Page 42 of Unbinding the Demon

The balmy air blew against my face as Azathoth drifted over a hazy lagoon. Uncanny bird-like calls and screeches resounded across the strange wetlands. Long, narrow beaches made of small gray stones and ash cut through the bubbling tar-like lake in veiny winding pathways. Colossal trees, easily five times the size of a redwood, stretched their twisting gnarled roots over the dreary fog-blanketed beaches and across the foreboding water . They created dismal archways and grim obstacles for one to pass through. Their thick, dark trunks stretched all the way past a layer of low resting clouds looming above us. These clouds were a curious sight, draping over treetops like a veil. They concealed the stormy, blackened skies behind a pale, flowing shroud of haze. Burgundy ferns sprouted gloomily along the bases of the trees, while slender black vines webbed their spiraling tendrils over the rough bark.

Azathoth landed next to a tree, his heavy boots crunching on the pebbly beach. The sound carried across the lake, almost too loud for this somber place. The dense fog loomed around us, shrouding everything in an eerie embrace. My eyes followed a large, undead dragonfly-looking creature as it buzzed over the lake. Then a fanged, alien, zombie fish surged out of the goop and caught it midair, gobbling it down whole.

Oh, gosh!

“This looks like a good one,” Azathoth muttered, pulling me away from my nature viewing.

I pried my eyes away from the feasting fish and over to where he was gesturing. To my surprise, actual water was trickling lachrymosely down a mighty trunk. It pooled in a large, naturally formed basin within its thick roots. It was about three times the size of an average jacuzzi and looked rather deep. Mist hovered above the tranquil water and swirled out over the woody edges, looking like a witch’s potion brewing in a cauldron. It whispered through the tall ferns embellishing the base and then rolled out over the lake.

“Is it safe to go in there?” I asked, as he tried to place me on my feet. I wobbled and latched my hands onto his arm, still unable to stand after he nearly fucked me to death earlier.

He chuckled at my debilitated state as he slipped my dress over my head. “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t.” His large hands gripped my waist. He picked me up, then set my naked bum on the warm edge of the pool.

I leaned over to inspect the suspiciously clean-looking water. “Is it warm?” My small hands gripped the rough, damp bark below me for better balance.

He placed our bag on the ground, then discarded his clothes next to it. “Yes, it is. These trees,” he patted the trunk, “are filled with boiling hot sap, making them warm to the touch. Condensation from the clouds overhead forms on the bark. Then the water heats as it trickles down, and it gets even warmer when it pools in the roots.”

I peered up the tree in amazement. Even though it seemed clean and safe, the thought of dipping into a pool while in The Abyss was kind of creepy. “Um, you know, I think I might change my mind about this.”

“Oh? Well, that’s a real shame…” He looked down at his claws nonchalantly, as if he were making sure they were all still perfectly sharp. “Because I’m not!” With a playful growl, he pounced and tackled me into the water.

“Azatho—!” I tried to yell, right before my flailing body was submerged beneath the misty surface, causing a big splash to fan out around us.

The deep water enveloped every inch of my body with warmth while I thrashed against Azathoth’s large, smothering frame. Large air bubbles left my mouth and floated up to the surface as I frantically slapped at his chest. His grip on me loosened, so I twisted and pushed my way back up. I gasped for air as my head breached the surface, looking like a sodden, drowning rat.

I wiped my eyes and pushed my wet, flattened hair out of my face, then turned to face Azathoth with a scowl. “You jerk!” I scoffed as I splashed his stupid, laughing face.

His long black locks fanned out around his body as they hit the water, making it look as though ink was leaking out of him. He jocosely crouched down as if he were about to pounce again, mischievously eyeing me with wicked enthusiasm. His clawed hands lifted above the surface, and he made a goofy gesture like he was going to grab me, acting like a devilish rascal up to no good.

“Get back! Get back, you big demonic creep!” I yelled playfully, then I splashed him again while giggling and trying to back away.

With another growl, he pounced, tackling me beneath the surface once again. I screamed and laughed as I was helplessly pulled under. Air bubbles floated around our faces, while our long hair fluidly danced around our bodies. He placed his hand behind my head and pressed his smiling mouth to mine in a whimsical, yet amorous, underwater kiss. His lips felt heavenly against my own as I melted into his demonic embrace.

