Excerpt

Everything Has Its Price

The demon blinked, quite unimpressed, as it stood within flickering flames inside the summoning circle that contained it and stared down at the one who’d summoned it. “Well, you’re much younger than the last few who’ve managed to bring me to this realm,” it mused quietly. Though no less corrupted, it thought privately as it surveyed her soul.

Jessica sniffed haughtily at the demon, tossing her long chestnut hair with bravado. “I’m cleverer than most,” she boasted. “And now you’re going to give me what I want.” She stared intently at the demon, eyes intense, daring it to contradict her.

The demon raised an eyebrow, the silky black fur accenting its scarlet eyes. “Am I now?” it asked, flexing the leathery black wings that adorned its back. Ash and brimstone fluttered loose at the movement, cascading down around it within the flames, though none of it breached the edges of the summoning circle.

Jessica smirked, eying the containment of the demon’s miasma. “You have to do what I say,” the teenager insisted, “because I’m the one in control here.” She gestured at the summoning circle she’d drawn. “You can’t hurt me.”

The demon couldn’t stop a small smirk, revealing the sharp points of its many teeth. Mortals were so amusing, and so very foolish. So quick to believe what their worthless eyes showed them, so quick to dismiss and dampen the age-old instincts that had been granted them as a means of survival. It made for easy prey, so easy they’d long since become dull, but the demon sensed the opportunity for some fun with this one. “Very well,” it finally rumbled. “What is it that you crave so much you’d risk summoning one such as myself?” it asked.

Jessica rolled her eyes, her whole demeanor meant to show the demon it wasn’t impressive. That was fine; let her believe that for now. Let her believe she ever had any hope for a positive outcome once she’d muttered her summoning incantation.

“I want to stay young and beautiful forever,” she declared, a faint madness in her eyes.

The demon nearly rolled its eyes. Such a petty, vain request, one it had heard far too many times throughout its eternal existence. Humans were such a feckless lot, it was a wonder why the Almighty didn’t just rid the world of their existence once more. But it kept its feelings contained, asking only, “Is that all?”

Jessica nodded. “Young and beautiful for my whole life.”

The demon did smirk again this time. Ah, but the original wording is what matters, my dear, it crooned in its mind. Not that it thought she even recognized the distinction, nor that she’d even begun to consider her wording at all before blurting her desires out, much less before even deciding to turn to the depths of Hell for help. “There is a price,” the demon whispered.

Jessica’s expression hardened, but her eyes still glinted like flint. “I know. And I know what you’ll ask,” she added, tilting her chin challengingly.

“Do you now?” the demon replied. It took in Jessica’s appearance, the short pleated blue plaid skirt and form-fitting white button-up blouse. So innocent looking, almost enough to hide who she really was inside.

There were, in truth, many things the demon could name as payment for the wish. It could even demand her virginity, though that was so three centuries ago. But there were other options, and it knew what she expected it to say.

“Well?” Jessica snapped, growing impatient. Sweat prickled along her brow.

The demon grinned, flashing its mouthful of sharp teeth. “I demand your firstborn,” it declared.

She huffed a breath. “I knew it.”

“You are not opposed?” the demon asked.

Jessica shrugged. “What’s one baby in the long run?” she mused, looking down at her feet. “I’m sure I’ll have plenty more.”

The demon cocked its head, sensing a curious mixture of truth and untruth in the statement. How interesting indeed. Even if it couldn’t see all things, it did know that things would turn out in its favor regardless. For as the teenager was correct that there were rules binding it, so too were there rules binding her, whether she knew of them or not. “Do we have an agreement?” the demon asked.

“I’ll get what I want?” Jessica countered, licking her lips expectantly.

The demon smiled, curling its barbed tail around its bent legs as it loomed down closer to her. You’ll certainly get something, it thought to itself. But it would not behoove it to speak a lie.

“Deal,” Jessica said hastily, growing nervous in the extended silence. Then she shrugged, looking sheepish. “I hope you don’t mind if it takes a while to make my payment.” She cast her eyes up at the demon, looking through her lashes. “I’m only seventeen, after all.”

Ah, so this is the angle you’re pursuing, the demon thought to itself. “Your wish starts now,” it said calmly, a flick of its barbed tail casting her desires. “The moment your first child is born, I will come to collect.” It narrowed its eyes at the foolish young girl. “Don’t take too long, now.”

