Captured Rose: Prophesied Girl

By Athina Fernwood

He's the Demon King,

Dimitri Rae the most dangerous and brutal demon you could ever come across has been ruling over Rovana for a very long time. Life tends to get boring so Dimitri results to torturing and killing humans as a form of entertainment. This has been going on for more than a century and the humans are too weak to fight back.

• Language: English
• Publisher: IngramSpark
• Release date: Jun 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9788036004346

Book preview

Chapter 1

Chapter Separator

~Isabella Wint~

This couldn’t be true. I could not have been chosen. This was all a joke. It had to be. But I knew that wasn’t the case. The letter in my hand looked pretty official to me, especially with the huge golden circle stamped on the right-hand corner.

For over a century, the Demon King has been getting his demons to come to Earth to kidnap humans and bring them down to the Demon Realm, Rovana. There, the Demon King tortures and brutally kills all these humans and no one really knows the reason behind it. Because of this, humans live in constant fear and none of us can be too safe anywhere we go.

A prophecy was found thirty years ago that states that the Demon King can be stopped by one human and one human alone. An eighteen-year-old teenage girl. The rest of the prophecy has been burned by the Demon King himself, but the government could save the first little of it.

The government has come up with a system that randomly picks twenty, 18-year-old girls every year from all over the world to be sent down to the Demon King hoping one of them will kill him. But every year, all the girls have died instead. Not one girl has ever made it home safe.

And right now, I am holding a letter in my hand stating that I will be one of the twenty girls who will go down to Rovana try to stop this Demon King. I couldn’t believe I was selected. I never thought it possible for me to be one of the girls. I just didn’t think this would happen to me and I wasn’t mentally prepared for this at all.

I personally think the prophecy’s a fake. How are we supposed to stop the Demon King? The government sends us down with no protection or weapons at all, either. They just hand us over to the King as a ‘peace offering’ and I bet the King thinks we humans are stupid for thinking a peace offering can stop him.

Now I’ll be sent down next week with nineteen other girls from all around the world, with no preparation or instruction at all how we’re supposed to kill him. I don’t think I could do it, anyway. The thought of killing anyone makes me absolutely sick. Even if it is someone as horrible as the Demon King. It’s a complete waste sending me down because I know I am definitely not the girl from the prophecy. The girl from the prophecy has to be someone brave and intelligent, which is the complete opposite of me.

And I don’t believe killing the King is the right thing to do. By killing him, won’t we be stooping down to his level? I don’t know what else we’d do, but if we think about it, we could come up with something that could stop the King without having to kill him. There has to be a reason he kills humans. Shouldn’t there be? The King before him had killed none humans in his lifetime. So why does the one now like to kill? There had to be a reason.

I crashed down onto the sofa, staring at the letter in my hand. I couldn’t understand how I could have been picked to stop the King. There were many girls who had a better chance of survival than me that could have been picked, but no, it was I who got chosen.

I checked the time and noticed it was 11 pm. My parents would come home soon after their date. I didn’t want to ruin their night by basically telling them I was going to die. But I had to tell them.

I was really proud of myself for not having broken down into tears yet at the thought of leaving and being killed. But I knew I’d start crying as soon as I told my parents and my little brother and sister about the news.

I angrily chucked the letter down on the ground not wanting to look at it any longer, and grabbed a blanket from my bedroom before going back to the couch. I sat down, wrapping the blanket around me and switched the TV, hoping this was all just a nightmare.

The news was on and the news lady was talking about more human deaths caused by the Demon King. I quickly switched the channel to something else and an old black and white movie was playing. I watched that until my parents came home. I didn’t care if I liked it or not, I just wanted to keep myself distracted because I knew if I started crying I wouldn’t be able to stop.

After half an hour, my parents came home and, as I had predicted, my eyes started welling up with tears.

Isa, we’re home! My mom called, causing me to start sobbing at hearing her voice.

Mom. I quietly called back, my voice shaking hard as I sniffed.

Isa, are you okay? My dad asked concerned, as he walked into the living room to find me crying, tears freely falling down my face. I grabbed a tissue out of the tissue box and blew my nose before shaking my head no at my dad.

My mom hurried into the living room as well, and both my parents came and sat down beside me. What happened, honey? My mom asked in her calm, soothing voice as she gently stroked my hair. All I did was point at the letter on the ground. My dad leaned over and picked it up, reading it, when a look of horror came across his face.

~ A week later ~

I felt so scared and nervous. I was standing in a room with the nineteen other girls I’m supposed to go down to Rovana with and I could already tell we know we had no chance of survival.

A lot of girl’s eyes were puffy and red from all the crying they must have done before coming here, just like mine probably looked. Most girls looked terrified, while others just didn’t care or looked way too overconfident.

There was an annoying girl standing beside me who just wouldn’t shut up with her stupid remarks. From what I heard from the conversations, her name was Shauna. She had brown hair and green eyes. She was pretty overall but really stupid. And I didn’t understand why she felt the need to be wearing clothes that were so revealing. Like a girl, we’re supposed to be killing the Demon King, not seducing him. Although, now that I think about it, seducing him would be a great way to trick him and then kill him. But I doubt she was smart enough for that.