My arms fell around his neck as he rested his other hand on the small of my back. He lifted us back up to the surface so that just our heads were bobbing above the waving water. My hardened nipples pressed against his wet, inked chest, causing my lower muscles to somersault with desire. Tiny droplets slid down the length of his sharp horns while his citrine eyes pierced through the misty darkness. The gloom and melancholy of the scenery around us contrasted with our cheerful spirits as we laughed nose to nose.

He gazed into my eyes with a look of complete adoration and devotion for me. Butterflies fluttered around in my stomach, and warmth bloomed in my heart as he ran the backs of his claws along my cheek with affection. “I love you,” he murmured.

My words got caught in my throat, and I couldn’t do anything but smile blissfully for a moment. He truly made me feel like the most cherished thing in the world to him. Before I could say anything in response, though, he placed another deep, sensual kiss on my lips. As he pulled away, his eyes seemed to search my face with curiosity.

He rose so that the water rested halfway up his pecs and gently turned me around. I latched my hands onto one of the wet roots that made up the edge of the pool. The glossy water licked at the dark wood below my grip with peaceful lapping sounds. His erection pressed against my butt as he fondled my breasts with both of his hands.

“Azathoth, I, um, might pass out if you take me again,” I mentioned with flushed cheeks.

He chuckled against the top of my head. “I understand. Still, let’s try to get you cleaned up, shall we?” He began to sensually trail one of his hands down my submerged body toward my center.

I stiffened, reluctant to let him use his claws down there for obvious reasons. He’d never actually stuck them inside me before, and the thought of it was terrifying. “Oh, um, maybe I should be the one to—”

“Shh, it’s all right. I’ll be careful with my claws,” he whispered, knowing exactly what had put me on edge. “Trust me.”

I took in an anxious breath, knowing how important my trust was to him. “Just please be careful.” Apprehension filled my quavering voice.

“Don’t worry. I will,” he responded with a purr, then lovingly kissed the back of my head.

He’d better not fuck up this huge display of trust .

I reached my arms above my head behind me with a trembling motion, wrapping them around his neck. He rubbed my inner thighs and lightly circled the pads of his fingertips over my entrance. Then he carefully pushed two fingers inside, rinsing away all the evidence of our pleasure. Even though I would’ve killed for a bar of soap, this was still better than nothing. To my relief, his touch was mindful and delicate, putting my worries at ease. I relaxed against him, enjoying the feeling of his fingers caressing my inner walls. He leaned in and feathered a trail of tender kisses up from my shoulder, all the way to my wet cheek.

Then his hand abruptly stilled, and a low, irritated growl emanated from his chest. I froze in fear, horrified that he was growling hostilely with his claws still inside me. A chill ran through me, wondering what unknown creature or thing had invoked his aggression. But the claws in my pussy filled me with far greater terror.

Please don’t shred my vagina... Please don’t shred my vagina. .. I nervously chanted in my head.

“This fuckhead, and his impeccable timing,” he grumbled to himself through gritted teeth. Very gently, he removed his hand from my center, his claws slipping out without even the slightest nick. I exhaled in relief. “Stay here,” he instructed. His claws dug into the root, causing little flecks of bark to chip off as he leapt out of the water. “Valarendrik!” His diabolical voice boomed across the quiet lake, causing a few strange winged creatures to flap away in the distance.

I glanced around, hearing nothing but the soft bubbling sounds of the lake. Then a mysterious dark figure jumped into sight and crouched on one of the large twisted roots on the other side of the beach. The fog eerily cloaked their features with its slowly drifting veil, but I could tell that it was a very tall and well-built man. His long, tattered black coat and snarled hair fluttered in the breeze behind him, as if he were a malevolent specter who’d come to bring us death.

What the? Where did this ominous, otherworldly bozo come from?

I slapped my hands over my breasts to cover them and hid my naked body beneath the water. To my shock and dismay, the enigmatic inhuman man leapt high into the air, then flipped down as if he were Jackie fucking Chan or some shit. Long, minacious twin swords spun elegantly in both of his hands as he silently landed on his feet with an ashen cloud puffing up around him. Some sort of bizarre black mist swirled at his feet and within his hair for a second, then it disappeared. Azathoth let out a blood-curdling roar and displayed his fangs. The sound sort of reminded me of a tiger, but it was far darker and more, well, demonic.

