The Soul Bounder

chapter seven: lamia

chapter seven: lamia

Days passed, in turn progressing to weeks.

Serenity was never allowed to leave the cottage without Christian or Seraph's guidance, which was hardly ever. She was quickly adjusted to her new homebody lifestyle, although she yearned to escape the four walls that surrounded her. Seraph and Christian maintained a routine, checking daily for any errors in their casted barriers. The invisible barrier stretched around the property, approximately covering at least two acres of land. Christian thought it was overkill, but Seraph thought otherwise.

"You can never be too careful, dog."

Christian scowled at the hateful nickname, yet continued with examining the spell. As usual, blood poured from his nose, a larger amount spewing each time he overexerted his energy. He knew of its origin, yet stubbornly ignored it. He wiped the blood with his sleeve, only to realize that Serenity will eventually notice and scold him for it.

"You need to feed, i***t. We'll never make progress and keep her safe if you're not at your full strength." Seraph implored, folding her arms over her chest.

Seraph disliked the demon, but understood that if their alliance was going to work, Christian needed to comply. Of course, he never wanted to listen.

"I'm aware, you witch." Christian replied, with anguish written across his features.

The angel nearly hissed, conjuring an enchanted dagger appointed at his throat. Christian's icy eyes bore into her hazel ones, hell and the heavens crossing paths once again.

"Careful with what you say, Christian. One swipe across the cheek with this, and you'll burn. You won't die, but you'll certainly suffer." She smiled maliciously.

Rolling his eyes, he lightly pushed the weapon from his neck. This earned a scoff from the angel, as he casually strolled towards the cottage. "You know, for someone born from light, you're awfully vengeful." Christian retorted.

Serenity sat in the kitchen, brooding over what to occupy herself with for the remainder of the day. She made sure to constantly busy herself with simple hobbies, yet the nagging thoughts of her impending doom gnawed at her. She constantly pleaded with Seraph for answers involving her rebirth, sending her from another world to the one she's always consciously known. To her demise, Serenity was never given the acknowledgement she craved.

Christian joined the girl, noticing her fiddling hands with the contents of the cupboards. They were always fully stocked, no matter what. Serenity wondered if that was thanks to Seraph's holy magic. In actuality, it was because she made weekly trips to the local grocery store.

"What are you doing?" Christian pondered.

Serenity quickly turned to meet the curious gaze of the man. "Probably about to bake." She answered.

"Hm. Sounds... Fun."

"I guess. Only doing it because I'm so-"

"Bored. I know— you're always bored." Christian finished.

Serenity pouted, resuming her digging of the pantry. She produced a bag of unopened flour, along with other dry goods.

Suppose I'll make sugar cookies today. She thought.

"I'm not trying to sound ungrateful, but... When can we go out again?" Serenity nearly whispered.

"We?" Christian raised an eyebrow.

Serenity faced him, quickly shaking her hands wearily in defense. "I didn't mean it like that. I mean that as in either you or Sera." She explained.

Christian scoffed as if he were genuinely upset, continuing to tease her. "Oh, I see how it is. It's always two against one, with you two."

"Hey now, how could you say that? I know Sera can be a little mean at times, but I swear she's not-"

Laughter erupted, leaving an expression of shock on the redhead's face. Christian was actually laughing, at her expense. The teasing wasn't unusual but the genuine laughter was. Christian never expressed his emotions often, preferring to display himself as a hollow husk that can speak.

Once he gained composure, the demon turned serious. "She's not that bad? Perhaps not to you, but that's only because she's your entrusted guardian."

Serenity frowned, crossing her arms. "Okay? I'm still unbiased. I won't take either of your sides."

"I never needed anyone to take my side, Serenity."

Christian turned on his heel to exit the room. Feeling her heart sink, she gathered the courage to form her outburst. "Why... Do you always do that?"

The man stopped in his tracks, meeting her eyes. She was looking down, hands balled up into fists at her sides. "Do what? Tell you the truth? Because if you want me to lie, then I'll lie-"

"Enough!"

The cabinets shook open, rattling the wood. The light fixture blinked in repetition, as fast as Serenity's heart pounded. She didn't seem to notice the sudden clatter surrounding her and Christian. But he did, only for him to come to the conclusion that it was time.

Her powers were beginning to awaken.

