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Demon Scare
Kayla
My life changed on Halloween.
I didn’t expect it to happen, but who ever does? Up until October 31st, I’d lived my life like I was meant to. Nothing extraordinary ever happened to me. I was Kayla the Unchangeable, everyone’s constant.
I went to school everyday, did my homework each night, socialized to the best of my ability, and did my chores. And while it was a stable life, it was boring. The word “lonely” didn’t even begin to cover it. Perfection had always been something that I strived for, but you know what? I was tired of morphing myself into a flawless girl who never broke the rules and maintained an excellent 4.0 GPA. I didn’t want to be bland and boring, someone that people only approached when they needed help with a subject. Was it too much to ask to have friends that didn’t depend on me academically?
Apparently it was.
But this year, no longer would I be boring Kayla Saunders― at least, that was what I’d vowed on September 1st.
I just had no idea how right I was.
___
“Kayla!”
The voice rang throughout the hallway, shrill against the laughter that came from the joyous students. Halloween night was upon us and the population of Arnold Senior High was buzzing with plans for the creep-tastic parties that they couldn’t wait to attend.
“Kayla!” The voice came again, closer this time.
I hurried my pace, darting my way across the hall, passing by people that hardly noticed I existed. Joanie wanted help with her algebra again, and if I didn’t disappear before she found me, I would be stuck with her for another hour. Or two.
So far, my junior year had not turned out the way I’d envisioned. I was still lame little Kayla Saunders. It was funny how when someone couldn’t find the answer to their homework, I become clear as day, but otherwise, I was a drifting ghost, just waiting to help someone.
Without a glance behind me, I pushed open the doors of a vacant classroom and hurried inside. Once the click sounded from the lock, I slid down the door and let out a breath of relief. Crisis averted.
“Someone you need to escape?” A dark chuckle broke through the quiet and I started. A boy, maybe a senior, stood by the open window, holding a cigarette in his hand. The boy’s dark hair glinted in the light from the window, his charcoal-colored eyes dancing with amusement.
“Maybe,” I felt small compared to the boy by the window. He had an air of danger, his persona radiating darkness.
“I’m Jordon.”
“Kayla.”
He smirked and blew out a breath of smoke, the tendrils of the grey plumes drifting upward. “Ah, Virtuous Kayla. I’ve heard of you.”
My lips pursed and frustration rose within me like a tidal wave. A streak of bravery that I didn’t recognize led me to stand and step closer. “Why does everyone call me that? So what if I’m smart? Who gives a damn!” Anger leaked into my voice, harshening the words.
“Calm down, Sweetheart,” Jordon laughed. He studied me for a moment, his eyes calculating. “You really don’t like the rep?”
Sighing, I crossed my arms and shifted. “No.”
“Well, Darling, there’s only one way to change a rep like yours.” Jordon took another drag of his cigarette, keeping his hawk-like eyes on my face with a strange, unwavering gaze. “You have to throw a party.”
I snorted. Yes, a real, very unladylike, snort. Maybe that’s why I don’t have friends… “A party?” the skepticism that I felt echoed in my tone. “Parties don’t solve everything.”
“You might be right about that, Kayla, they don’t fix everything. But when it comes to popularity and high school? They fix a hell of a lot.” He paused and tilted his head up to look at the ceiling. Jordon’s expression became thoughtful as he considered his next words.
After a minute, he spoke again, “Tell you what, I think I need a new project, Kayla, and you’re the perfect subject. You put together a Halloween party, and I’ll use my connections to get you a crowd worthy of the big screen. Can you handle that, Sweetie?”
“What exactly is in the cigarette? Halloween is tonight.”
Jordon threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh. “Nothing that’ll hurt me. Now don’t you worry you’re pretty little head off, Darling. I’ll make it work. Once the party is planned, I’ll know.” Jordon gave me a mysterious wink and stamped his smoke out on the window pane, throwing the bud into the trash.
Leaning down, he grabbed his backpack and started towards the door. For a moment he stopped and rustled through his bag only to pull out a small piece of paper. He nodded as if satisfied with what he found and shoved it into my hand. “You can do it.” And with that, the strange boy walked out of the classroom.
___
Dropping my pack onto the floor, I collapsed on my bed with a sigh. Things had gone from droning as usual, to weird and oddly exhilarating in one day. Who knew that ten minutes could flip everything upside down?