Oh shit. ..

I grabbed my head in fear and panic as I watched the man wield his two baleful swords with dangerously proficient dexterity, undaunted and determined. They expeditiously slashed through the air, swooshing their sharp edges straight toward Azathoth. His large, lethal wings acted as mighty impenetrable shields, blocking the man’s attack with powerful force. Deep growls and grunts rang across the lagoon as they began an intense brawl within the thick haze.

Holy fucking Toledo!

I was completely petrified, frozen in horror, as my berserk, butt-naked demon boyfriend viciously fought this freakish, otherworldly intruder. The peculiar foe and Azathoth were both adept fighters, yet neither one managed to land a single hit on the other. Ashen beach and small pebbles went flying beneath their feet while they danced a deadly tango, like skilled martial artists. The malignant blades clashed against Azathoth’s spikes. They both thrust and slashed to attack and sprang and spun to evade one another.

The man lifted a blade high above his head, then forcefully brought it down only to have Azathoth’s wing swiftly block it. Azathoth whipped his other wing around, aiming straight for his throat. The stranger simultaneously thrust his other sword toward Azathoth’s neck. They both paused right before impact, each of them in a vulnerable, fatal position. The fog eerily drifted past them, and everything fell silent. I held my breath, and my heart pounded wildly in my chest, as I feared for Azathoth’s very life... Then, to my complete shock, they both started laughing and lowered their weapons?

Holy shrimp scampi in the Serengeti! What the actual fuck is going on!?

My mouth fell agape as they began to playfully mock-fight, with their loud, deep laughter echoing throughout the mist. The bizarre stranger laughed in a teasing manner while pointing at Azathoth’s dick. Azathoth, in a goofy way, pretended to be bashful and hid his manhood behind a wing. “What the fuck is going on here!?” I blurted out while waving my hands. Then I remembered I was naked, so I quickly ducked and peered out over the roots at them in embarrassment.

They both snapped their heads in my direction. The man grabbed his blades with an expression of both shock and curiosity, craning his neck to get a better look at me. I, too, found this weird guy intriguing. From what I could see, he was just about as tall as Azathoth, with pale ash-gray skin. Two long black scars ran somewhat diagonally over his left eye. A black band clung to his upper forehead with gnarled spikes jutting up from it, similar to a crown. His raggedy cloak-like jacket was open, revealing his muscular bare torso and exposed ribs on his rotting left side. A line of formidable, upturned spikes stretched up the backs of his black boots. These boots climbed up his calves, merging with his sword holster-belted pants.

Azathoth dashed back over to me and made a protective stance while growling something at the other man. He spoke in an uncanny language while motioning for him to turn around. The man said something back as he inquisitively bobbed his head a few times, trying to get a better look at me. Azathoth full-on roared something that I can only guess was some sort of gruesome threat. The man put his hands up in defeat and turned around while shaking his head.

Azathoth reached over the edge and dragged my limp body out of the water, with his wing outstretched to hide me. “Alright, let’s quickly get you dressed.”

“Who the fuck is that guy, and what the hell was all that fighting about?” I asked in annoyance, as he grabbed the bag and pulled out a secret spare pair of panties I didn’t know we had with us. “And you didn’t tell me I had a spare pair of panties!” My angry eyes narrowed at him.

“His name is Valarendrik. He’s the rogue, runaway prince of the abyssal kingdom, Tenveriel, and a good friend of mine. That little scuffle was just us fucking around.” He shoved a clean black dress over my head, then helped me get the panties on since my legs were still as useless as wilted celery sticks. “And no, I didn’t tell you. I was enjoying the easy access to your sweet little cunt too much.” He pulled his pants on, then pulled me against his chest while giving Prince Vala-whoeverthefuck the okay to turn back around.

Azathoth wrapped a wing around me, making it so only my head was visible to the undead prince. I gripped his arm with both of my hands, digging my fingernails into his skin. Valarendrik spun around on one heel, his long, black, unkempt hair sweeping behind him like a cape of shadows. His strange boots made no sound as he walked through the wisping fog with calculated steps. A black mist swirled within his ribcage, coiling like snakes within the crevices between his exposed bones.

