AT SUNSET

Darkest of nights...

An angel fell in love with the devil.

An unholy union...a recipe for disaster

Diced with the love of a woman

Came fury... an incense from the depths of Hades.

Passionate desire...conjuring the birth of a queen

If the sun sets, we know the time has come.

If the flames burn, we sense the new dawn of time...

The end of all.. the beginning of a new...

The roaming of lost souls..

to welcome the new one Birthed of unholy matrimony...

blood-bathed in light, encamped in darkness

A dangerous loophole born out of love and desire ...

Make way for the queen, the unholy sun that sets.

The dusk arises from the depths,

welcoming the creature who precedes beauty and power.

For her silent steps, she ignites the depths of a new dawn.

The gentle breeze swayed the trees in rhythmic movements, flooding the forest with a cool atmosphere. The half moon shone brightly, reflecting its peaceful glow and lighting up the dark paths to the forest as the striking image of a woman enchanted the cold air. The night of day acknowledged a beauty at such an ungodly hour. Astrid stared through her window, her dark, flowing hair resting on her tender back. Her bright eyes sparkled like a reflection of the moon.

Her fragile skin as smooth as pure cotton. She had a bright smile on her face as she closed her eyes, anticipating the cold breeze that flung her hair gently backwards. A woman of grace, as tenderness precedes her steps. She loved the night and the peaceful silence the forest brought her. Astrid left her home, walking into the woods as its gentle waves brought her comfort.

A while into the forest, she could hear faint traces of footsteps behind her cold shoulders. Little echoes surrounded the quiet forest as she squinted her eyes to have a better vision of whom she sensed. Her heart raced in minutes as the sounds got closer, almost taking her off guard. She turned in a swift direction, almost dropping the brightly lit lamp, only to find nothing. She had known the forest for its silence but this moment proved otherwise as quiet whispers continued to echo around the trees. The night was too dim except for the moon's generous reflection and the little lamp hanging in her hand. The coolness of the weather brushed heavily on her skin, giving her chills as she wondered around in search of the footsteps she heard. After a brief moment of searching, she sighed. It was useless trying to uncover something in the dark, she thought.

She hadn't walked a far distance when she halted at the sound of a voice behind her. "What could a beauty be doing in such a lonely forest?" the voice whispered softly as it got closer. Astrid tilted a bit but tried to compose herself, responding calmly in search of whom the voice was coming from. "And what could a lonely stranger be doing in such a peaceful domain?" she questioned boldly. In a short instance, the bright image of a well-structured man illuminated the presence, bringing the soft whispers to an end. He had a strong masculine physique, and the elegance with which he walked in was like the gods descending from the heavens.

He had a questioning yet daring smirk on his face as he approached Astrid. The stifling contours of his biceps and broad shoulders pointed an awe reflection from his tightly fitted clothes. He had long, flowing hair soaked in silky curls, making him look even more seductive.

As he stared firmly into Astrid's eyes, his striking masculine image became more visible, quickly leaving her short of breath. He had bright blue eyes like the calmness of the waters, and his radiant smile depicted a pleasing aura in both their presences. Astrid was stunned by the reflection she witnessed, and her beauty was equally enticing to him. "Who is this stranger?"

She waded deep into her thoughts, but soon was drifted back to reality when he whispered with a half smile... "What are you thinking, Astrid?" His words caught her off guard as fear overwhelmed her-a stranger knowing who she was. She questioned, "How do you know my name?" trying to figure out his true intentions. He smiled, ravishing himself in her beauty as he gazed upon her. His unique countenance overshadowed Astrid's thoughts as she stared in awe at this strange man. Hades was the ruler of the underworld. The king of locusts of hell, as his name precedes... Abaddon. His aura was enough to seize the atmosphere; appearing in his human form, he was as ravishing as the Greek god Achilles. He was a higher demon of fierce war and battle; his flaming fury could let hell loose.

He was ruthless, but at the rare sight of Astrid, he had become a man of softness, depicting himself in the most pleasing personality to catch her fancy. The rare sight of Astrid had caused his desire to brew towards her as he stared into her eyes, revealing the depths of her innocence and filling it with an insatiable yearning for something more. A passion lit up in his eyes the moment they gazed at each other. He could sense such innocence and grace in her entire being, her flawless beauty complementing her petite structure as she appeared before him.