With an enormous effort, I pulled the backpack onto my lap and ruffled through it until I found the note that Jordon had handed me. I replayed the conversation in my mind, amazed with what had happened. Here was my chance to make the change that I’d promised myself.
Did the thought scare me? Duh. Could I pull it off? Most likely not. But was I going to try? Hell yes.
I picked my cell up off my bedside table and dialed the lone number scribbled onto the paper. The phone rang and I waited, my palms growing sweaty with apprehension.
“Thank you for calling Rent-A-Scare, you’re source for all things demon. My name is Desdemona, how may I help you on this ghoulish evening?” A girl answered, her voice preppy and excited as a cheerleader at a football game.
“I-uh-um…” I stuttered, unsure what exactly I’d gotten myself into. Swallowing the nerves that held my wits at bay, I continued. “I received this number from a friend…”
“Oh! A first timer, wonderful,” Desdemona’s excitement was almost tangible as she squealed the words. “Please give me you’re name and information, and an associate will be with you in a few minutes.”
I recited my name, phone number, and address, all the while convinced that this was one of the dumbest things I had done yet.
The sound of typing filled the receiver as Desdemona added my information to the computer. “Thank you for you’re services. I can’t wait to see you soon!”
The line went dead.
For a moment I didn’t move, unable to comprehend what had just occurred. Had the whole thing been a scam? But Jordon… I’d trusted him. And he’d played me just like everyone else. Why had I even bothered to consider what he had said? I’d been through this situation enough, I should have seen through his illusion. A tear leaked from my eye, slowly carving a trail down my cheek. Closing my cell, I let it fall onto the pillow.
Downstairs, the doorbell rang.
“Mom, Dad, can someone get that?” I called, the words coming out choked with tears. When no one answered, I stood, annoyed that I was seemingly the only one capable of doing anything around here.
Marching down the stairs, I glanced into each room in search of my lazy parents. Really, was it that hard for them to answer the door? Grumbling to myself, I walked made my way to the door.
A noise, or rather lack thereof, caught my attention before I could get there though, and I stopped dead in my tracks. I turned, eyebrows knitted together, to study the living room. The clock we’d named Old Faithful had stopped, as had everything else. The water in the fish tank― and the fish themselves― had come to a complete halt.
Heart racing with ebbing fear, I peered into the kitchen where my parents had been making dinner. Both were paused mid stride. Mom had a smile on her face as she reached for the pepper, and Dad looked as if he had been in the midst of saying something when time had… had what? Frozen?
The doorbell rang again and I jumped in shock. Everything else was dead, but whatever was at the door, not to mention myself… Again the buzz of the bell chimed. Curious, I edged towards the door and pulled it open with a caution that I’d never had to exert.
Sliding open, the door revealed a swirling abyss of color. Whatever was before me, was not my neighborhood. The haze of reds, oranges, and yellows began to spread forth, swallowing the entryway like the flames of a forest fire. My blood began to pump faster, hammering through my skull, and ice seeped through my veins as if I was freezing, inch by torturous inch.
With every ounce of strength that my body contained, I slammed the door shut. But now that it’d begun, nothing would push back the flames that were creeping towards me. It was as if my body radiated gasoline, pulling the flames forward. They engulfed me, surrounding my body with their fiery heat.
My scream tore through the piercing silence of the room. The blaze took over, and soon everything around me had disappeared in the fire storm. Held immobile by the flames, my screams grew shriller as a headache began to brew in my skull.
At last the flames began to recede until a new scenery took their place. All around me, pillars of fire took the place of walls. The floor of the cavern that I stood in was a solid rock, shiny black and slippery like granite. Ahead, a single desk with a computer sat, a nametag that read Desdemona decorating it’s surface.
A woman with bright purple hair and neon pink nail polish approached me, her smile jubilant. “Good evening, Ms. Saunders. Welcome to Rent-A-Scare, the number one place to rent a demon in all of Hell.”
Ryan
It was that time of year again.
Ghouls, goblins and witches decorated the homes of the spirited, their children ran about the front yard, giggling with excitement as they tried out their new costumes. Pumpkins were carved, their faces twisted into frightful expressions, burning alive from the inside as they glowed with fire on doorsteps. The crisp October air that seemed to grow colder each day bit at one’s skin, chilling through to the bone. It was Halloween, and this year, everyone was glowing with excitement.