His head leaned in uncomfortably close to my face and tilted side to side with curiosity, like a bird inspecting something shiny to peck. He had a sharp, attractive visage and would have been exceptionally handsome if he were human and, well, more alive-looking, I suppose. The peculiar eyes that analytically stared into mine had rings of deep crimson forming the irises. What was really odd, though, was that the whites of his eyes weren’t white at all. They were pitch-black, almost void-like. My gaze drifted from his unsettling eyes and up to the twitching

crown of seven symmetrical spikes coming out of the band on his forehead. It looked as if it was comprised of the clawed metacarpals and phalanges from some poor unfortunate soul’s severed fingers. The bones wiggled inquisitively like sentient antennae, with soft skeletal clicking noises.

Okay... This guy is really fucking freaky .

I widened my eyes as he lifted a clawed hand with exposed bone along his tattered knuckles, looking as though the flesh had been smashed off long ago. Like Azathoth’s claws, his were also black. However, they looked more like dingy, thick fingernails that had grown into points. Unlike Azathoth’s sharp, glossy talons. As he reached out to touch my face, a low warning growl rumbled out of Azathoth’s chest. He retracted his hand slowly and took a graceful step back while saying something in a deep yet smooth voice.

Azathoth shook his head while saying something back to him and pointing at me. The only word I could understand was “human,” making it obvious that he was inquiring about what species I was.

“So, um, why is he staring at me like that?” I asked, feeling a knot in my stomach while leaning further back into Azathoth’s embrace. I trusted Azathoth wouldn’t let anyone bad near me, but this guy’s undead appearance and strange behavior was giving me the creeps.

“Well, not only are you an absolute alien freak to him, but your eye and hair color are completely blowing his mind right now.” He playfully twirled a lock of my hair. “The only colors that exist here are grey, black, and very few shades of red, purple, and umber. So, he’s never seen green or chestnut brown before. There’s nothing luminescent here, either. In fact, you should have seen him the first time he saw my face... It was borderline erotic.” He chuckled, then said something to Valarendrik.

Valarendrik nodded, then seemed to ask a question. But it was hard to tell, considering I didn’t know a single word of the language.

“Gwendolyn,” Azathoth replied.

“Gwendolyn,” he repeated with an unsettling smile, revealing a mouth full of sharp, pointed teeth and fangs. Then he politely bowed to me.

I raised my hand in a hesitant attempt to wave. “Hello, uh, Valarendrik.” His smile came back, showing off even more of his pointy teeth in what I guessed was a friendly expression.

They continued to chit-chat for a few minutes while I remained shyly tucked behind Azathoth’s large wing. I felt like an awkward, nervous turtle hiding within the safety of its cozy shell. Overwhelmed by fatigue, I zoned out and watched the bubbles rise and pop in the tar-like lake. Many large trees grew throughout the lake, but it was hard to see them through the haze. Valarendrik made an eerie whistling noise, which resounded through the air, startling me nearly to death.

“What the!?” I jumped in fright, then stilled in fear , shifting my gaze to the far end of the beach.

A ghastly whinny called back to him, and then the sound of heavy approaching hooves crunched over the gravel. The noise sent a dreadful shiver up my spine. Out from the veil of mist emerged an enormous undead stallion. Its coat was as black as starless midnight, with a long snarled mane that mournfully draped like the wisping shadow of an eidolon. Tattered flesh revealed bones on its legs, sides, and up along half of its face. Three milky, deathlike eyes rested on either side of its head, giving it six in total. The frayed bridle rattled eerily, and the sinister-looking saddle clanked. The cadaverous horse’s large black hooves came to a steady halt, sinking into the pebbly beach.

I peeked over at the ghostly steed with a pale, fear-stricken face. It snorted and stomped its front hoof as Valarendrik took the reins in his hand. He gently guided it over and had it nestle down in front of us. Its milky eyes stared at me with curiosity as it made a gentle nicker.

Yikes. ..

“This is Sagacor, Valarendrik’s horse.” Azathoth gestured at it with a grin. Valarendrik sat down with his back resting against its side, bending one knee up. “We’re going to rest here and catch up for a little while.”

He took a few steps over to the large root and sat down with his back against it. I rested with my head on his chest and our legs intertwined. Both of his wings wrapped around my body like a snug yet protective blanket. I ran my fingertips over their black, leathery surface. It was amazing just how soft they felt, considering how strong they were. They were like the smoothest leather, almost velvety.

