Watching Lilith plead for her life was like witnessing a dark and twisted spectacle. It sent a wave of excitement coursing through my veins. Why hadn't I done this sooner?
"Please, spare me. I'll give you anything your heart desires. Just name it, and it's yours."
I pondered her desperate offer, savoring the power that lay in my hands.
"Anything?" I inquired with a twisted grin.
Her eyes lit up with hope, unknowingly sealing her fate.
"How about your own life? It's the one thing I crave above all else. It's the ultimate prize."
Her voice wavered as she tried to find the right words. Snot dripped from her nose, and her bloodshot eyes begged for reprieve. But I wasn't one to show mercy. Contrary to popular belief, I wasn't soft-hearted.
Since Lilith refused to surrender her life willingly, I decided to take matters into my own hands...literally.
"No, no, please! I'll do anything you ask, anything you demand!" she pleaded, desperation thick in her voice.
"You see, my dear, the irony is that I will do exactly that. I'll take what I want."
But before she could utter another word, the sound of a gunshot echoed through the room. Her lifeless body crumpled to the ground, crimson staining the floor.
Turning my attention to the rest of the onlookers, I couldn't help but revel in their horror. Their thoughts were written boldly on their faces, as if they were transparent to me.
"Monster."
"We need to get out of here, now!"
"She's completely deranged."
Ah, how amusing it was to hear their hushed whispers. I locked eyes with the one who had dared to call me crazy. Raising an eyebrow, I aimed my dagger at his throat and let it fly. Bullseye.
It thrilled me to my core, realizing just how much I enjoyed this newfound power. The rush of taking lives, one after another.
"Hehe," I chuckled, intoxicated by the chaos. "That was only the beginning. Who's next, I wonder?"
Where was I?
"You have to go Reina. I can't stay anymore."
What was Ashlyn doing here?
"It's gotten too much for me. Please make it right. I'm counting on you."
What the fuck did she mean? Ashlyn retreated into the whiteness and I felt even more confused.
"Ashlynnn"
***
I opened my eyes and quickly closed them back. The white lights on the ceiling were blinding and I could hear whisperings.
Another quick and painful glance told me I was in a hospital.
Fuck just what has this bitch gotten herself into now? And why the fuck was I in a hospital?
"She's dead."
"Poor thing. Being married to The Devil probably made her kill herself."
Huh
Why would I want to kill my self? I sure as hell wouldn't dare something so stupid. Only Ashlyn would even try to...
Oh shit! What the fuck did she do?! I was the poison immune one and Ashlyn rarely let me out. It was always for short periods of time but now... I felt more stable and in control.
My eyes were closed so I decided to assess the situation by using my other senses.
"Wheel her to the morgue. A hearse will be sent soon."
"Tsk, tsk poor girl."
What in the world ? These people were going to keep a living person with the dead... That was fuckin creepy. I had to put an end to this shit.
I opened my eyes and spoke softly.
"Water."
The doctors who were looking at me stopped in shock until I weakly raised my arm and tugged on one of the doctors clothes.
"Wate... r"
"She's awake!"
"You've got to be kidding! She's dead! We even detached the life support machine!"
I was getting thirsty for real now. What was wrong with these people?! Have they never seen a person who was confirmed dead come back to life? Sheesh.
"She said something. I didn't hear properly.
This was getting tiring.
"Water please."
"She wants water!"
Someone quickly rushed and held a cup of warm water to my mouth. Sigh... I should have asked them for it cold. Well I couldn't choose.
"Thank you."
The doctors looked at me in shock as I said that. What was with these people?
The doctor held out his fingers and asked a question.
"How many fingers am I holding out ma'am?
"Five of them."
"Mmm looks like the poison did not do any damage. Eye coordination and speech are intact. What's your name ma'am?"
These people didn't really know who I was though...
"Mrs Ashlyn Alexander."
"Memory intact as well."
Another doctor motioned and asked a question.
"Do you know me ma'am?"
I stared at her face and smiled to myself. This lady was Ashlyn's only friend and she worked in this hospital.
"Hey Isabella."
She held her hand to her mouth and I could see the tears form in her eyes. She was that grateful huh?
"I'm feeling a bit tired. What happened to me? Why am I in the hospital?"
"Erm..."
I almost chuckled at the doctor's hesitation and somewhat reluctance to answer my question. Of course I knew what happened to Ashlyn's body. She was poisoned but thankfully, she was quick enough to let me take over. I was immune to poison. It was an advantage to her and me. Poor girl had suffered long enough.
"You ingested something poisonous, Miss Ashlyn. That's why you are here. You were confirmed dead minutes ago. It's nothing short of a miracle that you're alive."
"Dead? Pfft you know I'm not that easy to bring down... Izzy."
Isabella paused and immediately understood the situation. She knew now that it wasn't Ashlyn that was here but me. My alter ego had gone to rest.