And, as much as others might have denied it, I didn’t feel the need to pretend. I, Ryan Under, demon dealer of the underworld, was not unlike others in my enthusiasm. I had spent the year preparing for another wonderful season, teaching my fellow demons everything they needed to know about providing a good scare. As long as my employees could do that, then they would be fine. The demons’ frightening ways were all the humans really paid for, after all.
“Yo’ Bro, we’ve got another one.” Desdemona, smiled, almost jumping with excitement. “Please, can I be her helper?” she begged.
“Dezy, last time I let you help a human, you scared the poor thing out of her wits. Do you know where that girl is right now? Right this very instant?”
Desdemona glanced at the ground and shifted uncomfortably.
“In therapy.” I sighed and rubbed my forehead. “Dezy… you’re great at your position as secretary. I think it should stay that way.”
“Ryan, please?” her whine broke my heart. I couldn’t deny Dezy anything. She was my little sister, and as wrong as it was for a demon to show emotion, I couldn’t help it.
“Let me see her profile.”
Desdemona squealed and handed me the new girl’s file. Information crowded the page, some facts that I’m sure no one else knew. When you worked in either Heaven or Hell, you had access to information that most wouldn’t dream of.
And yet we still have to ask for an address. Irony, oh irony, how we love you.
Opening the file, I glanced down and reviewed the girl’s history. It was spotless, something that I’d rarely seen in these modern day humans with their various drugs, alcohols and the dangers of technology.
Kayla Saunders.
The name unsettled up something within me, something that had been buried underneath the various memories and emotions that were stored in my soul, but for the life of me I couldn’t pinpoint what it was. My gaze roamed the page until I came upon a picture of the girl who would be our newest client.
It was her.
The girl who had broken my heart all those years ago.
When she died.
My pulse pounded, drumming in my ears, and I could picture the stricken expression that I must have worn. For nearly thirty years I’d practiced the solemn attitude of a demon. Rarely showing or feeling any emotion when it came to anything apart from Dezy, I’d survived, moved past the pain, continuing my ‘perfect’ immortal life. But now all of the feelings that I’d kept at bay were rushing back, rampaging through my heart and breaking down every wall that I’d built.
But how? She’d died. I’d held her as the light vanished from her eyes― buried her in the cemetery where the rest of the ones I’d once loved now slept. Not one day had passed that I hadn’t begged the man upstairs to bring her back. But I was a demon. Those in their heavenly thrones didn’t help the scum that they considered my kind to be. I’d committed a sin, and lost everything in return.
And yet, all these later, here she was. Under a different name, with a new family, and a slightly altered personality. But it was her.
An unparalleled joy was released from behind the dam that cut off my emotions and within a moment I found myself fighting the grin that threatened to break out across my expression. No matter what, I wouldn’t screw up this time. I’d find a way to make her mine, and keep her. I didn’t think that I could survive losing her again. Once had been enough.
“Dezy, I think that I’ll help you with this one.”
Kayla
The girl with the purple hair stepped forward, her blazing red eyes twinkling with joy. “It’s so lovely to meet you.” A giggle escaped her lips and she bounced up to shake my hand. Her grip was tight and her fingers were hotter than hell.
“Oh, where are my manners? I talked to you on the phone earlier. I’m Desdemona. I know I said I’d send an associate, but I just couldn’t help but want to work with you myself.” She rambled, her excitement causing her to speak a mile a minute.
“Dezy, take a deep breath. Remember Carla. Where is she now?”
Desdemona glanced behind her at the approaching man. She mumbled something that sounded like “the asylum” but I chose that moment to become deaf. The place that I was beginning to assume really was hell bothered me enough as it was. I didn’t need to add to my worries.
The man drew closer and I let out a sharp breath when he came into view. The newcomer glowed like the mysterious and beautiful stars, having mussed chocolate brown hair that fell on his forehead in a light disarray and blue eyes that were dark and pure as the midnight sky. His skin was pale and white like the moon.
“Kayla, this is my brother Ryan. Oh, and I know what you’re going to say! ‘Oh, but Desdemona, you look nothing alike!’” She giggled and strode over to her brother. She took his arm and dragged him forward. “But it’s not that strange. We share a mother, though my father was a demon of the clowns and his was the demon of destruction.”
Ryan tore his eyes away from me and glared at his sister. “I think that you’re overwhelming Kayla.” He looked at his sister for a moment and then turned back to me. “So, why don’t we start with a simple question. What brings you to Rent-A-Scare?”