The ease with which she stared back, looking effortlessly beautiful caught his attention. He had taken an arrow from Cupid into his heart as it seemed nothing could hold him back from falling madly in love with this delicate woman. A stranger who had yet come to be an object of fantasy before his eyes. Abaddon reached for her hair, gently trailing his fingers beneath her chin.

"You are such a brave woman, Astrid. "I'm Abaddon, ruler of the underworld and walker of the night. "Don't be frightened; I won't hurt you," he said sternly, "only if you make me." His words were as soothing as ever, like the rushing waters from a fountain, yet they came with firm order and stiffness, causing mixed reactions from her. Astrid's heart raced; she wanted to run yet couldn't get herself to turn from the striking presence of this man.

"How could he speak so calmly to me?" How could he touch a stranger he did not know? I should run! "Yes!." Those words echoed through her mind but she couldn't find the courage to turn away. It was as if his striking aura held her from moving an inch. Before she could respond, he cut in, "It isn't safe for you out in the woods." "I will walk you home," he said, smiling.

Astrid wondered how she was terrified yet unwilling to let go of his strange company; she didn't fight her thoughts despite knowing a lot could go wrong. She could choose to flee the scene, but the thought of him running after her scared her to wits. She could take her chances, but deep inside her, a subtle feeling of togetherness overshadows her heart as they walk side by side.

Walking down the path to her house, they said little words to each other, keeping a sense of awkwardness hanging around the air. She kept twisting firmly the linen of her flowing white garment as she was a bit anxious by his presence. She couldn't tell why she felt tense in his presence, but it wasn't something she could control, despite her best efforts to stay calm. When Abaddon noticed her awkward reaction to his presence, the way she stared around restlessly as if trying to find what was lost, he smiled, knowing she felt very uncomfortable in his company.

He paused, looking into her eyes while she stared blankly. For some reason, her uneasiness drew his curiosity closer towards her. He said with a beautiful stare into her eyes, "You are quite an interesting young lady...and it would be my pleasure to see more moonlights with you, Astrid." His words melted her heart as she wondered how a socalled demon could speak so gracefully and yet sound so humane. She frowned in her mind, trying to give herself a thousand reasons to leave his sight. Abaddon could hear the subtle words right through her as he looked into her eyes as if staring right into her soul. He glanced down at her lower lip, causing Astrid to bite them gently in anxiety. He moved closer, taking her hand in his as they got to her house.

"Goodnight, Astrid".

He said with a half smile. 14 She responded in a quiet tone as she couldn't get herself to be bold at that moment. "Good night," she whispered. She stared at the door behind her, breathing heavily to calm her nerves. She felt at ease now, feeling relaxed in her comfort. Yet walking into the house felt a bit lonely for her; she could feel an instant longing for his image once more but was uncertain if they'd meet again.

Astrid turned to watch his reflection from the open window in her room but she couldn't find a trace of him. Her heart felt a bit disappointed yet relieved that she didn't feel tensed anymore. His presence had made her feel different, but in a way she couldn't bring herself to understand. His appearance seemed mysterious, yet tempting beyond words.

Abaddon thought inside of himself as he approached his domain, wondering how soon he would feel a sense of peace at the sight of a mere human. She wasn't just human but seemed to have captured his fantasy. His desire burned as his heart yearned for a moment with her. In a short time, Astrid had become a flowing fountain whose power could quench his dying thirst. Her innocence and pleasing countenance beguiled him, drawing him ever so immersed in her beauty

.

An hour before...

The roaring and clamoring increased with the heat of the volcano at the feast of nights. The screams and blood of tortured souls flowed like the waters of the Styx from the skull throne to the ground. The demons were holding a feast to commemorate the king of Hades, the ruthless walker of the night and beholder of all things evil. The fire burned in red flames as the unseen creatures of the night basked in hell's infernal glory.

Abaddon sat on his throne, priding himself on his rule as he transitioned himself to the sight of a woman walking through the woods. He suddenly felt an urge to roam a while on the earth, inquisitive of this lowly human. As he walked through the forest, the atmosphere darkened, giving reverence to his presence. He hadn't walked long when he sighted the rare image of a feminine lady holding a lighted lamp, her melanin-colored flowing hair resting calmly on her back.