"Well I feel fine now so... Am I going to be discharged or what?"
"Oh yes but we would really like to keep you here though."
"Excuse me?"
"For observation reasons and tests."
"Well I do feel fine and you can watch me from home. Just assign Izzy to check in on me once a while."
"Are you sure you aren't feeling dizzy or disoriented? Please, you have to make sure."
"No and no. The only thing I'm feeling now is exhausted and uncomfortable here. I don't like hospitals."
"Alright we'll make some calls. You'll be picked up soon. Rest here for a while."
"Thank you so much."
The doctors made to move out but Isabella spoke up.
"I'd like to stay and monitor the patient."
"Alright Doctor Isabella. Please report if you notice any strange symptoms."
"Of course doctor Erin."
They shuffled out and I sat straight on the bed.
Arrgh!
Acting sick was such a bore. I had to go home and deal with a lot of things. I was quite aware of Ashlyn's situation and her memories. I felt anger simmer but I quickly calmed down.
Isabella looked at me and spoke up.
"Is it really you?"
I smiled warmly. She was one of the few people who knew my condition. I was Ashlyn's alter ego and other personality living in her. I rarely surfaced except in extreme circumstances and I never stayed for long. But for Ashlyn to take a back seat for this long, something told me that I will be staying for quite a long time.
"Yes Isabella. It's me Reina."
She sobbed and hugged me tight. Gosh she was such a huge softy that both Ashlyn and I loved to bits. She was one of the few people who cared about us. Even when Ashlyn was diagnosed with DID ( Dissociative identity disorder). She stuck by our side and she was the best to Ashlyn.
"It's so good to see you, Reina. I take it that Ashlyn is resting?"
"Yes and she will be for a while."
"Oh?"
I grinned and replied.
"She left quite the mess. I have to clean up and set things straight."
Isabella smiled widely.
"Welcome back Reina. Can't wait to see the hell you unleash this time."
"You just sit back and enjoy the show hun. You're going to love every second of it."
"You bet baby girl. So how..."
The door opened and a man wearing a suit came in. From his stiff demeanor, I could tell he didn't like me one bit.
"I see you're alive Miss."
"Miss?"
"That is what you demanded. I address you as Miss."
Ok wow, did marrying that Alexander guy make Ashlyn stupid?
"That order is void from today."
"I'm sorry?"
"From today henceforth, address me properly Charles. I'm married."
Charles stared at me with shock written all over his face. His mouth was practically open. I couldn't hold in my laughter.
"Hahaha why do you look so stunned Charles. Come on, I've come to my senses now. The touch of death isn't pleasant. Now please can we go home?"
"Of course... Mistress or ma'am?"
"That's better. Any should do!"
I turned to Izzy who was smiling and struggling to hide her laughter.
"Thanks a lot doc. I'll call you later."
"Take care of yourself darling." I hugged her and nodded. I was sure I was going to do just that.
***
I could feel Charles' eyes staring at me from the mirror.
"You know something Charles?"
"What is it, Mistress?"
"I'd rather you ask me the question instead of staring as if lightning struck your face. I'll answer you and I hope you can focus on driving us safely."
"I– apologize for staring so obviously Mistress."
"So you will stare secretly now?"
"Haha no Mistress. I apologize."
"What was your question Charles?"
He hesitated but then spoke.
"Are you sure you're ok? You did not hit your head or something ma'am?"
"Pfft. I'm sure I didn't. I have no injuries."
"But you seem... Different."
"Perhaps a glimpse of death has given me a thought about my past attitude."
"Hmm."
I smiled at his reflection and noticed he was suddenly at ease. A bit of that mistrustful glance was gone.
***
"Mistress?"
My eyes flew open at Charles's voice. Had we arrived?
"We're here."
He came out of the car and opened the door for me. I stared at the mansion in front of me and almost gaped at the opulence of it. It looked ancient and yet modern all at once. It was beautiful and grand. Thankfully I had Ashlyn's memories and description of this place. It would be far easier to find my way around. I could easily get lost here.
"Shall I escort you to your room, Mistress?"
"No need. I can find my way in myself. Get some rest Charles."
I walked into the house and this time, I gasped. If the outside was grand, inside was heaven. The parlor was beautiful. It was wide and so spacious. Huge windows graced the walls. Chandeliers dangled from the ceiling and the room had a sky blue theme. It was cozy and beautiful. I'd have to admit, Ashlyn knew her stuff and mine too. We had somewhat similar tastes.
I got to my room and threw myself on the bed. Time to get out of this uncomfortable dress and put on something else.
I stood up and went to the first closet space. I nearly gagged when I saw it. It was filled with flashy clothes. Most of it seemed trendy and top of the line. Well, well, well! This was too much. I knew that Ashlyn had prepared a spare closet as I could surface anytime. Thankfully she did not leave me at the mercy of these clothes. They looked too much to wear.