I heard the King is really hot. She randomly stated, and I mentally face-palmed myself. How would she even know that since there has been no one who was able to live on to tell stories about the King? Do you think he’ll think me hot? Or should I remove my shirt? Maybe he’ll want to stare at my-

Just shut up! Please! You really shouldn’t be thinking about how ‘hot’ the King is. He’s a monster who likes to kill innocent humans. And you looking hot won’t stop him from ripping you to shreds. To be honest, I want to rip you to shreds at the moment! So who’s saying he wouldn’t want to either? And are you seriously asking about removing your shirt? I mean, can you even call that a shirt? Pleass remove nothing because I frankly do not want my eyeballs to burn and fall out of their sockets! I exclaimed out in annoyance not wanting to listen to her stupid remarks anymore, while everyone turned to look at me. I noticed some girls snickering, while others didn’t really care, as they were still crying.

I guess somebody is on her period. Shauna mocked, snickering lightly. Everyone knows you’re just jealous that I’m way prettier than you’ll ever be.

Was this girl serious? I honestly felt like breaking her face, and I’m not usually an aggressive person. I very rarely get angry, but she was really starting to get on my nerves.

Actually, I think I’m gorgeous and I would never want to change a thing about myself. I said, as I gave her the dirtiest look ever. What I just said may have been a lie because I would love to change a lot of things about myself, but she doesn’t need to know that.

You think you’re gorgeous? You? Have you ever even seen yourself? I mean look at your hair, it’s so frizzy from the ends and those baby hairs sticking out in weird curls. Your nose is enormous, too. She sneered and she would have gone on and on if I hadn’t had interrupted her.

Shut up! Just shut up! Honestly, you’re so dumb I wouldn’t be surprised if the Demon King, whatever the hell his name is, kills you. Who cares about looks when we’re all going to get killed, anyway? So please shut up. And just as I finished saying that, a lady walked to the front to start announcing what will be happening.

Good afternoon, girls. As you all know, you are the twenty girls that have been selected to go down to Rovana and stop the Demon King. You will all be expected to try your very best to kill the Demon King and end his vicious ways forever. We will send you over as a so-called peace offering, pretending we’re asking him to stop killing everyone else and just kill you girls instead. As she said the last part, the girls started panicking, but then the lady continued on saying the stupidest thing ever. Don’t worry girls, you’ll be fine if you can kill him. How stupid is she? Nobody has ever been able to kill him. How can she expect us to kill him? I mean we’re not really the most promising group. And it annoyed me how casually she said it too.

After her little announcement, we had to get ready to get sent down to Rovana. I felt fear grip my shoulders sharply. I did not know what to expect, and I did not feel ready at all. I couldn’t do this. I know I couldn’t. I am so sure that I’m going to be one of the very first girls to die.

We all got pushed into a line and to my luck, I was the first person standing in line, right in front of the portal to Rovana. I pushed my dark hair out of my face and stared down at my tanned feet in my pink flip-flops as I waited for the portal door to open. I felt a cold swoosh of wind across my face as the portal door opened.

I heard girls behind me gasp in fright, but I was too scared to look up and see what they were gasping at. I then felt cold cruel hands grab my shoulders aggressively and push me through the portal.

I was consumed by the cruel darkness for a few seconds before I landed with a thud on a cold, hard floor. My head hit the ground, and I winced in pain as I slowly got up into a sitting position.

I then started looking around me and noticed I was in a large, low-ceiling jail cell. It was very dark, so I did not know what else was in this cell until I heard a little whimper. It was silent, but prominent enough for my ears to pick it up.

I looked around before I spotted a little boy who looked to be about five years of age. He was sitting in a corner sobbing quietly. I was about to say something but got interrupted when the other girls started coming through the portal. After a few minutes, all nineteen of the girls had crossed over.

The little boy looked at all of us with wide eyes. I went and assure him we would not hurt him. I pushed past all the girls and came up to him. I knelt down in front of him. Hi. I said, waiting for him to reply.

Hi. He said, staring back at me with bright baby blue eyes. I couldn’t help but smile at how adorable this kid looked as he stared back at me.

I’m Isabella. What’s your name? I asked with a smile.

That’s my mom’s name too! He exclaims with a cute little laugh.

Hey, leave the poor kid alone. He probably hates you. Come over here, kid. Isabella is really mean and you don’t want to be near her. Shauna said, opening her arms wide for him. I smiled smugly when the little boy wrapped his arms around my neck and backed away from Shauna.

Guess he likes me. I said, causing her to huff and turn away. Once she started to talk to the other girls, I turned back to the little boy.

What’s your name? I asked, wrapping my arms around him.

Thomas. He said as he started playing with my hair.

Thomas, can you explain to me why you are here? I asked, dreading his answer.

The Demons took me and my family here. They said they were gonna kill us. That’s why I was crying. I want my mommy and my daddy and my sissy. But the Demons said that the Demon King killed them. And that he’ll kill me too. He said before he started sobbing again.

Aww Thomas. I said as I hugged him tightly. I felt so bad for him. How could anyone want to kill an adorable little boy like Thomas?

I’ll protect you Thomas. I’ll make sure the King doesn’t hurt you. I promise. I said, as I wiped Thomas’s tears away. My heart went out to this poor child who had just lost his entire family.

Oh, don’t give the boy false hope. Because let’s be real here, none of you will survive. The Demon King will kill everyone. Except for me, of course. Shauna spoke up in her annoying snarky voice.

And why won’t he kill you? I shot back.

Yeah, why won’t he? Another girl whose name I’m pretty sure was Pam, replied as well. She was a pretty Japanese girl with straight black hair and big brown eyes. I liked this girl because she was against Shauna just like me.