Scoffing, Desdemona replied. “Maybe she wants to rent a scare?”
Ryan shot his sister a quick glare and then turned back to me, genuine curiosity shining in his eyes.
I opened my mouth to speak, but snapped it back shut before a word had escaped. Somehow, my reasons for coming now seemed trivial. Telling the demons that I’d come to obtain entertainment for a party, or whatever it was they rented out, seemed juvenile and petty.
Though what startled me more, was that I actually cared. Why did it matter what these people thought? Why did I feel so embarrassed? I didn’t know them, and I highly doubted that I’d ever see them again. So what was holding me back?
In one word: Ryan. I couldn’t understand what it was about him, but I didn’t want to appear as bubbly and stupid as the girls at my school. He meant something, even if I didn’t know what that something was. But then again, what could I say?
“Um, actually I don’t know why I’m here. A… friend, gave me your phone number. I’m not sure if it means anything, but I’m throwing a Halloween party… tonight?” The sentence came out as more of a question than a statement as nerves trembled through my body. I pushed back a stray lock of hair and locked my eyes on the ground, uncomfortable with the whole situation.
“Ah, I understand. So I’m assuming that you know nothing about this place?” I met his gaze, shocked to see a distant echo of disappointment in his eyes when I shook my head.
Desdemona grinned, a sight that I was beginning to learn was not uncommon. “Well then, I guess we’ll have to give you the grand tour! Follow me, and I’ll be your guide.” She reached forward, her burning hand taking a firm grip on mine as she pulled me down the glowing hall.
Ryan
I couldn’t believe my eyes. She was really there, more stunning than any picture or detailed description could depict.
Kayla radiated light, her warm brown eyes swimming with honey colored flecks. It was as if the sun radiated from within her depths, its magnificent beauty shining through every pore. Her golden hair rolled down to her shoulders in light waves and her warm skin vibrated with health and splendor. Nothing could compare to my Kayla.
Following my sister and the girl that I loved, I watched as Dezy told Kayla more about the little business that we ran.
“Normally we’re only open for Halloween, but if you’re ever in need of our services, we’ll be available. Here at Rent-A-Scare, we specialize in renting out some of Hell’s scariest demons for your entertainment purposes. Of course you can always find a demon that is more suited for children’s parties, but that’s not why most people come here. I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed with your demon.” Desdemona continued down the hall, turning into the room where the demons practiced their techniques.
Kayla gasped, a sound filled with fright and surprise. I hurried my pace and came up behind the girls, an amused smile making its way onto my face as I studied Kayla. Her expression was twisted with shock, as if she hadn’t believed anything she’d seen until now.
Refocusing my attention on the room, I tried to see it how Kayla would. The demons that loitered about were things that entered most people’s nightmares. They had horns and fangs, their skin strange shades of color― some red, some blue, and some green.
Zaren, a hellfire demon, stood by the mirror, practicing some of his more terrifying expressions for his gig later that evening. Others reclined in their chairs, snickering as they read the latest edition of People Magazine― an activity that wasn’t all that strange in the Underworld. The demons enjoyed keeping up to date with the happenings of the human realm and it happened to be an added bonus that they found the gossip rather amusing.
“This… it’s crazy,” Kayla marveled. Her eyes shown with wonder and a trace of fear as she studied the demons. “Is it real?” she whispered.
“This is only as real as you let it be,” I murmured.
Impatient like always, Dezy pushed Kayla forward. “So, tell me more about this party. What are you going for?”
“I’m not really sure. It’s a Halloween party, so definitely scary. But it’s tonight, so I’m not even sure if I can pull it off.”
“Of course you can! I’ll help you,” Dezy squealed. She took off, pulling Kayla behind her, as they studied the demons to find the right one.
With the girls busy, I sighed and strolled back to my office.
In one day, my life had yet again been flipped upside down. It hurt to think about all those years ago, but at the moment it couldn’t have been helped.
From the very beginning, I had known that that Kayla, or Ashley as she gone by thirty years ago, was a child of the Light. But that hadn’t stopped me from loving her. My feelings alone had been a sin― it was an unthinkable crime for a demon to love a Light child― and yet I’d taken it a step further. I’d tried to keep her, to take her to live with me to live in the Underworld. I’d committed one of the most treacherous crimes that a demon could, and without a hint of regret.