Closing the door for the first closet, I moved to the second. I smiled to myself as I saw the rows of black, loose and comfy clothes.
I put on a tank top and shorts. Looks like Ashlyn's husband wasn't home. Well I didn't care. I had the whole house to myself.
I went downstairs and made my way to the kitchen.
"Seems neat. I feel like popcorn and a movie. Hmm... where do they keep those seeds?"
"Miss?"
I looked up and saw a rather young looking maid staring at me in shock.
"Miss what are you doing in the kitchen?! Is there something you would like to eat?"
I scrutinized her. She seemed innocent but I wasn't so sure.
"Tina, yes?"
"Yes Miss."
"Mistress."
"Miss?"
"Address me formally."
"Of course Mistress. How can I help you here?"
"Oh don't worry, it's nothing. Where do you keep the popcorn seeds here?"
"One minute Mistress."
She scrambled out of the kitchen and was back in no time. Hmm weird.
"Here they are. Should I prepare popcorn for you?"
"Of course not Tina. I'll do it myself. You're excused. Unless you want to stay and watch."
"I want to stay mistress."
"Alright then."
Iprepared the popcorn. It was quite easy and nostalgic as it reminded me of a lot of things. I was done popping it and got a tin of milk, some honey and sugar.
"Erm..."
"What is it Tina?"
"Oh nothing Miss. I thought you said you didn't like sweet things."
"Hehe, I must have been in a foul mood. Sugar is life Tina."
I dripped honey and milk all over the popcorn and sprinkled sugar on it.
I made three bowls. I took one and motioned to Tina.
"Take one for yourself, give one to Charles."
"For us Mistress?"
"Duh! Do you expect me to make a snack here with you watching and you don't eat from it?"
"Thank you so much!"
Hehehe looks like food was her weak spot.
"Taste and tell me your thoughts on my popcorn special."
She ate some and her eyes lit up. Well that seemed easy.
"It is delicious! I am so sure Mr Charles would love this!"
"Oh really? He likes sweets?"
"Yes Mistress."
"Well you can take one each. I'll make more some other time."
"Thank you so much!"
She grabbed the bowls and rushed out of the kitchen. Pfft silly girl. Looks like I was suspicious for nothing. I had a movie to watch.
***
"Boss, something is off."
"What's the matter?"
"She woke up and started acting... Strange. I suggest you get here as fast as possible and see for yourself."
"Any word on who poisoned her?"
"None."
"I'll be there."
I stared outside the windows of my office. What was the moron trying to pull now?...
***
I felt my ears itch. Hmm...Who was talking about me?
I pushed aside the thought and settled on the rug, facing the huge television. Charles and the maid were nowhere in sight. Finally a little bit of privacy.
I switched on the TV and settled for a romantic show. I was a sucker for romance. Too bad pure and true love only existed in books and movies. I focused on the TV screen and soon enough, I was no longer thinking about my current situation.
***
I was too engrossed in the movie to realize that someone had come in.
A pair of feet stood right in front of me, obstructing my view. What the actual fuck? It was getting to the good part! The main characters were about to kiss!
"Charles, you could have called my name. I know the popcorn was delicious. No need for a thank you. Just move!"
Charles squatted down. Ok this idiot was so going to get a scolding from me now.
"Charles!"
I was getting pissed. I looked at Charles' face but... It wasn't Charles. The face I was staring at was of Alexander Don. The man Ashlyn was sold to.
So this was the guy that made life miserable for Ashlyn? I'll admit, he had quite the looks but that was no excuse for how he treated Ashlyn. I was fuckin mad at him. Just who did he think he was? Bastard. I stared at him coldly.
"Are you going to move out of my way or squat there like a rock?"
"Hmm. I heard you came back hale and hearty with an attitude. I wanted to check in and see for myself."
"As you can see, I am doing just fine now. Would you please move?!"
He stayed still. Just like a rock,deaf and impervious to what I said.
"Dude, are you hard of hearing or something? Look, this is a really great part of the movie and I can't watch it because you're obstructing my view!"
"I thought you'd rather sneakily look at me and vye for my attention. You always put up theatrics for that."
Ok..I felt insulted. Damn Ashlyn for dragging down our reputation. He was so dead! Just who did the bastard think he is?
"Listen to me, Axel Don. You can either move or I will move you myself! What or who in the goddamn world gave you the audacity to interrupt my movie time? Scram!"
He looked shocked but then his expression changed to one of amusement. The moron thought I was joking huh?
I grabbed his leg and pulled it forward. He slipped and landed hard in his butt.
"Serves you right you bastard. Sigh... my precious movie time is ruined. I'll ask Charles to order a damn television and keep it in my room. I can't let your face ruin my good mood."
And with that, I walked out on him. Leaving him sprawled all over the rug.