Because he’ll want to make me his mistress. After a busy day of him performing his Demon Kingly duties, he’ll come back to his bedroom to find me gracing his bed, ready for him, whenever he needs me to take care of his special manly needs. She haughtily said causing many of the girls, including Pam and I, to snicker at how stupid she sounded.

Yeah totally. And can you please not talk about stuff like that in front of Thomas? It’d be appreciated. I said, hoping she’d shut up because everything that seemed to come out of her mouth was just plain stupid and unnecessary.

Shauna did not shut up for the next two hours we had been locked up. I was surprised I hadn’t punched her yet because I really felt the urge to knock her out. And I could tell many other girls felt that way, too. I probably would have knocked her out if I didn’t have Thomas laying asleep on my lap. I wouldn’t want to wake the poor kid up.

I gently ran my fingers through his soft, brown strands. The poor kid had lost his entire family, and I couldn’t even begin to imagine how he felt. Losing your family, especially at such a young age, is absolute torture. Emotional torture.

Hey, how is he doing? I heard someone ask. I turned to look and watched as Pam settled down beside me. It seemed as if I was going to make good friends with Pam. She seemed to dislike Shauna just as much as I did.

Truthfully, I don’t know. He’s asleep right now, so I guess that’s good. For now, I stated as my gaze fell once again on Thomas. I couldn’t help but feel grief for him. He was just so young and innocent, and he shouldn’t have to go through the pain of losing his entire family.

Poor kid, Pam muttered before she closed her eyes and rested her head against the cold cell wall.

Why do you care so much about the stupid kid? You all have the same fate as him. Shauna said, as she sneered down at Thomas.

My hands clenched into tight fists at what she said. I didn’t think it was possible to hate her more than I already do, but I guess I was wrong. How heartless was she? This poor kid has lost his entire family to the hands of the Demon King and she’s asking us why we care so much about him. I know we have the same fate as him, but at least we didn’t lose our entire family like he did. And not to mention how much older and more emotionally capable we are of handling things unlike him who’s only the age of five. He should live a happy life, being loved by his family and learning new things in a safe environment. He should be out exploring this world of ours and making new friends along the way. Not being stuck here in Rovana, having his entire family killed by the Demon King. He shouldn’t be here, awaiting his own death.

I’m honestly done with you. Pam got up and stalked over to Shauna but before she could do anything, we heard the cell door being opened.

All of us turned to look at the door. Most of us gasped and moved away from the door once we saw the demons on the other side. I gasped too. There were three demons and I couldn’t even begin to explain how frightening they looked.

They were huge first off. Taller than any human you’d see roaming earth, and more muscular than you could imagine. They were simply huge. Their eyes were complete pits of darkness and their teeth looked really sharp. Other than their massive size, their darkness filled eyes and unbelievably sharp teeth, they looked like any other human. They had normal human like hair, ears and noses.

The one with spiky black hair, entered the cell and we all pressed ourselves against the wall and away from him. Except for Shauna, she just stood there with a flirtatious grin on her face. I wanted to smack her a hundred and something times. One of the demons outside payed close attention to Shauna with a grin on his face. The third one just stared down at the ground, waiting.

The spiky-haired demon scanned the entire room with his dark eyes before they landed on me. His gaze lowered down to Thomas. He then proceeded towards me before he reached out to grab Thomas from me.

I screamed and pulled Thomas closer to me. Thomas woke up from my scream and looked around to see what was happening. Once he saw the demon standing in front of us, he clutched onto me tighter and started sobbing. Please help me Izzie. Please don’t let him take me to the Demon King. He cried out, and I held on to him as tightly as I could.

The Demon King is going to kill you just like he did to your family. The demon snarled out before he ripped Thomas out of my hands in one pull.

No! I cried out before I ran after the demon. No! Please don’t take him!

You don’t get to decide here girlie! He roared out before pushing me away. I stumbled down to the ground and the other girls, except Shauna of course, stared at the scene in front of them with a look of horror.

I quickly scrambled to my fight and grabbed onto the demon that had the crying Thomas in his arms and tried to stop him. Please don’t take Thomas! Please, I’m begging! I’ll do anything! I begged as I pulled on his shirt, making him stop.

Humans are so freaking annoying. He grumbled out before he grabbed me by my shirt and dragged me out of the jail cell as well. He pushed me into the arms of another demon. This demon had bright orangey-red hair, almost like the color of fire. He grabbed me by my hair, painfully yanking me up into a standing position. I cried out and the third demon, with bleach blond hair, immediately took me into his arms instead. Come on, Kenneth, be nice to the poor girl. The blonde-haired demon said to Kenneth, the red-haired demon.

The demon with blonde hair looked down at me with a pitying smile on his face. And that’s when it really hit me. I was going to die, in the hands of The Demon King along with Thomas. The first day here and I was already going to die. I started struggling to get away, but I knew it would not get me anywhere.

I started sobbing as I realized I couldn’t escape this, but most of all I felt hopeless in saving Thomas. Please help me! Please save me from this! I begged to the blonde-haired demon. He was the only demon who seemed nice and understanding.

Oh, shut the hell up! Kenneth yelled, as he slapped me across the face.

Don’t hurt Izzie! I heard Thomas’s frightened voice yell out. The demon holding him remained silent, but Kenneth turned to him with a look of rage.