He was intrigued by her white flowing gown which suited firmly the hourglass frame of her petite hips. He walked slowly, enough to catch the graceful image of her movement, thinking of the best method of approach without frightening her. Abaddon felt a strong burning in his eyes as his strong desires concentrated on her. She was already claimed in his mind as all he could think of was having her for himself. Her elegance as she walked gracefully around the forest fearlessly enchanted him. Curiosity stirred up within him, wanting a chance with this bold woman

********************************************************

Time passed-days, then a full month-and still no sign of him. Astrid found herself inexplicably attached to the stranger she had met only once. His presence lingered in her mind, weaving its way into her heart like a leaf subtly entwining with the roots of her affections. She could feel herself yearning for him, and the mystery of their encounter lingered, occupying her thoughts whenever she was alone.

Falling for someone who was no more than a memory had begun to consume her. She tried to move on, to focus on other things that once brought her joy, but nothing could distract her from the aching emptiness his absence left behind. Her favorite activities, once a source of solace, only served to remind her of him. She found herself taking long, silent walks, only to be flooded with memories of her nervousness around him. "If we had never met, it would have been so much easier" she thought, feeling both frustration and longing.

Astrid struggled to understand her emotions. She was frustrated that thoughts of him continually circled her mind, yet at the same time, felt a quiet happiness in remembering every detail of their encounter. She wanted to control her feelings, but they moved through her like a strong current she couldn't resist. Deep down, she feared that her memories of him would fade, leaving him nothing more than a vanishing mirage.

The bond she felt with him was inexplicable, stronger than she could comprehend, yet she felt powerless to act on it. Over time, her anticipation grew, a throbbing desire to speak with Abaddon just once more, to reconnect with the presence that had left such a lasting impression on her heart.

Each moonlight, Astrid sat by her window, hoping to catch a glimpse him-the mysterious man from hell-wandering the woods. She took comfort in her solitary evening strolls, like a damsel in quiet anticipation of a knight who might never come. What had begun as a passing thought had grown into an obsession, an intense awareness that fought its way into her every memory. Her yearning felt like a dream she was desperate to make real.

She spent her nights sighing, convincing herself that their brief encounter was only a coincidence, a faint, lingering hope hidden in her heart. It was a dangerous game she was playing, yet she was already too intoxicated by him to see it clearly. She knew she was no match for his strength, but her heart continued to long for more.

The inexplicable attraction to the stranger she had seen at dusk transformed her, casting her into a state she hardly recognized-a woman led by a desire beyond her control. Astrid would sit by her window at twilight, revisiting her one-sided affection and the passion that had stolen her peace of mind. She had little power over her feelings, for her elusive love existed only in her wandering thoughts and melancholy poetry, dedicated to the man she barely knew yet fiercely desired.

On the other side, it was all part of a plan. Abaddon, with calculated purpose, had sown the seeds of longing within her-a desire that burned brighter with every thought she spared for him. He wanted to be at the center of her every breath, drawing her deeper into his web of passion as her heart wrestled with the uncertainties of her lingering emotions.

Astrid often wished she could see him once more but had begun to accept reality. Perhaps she was better off treasuring the brief memory of him, the fluttering butterflies of their first encounter, rather than torturing herself with the frustration of longing for the unknown. She told herself it was time to move on with the memory, to hold it close and leave the rest behind.

Yet Abaddon smiled, sensing the desire for him stirring ever deeper in her heart.

**************************************************************************

On a quiet night, he left a note by her window, hoping to end the torment she must have endured for what felt like a lifetime. Under the same somber moonlight, Astrid sighed once more, watching the clouds drift slowly across the sky as the night grew colder. Moonbathing had become a ritual, a way to lose herself in the moon's beauty. As she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes caught a glimpse of something unusual-a note lying serenely on her window ledge.

At first, she thought it was merely a stray piece of paper blown in by the wind, but as she drew closer, she saw it was a delicate poem, artfully written in dark ink, each line slanted like calligraphy. Her heart quickened as she read, absorbing each word. A radiant smile spread across her lips, illuminating the longing her heart had secretly held.

She moved past her front door, the words of the note echoing in her mind, pulling her toward the forest. She walked as if under a spell, captivated by desire, her steps driven by the curiosity to find him. Her eyes searched the dark, scanning the shadows for any sign of him.

Astrid stopped and drew in a deep breath, pondering why he had left her only a note instead of coming to her himself. The lines from the note whispered through her mind once more, and she found herself softly calling his name, hoping he might be somewhere near, listening;

"The moon is blue."

The night is dark.

My soul wanders for nothing, but the thing I lack...

A lonely damsel, a striking beauty...

Darling Astrid, I met at dusk.

Come with me...to the place we met.