I indulged in a soft yawn and a delicate sigh of weariness. “Maybe I should practice the unbinding incantation while we rest,” I mentioned. Azathoth informed me I was going to have to perform it in the same location where the magic had previously been awakened. So we had to wait until we were back on Earth and in the library to do it. Luckily, that gave me some extra time to practice pronouncing everything correctly.

He smiled down at me, his expression filled with love, and he caressed my temple. “I’m thrilled you want to practice it, but you seem exhausted. You really should rest for now.”

Another sleepy yawn escaped me. “Yeah, I guess so.” My eyes drifted over to Valarendrik, who was sharpening one of his odd-looking swords. “Why is he a runaway prince, anyway?”

Azathoth gazed over at him. “Well, I was kind of the one who convinced him to abandon the throne.” He chuckled. “Tenverians are extremely sick and savage, cannibalistic creatures by nature, but he’s an exception. He despises the cruel and disgusting ways of his people, and as the prince, he suffered much opprobrium for it.”

I furrowed my brows. “So, if he abandoned his title as prince, then why does he still wear that weird crown thing?”

“Oh, believe me, nothing would bring him greater joy than to take that disgusting thing off. But he can’t. It was transfixed deep into the front of his skull against his will and became one with him.” He tapped his chin. “I’ll just give you a very quick summary of his story.” He sucked in a breath.

“Once every eighteen years, there’s this blood moon that dips beneath the clouds and rises over the Eastern abyssal sea. The kingdom of Tenveriel was built next to that very same sea. When the blood moon arises, so does an ancient sea serpent named Malsanguis, and to appease it, they offer a sacrifice. The first child born after the moon sets is chosen as the next offering. Unfortunately, the true crown prince, Valarendrik’s older brother, was born right after a blood moon. He was close with his brother, and it traumatized him to watch his mother, the queen and high priestess, callously cut him open, remove his organs, then stuff him full of sea creatures, and send him off in a little boat to be devoured by the serpent. As royal tradition, they cut off his brother’s hands before sacrificing him and forged Valarendrik’s crown with his finger bones.”

“What the fuck!? So those are actually his brother’s finger bones on his head!?”

“Yes, and he loathes it. But that’s what makes him such an anomaly. Unlike normal Tenverians, he feels empathy and sorrow. He could see that their ways were totally fucked up. He was actually about to kill himself when we first met, but I convinced him to say ‘fuck it’ and become a wandering nomad like I was.”

I gazed over at Valarendrik as he tucked a strand of his thick, unruly hair behind a pointed ear while concentrating on his sword. “Good grief. That’s awful,” I said, lowering my voice. It was hard to imagine someone so frightening-looking suffering from so much pain. My heart squeezed at the thought of it, and I decided not to judge him too harshly based on his ghoulish appearance. “I’m sorry he went through that.”

“I am too. Besides Belzar, he was my only company in this lifeless world. I care for him deeply and think of him as a brother.” Azathoth glanced over at him too, catching his attention. Valarendrik smiled at us both, seeming not to want to interrupt our conversation. “Luckily, he’s content now.” He wrapped his arms around me to pull me closer. “You should get some sleep. It would be best if you’re well-rested once we find the vovin.”

I snuggled into his embrace. “I’ll try. But I doubt I’ll be able to fall asleep in this nightmarish place.”

“Well, luckily, you have me,” he grinned.

I laughed. “Oh, right! I almost forgot that you’re like a living cup of chamomile tea, and I’ll never have to worry about insomnia again,” I teased lovingly.

His eyes grew bright with joy, and a soft chuckle escaped him. “Sleep,” he whispered.

My eyes glowed with love at Gwendolyn while she fell asleep. Her skin felt like the softest velvet beneath my touch as I lightly caressed her shoulder and neck. Her last words caused an overwhelming feeling of hope to bloom inside my heart. If she thought that she’d never have to worry about insomnia again, did that mean that she intended to stay with me? Although she was straightforward about needing time to think about coming to Hell, she had been unclear about whether she would choose to stay.

“Azathoth... Your human companion...” I gazed up to see a look of complete horror contorting Valarendrik’s face as he spoke in the abyssal language. “Did she just perish?” he asked with concern, remaining frozen in place with the blade he was sharpening still in his hand.

