"Is that a tear I see?" teased Mother, raising an eyebrow playfully. Despite being only ten, Journee was proud and unable to easily reveal her emotions, retorted, "What? No way!" "Alright, my honey bunny, time for lights out." Titanic is such a heart-wrenching movie... Why did the lovers have to part? Couldn't they have stayed afloat together? Or could benevolent spirits in the sea have saved them? But spirits don't exist... And if they did, maybe they caused the ship to sink because they're evil! Journee reasoned in her dimly lit room. Her eyes heavy with sleep. Her heart sank as heavily as the Titanic into the ocean. As tears welled up at the corners of her eyes, she surrendered to the embrace of deep slumber. "Never fear, my sweet angel. I will always love you," echoed a warm yet authoritative voice in the depths of Journee's dreams. "Return to me, my love. Please... do not forget me." These words caressed her soul, and as she felt the warmth of lips planting a kiss on her head,
The week flew by, seemingly too fast for Journee's liking. And just as the week was coming to an end, the same black car that had caused Dorthy's panic appeared again, this time right in front of Journee's house. Stepping out of the car were the members of her soon-to-be family. "Come here, my dear. Our previous meeting was far too brief. Let me take a closer look at you," the silver-haired grandmother beckoned. In a robotic state of mind, Journee mustered a smile and the grandmother, offering a false greeting. "It's good to see you again, ma'am," she lied. "Now, don't you think it's time for you to call me granny?" the grandmother insisted. Inhaling sharply, Journee obediently replied, "Yes, granny." "That's a good girl. Have you packed your things?" "Yes, granny." "Very well then. Robert, fetch her things. Say your goodbyes, Journee dear." A man in a black suit and shades silently entered Journee's house, resembling a character from the movie 'Men in Black' with his attire and
They arrived at The Datai where flower garlands and cocktails awaited them. "Welcome Mr. Lewis, Madam Lewis. We cannot express enough just how pleased we are to have you here again." The General Manager himself greeted us. What was his name again? What is there to bother. Montgomery was annoyed that his marriage to Journee would be delayed. Flying tomorrow would mean the vows will only be exchanged in the next 24 hours if they were lucky. Fuck! He briskly walked past the entourage who warmly welcomed the rest of the group instead. Montgomery headed straight to his chalet, ready to burry himself in work. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Montgomery Lewis's behaviour left Journee bewildered. How could he be so rude? Does the man have no knowledge of manners and etiquette, which are the steppingstones to heaven? Such arrogance. As she walked to the chalet she was to share with granny, Journey was starting to regret
The Demon King rarely ventured beyond his domain. The last time he crossed the boundaries of realms was with his father, the previous king, centuries ago. Reluctantly dragging his closest advisor along, they decided to take a break by the Lubuk Tuna waterfall. It held a special place in my memory, for it was where his father passed the kingdom's reins to him. As they arrived through a portal, the 6’3” tall young demon stretched and yawned, feeling the weight of his title – all the eight hundred years he had toil for the Demon Kingdom. "I've been working and slaving away for far too long," He complained. Damon, his advisor, chimed in, "I told you it's high time to take a break. How do you feel now? Rejuvenated, huh?" the green-eyed demon playfully poked his liege’s ribs. "Hey! Show some respect," The taller demon rebuked. Damon had always been a lazy bugger. If he weren't the second strongest demon after me, he would probably be wasting away in some hole. "What? I used to do this al
Being unaware, taken aback by changes and the consequences of her actions and thoughts, was just Journee. Ma'oz, on the other hand, was bored and enraged with the entire prospect of being enslaved. Through the second half of the journey, the Demon King mind linked his Chief Advisor for a bit of entertainment and to figure a way out of this mess. "I'm a little busy here, my Lord. Is it urgent?" Damon sounded breathless, probably due to the fact that his liege had caught him in a compromising situation. "The rake will find other women and moments to continue your escapade." The Demon King commanded. As Ma'oz briefly explained all that had transpired to his Chief Advisor, Damon remained as silent as the grave. There was not a sound to be heard. "What do you suppose I can do?" "Well…" Damon took a deep breath and burst into fits of laughter. "I never knew this day would come. When our mighty Lord gets yoked to a mere human." If it were any other demon, I would never have revealed the
The sun had just risen when Rosette's footsteps were heard coming down the cobblestone path that surrounded Journee’s little guesthouse. "Good afternoon, miss. It's a beautiful new day," Rosette exclaimed cheerfully. However, Journee couldn't help but stifle a yawn. "Did you sleep well, miss?" The cheerful maid asked. "Not particularly. I kept tossing and turning all night. I suppose it's because of the unfamiliar bed," Journee replied with a smile, but today is the day she dreads, knowing she has to go through it if she doesn’t want to get her father into trouble. "I understand, miss. Being separated from your family like this is not something I would wish for either," Rosette sympathized. "Yeah... it's not exactly an enviable life," Journee said as she stretched and got out of bed. "Shall I prepare a bath, miss?" Rosette inquired. "You know, you can call me Journee," the bride-to-be suggested, starting to like Rosette. Life in this mansion might not be so terrible after all.
