from the back of the pizzeria to a darkened corner. “Things—well—yeah.” I leaned against the wall, setting the rat on my shoulder as I reached into my bag for a cigarette. Hell, at this point I needed like seven to even calm myself before heading home.
By the time I lit up my third smoke, the temperature had dropped substantially, unlike my little gathering of rats. They had slowly gathered around me and kept me company while I smoked. “I should probably head home soon,” I mumbled to myself. Just then, a sound on the opposite side of the dumpster caught my attention. It was way too loud to be any of my rat friends. “What the—” I stood up as a shadow of a man ducked down behind the hunk of blue metal. “I can see you, you know.” He didn’t move or answer. “I said I can see you, you piece of shit.” At my loud voice, the rats that had gathered around me scattered, leaving me alone. “Either be a man and come out, or walk away.” As soon as he stepped out from the shadows, I recognized him.
I–I know him.
He brushed his messy blonde hair from his face and grinned. “Sup,” he said in an oily voice.
“Y-you,” I breathed. My body reacted, tensing almost instantly as he stepped closer. “What the hell are you doing here?” My back hit the wall and I realized I was now stuck in the corner of the alley with him.
The man reeked of alcohol and weed, stepping closer and closer with each passing second. “Your uh…friendmentioned I might find you here.” He licked his lips and stopped directly in front of me.
“What friend?” I breathed.
“The one with the black widow tattoo right...” His arm raised and he brushed my hair aside, gliding his fingertip along the side of my neck. “There.”
My legs shook from how close he was. “Stop it.” I swatted his hand away. “And Sybil isnotmy friend.” Zeth’s voice filled my head as the man moved even closer.
I could handle this little problem for you with such ease, little human. Just give me control.
“No.” The word brushed past my lips at the same time the guy decided to grab my belt and pull me towards him. “No!” I tried to push him off me, but despite being drunk and high, he was still stronger than me.
Give me control, Crissa.
“No!” The man gripped my chin and tried to force a kiss. I slapped him and he stumbled back.
“You little bitch!” He spat at the ground, wiping a bead of blood from his lip. I tried to take advantage of the moment and run past him, but he swung his arm and knocked me to the ground. My body ached from how hard I hit the pavement.
Give me control!
My eyes, partially hidden behind my disheveled green fringe, opened to see the man walking towards me. His boots skidded along the pavement and stopped inches from my face. “You know—” He sighed before crouching. “I intended to play nice.” He shook his head as I looked up at him. “But I guess I’ll have to be rough.” Before I could open my mouth to scream, his hand snatched my neck, squeezing it tight. The air in my lungs drained and I gasped, choking on the night air. He pulled my body towards him, raising it slightly until my face was level with his.
Speak my name, Crissa. Speak it and I shall end this.
My nails dug and clawed at his hand, but he just stared at me with a menacing look. “Z—” I strained, unable to speak.
“Aw,” he taunted with a tilted grin. “What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?” The man laughed before lunging forward and forcing a kiss. He shoved his tongue down my throat and nearly drowned me in his hot saliva all while I gasped for air.
I can feel your fear right now, human. Your insides are trembling. Let me take control.
I didn’t acknowledge him.