Please don’t hurt him! He’s just a little boy! I cried out, causing Kenneth to start laughing at me.

Kenneth stop! The blond-haired demon spoke up, causing me to look up at him with a thankful expression on my face when Kenneth listened.

Please help us. I quietly whispered to the demon holding me. He stared down at me for a few seconds before looking up at Kenneth and the spiky-haired demon.

Stark, wait! He spoke, causing both Kenneth and the spiky-haired demon, named Stark I suppose, to stop.

I want to keep her. As well as the kid. The blonde-haired demon said as he tightened his grip on me.

You can’t do that! Kenneth hissed after a long moment of silence.

Yes, I can! Dimitri himself told us we could take one of the girls and keep her. He argued back with anger for the first time being seen in his dark eyes. I was guessing Dimitri was the Demon King.

If you’re doing this to save her, then you’re stupid, Devon. Because you can’t save her! Kenneth yelled back before trying to grab me from Devon’s arms, but Devon quickly side-stepped, preventing Kenneth from touching me.

Devon, Dimitri said we could each keep one girl for a short period, to have fun for us to torture or for our manly needs. Not for what you want to keep her for. And he did say that after a certain period, we are to give the girl back to him to kill. So you can’t save her, no matter what you do. And you definitely can’t keep Thomas. He only offered us the girls, not Thomas. Stark spoke up in a calm and collected voice.

Just give Thomas to me! I’ll deal with Dimitri myself. Devon said, and Kenneth just looked more and angrier by the second. Stark, after staring blankly back at Devon, for a few minutes, walked up to us and put Thomas down onto the ground in front of us.

What the hell Stark! Kenneth yelled in anger and disbelief that Stark listened to Devon so easily. I scrambled out of Devon’s arms and immediately bent down to pick Thomas up. I hugged him tightly as tears slipped down my face. Thomas sobbed frightened tears as well, and I gently rubbed his back to soothe him.

Let him do what he wants. Dimitri will deal with him. Stark said to a red-faced Kenneth.

Dimitri’s waiting for the stupid boy right now! What are we supposed to tell him? He’s going to be pissed at us for not bringing the little twat! Kenneth exclaimed and I wanted to yell at him for insulting poor Thomas, but decided the smart thing to do would be to keep quiet.

That’s for Devon to deal with. Stark said before dragging an angry Kenneth away from us. When they all left, I turned towards Devon.

Thank you so much! You do not know how much I appreciate what you just did. I exclaimed as I rubbed Thomas’s back in a soothing way.

No problem, but we need to get you both to my room. If Dimitri finds out, I didn’t bring you two to him, he’ll be really pissed off. So follow me. Devon said as he started walking down the hall. I quickly followed him, having many questions to ask him.

What’s going to happen to Thomas? Won’t the Demon King be mad that he didn’t get Thomas? I quietly asked as we turned left and continued walking down.

Yes, he will be mad. Very mad, in fact. What he’ll do? That I don’t know. But I’ll try my absolute best to protect you both. You two don’t have to worry. Just leave it all to me, I’ll handle it as best as I can, Devon said as he rested a hand on my shoulder to assure me.

Will he get really mad at you? What if he hurts you? I asked concerned for Devon. I know he’s a demon, but he’s being awfully nice to us and I wouldn’t wish anything horrible to happen to him, just because he was helping Thomas and I.

Devon laughed at what I said. Dimitri would never hurt me. He’s my best friend. That’s why I’m not worried and you shouldn’t be. He will be pissed, but it’s nothing I haven’t dealt with. So don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to you or Thomas.

I was kind of really surprised. If Devon was Dimitri’s best friend, then why was he helping us? Instead of asking that, I asked something more important. Can you help all the other girls, too? Please. I knew I was asking for too much and I should be satisfied with him helping Thomas and me, but how selfish would I be if I didn’t at least try to save the other girl’s. Even Shauna, no matter how much I disliked her.

Devon frowned at what I said. That’s kind of lot of pressure on me. But I’ll see what I can do.

I grinned at what he said and felt so much relief and happiness. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You’re so nice! I owe you big time! I exclaimed. I didn’t even know Devon, but I loved him already. He was so nice. How could a demon be so nice? It wasn’t in their nature at all. I would have hugged him if I wasn’t holding Thomas in my arms.

Devon chuckled at my happiness. He led us outside, and I followed him out onto the scary, dark streets of Rovana. I turned around to look at where we exited from and gasped. It was a castle. And it was big, bigger than any building I’ve ever seen. It seemed to stretch on and on for miles.

Yeah, that’s Dimitri’s castle. I know, it’s big, Devon said once he noticed me staring at it.

It’s so beautiful! I breathed out as I took in the beauty of the Victorian style castle. I can’t even begin to explain how beautiful it was. I never expected the Demon King to be living in a castle as beautiful as this.

I know. The castle’s a wondrous place. I hope you don’t mind staying at my house, though. Because that’s the only place you’ll be safe, for now. Devon said as we walked past the gates.

Oh no, definitely not. I said, as I shot him a smile. We continued walking on before we soon reached a house and I soon realized it was Devon’s house. It was big too, bigger than any normal house you’d see on earth.

I know my house is small, but that’s just how my parents and I prefer it. Devon said, shrugging, causing both Thomas and me to gape at him in shock.

Your house is huge! Thomas exclaimed, causing me to giggle at how cute he was.

What he says is true. Your house is huge, way bigger than any house you’d see on earth. I said to Devon.