"You never, I mean never, tell me the truth. Or, at least the whole truth." Serenity finally spoke, her voice shaking.

"The whole truth? What haven't I told you? " Christian questioned, never once averting his gaze from her.

"A lot, Christian. About who I am, who you are. You're always in such a foul mood, always putting up a front. It's getting old."

Christian felt a slight annoyance at her prodding, but put on that same face.

"I... I don't hate you. Not even close. But I can't stand how you're always so faceless. Stop being such an asshole to those who haven't done anything wrong to you!" Serenity continued.

"Faceless, huh? How can I put this lightly, Serenity? Just to placate your childish thinking." He mocked.

Serenity burned with anger, an anger that brewed top to bottom in her soul. She felt aggrieved, to the point in which she could almost feel it boiling her up from the inside. The feeling was a hot fervor then frosty cold, becoming too much for her to bear. Little did she know, she was changing. Transforming into her true ethereal form of darkness and light.

"This is who I am, Serenity. This isn't a fairytale. I'm not going to be the knight in shining armor to steal you away from the dragon's wrath. I refuse to pretend I am otherwise."

The familiar pang of hurt punched Serenity's gut, as his words cut through her. Her vision became blurry, but she refused to show him tears.

"When did I even ask for you to be that? Do you actually think I'd ever like someone like you, that way? Newsflash, Christian! You're pitiful. And you're a sheep awaiting slaughter just like me." Serenity angrily spat.

Christian shifted into a blank stare, unnerved at her verbal attack. He could almost hear the sneers of the kingdom he once belonged to, at his expense. Serenity hands shook, no longer closed into tight fists. She turned away, alleviating herself of her prior feelings.

"Just. Get out. Please." She almost begged.

Christian stormed out, his footsteps almost silent. Serenity felt relieved, steadying herself against a nearby counter. She couldn't soothe the shaky feeling she felt, deciding it was from the sudden adrenaline from the argument.

The sunset soon approached, cascading a blanket of twilight. Seraph stood watch outside, while practicing light-born incantations. She was strong, but felt she could always become stronger. Her purpose was to serve Serenity, under the prior orders of her Princess. Her empathic abilities surged the moment Christian and Serenity clashed. She readied herself to intervene, but decided against it once she felt Serenity's inner power. Seraph knew it was time for her power to bloom, yet she never thought negative feelings would influence them to awaken. The angel's brows furrowed, understanding the true meaning.

This meant that her father's influence was taking over.

It was inevitable, seeing as how Serenity is half demon. Alas, it still left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Christian locked himself in his room, confused by the onslaught of emotions that flooded him. He couldn't tear his thoughts away from Serenity, and how wounded she looked. He wasn't sure if he felt compelled to sympathize because of her fresh capabilities. However, a particular phrase she screamed replayed in his head, on repeat.

Teeth aching and feeling weakened, Christian felt his bloodlust grow morbidly. Demons were often mistaken as vampires, yet vampires simply didn't exist. Vampires were loosely based off of demon kind, as both are unholy abominations. It was a bit of an inside joke in his realm, seeing as humans created such a fictional notion. Demons had fangs, but didn't ideally use them to drink. Only while engaging in intercourse, or to occasionally feed. However, feeding became required for those that practiced the everyday use of their powers. Because Christian has remained in the human realm for so long, he was forced to use his powers. Yet, he never fed as often as he should've.

The thirst made his throat dry, tongue turning to sandpaper. He knew why he ached the way he did, but simply ignored it. At least for now.

I can't go on like this. Christian thought with malice.

The night took over, darkness spreading outdoors and within his chest. It crawled along his skin like a venomous spider, biting and pricking him until he could no longer handle the stabbing feeling. Christian bit his lip in revulsion at himself, disgusted at his desire.

He threw on a simple overcoat, slipping into his shoes. Christian knew what he had to do to overcome the thirst. It wasn't his first choice, but it was necessary for his survival. Christian fled down the stairs, swooping down to cross the living room. Seraph sat perched on a loveseat, watching a random drama on the flat screen television.

"Going out?"

"Don't start your s**t, Seraph." Christian snarled, bolting to the door.

Seraph frowned, then returned her attention to the tv. The front door was quickly unlocked, being quietly shut behind Christian.

Told you so. Seraph thought snidely to herself.