Punishment had come swift and hard, but not in the form that I’d assumed. Anything but what I had received, I’m sure I could have dealt with. But watching as my love died in my arms, perfectly healthy and full of love and life just minutes before, while knowing it was my fault, had killed a part of me.
In the time that she’d been gone, I’d prayed every day for the man upstairs to bring her back, never truly believing that it would happen. Despite my doubts, I had done my research and found that there was a way for her to come with me to Hell should she ever return.
Kayla had to renounce heaven, earth, and life. Only then would she be free to turn her back on the Holy ones and enter Satan’s lair.
A sharp stab to my heart reminded me of what that would mean. I’d have to hurt her, and the very thought alone killed me. Kayla wouldn’t leave everything for me unless something horrible happened to make her want to.
Heart heavy, I turned back to my computer to learn as much as I could about Kayla Saunders’ life on earth.
Kayla
The party was planned and ready to go. Impossible as it sounded, I knew that I could pull it off. Dezy had been a miracle worker; she’d helped me set up the whole thing. In a matter of a few hours we’d set up a venue― the ancient theater across the street from my house― along with all the supplies that we’d need.
She even had several of her demons head back into my realm to finish setting everything up. Though what had astounded me most of all was that Dezy had insisted she had done everything free of charge. The term ‘tremendously grateful’ couldn’t even cover how thankful I was towards Desdemona.
True to his word, Jordon had known everything by the time that the hellfire had taken me back to the human realm. All that I had to do was finished, a task that I hadn’t thought possible considering the amount of time I’d been allotted.
The blood rushing through my veins began to slow as the last of the fire melted away from my body, leaving me alone in my living room. I glanced at the clock, weary of the time, my thundering heart freezing when I read the hands.
5:09. The same time it’d been when I’d disappeared to the Underworld. The sound of wind filled my ears and I swayed on my feet as if the earth had restarted. The clock’s ticking began again, filling the room with it’s steady rhythm, and the sound of my parents laughter filled the house.
Stepping into the kitchen, my gaze trailed after Mom and Dad as they prepared dinner. Dad’s mouth stretched into an ear-splitting grin and he came over to give me a kiss on the forehead. “Hey, kiddo. Have a good day at school?”
“Okay I guess,” I returned the gesture with a brief hug and hopped onto the counter, grabbing the box of SweetTarts as an afterthought. “Is it alright if I go to a Halloween party tonight?” I asked, leaving out the part that it was actually my party. Why raise anymore suspicions than I had to? I never went to a party, so asking for this was already startling enough.
Mom and Dad exchanged a surprised glance. “Of course,” Mom’s voice was weary, her eyes sweeping over me with an astonished curiosity.
After filling them in on the details we ate dinner in silence. Once the kitchen had been cleared and all of the leftovers put away, I raced up the stairs to find the costume that I’d picked out last year, but had been too embarrassed to wear.
I pulled out the devil costume, smirking at the irony. Pulling on the black corset, blood red skirt, and devil horns, I moved over to the dresser to begin my makeup. After applying a hint of blush, red eyeshadow and mascara, I nodded in satisfaction and glanced at the clock. I still had another hour to kill. Sighing, I paced the room. My nerves were wired and electric currents flared through my veins, keeping me on edge with anxiety.
At last it was time. Grabbing my bag, I made my way outside, bypassing the room my parents were in. They didn’t need to see my costume. Not this year. Without another glance at my house, I crossed the street and walked the short distance to the theater.
Inside, red strobe lights flashed every few feet, lighting up the otherwise dark theater. Streamers and fog machines decorated the room along with mazes of creepy décor. Touring the area, I noted the many demons that were working at the party. Nodding and waving to them, I realized that tonight would be the night that everything changed. Nothing could go wrong.
At seven, students that I recognized, and others that I didn’t, began to flood the building. Screams of fright and echoes of laughter rang throughout the theater. On the old stage, music blared, the demonic DJ having a blast as she chose which terrifying tune to play next. Everything was perfect.
“Kayla!”
My heart skipped a beat. This time, I wasn’t going to get called over and asked for help with math. A smile tugging on my lips, I turned around and found Ryan approaching, even more beautiful in the darkness.
“How is everything?” His smile was breathtaking, like warm rays of sunshine on a cold winter day. Ryan came closer and took my hand, laying a small kiss on the back.
“Perfect,” I whispered.