Chapter 2

Chapter Separator

Ifollowed Devon into his house, and he gave us some food to eat. I was surprised to find that the food they ate was very human-like. Devon served us some spaghetti and meatballs, and they were absolutely delicious. Devon, this is so good! I exclaimed.

Yeah, I like it too, Thomas said with pasta sauce smeared all over his face, causing both Devon and me to laugh in amusement.

Why thank you, you wonderful humans. I made it all myself. He said, smiling at us before handing me a washcloth to wipe Thomas’s face clean.

Once Thomas and I were done, Devon showed us to a guest room. I was so thankful as I was exhausted out and I could tell Thomas was drained as well. I could see his eyes drooping as he leaned against me. I picked him up and set him down on the comfy bed, pulling the feather soft blanket over him.

Thomas immediately closed his eyes and surrendered to a deep sleep. I smiled at how peaceful and calm he looked and then frowned as I remembered how he had lost his entire family to the Demon King. Dimitri. The horrible Demon I was sent down to kill. After meeting Thomas, I had made it a done deal to make sure I did whatever I could to kill Dimitri. Dimitri deserved to die.

Devon walked inside my room, catching my attention. I totally forgot he was standing at the doorway watching Thomas and I. Aren’t you going to sleep? He asked me as he came and rest a hand on my shoulder.

Yeah, I am. It’s just… so much has happened today. And it’s kind of hard for me to process. I mean, I met this perfectly innocent boy who had his entire family killed by the Demon King. And I was almost sent to my death, too. I don’t even want to begin to imagine how he’d torture us. I said, tears pricking my eyes at Thomas and his great loss. I can’t imagine how he feels having lost his entire family.

I’m sorry.. Uh… Izzie? He questioned since he didn’t know my name and only heard Thomas call me Izzie.

Isabella, Isabella Wint. I responded, and he nodded his head.

I’m so very sorry, Isabella. I honestly will try my best to help you and Thomas and all the other girls. But please don’t hold me onto it, I hate breaking promises. Just know I’ll be trying my best. Dimitri is my best friend, after all. He said, giving me a small, pitying smile.

Thank you Devon. You do not know how much I appreciate your help. But just a question, if you wouldn’t mind. I said the question lingering in my mind.

Go ahead. He said, waiting patiently for me to proceed.

Why are you helping us? I asked hesitantly, my gaze fixed down on my bare feet resting on the plush carpet. You are Dimitri-uh, the Demon King’s best friend, so shouldn’t you agree with what he says?

I agree with what I think is right. Not what anyone else thinks is right. He said with a smile and a light squeeze of my shoulder. Now go get some sleep, Isabella. You look exhausted out.

I nodded my head, thanking him once again for everything. I then watched him start to leave before he stopped and turned around again. Can I call you Bella? He asked, surprising me. I nodded my head. Everyone I knew called me Isa, but I was fine with being called Bella.

Bella it is. He winked. Goodnight, Bella.

Goodnight. I called back before turning to the clothes Devon left for me. He said it was his mom’s, and they seemed a little big but would have to do. It was a white colored lacy night gown that landed a little above my knees. I went to the bathroom and slipped into it and it fit me well. It was slightly loose from my chest, but other than that it was fine.

I then came out the bathroom and settled into bed beside a sleeping Thomas. I sunk my head into the soft pillow, pulling the blanket over my shoulders. I then fell into a deep slumber, awakening in a familiar dream. A dream I have dreamt so many times in my life before. And each time, the dream was different, but started and ended the same way.

I was running away from something. Something terrible. A demon. A demon that would take me to the Demon King so I could be slaughtered to death. I knew I had to make sure the demon couldn’t get me or else I’d die a very painful death.

I ran down a long, dark path. Other times it had been forests or abandoned warehouses, but each time I’d be running away from a demon, just in different settings. I also knew I’d be saved like I always was. I just needed to keep running, and I’d be safe. Safe in a warm pair of strong muscular arms that’d enclose around my body to protect me.

I turned back to see the demon catching up to me and I tried to quicken my pace but I was so tired I couldn’t help but slow down. I screamed as I felt the demon’s fingers lightly graze my shoulder before I ended up tripping. I could feel myself falling when I felt the familiar warmth of the strong arms catch me, making me smile as I knew I was saved. As always.

I turned around to see the demon stop in his path when he saw me held in the arms of my handsome saviour. The demon then turned around and ran away and I watched until he disappeared out of sight. The demon always left in all my dreams whenever he saw me with my saviour.

I then felt rough fingers gently caress my cheeks. I turned my head and gazed into beautiful deep blue eyes covered slightly by dark hair. I dug my fingers into his soft hair, pushing his hair away from his forehead, fully revealing his shiny bright eyes. He was so perfect. With his straight nose, strong jawline, and beautifully crafted lips made for kissing.

It was always him who saved me from the demon and the Demon King. One thing I never understood was why the demon always left once he saw me in my saviour’s arms. But that didn’t matter too much as all I cared was that I was saved, and from this handsome man too.

But to make sure the demon didn’t return, I always turned back to make sure, just in case. You’re safe. He whispered out, causing me to look at him again.

Thank you. I whisper out and he smiles, resting his left hand at the nape of my neck as he cups my cheek with his right hand. He then leans in and presses his soft lips against mine in an adrenaline induced, heart racing kiss. He then pulls away, leaving my cheeks flushed and my heart skyrocketing.