Christian practically flew through the barren streets, his white knuckled grip tightening on the steering wheel. He felt compelled to force destruction, but remained focused on his end goal: to quench the bloodlust.

He bit his lower lip for the hundredth time that night, his fangs grazing the skin. He was ready to be done with the compulsory thirst, at least subsiding it for a few more weeks. Christian usually fed every three to four weeks, depending on how hard he pushed himself with his abilities. Lately, all he did was patrol and quietly protect Serenity in the cottage. Must to his dismay, it was becoming too much of a hassle— mentally and physically.

Demons could feed on either s*x, male or female. It didn't matter which one he fed from, but typically women were more susceptible to his natural demonic charm. It was all a matter of attraction, but he didn't care about the taste. It was just a source of blood, at the end of the day.

Christian found himself parked in the busied lot of a popular night club, fingers tapping impatiently against the leathery steering wheel.

It's this or nothing. Christian persistently told himself.

Finally going through with his plan, he creeped out of the car, heading towards the booming club. Christian paid the admission fee, feeling the curious stares from the club's bouncers as he walked by. The interior of the building was warm, heated by the bustling bodies of ongoing clubgoers. He could smell the lust that practically permeated through the air. Women danced in huddles, men flocking to closely watch or to push their luck. Glances were cast his way, by several; those of lust, resentment.

Christian decided to sit at a small café table, perfectly positioned far from the dance floor. He knew he was being watched, yet insisted he paid no mind to it. Men and women alike tried to catch his attention, but his eyes remained glued to the wall. He wished he was laying in bed, warm and content. It was a colder night than usual, but snow never fell. Which felt odd, considering it was mid December.

"Are you alone?"

Christian was torn from his thoughts, his gaze meeting the one in front of him. A young woman, probably no older than twenty-three, stood there. She was proudly wearing revealing clothing, if you could even call it that. Her midriff was exposed, wearing skintight leather pants with a pair of black combat boots. Christian quickly wondered how she wasn't cold considering the weather, then remembering the task at hand.

"Do you see anyone sitting with me?" He smiled, being sure to engage in eye contact.

The woman smirked in return, breaking the stare. Her fingers tousled a strand of dark hair behind her ear, attempting to put up a front.

"No, but I can change that if you'd like." She boldly answered.

Too easy. Christian thought.

"I'd be delighted."

The young woman nearly jumped into the seat beside him, much to his displeasure. He internally knew of her intentions, but she'd soon be disappointed. Her cheap perfume filled his senses, along with the strong scent of her lust. She wanted Christian, in a way many human women did. But they were all the same to him: easily disposable.

"Well? What brings you here, all alone?" She purred, crossing her legs.

Christian's smile widened, putting on a show to lure her in deeper. "I was bored. Needed something to do, I suppose."

The young woman's eyebrows rose, her interest further piqued. "Something to do, eh?"

He nodded, never once breaking eye contact. Her brown eyes were dark with desire, the strobe lights scattering across her features. But he knew what she wanted, and he was sure to put an end to it quickly.

The two talked, just idle small talk. He was impatient to feed, so he could return to the safehouse. He loathed these outings, always procrastinating to go out and hunt. Soon enough, the two ended up in his car, her giving him directions to her house.

It all began with a messy kiss on her part, alcohol impairing her hazy judgment. Their feet danced together to her bedroom, her back falling softly against bedsheets. She whined her cravings to Christian, and he lazily complied. He hardly had to use his compulsion to get her to obey his whims. His nose trailed along her jawline, her veins about to burst with her need for him. Her blood sang a sweet song for him, but Christian hesitated.

He never hesitated.

Her brunette hair fanned under her, her back arching for Christian to finally descend unto her. His fangs pricked the surface of her skin, not yet piercing. He was too busy imagining flame-like locks, freckled skin writhing beneath him. The young woman's voice was soon replaced with another's, persistently begging for his sinful touch.

"Christian, please."

Christian felt himself harden, imagining the other woman in place of the one that was presently squirming against him. He scowled, feeling bile arise in his throat. He was a beggar, and he knew he shouldn't be so choosy. 

However, he just couldn't continue.

Christian's body froze, understanding what he was actually doing. The consequences would soon follow, but he didn't care anymore.

"You've never met me. And I was never here. You've been home the whole time." Christian spoked in a hushed tone.

