Despair's Sweet Perfume: Embracing the Demon

By Lily Clarke

Step into a world where chaos intertwines with the sweet scent of innocence, where distorted justice becomes the lifeline in the abyss of despair. In the dance of shadows, she unveils a truth: being a good girl doesn't always promise salvation. Within his darkness, she discovers her sanctuary. A tale of forbidden love, where the demon becomes the savior. Are you ready to embrace the allure of the forbidden and find salvation in the arms of darkness? Discover the secrets that linger in the shadows and immerse yourself in a journey where love defies the boundaries of good and bad. 'I fell in love with the demon, my savior, and if being a bad girl is the price to have him again, I would accept it.' This is a story that will captivate your heart and challenge your notions of love and salvation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lily Clarke
• Release date: Jan 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224008223

Lily Clarke

Born amidst the charming cobblestone streets of Brussels, Belgium, in 1997, Lily Clarke discovered her passion for storytelling from an early age. Raised in a city that breathes history and cultural richness, Lily's imagination was sparked by the vibrant tapestry of life that surrounded her. A literary explorer, Lily ventured into the realms of fantasy, mystery, and drama with equal enthusiasm, inviting readers to embark on a captivating journey through her imaginative landscapes, where every page reveals a new facet of her storytelling prowess.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

GETTING TO KNOW HIM

Iremembered that day perfectly well...

Mother, that hurts! I recall complaining as Mom applied the bleach again to the roots of my hair. It was always like that in those cursed times.

Quiet, Ashley! Don't you know it has to be this way? You're only six, so be quiet and stop complaining, or we'll be in trouble. Damn that dark-haired father of yours! If the Führer finds out you're not perfect, they'll take you away from me, she continued to complain as I tried to divert my thoughts from the discomfort of the burning scalp, playing with Dina, my one and only favorite doll, on the bathroom sink.

Mom combed harder than usual, and my eyes welled up, but I didn't whimper. I behaved like a big girl, just nibbling on my lower lip as she tried to match the dark shade emerging at my roots with the rest of the golden blonde my hair had been since the war began.

We need to get ready quickly. Jake will be here in less than an hour. How could I get so distracted? Mom questioned, finishing my hair and finally setting me free. You can play for a few more minutes, but come back here soon. We can't leave this for too long, or you'll end up bald. I ignored her and left the bathroom, standing in the dark hallway of our small house with Dina in my arms, watching Mom take a shower.

Even back then, I didn't like Jake. He had sunken eyes and rough hands, and every time he pinched my nose or slapped my mouth, Mom said nothing. He was her boyfriend, and even though I didn't quite understand why at the time, I just accepted it when Mom said he was important. That's why, when the three of us went out, I couldn't call her Mom, only Auntie.

I never betrayed her, but I wonder if I should have. Maybe if I had, I wouldn't be here, lying in the sheets, feeling the cold wind on my battered body, while Jake adjusts his pants.

Mom bathed me, checking every inch of my head—which would soon be covered in bruises—to make sure there wasn't a single piece of black hair, and then dressed me.

Go have something to eat, my love. She was crouched right in front of me, and I could see her light eyes adorned with makeup and perfectly styled blonde hair in waves. Don't dirty your clothes because it's too cold outside, and we need to be well-dressed, right? Jake will be here shortly to take us for a stroll, and Mom guarantees that everything will be different when this madness is over.

Promise I won't have to dye my hair anymore? I asked innocently, unaware of the weight of that request.

I promise, Mom assured me, not knowing she couldn't keep it, hugging and kissing my cheeks before giving me a little tap to hurry to the kitchen.

Our house was small. I remember well the worn, dirty, and peeling green wallpaper in some places, covering all the walls of the house except the tiny kitchen.

Sometimes, I closed my eyes and pictured myself as I was on that night. Dragging the old chair to the cupboard and rummaging with my hand until I found the last box of cookies. I'd love to have a box