Standing as still as the matrimony statues, Montgomery and Journee plastered on polite smiles. There was so much activity in this fantasy brought to life – the soft glow of the crystal chandeliers that lit the ballroom, elegant flower arrangements and beautiful people flood the space. And yet, a sense of ennui settled over the bride as she stood at the centre of attention, as Montgomery was hauled away by a group of men. “Can you believe it? She chose THAT Vera Wang.” A woman in red sniggered loud enough that Journee heard her. “I know! It’s the cheapest from the Luxe Collection… that … bride certainly doesn’t know quality.” Another lady commented. Hearing words being thrown around, Journee strained her ear to find out more about those around her. “How much is that anyway? $9,000, $10,000?” The woman in red said as she took a puff of her vape. “NO! A mere $6,900!” Her friend answered, her body language made Journee think of the overacting in the High School Musical. “Oh My God!
CHAPTER 8: The Morning After The blaring sound of honking cars woke Journee. It was 7.30 A.M Half falling out of bed, she held on to the bedside table, then propped herself back on to the pillows. Blinking at the bright chandelier that hung above the bed, Journee sighed. It’s all still so surreal. Many women would be envious to be surrounded by such luxury and married into a wealthy family. I should count my blessings. Perhaps I can ask granny if there is a position I can hold to help the family business. As a graduate, I would be hunting for a job now if I had not gotten married. Maybe I can ask her over breakfast. I should make a good impression before making my request. After a quick shower, Journee chose the most casual and least ornamented new clothes provided for her – a pair of bootleg Guess jeans, button-down silk shirt and the same white sneakers she had worn for her wedding yesterday. “Good morning, mam.” Rosette called out as she entered the ro
Journee’s POV I don’t know what happened. One moment, I was putting on fake smiles, introducing my father to some guests whose name I don’t remember. Next, I find my father in the pond. It has been freshly stocked with Koi. It’s a lucky thing, I guess. At least he didn’t hit his head and have a concussion. However, no one seems to understand that my father cannot swim! A few of the household staff have come forward to help him, urging him to reach out to the rescue buoy they have thrown in. I scream and lunge forward to dive in and save my father. Several hand hold me back. “You’ll only soil your dress. Wait for the servants to handle the matter, dear.” A distinguished looking man told me. “No harm, no foul. Every party needs a little drama to make it exciting.” A lady around my age winked at me. I felt like screaming at them, but no sound escapes my lips. What on earth is wrong with these people?! How cruel can they be? Is that how they garnered their wealth? By having a sadi
Journee’s POVHow could I have forgotten the legal binding vow I made? We continue to walk in silence. Ma’oz can fly us to the portal within seconds, but I know he is giving me time to think.Guilt builds up within me like a rising mount of bile.I have never cared for Montgomery, not even when he went into a coma…I was preoccupied only with what would happen to me instead.“That is not how a righteous person behaves. You must care for everything thing, even the smallest ant.” I imagine my mother reprimanding me if she were still alive. “Disgraceful! Unrefined! Faithfulness and loyalty are the key principles of our family and you dishonoured them!” My paternal grandfather would surely voice his displeasure and potentially disown me.Even though I would never love Montgomery, I should never have had an affair with Ma’oz. What was I thinking?! My steps feel heavy as I ponder my sin.Ma’oz chuckles suddenly. Turning to face me, he places a soft kiss on my lips and lifts my chin to face
Journee’s POVI was in my inner world, watching the most romantic end to a beautiful couple, only to be woken up to a fowl memory. As I am waking up, I feel hands all over my body and a pair of lips kissing me.UGH! My first instinct is to punch this son of a bitch. Opening my eyes, I am surprised to see that my molester is Ma’oz.“WHAT THE HELL?!!”“Just what do you think you’re doing?!” I yelled at him. My voice echoes through the room., creating ripples in the stream of water near me.Without answering, he simply blinked. Unsure how to react next.“You better have a good excuse for groping me like that while I was passed out!”The darkness in his eyes change. From a raging tempest of desire, it has become smouldering cores of hell. Every molecule in my body screams danger as it shakes and shivers. Fear grips me again but I refuse to cave in!“Don’t you dare intimidate me!” I rise up to face him squarely. Standing toe-to-toe, I am now staring fiercely into his eyes, daring