A lonely place...where the quiet ones rest

for I have found room in your feeble heart.

I have known solace in your fragile hands...

The moon is blue, and the night is dark.

"Let's light our hearts in this beautiful space."

-Your Knight from the underworld...

"Hello... Abaddon... are you there?" Astrid called out, her voice steady yet tinged with a lingering hint of fear, sending a wave of discomfort through her. Soon, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows, his form unmistakable.

Her heart fluttered as she struggled to meet his gaze, realizing that the man she had long desired was now standing before her.

Abaddon smiled. "I'm right here, Astrid." He could see her unease, and he found himself captivated by her nervousness, which only highlighted her innocence. He reached for her hand, locking eyes with her, his voice deep and domineering. "I want you, Astrid. I want nothing more than to have you by my side."

Astrid knew the dangers of falling for him-a stranger cloaked in mystery and power-but she was too deeply intoxicated by love's pull to turn away. They had forged a bond in a short time, a connection ignited by a single, fleeting glance. And in this moment, the love between them felt undeniably real, an intense passion that burned brightly.

For days and weeks, their desire overflowed, reaching new heights of ecstasy. With her, Abaddon was unlike himself; her presence brought out a different side, a calm he had rarely known. She was like the scent of lavender, soothing his restless spirit and softening the edges of his dark world.

The calming weather saturated the atmospheres, swaying the trees in a peaceful rhythm as darkness engulfed the moon. Astrid was in her room pacing calmly about when her lit scented candles began to trip off, leaving the room in cold darkness. The waves grew stronger as she walked to the window side, her hair flowing in all directions as her linen gown swept backwards.

Astrid could hear her heart race faster as she felt a soft breath of air being exhaled behind her neck. A loud scream tried to escape her mouth but a swift whisper calmed her nerves as it sank through her ears. "Don't get scared. It's me." I want to have you, Astrid... let me hold you in my arms, love..." Feeling anxious she whispered, feeling his touch.. "But I can't see you... Its dark. I want to look into your eyes..." Abaddon gently caressed the sides of her waist slowly, leaving Astrid gasping for more. He kissed her lips and whispered, "You can feel my touch... that's all that matters." Astrid closed her eyes, inhaling deeply as his hands trailed their way around her fragile body.

He placed her on the soft bed, trailing kisses from her neck down the midline between her breasts. He looked up, staring at her, hungrily. "You're mine, Astrid...mine." Ripping off her linen gown, he kissed her thighs gently, letting out a soft squirm from her lips. He played his tongue around her nipples, sending a chill down her spine. Piercing mildly against her skin, he gripped her thighs firmly, lowering his head in between them, lubricating her clitoris with his wet lips. Astrid moaned in intense passion, "Urgh..I'm all yours...all yours.."

Her words intensified his rhythm as he gently squeezed her bosoms. The rain poured heavily as he made his way into her, letting out a scream from her soft lips in both pleasure and pain. The passion between them intensified, creating a huge circle of fire around the room. Abaddon's demonic feature gained its full expression as his eyes burned with flames at the desire for more of her. In intensifying pleasure, he gripped her body, thrusting harder with each surge of ecstasy he absorbed. Astrid was lost in desire for more as she took in every painful part of him, gradually leading its way into sweet, painless pleasure.

Finally, he held her close, making contact with her soft skin, her head resting gently on his broad chest. "I love you, Astrid." he muffled in deep breaths. She smiled and had barely said the word

"I love you too... " before she dozed off.

***

She had made love with the demon she feared yet desired for many nights, A passion that she had never felt before. Love had depicted a new meaning for her, a different experience she never envisioned. All she knew was that love rested in her heart for him, and that was all that made sense. Astrid was in love but had no idea the fatal implications. Uncertain yet willing to risk it all again for another night with her mysterious lover. Waking up in the morning alone in the bed with the sheets scattered she smiled, knowing well that he had left at dawn. A trial of happiness lingered in her heart as she felt a sudden sense of relief, slowly getting comfortable in his mysterious aura.

Love sprung from an unexpected encounter. The gentle stare in each others eyes had brought an awaited moment of passion. Their bodies intertwined in one another, falling into deep ecstasy. A feeling of longing overwhelmed the atmosphere as they yearned for one another, their lips interlocking in the moment as if expressing an unspoken meaning they strongly wanted to tell each other.