Oh right... The abyssal undead don’t sleep .

I smiled and shook my head in amusement. “No, she’s perfectly fine. Humans need to go into a comatose-like state every so often. Otherwise, they weaken and get sick. It’s called sleep .” I waved my hand as if I were explaining some mystical phenomenon.

His look of horror turned to one of confusion. “That is very strange. How does she protect herself during this,” he waved a hand the same way I had done, “sleep?”

I shrugged. “She can’t, actually. She has no idea what’s going on around her right now. Watch...” I grabbed her face and squished her cheeks a few times, making her mouth move like a fish. “Blub, blub, blub,” I jokingly said to make her seem like a puppet. “She’ll have no recollection of that whatsoever.” My eyes met his with a mischievous snicker.

He cocked his head, both fascinated and confused by my demonstration. “That seems very impractical. She already looks quite helpless, even with her awareness intact.” He went back to sharpening his blade, glancing at Gwendolyn as though she were some sort of enigma.

“Yes, you’re right. She is helpless, for the most part.” I held my hand next to my mouth as if I were telling him a secret. “Although I’ll never tell her that. She’s a feisty one . “ My hand lowered while we both chuckled. “Humans are naturally very weak and delicate, but they do have sharp minds. Luckily, she has me to protect her to make up for the lack of physical strength.”

His eyes trailed over her sleeping face. I tightened my wings around her and suppressed a possessive growl. I knew he was just curious, but my claim intensified my proprietorial instincts when it came to her. “You should arm her, then,” he stated, and then inspected the edge of his sword, flicking it a bit with his thumb.

“What do you mean?”

He shrugged. “I mean, that’s the most defenseless-looking being I’ve ever seen.” He pointed at her with his sword. “She has no fangs, no claws, and from what I can tell, she is extremely weak. So, you should give her a weapon to defend herself with.”

Horrible images of Gwendolyn accidentally killing herself with various weapons flashed through my mind. “No, no, no, she doesn’t need that. I’m her weapon,” I boasted, while pointing at my chest.

“Ehh...” He tilted his head with a skeptical

expression. “I disagree, my friend. She’ll never become stronger that way. If you care for her well-being, then I believe you should strengthen and arm her.” Sagacor whinnied behind him.

I genuinely thought about what he said for a minute. “No, I still think that’s a bad idea. She’s too clumsy.” My hair swayed as I shook my head. “But believe me, I would never let anything harm her. Not only do I care for her, but I also love her. She’s extremely precious to me.” I smiled down at her delicate, sleeping face and caressed her cheek.

He raised an intrigued brow. “Love?”

Oh, I forgot. Love doesn’t exist for the abyssal undead. How do I, a demon, explain what love is to a Tenverian?

“Well, you see, love ...” I waved my hand again as I began to explain. “It’s sort of similar to the pleasurable rush you get when you’ve really wanted to kill someone for a long time. And then, at last, you finally feel glorious satisfaction from seeing their blood violently spill from their flesh.” He nodded his head in understanding, letting me know that my explanation was getting the point across. “Only that blissful feeling is constant and for someone else. It makes you want to protect and cherish them always... and constantly copulate with them .”

He looked awestruck as he gazed over at me. “That sounds wonderful. I envy you and this love thing you have with the flimsy human female.” He nodded toward her. “Does she experience such things, too?”

His question froze me on the spot. Did she still love me? It hadn’t gone unnoticed that she hadn’t said it since finding out the truth about what I was, and I was too afraid to ask. It would shatter my heart if she didn’t.

“She did, and I hope she still does,” I said quietly, gazing down at her with a sense of longing. “Well, anyway.” I cleared my throat and looked over at him. “Will you join us and slay the vovin with me?” We had been discussing it while Gwendolyn was still awake. He was on his way to the great lake to slay some hydras, so I had a good feeling he’d say yes to my offer.

“My friend, I would never turn down such an invitation.” He grinned murderously while twirling his blade.

The mist drifted by as we continued to catch up. I shared with him every detail about my less-than-ideal five years back on Earth and my matrimonial hopes regarding Gwendolyn. He always enjoyed my stories about the living worlds and was fascinated by the idea of them. He had many questions regarding humans and Earth, all of which I answered to the best of my ability.

Hours passed as we chit-chatted and plotted the vovin’s demise.