Owned By The Demons

5

"T-thank you."

While sensing the warmth of her skin, Relina shook her head, appearing to try to escape his eyes focusing on her. Under his melting glare, she felt like slowly melting ice. Additionally, she noticed a significant increase in her heart rate. It moved so quickly that he felt like horses were racing over her chest, and with every second that went by, it grew stronger.

"You know I'll go above and beyond for you, my wife, so it's nothing", Reiku added with a smile.

Relina flustered. She was aware that he was playing a joke on her and that if she believed all the crap he was saying, it would undoubtedly make him laugh once more. Why, though, is she feeling this way? Why does every word he says seem to have a peculiar harmony that profoundly affects not only her chest but also the entirety of her being?

She acknowledges that she dislikes this creature, not because she doesn't trust him but rather because she finds his speech repulsive. However, hidden beneath the annoyance she feels here is the strange happiness she has only recently experienced. The truth is, she had been looking for the solution to her question, but as of now, she had not succeeded.

Although Relina was aware that it was humorous to learn how she felt, the fact remained that she had sympathy for this creature, even if she tried to hide it a few more times. He might have used a portion of his power, or perhaps this was the effect he had on her by the time she entered this dimension. And if any of this had been the cause, she would have just gone back to her previous state.

"Alright, I'm fine now. It just looks high, but I'm sure it's only a few steps away from here, so you can take me down."

"I insist. As I said before, don't act tough in front of others, especially in front of me. It will bring me great happiness if you learn to trust me. In addition, it is better for a couple if they both understand each other. And from what I've heard, it's one of the most important elements for a relationship to last. It would be better if now we could both learn to get along with each other so that we don't have any problems shortly," Reiku said.

"My grandfather used to tell me that yokai do not want to mix with people and that they prefer to live in hidden places such as mountains, forests, and rivers so that they cannot be seen. According to him, disaster and death are the compensation if a yokai falls in love with a mortal. However, even if all the things my grandfather said were true, aren't you afraid that you might put your life in great danger when we get married?" Relina's voice was engraved with a combination of anxiety and apprehension.

'What I mean is...'

Relina was ready to say anything but Reiku cut her off: "Forget about what I've said; whether the answer is yes or no, it won't matter to me; why do I even have to think about those things? Except that it doesn't contribute at all, it will only be a big barrier for me to achieve everything I want. Besides, everything you said will only occur when they both fall in love with each other. Is there any love that mediates between the two of us? Isn't there anything so you don't have to worry about that thing."

Relina's face clouded at once. Every syllable that came out of his mouth was packed with anguish, pain, and rage, which she could sense. Not to say, but if she had known that there was a reason for everything he had said, it might have been so difficult for him that he could have spoken those things. How come, though? Why does she feel like every letter he has uttered is like broken pieces of glass that have sunk into her chest? Why do her heart and her entire being fill with so much pain and suffering?

"You can take me down; I can walk from here; I don't want to be a burden to you."

"You're not a burden, and you'll never be a burden to me, so please just forget everything I've said. Besides, that so-called love doesn't exist in a world like this, so a yokai can't fall in love with a mortal. Not unless they're both under a spell or curse."

Relina simply closed her eyes. She didn't want to hear what Reiku would say next because she would only definitely be hurt again. If that is what this creature believes about love, what does he want to mean by the word marriage? Is the holy sacrament of marriage just a game to him?

How was Reiku able to utter those things? Is what he claims—that love does not exist in the yokai world—true? Does he claim to have no feelings or a heart? If such is the case, she no longer believes that he will keep all of his promises to her. If what she fears occurs, she will escape this world on her own, without his assistance.

Reiku declined Relina's request. It was clear from her appearance that she was still unwell. As a result, he climbed the stairs while both of her arms carried Relina until they arrived at an ancient shrine on the outskirts of the Central Hidden Realm.

Except for a few chosen yokai that dwell here, no other yokai can see the entire area because of a powerful force that acts as a shield around it. In the history of the Hidden Realm, these beings represent the highest yokai level.

"We're finally here," Avinar said. He set Relina down carefully.

Relina believed that because they had climbed for so long, they would make up ground in the morning. His assistance is incredibly helpful since if not, they might still be climbing. She was also much helped by this creature in some way.

After seeing everything around her, "Wow!" Margarette exclaimed. All the fatigue vanished from her body. She had no idea that hidden behind the modernization our world has shown, there was a special location that, in her opinion, was the best of all.

Massive, towering trees line the whole perimeter of the area. It is clear that the shrine has been around for a long time from the way it looks and how it was built. It might even be older than the clan of Margarette's ancestors, yet despite its age, it is nonetheless notable for its beauty and overall cleanliness.

The lovely flowers that served as décor throughout the entire area also attracted attention in addition to the trees in the immediate area. Relina observes many different kinds of flowers, not just one or two. In addition to having lush grass, they feature a choice of eye-catching hues. Moreover, she can feel the breeze gently stroking her cheek. She is certain that whoever maintains the order and tranquility of the entire area spends all of his time making sure everything is in order.

