The Dream Demon

Chapter 10 - Better The Devil You Know

Abigail

I looked at Typhon, waiting for him to answer. Deep down I already knew, but I wanted to hear the words come from his very own lips. After what felt like eternity, he looked at me with a stoic expression.

" Yes. I am a demon. Moloch, however, is only half" he answered, looking at me to gauge my reaction. "I must say, that wasn't the question I was expecting you to ask."

It felt as if all the blood in my body had stopped circulating. Typhon was in fact, a demon. A demon who wanted something with me. I could feel many questions running around in my head, but my lips were refusing to speak them. Taking a deep breath, I tried to process everything. Everything I've ever read, or been told about demons came to the forefront of my mind. My brain was screaming at my feet to move, to run, to get away as fast as I could; but fear gripped me firmly in place.

Demons were liars. Demons could not be trusted. I'd read the bible, seen the movies, heard enough from my parents, yet here I am, In the presence of one.

"Let me guess, you're still incapable or believing it. You think your mind is somehow tricking you, this isn't real and it's all a dream? Well it's not. This is real. Demons exist. The Devil exists. He's not some little red man with horns and a tail. I mean, sure, his appearance can be unforgiving, but he can also be beautiful. As you know, he was once an angel. God's favorite at one point. You're probably also thinking of how bad, devious and untrustworthy we are. I hate to break it to you darlin' - but there's plenty of 'humans' out there that are the same! If not worse!"

I continued watching him rant away, feeling anxiety wash all over me. My brain was still trying to convince me that this was still a dream and that Typhon was not real. Believing he was, was inconceivable. Right now, all I wanted was to wake up safe in my bed. I decided to keep on his good side, hoping that he would allow me to leave here again.

"You know Typhon, you're right" I finally said, still unable to move my body. "At one point Lucifer was an angel, but he was cast out from Heaven, all due to his own pride, greed and selfish desire. The very own thing that angels do not stand for!"

He cast a glare over me, folding his arms "Yes and no. He was cast out from Heaven due to those reasons, but there was so much more to it than that. Not everything in life is so black and white. I look at it this way. There are devilish thoughts in even the most angelic minds, Abigail. Nobody is perfect. Take your parents for example."

"My parents? What about them?" I couldn't help but feel a little offended by his comment.

"Ah, Lets see. They go to church every week, are model citizens outside of their home. They're active members of the community, especially within the church.. And yet they beat and abuse you at every opportunity, but not your brother. Tell me Abigail, why do you think that is?"

I stared at Typhon, speechless. How did he know all of this? The sad thing about it, is that he wasn't wrong. My parents did beat me and make me feel worthless. Raising my eyes to meet his, I tried mustering conviction behind my words.

"It doesn't matter why they treat me differently. They are my parents, and they know what is best for me. How they raise me is none of your concern. You are a demon! How many people have you beat and abused?"

Typhon chuckled darkly, leaving a shudder down my spine. "Too many to count" he replied nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders. "These days I do not need to dirty my hands with such deeds. I have people to do it for me.. Unless I feel like having some fun. What is it you usually do for fun Abigail? Tell me about yourself."

"Why is it that you want to know so much about me? Why am I here? Why are you coming to me in my dreams?" I sighed, exasperated that this conversation was going around in circles. I have so many questions, even though I know deep down that it's wrong to even converse with a demon. My rationality jumped out the window when I locked Polo outside of my bedroom.

"I thought we'd agreed on a free pass to one question only, Abigail? From here on now, my answers shall come with a price. Tell me, do you want to know the price for my next answer?" He asked, gently gripping my chin and tilting it upwards so our eyes met.

His eyes were so unnaturally black, that an undeniable fear crept over my body. His hands were icy cold, big enough to crush my skull with, if he intended. But just what were his intentions? Would I be better off avoiding him for the rest of my life, keeping Polo with me at all times? Or would it be 'Better the devil I know', and keep on good terms with him, finding out what he wants with me? I had to decide, and quickly.

"What is the price for your next answer, Typhon?" I asked, throwing caution to the wind.

He grinned, seeming genuinely happy at my answer. "My price is simple - you meet me again tomorrow night."

"That's it?" I asked surprised.

"That's it."

Well, that didn't seem like a price too steep to pay. Here I was thinking he was going to ask for my blood! I didn't want to be naïve. Typhon could just be weaving a web, waiting for me to fall in and get trapped. I would have to be careful.

Stepping back, I finally managed to release his grip upon my chin. My body was beginning to listen to me again, it wouldn't be long until I woke up. I could feel it. Looking up to his eyes again, which were now a flaming red, I decided to give him my answer whilst I still could.

"You know, deep down I wasn't sure if you were a figment of my imagination. I had to be sure. Now that I know what you truly are, your intentions for me can only be bad. I will never return here again. Goodbye Typhon."

With that, I could slowly feel myself gaining consciousness once more.