The young woman nodded, already looped tight in his compelling trance. "I was home the whole time." She repeated dully.

He quickly fixed his clothing, ordering her to do the same in her stupor. Christian locked the front door for her, forcing his compulsion in place until he was speeding away in his car.

Serenity laid in bed, her legs entangled in her floral sheets. She was scrolling through social media, holding onto some teenage normalcy in her new life. She always wondered why the news media never reported her sudden disappearance, nor mentioned her parents' murders anymore. But Seraph woefully explained that it all had to be covered up, as if it all never happened. To this day, Serenity could still envision blood crusting under her palms, pleading for her adoptive mother to stay conscious.

Serenity turned her phone off, being sure to plug it up to its charger. She turned off her bedside lamp, hugging herself tightly underneath her blankets. Serenity knew Christian left, however he was gone for hours. She wondered what he was doing, how he was doing. She soon felt like she owed him an apology, after the nasty words she exchanged with him.

I'm not going to be the knight in shining armor to steal you away from the dragon's wrath.

"That's because you are the dragon's wrath." Serenity whispered to herself.

Sleep finally took her, her body exhausted from the small labors of the day. She thought she'd have a relatively quiet sleep, laying dreamless. However, she felt herself being pulled into a new scenery. She was dream-walking.

Serenity found herself standing in the midst of a field of flowers. A light breeze flew through her tousled hair, the sun's rays soaking into her skin. She couldn't control the destination of where she'd dream-walk, but Christian could.

"Hey."

Speak of the devil.

"Where were you?" Serenity demanded, skipping over introductions.

She watched the demon walk towards her, his tall form moving gracefully. His expression was torn, his guilt eating him alive. Shoving his hands into his pants pocket, he glanced down at Serenity.

"Do you want the truth? Or a lie." Was all he managed to say.

Serenity tugged at the ends of her sweater, knitted together tight to keep her warm. "Tell me a lie." She croaked.

"Are you sure?" Christian questioned.

Serenity could only nod, a lump forming in her throat. She was prepared for the worst.

"Green is a terrible color on you."

What?

Serenity frowned, confused. What was he playing at?

"Look at what you're wearing, Serenity." Christian smiled.

Without realizing it, Serenity was wearing a forest green sweater. The dark shade complemented her eyes well, seeming to brighten the already bold color of her hair. Once she put two and two together, she felt her face flush.

"Do demons usually give out compliments?" Serenity softly mumbled, more to herself.

"Not usually, no." He admitted sheepishly, staring into the field surrounding them.

"You're... Weird. You know that, right?"

The demon scoffed at her playful jab, yet his grin remained. It was something that he never imagined himself doing, smiling this much.

"And you're the textbook definition of normal, right?" He jabbed back.

Serenity snorted, delighted that he was engaging in the light banter. This felt so... Different to her.

"Well. I still would like for you to tell me the truth." She confessed thoughtfully.

Displeasure formed on his lips, the rare happy expression fading. "If I told you, would you run from me? Be disgusted by me?"

Where would I run to, Christian...

Serenity became serious, putting on a brave face. She wasn't a child anymore, and in regards to her current predicament—she needed to know the truth. If she was going to survive all of this, the truth needed to surface.

"No."

Christian was taken aback, a bit surprised by her reply. He was only ever looked down upon by others, being at the bottom of the hierarchy food chain.

"Fine. If you insist." He began.

Christian cleared his throat, feeling the right words gather in his throat. He knew he wasn't nearly as courageous enough to admit to any of this in person.

"So, I'm a demon. Correct?"

Serenity nodded, awaiting for further explanation.

"Demons have deferring traits, ones that humans have depicted into... Vampirism." Christian spoke quietly.

"Vampirism." Serenity questioned.

"Vampirism." The demon repeated.

The girl bit her lip, unsure of where the conversation was going. However, she promised she wouldn't tuck her tail between her legs anymore.

"Go on."

"Demons thirst for blood. We can eat food, but blood is sometimes... Desired. Needed, if you will." Christian paused.

He carefully studied the redhead's expressions, waiting for one of fear and resentment. Repugnance, even. But neither ever came.

"So you're like a vampire, is what you're saying." Serenity puzzled.

"No, vampires are mythical. Demons have vampiric traits, or however you want to define it." Christian corrected.

