All the Devils are Here

I stood there blinking, trying to take in this impossibility. Nothing was an improbability there was always something.

“If you’re trying to scare me…it’s not working. Let me leave.” My voice slightly trembling.

“And where exactly would you go?”

I thought about it for a second the image of the void still burned into my mind. Where would I go? My initial thoughts were anywhere, was better than here. But was there anywhere but here? It dawned on me that I didn’t know enough to leave. I had to plan properly. I had to play along here. I’ve acted in countless dramas and of course, won my fair share of awards. This would be easy.

I hung my head slowly and melted my expression into one of defeat.

“Nowhere”, I whispered, making sure the inflection was just right.

“Exactly. she said flatly. There is nowhere to run, not for the next six weeks anyway. Surely, you’ve noticed the lack of starlight around here. The mists hang low for six weeks at a time. We need a star’s energy to open the gate.”

It sounded ridiculous—nothing but a rouse to keep me here. But I couldn’t fight her and risk damaging…well me. I had to keep playing it cool.

“So, if this marriage thing doesn’t work out, you’ll let me go home in six weeks?”

She smiled thinly “I’m not a monster your free to make your own decision.”

I shifted uncomfortably somehow that didn’t sound like a yes.

“You should return to your quarters Lucy is waiting for you”

I slinked off back in the direction I came. I had to find out everything I could and the most accessible person to me was Lucy. I could only assume the first time she didn't fall for my charms was because I wasn’t used to their style of flirting. But that was no issue I could adapt effortlessly.

Opening the doors to our apartment I was met with the smug face of Lucy her pink eyes were alight with humour.

“Nice walk?” She quizzed sarcastically.

“ha…ha…ha” I retorted, momentarily forgetting my plan.

I made to sit opposite her on the couch, but she stood up to leave. Not wanting to miss my chance I grabbed her sleeve.

“You can’t just touch me whenever you want!” She ripped her sleeve from my grasp.

Literally, anyone in my world would have died of happiness if I bestowed the same honour onto them, what was her problem?

“Wait!”

She turned around all humour lost from her eyes “What?!”

“I just wanted to talk. Apparently, I’m not going anywhere anytime soon so…”

“You’re finally getting it.”

“Yes, I said through gritted teeth. You could say that. Why don’t we try to get to know each other?”

“I’d rather be thrust naked out that front door”.

“Hey! I’m the one who’s supposed to be reluctant. I was kidnapped and stuck here with you. How did they expect me to just get married? Were they waiting for Stockholm Syndrome to kick in? You're literally insufferable “

“Wow. What a loving sentiment. You really sound like you want to get to know me.” With that, she exited to what I believe was her bedroom.

I collapsed into the chair. This was going nowhere. What could I do? I looked up, my perfect reflection staring at me dancing on the glass. I smiled. I could do no better than me. Then my true talent. Singing. I would woo her with the sultry tones, move her heart with my soulful lyrics and dazzle her with my art moves…I mean dance moves.

I stood up abruptly adrenaline flooding my veins like my tipple shot mocha grande with seven pumps of vanilla had been IV’d straight into my bloodstream. I snatched one of the pink roselike flowers from the vase and leaned seductively on the door frame opposite her room. Holding up the flower above me I gazed at it lovingly as if it was one of my royalties check. Once the emotion was right, I lowered my larynx to start with a silky low note.

“Look into my eyes and see the tears,

I have just witnessed my greatest of fears.

(I could hear moving about - it's working!)

I didn’t mean to hurt you.

Please don’t say (deep breath) We’re threwwwww”

My show-stopping moment was stopped. Transformed into a diminished squeak by the freak that currently had her hand covering my mouth and her nails drawing blood.

“Are you crazy” she hissed.

“bkdrfripgrb”

She slowly moved her hand away.

“I said what” Pushing her away.

“You can’t do that here.” I could see the fear seeping into her eyes.

“What do you mean I can’t do what? Sing?”

“Exactly! You can’t sing!”

I blinked in outrage! “HOW DARE YOU! I have the voice of an angel millions no billions of people pay to hear me sing all around the world.”

She rolled her eyes again.

That was the last straw. I couldn't sing? I’ll show her. I steadied myself I only whipped out this note on special occasions…The high D is supposedly impossible for a man but I was born to prove people wrong.

“WE ARE THREWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW”

I clenched my fist and closed my eyes waiting for the applause…or the fainting. Whatever came first.

All I was met with was sirens.

“Now you’ve done it! You are an absolute IDIOT”.

Frantic banging started all around us.

Now I understood “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to disturb your neighbours. But honestly, it is a real privilege to..”

“You still don’t get it do you?”

“Well maybe because nobody has told me anything”.

At that point, Miss Manair entered the room with two very angry-looking men by her side. “They have breached the tunnels we have to move to a more secure location. Both of you move!”

I was grabbed rather roughly by one of the men, his gun hitting me on my side.

“Oi! Careful of that thing!” I reprimanded.

He smirked “Trust me Sir you are going to be glad that I have it.”

My face blanched “Why?”

“Why? Miss Manair interjected, because you stupid boy you have single-handedly done something we have avoided for decades now. You have summoned the Retrograde.”