Journee woke with a gasp. Cold sweat ran down her back and the sides of her body. Where am I? The last thing she remembered was watching the past unfold with Ma’oz. “Hello?” She called out but the echo seemed to only return in her direction. It is as if I’m calling out to myself from the other end of this emptiness. “Is anyone there?” She tried again. This time, there were multiple versions of herself staring back at Journee. Nearest to her, was a mid-teens self. “Greetings, Journee. Isn’t this wonderful? You have pulled yourself out of depression. Good for you!” She smiled and faded away. On the right was 10-year-old Journee. “Did you ever meet our Dark Prince? Who is he?” Cheerful and filled with hope, her eyes shimmered with love. “Are you married to him yet?” In front, far-off in the distance, Journee could hardly make out who it was. She was dressed in white and gold. Hair teased into a low bun. She knew the situation might be dangerous. Keeping my distance would be the
It was a bright morning. Journee awoke to the smell of brewed black coffee and freshly toasted garlic bread. Climbing out of bed, she was led purely by her stomach’s instinct as she walked out the door and headed towards the delicious scent of baked beans, roasted tomatoes, grilled sausages on a bed of button mushrooms and she sincerely hoped there were sunny side ups too! “Good morning! Isn’t it a lovely day for a tour?” the host beamed at Journee as she set a large plate of breakfast down. “Good morning. These smell absolutely delicious.” Journee dug in and little moans escaped her lips as she relished each and every bite. After some moments, she realised that in her hunger daze, she failed to check her outfit. Embarrassed, Journee hesitantly looked down. This kind lady hasn’t said anything or looked at me weirdly yet. Maybe I got dressed without realising it? Did I lose parts of my memory? She remembered her conversation with Ma’oz on how demons had been wiping out memories to
Chapter 19: Questions “I am still here. Am I dead? Did Ma’oz kill me?!” Journee paced the large room, slapping her face repeatedly, hoping she was just in very deep sleep. “Shit! Shit! SHIT! SHITTT!” Abruptly she turned and sat on the cold, hard floor. Massaging her temples, Journee breathed in and out through her mouth. “Calm down. I’m sure there is a logical explanation. Ma’oz can’t kill the human he is bounded to, I’m sure. Good kings don’t take risks. He wouldn’t do anything without confirmation.” A weird thought then crept into her mind. What if Ma’oz isn’t a good king? Or worse, what if he has found out he doesn’t need me alive! Her head reeled. She tried to regulate her breathing. “No. Definitely not. If he was sure, Damon wouldn’t be here searching. It is only logical.” Like usual, the little voice on her shoulder just had to be the devil’s advocate. “Perhaps it doesn’t matter if my physical body is alive or not? Maybe that is why I am here. Stuck here in his realm!” Sh
He is infuriating! Does he think I am some damsel in distress waiting to be saved? “Let’s get two things straight right now, Ma’oz.” Journee snapped. “I am still furious with you for not telling me about the repercussions while trying to manipulate me into making my 3rd wish.” Journee was suddenly out of breath as she finished her words. At a time when I truly need to state my point, I find myself having difficulty getting the words out. So annoying! “And the second?” Ma’oz raised his eyebrow at her, his lips stretched into a lazy smile. I mustn’t come across as weak. Clearing her throat, Journee widened her stance and placed her hands on her hips. “I…” her voice came out funny. It is way too high pitched. “I will NOT be making anymore wishes.” She firmly stated her resolve. I will not be sucked down this path again. To her dismay, Ma’oz’s only response was a smile. “I propose we hunt down every bookstore and find every reference we can. Someone must have written it somewhere.”
Chapter 17: Taking the Blame “I miss you.” The Demon King heard a whisper caress him in the wind. “I miss you…” He felt the red strings pull at his soul, drawing him close. “I miss you.” This time, his entire being stirred with new hope, the renewed energy burning within the very depths of his being. “Come. I bid you to my side.” The command came. Gentle and coursing through his veins like a gentle stream, yet powerful and verging on rage, the call came. Resting his head back on the rock he had carved out, Ma’oz let out a sigh. His half dragon-self heating the air around. The smell of flying insects fried to ashes lingered for a fifth of a mile. Calling me whenever she pleases, forcing me to stay rooted to the ground whenever it suits her. Ma’oz closed his eyes and breathed. Simply breathed deeply, feeling Mother Earth’s soothing movements all around. Letting its natural vibrations resonate within him. This should have been how I felt. The total peace and clarity of mind. Inst
Ma’oz’s POVFrom my experience, when a demoness marches out with that sort of dark and tempestuous aura, all hell breaks loose. Homes will be wrecked, forests ripped bare, and the very course of the river will change. It would take days, if not weeks before the demoness can be placated. Usually, it involves the taking the spleen of whoever angers her.My mother was unusual. She never had such fits of anger or outbursts that damaged the realm. Many claimed she was too calm, too demure to be one of us.They were right. She was actually half-god, half-demon. No one else but my father and I knew. It would have been too dangerous. Even for a powerful being like her.Journee is human. Do human women behave like a demoness? Even if she does, how much damage can she do? She doesn’t have any powers. She can’t control anything, not even her own life. But this is precisely