Chapter 1
The siren’s piercing blare echoed sharply in the quiet night. I stared at the chaotic scene below and felt nothing .
Below, the siren painted the night in red and blue flashes. A crowd had gathered, some filmed while the others screamed out encouragement like this was the best entertainment they had all night.
The wind howled across the rooftop like it wanted to push me over. The crowd of people hurled unrelenting insults. With each insult,my poorly healed wounds tore open. My resolute steps faltered, my feet froze in one spot like they were cemented still.
The police tried to stop them but they were clearly outnumbered. My fingers gripped the cold ledge. My life had collapsed in a spectacular manner.
Julian, the man who once told me,
“I love you Fia Shaw”
“Will you be mine?”
He laughed, kissing my nape gently like a dedicated lover.
“I will…I love you”
Gentle tears flowed from the corner of my eyes. He leaned in and gently pecked my lips. His hand wrapping around my waist like the most natural thing to do.
Memories I once cherished became knives viciously tearing at my flesh. The once beautiful memory now tainted by his betrayal.
He had chosen Mia, my best friend and together they teamed up to frame me for embezzlement, stole my tech start-up and left me drained, bankrupt and at their feets for mercy.
I stared at the unopened wine bottle at my side and sneered. I popped open the wine and took a large swig. A cheap bottle of vintage wine as a parting gift,how pathetic.
Warm moist tears slipped out from the corner of my eye. My phone started buzzing nonstop. It slipped out of my grasp falling with a thud. My world became silent for a fraction of a moment, then something inside me ripped open.
I grabbed the wine bottle and threw it at the crowd. The sound of broken glass and distant screams rang out sharply. Some people hurried away from the scene.
More piercing wails came from below. The scene erupted in chaos. People started running in different directions, some bumped into each other and landed in the glass. More screams rang out.
I stood at the edge. My dull eyes scan the chaos below. My dim eyes flickered with light, as if I still had some control over life and that tiny sensation made my head race.
A rough tug on my dress had me stumbling backwards. I felt my large hand grip my waist possessively. Heat radiated from his palm,burning the places he touched.I fell into a strong and steady embrace. The smell of tobacco and peppermint assaulted my senses.
I looked up and a pair of hazel eyes met mine. The air was static for a moment but that feeling was replaced with annoyance.
I tried to break free from his grip but he held on tight. He even increased the pressure of his grip on my waist.
I continued to resist but his hands got rougher and I learnt to obey. He was dressed impeccably. He had a mysterious air surrounding him. His eyes didn’t give his emotions away, instead it hid them deeper.
I stared at him blankly. I didn’t appreciate his help…it was unnecessary. He noticed the annoyance on my face and finally spoke up.
“Was it worth it?”
His question was like a stone thrown in a calm lake. The ripples could be felt in my chest.
He didn’t let me register the first question before he continued,
“Are you going to let them go?”
He brushed my hair aside, looking deeply into my eyes. His question stirred emotions I didn’t know was there. His smooth voice floated into my ears and left me bewitched.
I heard his words but soon realized I could do nothing .
“Yes”
“Letting go of the past is peaceful right?” I said self mockingly.
His frown deepened. His hand gripped my chin tightly. He forced me to look at him, the pain on my chin made me obey.
“Julian and Mia are probably f*****g in your bed right now...”
“Toasting to your downfall…”
“While your here…planning to die at their mercy ”
My face burned with shame and my body trembled from raw fury. He had that smug look like he knew he hit a nerve. He seemed to be enjoying my misery more than anyone else.
“Pathetic…”
His words were another slap to my dignity.
He didn’t try to console me with sweet words, instead he tore apart the illusion I was living in. He slowly stripped away the layers I hid in and revealed my naked self for his taking.
His hands on my waist never left. And I don’t think he intends to remove it. We remained in that same position, his hands locked in a dead grip around my body while I could do nothing about it.
“Fight them to the end”
The air in my lungs seized. Invisible hands wrapped around my throat like veins slowly choking me. My eyes gleamed with something dark, blood thirsty…something deadly.
He let go off me and retreated backwards, he watched me fight myself from a distance.
I saw his eyes brighten with that same gleam. His was sharper, unhinged, untamed,wild.
My instincts told me to run but I moved forward. Each step was like a step closer to hell.
On the roof top, the wind blew strongly. Each step I took closed the gap. I stood in front of him, searching for that hint of madness that reflected in my eyes.
He scanned me from head to toe like merchandise, circling me like goods meant to be sold.
“ I can change you” he whispered into my ear.
“Who the hell are you?” My voice cracked.
“Someone who recognizes a walking dead when I see one.”
He leaned in closer, his hot breath tickling my neck.
“Someone who sees your potential…”
He tilted his head,studying me like a puzzle .
“ I can offer you revenge…”
“The kind that makes them beg…”
“And scream for mercy..”
He paused, letting it sink in.
My pulse hammered. I hated how badly I wanted it.
I stared at him blankly,his words unknowingly sinked in.
“I can promise you the stars…”
“And give you the world..”
“You haven’t said your name yet.” I choked out.
“You amuse me,” he smile sharpened
“My name is the least of your problems”
He circled around me, his piercing hawk eyes watching me. He stopped speaking, just watching.
“I’m the devil meant to push you deeper into hell…”