He grabs my hand, and we start walking down the dark street. Running from the demon again? He asked and once my heart calmed down a bit, I answered.

Yes. I’m scared he’s going to take me to the Demon King and get me killed. I said, shivering at the fearful thought.

Maybe the Demon King isn’t as bad as you think he is. He says, causing me to gasp.

You’re insane! I exclaim as I look at him with a bewildered look on my face. Are you suggesting I walk straight to the Demon King? Straight to my death? He’ll kill me instantly! He’s heartless.

My saviour chuckled amusedly at my words. Well, you did walk straight into my arms. Might as well give him a chance. He says, laughing as I glare at him. I knew he was joking, but couldn’t he have at least joked about something less serious and scary?

Shut up. I grumbled before he stopped me.

Seriously Izzie, give him a chance. He honestly isn’t as bad as everyone thinks he is. He actually has a heart as surprising as that is, He said, looking down at me with a serious look on his face. I just stared back at him in surprise. This dream was definitely going differently than it usually did. My saviour usually just listened on to me ranting about how horrible the Demon King is and said nothing in defense. But this time, he’s talking as if he’s actually met the Demon King.

Have you met him? I ask, and he nods his head, smiling as he presses a kiss against my cheek.

That’s why you’re defending him today. I say and just as I say that, I wake up.

I rub the sleep out of my eyes and find Thomas staring down at me with a sad smile. I want mommy. He says as he rubs his eyes. I enclose him in my arms and hold him as he starts crying. I don’t know what to say. I don’t want to tell him he’ll never get his mommy back because I know he knows it. I instead hold him in my arms.

Once he’s done crying, I lead him to the bathroom. I hand him a new toothbrush I find in a closet. Once he’s done, I send him to the room, and then do my business. Once I’m out, I find Thomas laying on the bed staring up at the ceiling, tears sliding down his cheeks.

My heart aches for him. I can’t even begin to imagine how he feels. Hey Thomas, you okay? I ask as he sniffles.

He shakes his head and tells me how he wants his mommy and daddy and sister. Thomas, you know they’re gone. I say hesitantly and as gently as I can.

I know. He sobs. I was hoping it was a dream. I frown as I hug his shaking body to me, comforting him.

If you’d like, I can be your substitute mommy. I whisper, and he looks up at me with wide eyes.

A subroutine mommy? What’s that? He questions wiping his tears.

A substitute, not substitute. I say, smiling amusedly. A substitute mommy as in a mommy that can be put in place of your real mommy. I can be your new mommy. I know I can never take the place of your real mommy, but I will try to take care of you and love you like your mommy did.

He nodded his head, smiling. I want you to be my new mommy. You even have the same name as my real mommy. He says and I smile.

I guess I’m your new mommy then. I say and he exclaims a happy ‘yay’.

I wanna go tell Devon about you. He exclaims happily as he jumps off of the bed and runs toward the door. I follow him and run down the hallways. Once I catch up to Thomas, I grab his hand and we set out to find Devon.

We then hear his voice and follow it. But just as we walk into the living room, where his voice was coming from, I hear him say, Dimitri, please don’t hurt them. It’s all I’m asking.

Thomas and I both freeze in fear and before even bothering to look to see who Dimitri is, I immediately turn around with Thomas and we make it to flee out the room before either Devon or Dimitri notice us but it’s too late when we hear a loud booming voice stop us. Turn around. An almost familiar voice demands and that’s when we hear Devon start arguing with the voice which clearly belongs to Dimitri, to leave us alone. But Dimitri wouldn’t listen and ordered us to turn around again or he would chop our heads off.

I could feel Thomas shaking violently in fear, and so I pull him tight against me and then slowly turn around. I stare at the ground as I try not to shake in fear. When no one says anything, I slowly look up, gasping in surprise when I meet Dimitri’s eyes.

No way. I whisper to myself.

I couldn’t believe it. Almost everything about him matched with the man from my dreams. The same straight nose, soft plump lips and strong jawline. His dark mussy hair draped along his forehead just like it always did in my dreams, covering his eyes slightly. His eyes. The only part of him that was different. They were beautiful in an eerie, frightening way. Instead of the bright blue colour, they were a deep red colour with black sclera instead of the usual white that humans had. Not only were the colours of his eyes different, but the softness was gone too, replaced by hard bitterness.

I couldn’t believe he was the guy from my dreams. How was that possible? He always saved me from the Demon King. How could he be the King himself?

Now that I think about it, last night in my dream he was suggesting the King to not be as bad as everyone thinks he is and proposed for him to actually have a heart. Maybe he said that because the whole time he was the King himself.

Even the demon that chased me in all my dreams immediately stopped when he saw me with my saviour. Maybe that was because my saviour was the King the whole time. It all made sense now.

Dimitri seemed to mirror my expression of surprise, which surprises me even more. So many questions brew in my mind that I’m too hesitant to ask. Was he surprised because he had the same dreams as me?

How is this possible, Devon? How is she real? She’s supposed to be a figment of my imagination, not actually real! He exclaims loudly, turning to Devon as if he has all the answers. From this it’s obvious that Dimitri’s had dreams about me just like I’ve dreamed about him so many times.

I feel Thomas hide behind me, clutching tightly onto my legs. I reach behind and grab his hand in mine, trying to comfort him as best as I can.

Wait, what are you talking about? Devon asks confused as he looks between the both of us, when I see realization dawn on him with an almost surprised look. She’s the human girl from your dreams, isn’t she?