Ryan tugged on my hand and pulled me up to the stage, back behind the old curtain that was dusty with age and disuse. “I’m glad that I could be of service.” His blue eyes had gone stormy and he met my gaze with an emotion that I couldn’t name. The smile was gone from his lips, replaced with a look of concentration.
My heart fluttered in my chest, bringing to mind all the stories I’d read. Could he… no. I was Kayla Saunders the boring. Ryan was a demon, powerful and dark. He’d never have feelings for anyone as absolutely dull as me.
But apparently I was wrong.
Ryan leaned closer, his lips brushing mine. My breath caught in my throat and butterflies swarmed in my stomach. “Kayla,” he whispered, my name coming out sounding more wonderful than it ever had.
I tilted my head forward and met Ryan’s lips with my own. A flood of something warm spread through my blood like a wildfire, igniting everything in it’s path. Bursts of adrenaline washed through me and my heart began to drum to the beat of a hummingbird’s energetic wings.
Ryan pulled back, his eyes glazed over as he watched me. My lips pulled into a shy smile and a giddiness that I’d never felt before had me itching me to jump, shout for joy, or even dance. Any of those would do. Catching my breath, I leaned forward once more.
Terrified screams pierced the air followed by an enormous crash that rattled the building. I jumped away from Ryan, my eyes wide with fear. Grabbing onto his arm, I ran out from behind the curtain, letting my eyes fall upon the gruesome sight of the theater.
A fire had started, somewhere up in the rafters, and huge beams were falling, sparking with flames as they slammed into the floor. High school students raced towards the exit, expressions of horror on each of their faces. Red streams of fire shot up from the ground, catching on the various stage curtains hanging throughout the building. The blaze, blistering and lethal, rose higher and spread further each moment, swallowing up the theater in it’s dreadful claws.
Eyes met mine as the people raced from the building, each glaring at me in accusation. I shrunk back, fright ripping at every part of my being.
What have I done?
Ryan took hold of my arm and rushed us outside, away from the destruction. He lead us down an alley overflowing with garbage and the horrid smell of week-old Chinese food. Tears leaked from my eyes and I broke away from his hold, crumpling against the dirty wall. I slid to the ground, a hiccup escaping my throat.
Terror gripped at my heart and every muscle in my body was coiled with tension. My heart beat against my ribcage, threatening to break through and run away in fear.
How could everything have gone so wrong? Tonight was supposed to be amazing and wonderful. At school on Monday, I was supposed to have friends that didn’t care that I was smart.
Everything had gotten screwed up. My classmates blamed me for the fire, and God only knows if somebody was dead.
My whole body froze and my heart caught in my throat. The thought that someone had died in that fire… it tore at me. My brain refused to even think about it, my whole body turning to ice. I couldn’t stay here, I couldn’t live with myself if anyone had died in there. I don’t think I could have even gone to ask.
It would be my fault. MY fault.
But I didn’t set anything on fire! Rational Me cried.
But even Rational Me couldn’t overcome Crazy Kayla. That was my party. I chose the ancient, most likely dangerous, theater. Anything that happened there was my responsibility. Someone could be dead, and it would be my fault.
Breathing became harder and my hands began to tremble. Weak and helpless, I glanced up at Ryan. Although he couldn’t have understood what was running through my head, he seemed to have guessed. Ryan knelt down on the ground beside me, ignoring the crushed doughnut that must have been snacked on by thousands of rats, and lifted my chin so that our eyes met.
“Kayla…” he murmured, his voice quiet and laced with pain. “You don’t have to stay here. You can come back with me and we can stay in the Underworld. Together.” Ryan glanced up at me under his eyelashes, eyes shining with hope. “We’ll be happy.”
Possibilities raced through my mind like a stampede of horses charged over the earth. Life hadn’t been perfect here in the mortal realm, and tonight had made things a hundred times worse. But even with all the bad, there’d been some good. My parents. How I loved them… And… I tried to think of another reason to stay, but after a moment I came up blank. Other than my mom and dad, there was nothing to keep me here. Nothing that tied me down to this realm.
But the Underworld… there was Dezy, the girl who I could honestly imagine becoming a sister to me. Plus, the demons, scary as they might have been, were funny and exciting.
And Ryan.
I took in a deep breath, my racing heart beginning to calm. “Ryan?” I whispered, my soft voice shaky with the enormity of my decision. “Take me to Hell.”
Happy Halloween
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