The Demon’s Bride

Elise clenched her hands as she learned how Apollyon and Ernest have seen her before, scouting her to see how she looked and whether her power has grown inside her. When the sky had turned dark, the view fogged again, revealing the house of the Lones once again. Ernest had hid on the back of the wall, overhearing the conversation of Mr. and Mrs. Lone with a man who was new to the house. 

"I do not understand but I do notice there is a difference to the usual Sir Andrick," said Mrs. Lone as the man had asked her a question. "He was too close than necessary toward the vessel."

The man sitting in front of him nodded, "I do think it is time for me to put him down." 

"Put him down?" Gasped Mr. Lone who then quickly lowered his voice as if he was scared someone else would overhear their conversation which was to late as both Apollyon and Ernest had stood on the room next to the one they were at, continuing to take their chance to hear the content of their conversation.

"As you two have known, Andrick works in the field of resurrection and it is often become a cause where the person performing the ritual would be possessed by an evil soul who lurks around," answered the man to the couple. "I have noticed some strange occasion from him as well and his questionable actions that he took. Therefore, I have made my decision."

"B-But what about our son? Is there anyone who could complete the ritual?" Mrs. Lone questioned, making it her priority that Jeremy was back to life. "I don't care whatever it is I have to do. Please. Please bring him back!"

The man stared at her in silence before offering a hesitant look on his face. He then said, trying to suppress his smile, "There is a way, Madame, but you wouldn't like to hear the idea at all."

"Tell me what it is. For Jeremy, we are able to do anything you ask for," Mr. Lone was the one to reply. 

"Every souls need an exchange. I do think the reason for Jeremy's soul not to fulfill the ritual is because his soul is too pure and he needs a pure soul in exchange for his soul to be guided back to the body," answered the man vaguely but hearing it, Ernest could tell what the man meant to say. His heartbeat quickened as he felt horror that churn his stomach. 

"All we need is a pure soul? That is not a big matter. I would find someone in the street—" Mr. Lone was stopped when the man raised his hand. 

"No, no sir. You have seen what happened to the boy you picked up from the street and I have to be honest with you. We don't have enough time."

"What do you mean? This is my first time ever hearing this," demanded Mr. Lone. 

"Every soul has its ow span of roaming around the living world. As for Jeremy, his time run out too quickly for us to wait for another weeks or month for a true pure soul to be found. We have no choice but to use the mediums which are around us," suggested the man.

"Please do not drawl sir and tell me forwardly of who that medium is. If they are near I don't see why I have to consider this."

"I say this because I know you would have to consider your choices, Mr. Lone. The soul we need came from your eldest son," revealed the man. 

"D-Dalton?" Mrs. Lone shrieked. "No. That is out of the choice! How can we sacrifice our son for the life of my other son? I cannot accept this! Please, there must be another way."

The man shook his head, looking at them as if in pity when all the emotions were fake, "I would love to say and tell you of another method, madame and sire. But do believe me this is the only method." The couple went in silence when the man say again, "But I can promise you this, even if we do need your eldest son's soul. He won't die. We would only need to use the help of his soul to guide his younger brother back home."

"So… Dalton wouldn't die?" Mrs. Lone questioned.

"No but he would indeed be in pain for a couple of days. I assure it won't be dangerous for his life," the man gave his words.

Ernest who heard the conversation couldn't stay silent any longer. He pushed himself from the wall, ready to burst in when Apollyon snagged his arm. Apollyon's eyes had turned golden, a rare occasion which Ernest noticed to change the man's eyes when he was either angry or affected by a strong emotion. 

"Where do you think you are going? Bursting inside and what? Did you forgot your contract with me? You should never do anything outside my instruction. I have told you not to interrupt them," warned Apollyon. 

Though outside Ernest revealed the same fierce look, even he couldn't stop the chill that run through his spine as he heard the man's warning. "You also promised to do what I wish. Every one wish equal to three orders of yours. This is your last order which mean my time to wish and you know my wish is not for Dalton to be killed by his own parents, Apollyon."

"I don't get it. Why would you worry of such a person? That boy turned a blind eye to you when his parents abused you," Apollyon taunted but Ernest quickly glared at him as Ernest knew this was Apollyon's way of manipulating his thought process.

"You don't understand and you would not understand. It's my wish Apollyon. Break your contract and your know the consequences," Ernest pulled the leverage he has around Apollyon. 

Apollyon's smile was no where to be found but he finally said, "Fine. But in exchange for us to stop whatever foolish ideas that had been put to their heads. The only way is to kill the couple."

Ernest pursed his lips. He thought about how Dalton was a boy who lives in a peaceful family until his younger brother's death. Though he dislike and oppose the actions his parents took, he do love them equally. For Mr. and Mrs. Lone to die, it would greatly saddened him but he knew the couple wouldn't stop at anything unless their death come to them.

"Give me a night to think this over. I will tell you my reply soon," saying that, Ernest leave.