The bond they had come to share in bed was intoxicating, like an ignited flame overwhelming the secluded atmosphere. His touch was firm and masculine, defining desire at each movement on Astrid's delicate skin. The heavy groaning he tried to conceal in his lips fought hard to stay locked within as his eyes shut back in desire, taking in every inch of pleasure her body offered.

Her frail voice moaned seductively as Abaddon thrusted deep into her faster until she climaxed, squeezing the sheets tightly beneath her hands. Taking in his deep erotic pleasure in switching positions made her scream in lust. unable to contain the intensity within her lungs. The feeling of pleasure and pain tore through her veins, screaming for more as her mind went wild. "Fuck me! ..harder please!"

Her pleas for more intensified his rhythm, satisfying the urge within. After long moments of exchanged passion, Astrid fell asleep in his arms.

***********************************************************************

The day broke, causing the sun to reflect into the wide room . Waking to find herself alone in bed with the tainted sheets , she smiled remembering the heated passion that brewed between them the night before. She crawled out of the bed finding it a bit difficult to get her feet balanced as her body ached in sweet pain.

It was the first time she'd felt this way and the moment they shared was precious. She washed up, sliding into a pair of comfy jeans and loose sweaters. She arranged the room, taking out the sheets to the laundry. Finally getting the room exactly how it had been from the start she stood arms folded, feeling satisfied.

The day seemed brighter than usual, at least to her. The fragrance of watered flowers filled the house as she made herself breakfast. She flipped the pages of of her poetry book , a pile of notes she wrote during the time she had long awaited her Knight.

As she read through the pages her cheeks reddened as memories of her words last night flashed through her mind. She couldn't believe she said those words, how an unusual part of displayed. It was like a demon she'd locked inside of her let loose during sex.

Astrid smiled sheepishly, trying to lock out the wild thoughts of last night while sipping her coffee, A cool aura filled the atmosphere as she read through the page she titled; DEJECTED LOVE.."

"I walk down the ashes...

The raindrops on my shoulders

My hair...drenched from the feeling of dejection

In search of an unknown I have come to desire...

"Love is pain!.." says the throbbing feeling in my heart..

When will it end? My wavering thoughts wander...

Getting distracted with the small things...

"Keep me happy..." I whisper

But for how long?" they question

Ending my play pretend

Slowly coming to realize that it all falls to vain!

This so called feeling...consuming my very existence

Hold my hands if you can...

Do not leave if you must

My heart's been overshadowed by your charm

Keeping me lost for the longest time

For yet I am weak

Unsure of where to turn

As my fate lies in the hand of the stranger I met at Dusk..."

Reading through the words let out a soft sigh from her lips. She knew in her heart that the words were true, having her feelings engraved in it's lyrics. The poetry did come from her heart but it now had a throbbing twist to it. She had expressed her burning passion to the stranger she caught herself entangled with, letting go of whatever seemed to be like anxious thoughts in her mind. Giving herself a chance at love with this dangerous lover.

She sat with her chin resting in her palms as she played with the teaspoon in her coffee mug. She had long anticipated her one-sided lover but now that they've met, she wondered what came after. It did feel fulfilling to know that Abaddon felt the same towards her but the fear of the unknown still creeped deep into her thoughts.

She didn't know if he'd ever return, neither was she sure of her relationship with him. They made love but she couldn't tell if they were a couple now as they only spoke with their bodies, speaking little words of mouth to each other.

It started getting a bit complicated as she couldn't tell when exactly she would meet with him. He was a mysterious being, showing up when he desired which left Astrid in a state of dilemma.

Her love was strange yet she held dearly unto its little strings, hoping that one day things might come to be different. "Its still quite early, he'll come through..." she says to comfort herself of his absence.

Hours passed, turning into weeks and still no sign of him. The seasons, changing slowly the memories started to fade away. Astrid had gradually come to realize that she might never meet him again. Holding unto the moment they once shared was all she could have. She didn't have a say in the somewhat relationship which ended before it even started.

For what it was worth, they both shared in eachother's passion, finding comfort in heartfelt embraces. It might have seemed to be over too soon but the memories were a thing of Joy to Astrid. With love comes pain, uncertainty and memories...she sure had a fill of that.

The throbbing anticipation in her heart had begun to slowly diminish, leaving a solemn space like the time before they met. It was best to move forward, transitioning her heart desires to something else, somewhere else.She had learnt to move on with the little pieces she had come to know of him, wandering her mind off the image of Abaddon. In time, things began to moved back to normal like the graceful morning she had once enjoyed. At the very least she thought.