Dimitri nods his head, not lifting his gaze off of me. He then takes a few steps towards me as I stay put in my spot, not daring to move. Isabella? Dimitri asks, and I hesitantly nod my head. He even knew my name.

We simply stare at each other for a few minutes when I decide to break the silence. I’ve had many dreams about you, too. I say quietly, anticipating his response.

I see. He says as he walks up to me, grabbing my chin, not so delicately may I add, and lifting my face to make me look up into his dark gaze. He leans in really close, his musky scent filling up my senses. I don’t know why we’ve both had dreams of each other, but whatever occurred stays in the dreams. Do you understand?

I knew he was talking about the deep conversations, the warm hugs, the sweet, soft caresses, and the passionate kisses that took place between us.

I nod my head, feeling disappointment and sadness. He had become an amazing friend in my dreams whom I had amazing conversations with and was an equally amazing lover, as it had seemed that way in my dreams. But I had to remember that the dream Dimitri was nothing like the real life Dimitri.

And don’t bother thinking you or your friends are ever going to have a chance surviving. I don’t give two shits about what Devon has to say. He says, sending Devon a pointed look after moving away from me.

Dimitri, you can’t hurt those girls and Thomas. Please, just let them survive. I doubt you’d need to hurt them anyway since- Devon got cut off when Dimitri turned to him in anger.

What? Already fallen for her? Dimitri asks turning around to face Devon. Don’t let your attraction to her fool you. It’s just lust.

What the hell are you going on off about? This has nothing to do about attraction or lust or whatever else you think. Devon says with hard stern eyes staring back at Dimitri.

Are you the King? Dimitri asks, anger clouding his already dark and bitter eyes. I don’t think so! So don’t order me to stop. And Devon you know torturing and killing is a hobby of mine. I can’t and will not stop doing something I quite enjoy.

I was disgusted by Dimitri for enjoying something as horrid as torture and murder. What was wrong with him? Didn’t he have better things to do with his life?

Is it really a hobby, Dimitri? Devon yells back in anger at his words. Are you always going to pretend that that’s what it is?

Dimitri glares at Devon, his jaw clenched and his hands tightened into hard fists. It is a hobby. I get bored, and torturing and killing is a way I used to quench my boredom.

You don’t have to torture and kill to get rid of your boredom. There are many other things you could do. I speak up, causing both Dimitri and Devon to snap their gazes at me.

Such as? Dimitri asks, with his eyes trained harshly on me.

I don’t know, maybe by reading a good book or watching a fun movie or-

I don’t read or watch movies. Don’t bother, nothing can fix my boredom the way torture and murder do. So don’t bother. Nothing you say or do can stop me from killing you and the other pathetic girls. In fact, I think it’s best I get rid of you right now. He says, roughly grabbing my arms before I could do anything. He starts dragging me out of Devon’s house when I hear Thomas crying and Devon shouting at Dimitri to stop.

I start fighting him, kicking and punching. Doing whatever I can to inflict some sort of pain on him so he can release me. But nothing works. Dimitri, please stop! I hear Devon exclaim as he grabs onto Dimitri, stopping him. Please, for me. If our friendship means anything to you.

I can feel Dimitri tense up at Devon’s words before I see him close his eyes, contemplating what to do. I could tell he really valued Devon’s friendship. But was it enough to get him to stop his hobby?

I’m sorry Devon. Dimitri whispers as he starts dragging me out the door again. I start crying as I realize I was going to die. Nothing could stop Dimitri. I couldn’t believe I ever felt safe in his arms, even if it was just in a dream. He was a monster who so cruelly killed anyone he felt like without a second thought.

No, please don’t kill my Izzie. You already killed my family! Thomas cried out, running towards Dimitri. He grabbed onto my leg, pulling on it, hoping it would work to keep me here.

So all our years of friendship are nothing to you, huh Dimitri? After all the things I’ve done for you, after all the things my family and I helped you get through, this is our payment. Devon spits out bitterly.

Devon, your friendship and kindness mean more than anything to me. But I have to do this. Understand! Dimitri exclaims but Devon simply shakes his head.

You know what, fine! I won’t kill the girls and the little boy. I’ll let them all go, but only on one condition. Dimitri states causing me to sigh in relief and Devon to smile thankfully.

What? Devon asks Dimitri.

If I only get to kill Isabella. His words shocked both Devon and I. I looked up and met Dimitri’s hard gaze. What did I do to deserve this harsh end?

Wait, what? Devon spluttered out. You’ve got to be kidding me. Why do you want her dead so bad? What did she ever do to you?Dimitri continued staring down at me with a hard look in his eyes. She has to go," He states, causing me to look away from him.

As long as you don’t touch any of the other girls or Thomas. You can kill me. I state, causing Thomas to burst out into more tears.

No Izzie don’t leave me! He cries out, making more tears slip down my face.

I have no choice, Thomas. I say as I start sobbing. I turn to look at Dimitri with my blurry gaze. Can I at least hug Thomas goodbye?

He looks away, nodding his head, letting me go. I immediately run towards Thomas, scooping him up in a tight hug. We’re both sobbing incessantly as we say our final goodbyes.

Please don’t do this to them, Dimitri. I mean look at them. Devon says, pointing at the mess Thomas and I have easily become. And you didn’t answer my question. What did she ever do to you?