Jessica smiled back. “Okay.” Her eyes narrowed. “Now begone!”

The demon, flames and miasma and wings and all, vanished in a flash.

~Ninety Years Later~

Jessica grinned broadly as she lifted her champagne flute in a toast along with the rest of the people at the New Year’s Eve party she was attending, high on the glitz and glamor of the event and decor. She let herself be pulled into a sensual embrace by her current boyfriend, reciprocating the deep kiss that he demanded too.

At forty-five, the man looked much older than her illusory age of seventeen. She was still a little miffed that the demon hadn’t allowed her youth to age up just a little bit, given that it would have made some things easier for her. Luckily, though, she’d already looked mature for her age. And truthfully, it didn’t matter; rich men didn’t care that much about pesky little details like age, after all.

She’d been with this boyfriend for about five years so far, and she figured she had maybe another five with him before he’d get suspicious of her perpetual youth. Of course, that assumed he didn’t bore her before those additional five years were up. She’d cast off past boyfriends left and right when they hadn’t entertained her enough or provided for her enough, after all. This one, though, was quite well-to-do indeed, as demonstrated by the swanky penthouse party they were hosting, the slinky and shiny ball gown draped around her body, the flashy Porsche stored down in the garage that was all hers, and on and on. Yes, she’d probably hold onto this one for quite some time, whatever it took.

And the best part, she’d gotten all of this for nothing. Nothing but an empty promise that she’d never planned to fulfill in the first place. Stupid, gullible demon, she thought, chuckling to herself as she slipped away from the boisterous crowd to duck into the restroom. She relieved herself, then giggled tipsily as she swayed her way over to the sink to wash her hands and check her makeup.

“Shouldn’t you be working on something?” an ominous voice asked from behind her.

Jessica flinched and spun around, wide eyes rapidly narrowing as she took in the ghastly specter wreathed in smoky flames before her. “What are you doing here?” she demanded, pushing her alarm deep down to hide her fear. “I’m not even pregnant right now, much less delivering,” she added.

“I’m aware,” the demon hissed icily. It flicked its barbed tail irritably. “You’ve had more than enough time to get on with it.”

Jessica shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. “What can I say? It just hasn’t happened yet.” Of course it hadn’t. She’d made damn well sure she’d never get pregnant. It wasn’t that she cared about handing over an innocent soul to a demon; she just had absolutely no intention of wasting nine months of her life incubating another life and letting her body get ruined, even temporarily, in the process. The demon need never know. And in any case, it was its own fault for not demanding payment before delivering her wish.

The demon’s eyes narrowed. “Perhaps it’s proving difficult because you’ve used just about every contraceptive invented,” it responded flatly.

Jessica blanched. How could it know that? “W-Well, I haven’t been ready yet,” she stammered. She drew her shoulders back and lifted her chin, trying for a haughty air. “None of the men I’ve found to be with yet have been suitable partners. You want the best offspring for your price, don’t you?”

The demon huffed. “An innocent soul is what we desire, and they don’t get more innocent than their first day upon this earth,” it purred, stroking a long-clawed finger along its lips.

Jessica allowed a tiny breath of relief. If it was an “innocent” soul that mattered, then at least hers was safe. She wasn’t naive enough to believe she wasn’t corrupted. “Well, I’ll get to it when I get to it,” she said flippantly.

The demon glared at her, expanding its wings and flashing its scarlet eyes as it loomed over her. “You’ll ‘get to it’ sooner rather than later,” it growled, “or you will face the consequences. I’ve been more than lenient already, allowing so much time to pass without payment.”

Jessica gulped, clenching her sweating palms to stop them from shaking. “You didn’t set a time limit when we made our bargain,” she argued recklessly. “I can take as long as I want.”

The demon rushed toward her, tendrils of flame and smoke curling around her as it leaned close and bared its teeth before her eyes. “There are numerous ways that I could ensure you become pregnant this very night,” it crooned, stroking a claw along her cheek. “Would you prefer that?”

“Stop it!” Jessica whined, real fear sending her heart shuddering. She lurched away, her lower back crashing into the bathroom vanity.

The demon laughed lightly under its breath. “I thought not.” Its face darkened, and its eyes narrowed. “You have ten years. Make it happen. Or else,” the demon sneered, its lips curling, “there’ll be Hell to pay.” Laughing at its own joke, the demon vanished in a flash, leaving no trace of its presence, not even the scent of cinder and ash.