Serenity c****d her head to the side, suddenly observing the man more intently. She never once noticed fangs, or his frenzy for red.

"However, we only feed whenever we use our powers often. Which in my case, I need to. Residing in the human realm calls for drastic measures, to fit in without alerting others of my kind." The demon continued.

"So you have fangs, right?" The girl asked wistfully.

"Yes."

"Prove it."

Christian scrunched his nose up, wondering what the hell made her brave enough to ask such a thing.

The girl was becoming too comfortable with him.

So careless. He thought.

Christian flashed her a perfectly menacing smile, displaying his pearly whites. Two of his teeth were long in length, fitting the exact description of a vampire shown on tv. Somehow entranced, Serenity's pointer finger reached to poke at the sharp end. Christian grabbed her wrist, gripping it easily in his grasp. The girl flinched, but didn't pull away. Her finger displayed a small cut, tiny droplets of scarlet beading at the surface.

The demon quickly let her go, turning away. Even in his sleep, he could feel his self conscious' growing hunger. Something that's never once happened to him.

"Don't."

Serenity quickly hid away her hand, realizing her mistake. She was soon beginning to understand what Christian meant in terms of his true nature.

"I'm sorry, Christian."

Still facing the opposite direction of her, he could feel her burning a hole through his back. He felt pestered at her apology, yet he wanted to relish in it more.

"I need you to understand something, Serenity." He began, beginning to turn back towards her.

His eyes met her, causing hers to widen in revelation. Christian's eyes were bright red, the same color as Serenity's blood. He could smell the reddened smear on her thin finger, even in this dream-state.

"You should never provoke a starving demon. Because once one begins a frenzy—" Christian paused, inching himself closer.

His cold breath fanned along her neck, leaving her frozen where she stood. His lithe fingers combed through her fiery tresses, watching the way they blew carelessly in the wind.

"It's nearly impossible to stop."

Serenity's breath caught in her throat, his words replaying like a broken record in her head. "Why are you starving yourself?"

Christian stood up straight, his irises still a bloody hue. "Do you honestly think I enjoy feeding upon complete strangers, just to continue living? Watching one's life essence drain from their being?

Serenity shrugged her shoulders. "Existence is pain?"

Christian bit back a smirk, finding humor in her attempt to cheer him up. "Sure."

The redheaded girl stood silent for a moment, contemplating her next choice of words. She knew she should've kept them to herself, but she couldn't stop herself from the outburst.

"Then... Why not just feed from me?"

Christian's mouth went drier than a desert, his thirst pleading for relief. Relief from her.

"No. Not just no, but f**k no."

Serenity frowned, visibly displeased. "Why the hell not?"

"Are you stupid?" Christian exclaimed.

The girl crossed her arms in defense. "No? Don't an ass, you damn vamp." She teased.

"Wow, how original. But it seems you are, Serenity. Don't you understand what ensues if I were to do that?

"Yes... I do. But I only want to help you, Christian."

Christian blinked in amazement, at how thoughtless she was to admit her true intentions. His body longed for the reprieve, but his thoughts spoke otherwise. He never once cared for anything, nor anyone; aside from the woman he thought was his confessed lover. He never allowed privy of his inner demons, and what cursed him to be so faceless to the world.

"Serenity, that could kill you. Not to mention Seraph would quite literally burn a hole into me, for touching you."

"Sera might be my appointed guardian, but I am the one in control of my own body. I am my own person, whether you all like to believe that or not."

Christian pursed his lips. His eyes were beginning to fade into the same sapphire tinge she's grown accustomed to. He reached out towards her then swiftly pulled away, only for Serenity to snatch his hand into hers. She placed it against her cheek, soft and glowing. She was so warm compared to him, the contrast seeping through his very fingertips. Serenity closed her eyes, waiting for Christian to touch her all on his own accord. His hand began to move on its own, gently stroking her cheek. Serenity sighed pleasantly, content with the soft intimacy.

A smile formed on the demon's mouth, watching Serenity's chest slowly rise and fall. He never thought he could enjoy simple pleasures such as a gentle touch, but things change. Things could always change.

Christian was changing, and it was all thanks to the kind-hearted girl before him. He knew she would one day be his undoing, but at the moment he didn't seem to care enough to stay away anymore.