Relina caught his attention. When he watched her grinning while looking about with such awe in her eyes, a smile sprang to his lips.

Since he claimed he would take her there because of the plush mattresses and, in particular, the delectable meals being cooked, Relina honestly assumes that they will stay at a five-star hotel. Taking Relina to this kind of location was not something Relina had anticipated.

"I know how eager you are to visit the five-star hotels and restaurants in this land, but just make sure you never do anything silly because, by the time you disobey everything I command, you might not be able to come back alive. I will never grow tired of repeating to you that this world is full of mystery, but behind it is doom. By the time we enter the shrine, you'll meet Kei. He'll be the one to take you around the entire Hidden Realm," Reiku reminded Relina once more.

"I understand, but don't worry about me; I know how to do what I'm instructed."

"Let's continue since they must have been waiting for a while. It's better that way so we can avoid any issues."

"What do you mean?" Relina gasped in shock

"Are you saying they've heard I'm coming?"

Reiku looked up and saw the entire sky which was being progressively engulfed by dark and thick clouds, "It appears that, so let's hurry. It's not a good idea for them to wait for us, especially in this sort of weather." It will start to rain hard in a few moments.

Relina drew her head down. "Is that so?"

Reiku smirked as he looked down and continued, "I thought you weren't scared of them. Why did the wind appear to blow differently? I didn't believe fear would bloom on your body either." He was tormenting her with his eyes. The instant he noticed the dread on her face, he abruptly changed his mind and decided not to see how terrified she was.

"Some of them who are kind so you have nothing to fear. Besides, you are in the territory so no one will dare to lay their hands on you. And if in case someone dares to hurt you, I will make sure that their life wouldn't be enough to compensate for the harm they caused you. You seem to have forgotten all the promises I made to you, Relina." Every word that came out of Reiku's mouth was full of assurance and security. Although he was aware that it might not be enough to calm her anxiety, doing it in this way might at least help.

Relina merely replied, "Thank you."

She straightened her posture despite being stiff and driven by a strong panic in her chest. She made her way to the shrine with Kei by her side. She took a deep breath and averted her look as they approached the door.

What was waiting for Relina behind this door was a mystery to her. It's possible that the calvary, which will start with the creatures of this world, is hidden behind it. She had a lot of thoughts going through her head, but this time she had to give up the last shred of hope she had. She was aware that it was not a smart idea for her to believe what Reiku said to her, but she was also fully aware that there was nothing to lose if she trusted him with her life.

"Are you ready?"

Relina simply nodded in answer to him.

Shr summoned up her bravery once more. As soon as the door opened, they were greeted by piercing brightness.

***

Relina's eyes widened as soon as she saw the creatures behind the door. They're drinking at a long table. As Reiku stated, she will meet powerful yokai in this place, but she is not prepared for what awaits her. These creatures even outperform humans in terms of charisma and grace, but she is certain that their gorgeous faces conceal their true looks.

"You all appear to be having a great time. Please excuse us if my wife and I just arrive. We had a little difficulty on our way here, and I hope you understand." Reiku grinned broadly and drew Relina to his side.

Relina was shocked from her position as one of the creatures abruptly got up from his seat and struck the table hard after hearing Reiku's comment.

The great contempt on this creature's face could not be concealed as he turned his gaze to Relina, "What nonsense are you talking about?! Don't you know what kind of creature that woman is?"

Relina averted her gaze right away. Similar to Reiku, he also has long hair. His skin tone is average, and he has a noticeable scar above his right eye.

"Everything Shinto stated was correct; if I were you, I would return that woman to wherever you found her rather than bear the consequences of your wrong decisions," the other one suggested in a low and calm voice. Aside from his companion, he does not appear violent, but rather gentle when you look at his face.

One of the creatures got up and moved towards Reiku and Relina with a wicked smirk on his lips, "I don't understand why we have to fight over such a simple thing." This is the most terrible to gaze upon of all the creatures in the room. His entire body is encircled by numerous eyeballs, except for the numerous scars on his face.

The creature touched Telina's chin. He then tilted it and pulled it closer to his face as he drew nearer. By the time Relina saw his face, she swallowed forcefully and began to perspire heavily. Although she had seen numerous yokai, she was terrified of this one.

"I have never imagined that human beings like this woman are truly such a beautiful work of art," he smiled as he lowered his face and moved it to Relina's neck, where he smelled it like a wonderful delicacy. "Why not devour her instead? I'm sure this woman tastes good. I can smell her virginity. What do you think, Reiku? Isn't what I was thinking more rewarding? Not only will you love it, for sure..." he said before being cut off by Reiku's abrupt appearance behind him. He was ready to attempt to flee when he felt a sharp thing on his side.