It’s not what she did! Dimitri yells frustrated and annoyed. It’s what I… It’s what could… It’s… Ugh just forget it okay! It’s too complicated for me to explain.

You’re about to kill Isabella! A new friend I have made, a new mother figure to the poor innocent kid who’s family you already slaughtered to death, a friend to so many people, a sister to her siblings if she has any, and a loving daughter to her parents. You’re stealing her life out of existence. I think we all may know why. And I don’t care how complicated it is. Give us a reason. Devon yelled, sounding furious.

It’s none of your business! Dimitri snapped at Devon.

But it is my business! I yell at him through my sobs. I deserve to know. Why do you have to kill me? What will you gain from it?

Shut up! He yells at me before grabbing my arm, roughly pulling me up. Whatever the reason is, you’re dying anyway. It shouldn’t matter to you. He then starts dragging me toward the door. Devon and Thomas try to convince him to change his mind, but he didn’t listen to them. He just keeps on dragging me along.

He pulls me roughly out Devon’s house and shoves me in the backseat of a carriage-like car. He then drives the carriage all the way to the castle before pulling me out by my leg, not bothering to care that my body hit the ground painfully. I cry out as he continues dragging me over the grass.

I decide to close my eyes as he drags me past the gate and inside the castle. My tears seep down the sides of my face. I knew I was going to die and so I don’t even bother trying to convince Dimitri otherwise.

I get dragged through many hallways until we reach a dark, frightening room filled with all sorts of torture and killing mechanisms. I couldn’t believe he had a room for all this. I shouldn’t have been so surprised though, since he did claim torture and murder as a sick hobby of his.

Dimitri roughly grabs me by my shoulders and pushes me down into a chair, strapping me down. He then grabs a huge sword-like knife. I’ll do you a favour and make your death quick so you don’t have to feel too much pain for long at all. He grumbles and I simply nod my head feeling numb.

Please don’t hurt Thomas or any of the girls. But mostly Thomas. Please. He’s gone through so much pain already. I manage to say in a shaky voice. I couldn’t believe this was actually happening. I chuckle to myself at the irony of this and my dreams.

What’s so funny? Dimitri asks.

It’s funny how in every single dream I’ve had with you in it, I had always been running away from a demon because I thought the demon would bring me to the Demon King so the King can slaughter me to death. And in every dream, except the first, I waited for you to show up to save me from the King. But it’s funny how the whole time you had been the King himself. It’s funny how you saved me from yourself. And I fell for it. Had the dream have continued on for longer, I bet you would have eventually killed me. Wouldn’t you have? I don’t know if you had the same dreams as me, but if you did, you would’ve killed me, right? I bet you were thinking about it the whole time. I quietly say before closing my eyes.

Dimitri stays quiet for a minute before breaking the silence. I’m going to do it now. He whispers and I clutch my hands tightly around the chair handles, waiting for the pain to hit me. I shook in fear not knowing what to expect.

I felt the air against my face as Dimitri pulled the sword-like knife up. And then I felt it once more than Dimitri began to bring it down with force. I kept my eyes closed tightly, waiting for the knife to cut through my neck and kill me, once and for all. My journey through life was going to end today, at this very moment.

Chapter 3

Chapter Separator

Instead of the knife hitting me as I expected, it hit the wall behind me with a loud clang, making stuff hung on the walls fall down. I opened my eyes in surprise, looking up at Dimitri, who was staring at the walls behind me with unreadable eyes.

He then looked down at me with a scowl on his face. The only reason you’re not dead is because my friendship with Devon is far more important to me than killing humans. But I’m not letting any of you survive for free.

He began undoing the straps that kept me down on the chair. Once he was done, he pulled me up. Grabbing my arm, he pulled me out down the hallway and it seemed as if we were going towards the cell where the rest of the girls were being kept. He then handed me off to a guard before walking off. The guard pushed me into the cell with the other girls, locking the door behind me.

You’re not dead! Why? Shauna asked, pointing an accusing finger at me. I glared at her. She was honestly such a bitch. It’s because of me her stupid ass i’ll be saved. If I hadn’t had gone after Thomas, none of us would be saved. She should bow down to me.

Pam and a couple other girls came to me and asked me what happened. I relayed the story of everything that had happened, leaving out the dream details. Every girl, including Shauna, listened intently to my story of what happened.

So what is Dimitri going to make us do in exchange for our lives? Pam asked me and I shrugged my shoulders, as I had absolutely no idea.

Was he hot? Shauna asked, causing me to roll my eyes. Is that all she cared about? I ignored her stupid question and kept conversing with Pam. We were listing things we thought he could make us do. As we were talking, the guards came and opened our cell door, in walked Devon with Thomas in his arms. Thomas immediately chirped up at the sight of me and jumped out of Devon’s arms, running towards me. When he reached me, I immediately scooped him up in a tight hug. You’re alive! Thomas whispered, causing a few tears to slip out of my eyes.

I am Thomas. I am, I whispered back, rubbing Thomas’s back gently.

Bella. Devon said, smiling at me. I smiled back, wiping my tears away. Just then, Dimitri showed up with what seemed like a permanent scowl etched onto his face. A guard came walking behind him, announcing Dimitri as Dimitri Rae, the Demon King to all the girls before leaving. I noticed Shauna’s eyes widened as a flirtatious smile appeared on her face. Hi. I’m Shauna. She whispered in a seductive voice. Dimitri looked at her, giving her