Gradually, Jessica’s heart slowed down, and her breathing evened out. “You can’t tell me what to do!” Jessica hissed with quiet ire. Then, running a hand through her hair, she spun on her heel and returned to the party, eager to rejoin the hedonistic revelry.

~Ten Years Later~

The demon contemplated its prey as she walked along the city street, shopping bags in hand, on her way back to the fancy hotel suite her latest boyfriend had secured for her on their first holiday together. He was away working, and she was busy spending all his money. She would be alone tonight.

A full one hundred years had passed since little Jessica had made her bargain with the demon, since she’d refused to pay her due. But the demon was going to collect. One way or another.

The demon waited patiently until she’d entered the hotel, flirted with the staff, ridden the elevator upstairs, got everything situated inside, gave the bellboy a pitiful tip, then settled in for an indulgent evening of fine wine and cheese in front of the television. It materialized before her, smirking as she spilled her wine on the couch and cursed.

“You!” Jessica seethed.

“I’ve come to collect my payment,” the demon stated.

Her face twisted with fury. “When are you going to get it through your head? I’m not going to have a baby! I was never going to have one!”

The demon made no reply, merely raising an eyebrow at her volatile explosion.

“Yeah, that’s right!” Jessica rambled on, tripping as she instinctively backed up and put the couch between herself and the demon. Despite her words, her hands shook, and her voice trembled. “You gave this wish away to me for free.”

“Oh, it was never for free,” the demon said quietly, moving closer. “I will be compensated.”

Jessica flinched away again. “You’re not making me pregnant!” she shrieked. “That’s…that’s disgusting!”

The demon smirked. Bold of her to throw such accusations after some of the actions she’d taken in life. Amusing of her to think a demon would have any sense of morality to stop it taking such an action. Foolish of her to think that was the worst thing it could do to her. “I could,” the demon promised, “but I’m not going to. I’ll have my payment another way.”

Jessica frowned. “But…but you said it had to be an innocent soul.”

The demon cackled caustically. “I never said any such thing,” it murmured with cruel amusement. “You assumed what the payment would be, no doubt from the foolish little spell book you bought and used to summon me,” it added snidely. “I said a soul could be bartered, and that an innocent one would be best. But there are other payments we demons accept. Some that I find more…” the demon licked it lips, “…delectable.”

Jessica shrunk back, unable to look away. “What do you mean?” she asked.

The demon grinned, its sharp teeth flashing in the gleam from the television screen. “I quite enjoy suffering. Especially eternal suffering.” It vanished and reappeared right on the other side of the couch, right in front of Jessica, and it stroked a claw down her cheek. “You will suffer so sweetly for me,” it crooned.

“What are—?” Jessica cut herself off with a pained scream as the demon gave a flick of its tail. Her body rippled and bent, bones rapidly twisting and curling, skin drying and sagging, hair turning brittle and thinning. As her scream carried on, it turned crackled and reedy. Stiffly, Jessica turned her head to look at her reflection in the night-darkened window, and she screamed again when, instead of seeing her lithe, beautiful figure, she saw a wizened old crone instead, body malformed by extreme age.

Wincing in pain, she cast a shaky glare upon the demon once more. “So what?” she demanded raspily. “You just take away my wish? Leave me to die now?” She laughed feebly and tried to shrug. “At least I lived most of my life beautifully,” she said. “I got what I wanted anyway.”

The demon smirked. “Not quite,” it murmured. It used a claw to lift her chin, forcing eye contact while ignoring her choked cry of pain as the extreme angle exceeded the hunched slope of her neck and shoulders. “I have taken back your youth and beauty.” The smirk became a grin. “You may keep your immortality.” It released her head and vanished.

“No!” Jessica croaked, falling to her knees. “No!” All around her the demon’s voice cackled. “NO!” she wailed.

~10,000 Years Later~

Full of glee, pleased with the energy provided by its most abundant source of payment, the demon appeared once more in the mortal realm. It approached the gnarled old woman who’d become his favorite mortal.

"Please," she wheezed, leaning agaist a twisted old rotten tree trunk, her body draped in rags. "Please, I'm s-sorry. Please. Can I die now?"

The demon smiled serenely and crouched before her, gently caressing her face with its claws. "No."