In the dark, shadows lurked. In the shadows, something slithered.

...

The swaying trees always fascinated me. It was interesting how something as simple as the wind could animate the still, ominous forest. For a second, I almost forgot where I was. For a second, I almost forgot the pain of reality.

"Hey, Heather, bring me a beer."

I sighed and clenched my fist. I don't want any more bruises.

"Heather! A beer now!"

"Coming!"

I stepped down from the stool, glancing at the dirtied window for one last time before walking on towards the fridge.

"Heather, what is that awful sound?"

I swallowed my fear.

Please don't be in a bad mood.

"It's the floorboards father."

Silence.

I pursed my lips and reached for the handle.

"Why do you put up with this? Your mother left you, and your father will kill you. You are worthless; a product of a reckless decision. Face it you need to do that."

"Shut up, Lorea."

I sighed in relief as the hissing subsided. Now was not the time for that. I just needed to wait.

I opened the fridge door and grabbed a cold bottle of beer. Steeling myself, I walked over to the splintered door. Grasping the grimy brass knob, I swung the door open to a living room littered with bottles.

A fat man grinned at my approach. He wiped his hands on his stained clothes and reached out. "Gimme it!."

I crept forward, presenting the bottle. The man snatched it and proceeded to turn on the TV.

"Leave me. I wanna watch."

I blinked, tilting my head. He seemed to be in a good mood. With a cautious glance back, I gently closed the door. Walking to the corner of the room, I picked up the thin, ragged cloth. I could feel the room getting colder. The house creaked as a strong gust of wind pushed at the building.

It's fine.

It's just a storm.

Everything will be okay. The roof will leak, the blanket will get soaked, but as long as I'm still alive, everything will be fine.

Tears streamed down my face.

Everything will be fine.

I curled up in a corner, huddling under the ragged, worn-out blanket. Just sleep. It's less painful if you sleep.

...

Drip.

Something cold hit my face.

Drip.

I frowned.

Drip.

I sighed and opened my eyes. Shivering, I pulled the blanket closer. Cold seeped in.

"What the-"

I picked myself up, noting the many puddles reflecting the night sky. It's strange.

Why is it so beautiful? Why is something so simple, so beautiful? Why?

Even when I'm stuck in the shed, even when that man is there, warm in the house, why can't I stop fantasising?

"Heather! A beer, now!"

"Coming."

I sighed, shivering as a breeze brushed past my skin. I shuffled to the fridge and grabbed a bottle. Walking towards the door, I sneezed.

I slowly pushed the door open, squinting at the artificial light from the television.

The man turned his attention to me. His eyes lit up at the bottle and then frowned at my appearance.

"Why yer sopping wet? Yer stinkin' up my house. Get out."

I held out the bottle.

"What abou-"

"Out!"

I dropped the bottle and slammed the door.

It's okay.

I'm getting better.

Don't disturb him at night. Let him drink himself to sleep. Wait until he goes with his friends in the morning to gamble and then get a meal from the house fridge. Sell any valuable stuff and go back before he returns. Hide the stash, so then one day, you'll be able to live on your own.

"Or you could do that."

"No, that's the last resort measure. Besides, that man won't be worth much. He is too unhealthy. No one will be willing to buy his parts. Not even Meditech."

"Oh? But you'll at least have enough to live for a bit."

"But then what? What's next?"

"Get more, of course."

"And become a serial murderer?"

"Desperation will do strange things. I've seen many humans fall from grace, even kings!"

"I won't do that."

"Then why did you summon me? You were the one who bound me into a life-long contract. I'm just the innocent demon."

"I thought the book was fake!"

"Excuses, excuses."

I grimaced and sneezed.

"You could let me take over your body. I promise I will return it. You can activate your attribute and become an Evolved. That way, a measly cold won't get to you, and it will be easier to find an 'ethically safe' job."

I sighed.

"Tempting, no? Hey, I'll even throw you a bonus. I will give you my centuries worth of wisdom. You'll become the protagonist of your own story."

"I...I don't want-"

"Do you really think your current plan will succeed? Give me a break. You've been putting up with this man for how long? Ten, eleven or thirteen years?"

"Fifteen."

"See? You're seventeen already, and nothing has changed. The only thing you are good at is enduring beatings."

"But I don't want to become a Demonborn. Everyone will be looking for me and..."

"And?"

"I'm scared."

There was silence. I buried my face in my hands.

"Fine. I can't force you. I hope you make the right decision. Just remember, the definition of insanity is a person who does the same thing over and over but expects different results. You, my dear, are insane."

I sighed and huddled in the corner, waiting for sleep to come.

"Hoy Devin! Ya there?"

I opened my eyes to a loud greeting. I sat up, relishing the sun's warm rays. Brushing aside the greasy brown hair, I stared at the boarded window, listening.

"Yeah! I'm here.

" Great! Let's go! I'm glad I don't need to haul your drunken arse to the casino."

I sighed as the voices faded.

The definition of insanity is someone who repeats the same actions, expecting different results.

"Alright, I've decided."

"Oh?"

"Make me an Evolved."

There was silence, still eerie silence and then a slither. The shadows pulled from their places and collected into one spot. The ball of shadows lengthened and then formed a person.

Lorea was an interesting demon. Unlike most, she prefered a humanoid form. With an ashen appearance, she seemed like a wealthy person from a black-and-white photograph. Her rainbow, flashing eyes gleamed as she grinned maliciously. She placed a hand on my head.

"Sleep well, child."

Darkness clouded my vision.

...

"My daughter! Come here!"

I blinked, startled at the scenery. I was in a meadow. My father was to the left, wearing clean clothes and to my right was my mother?

I raced towards them, snuggling in mum's gentle embrace.

"Mum! Dad! You're here!"

Mum smiled gently. "I'm sorry, dear. I should never have left. I'm here now. It's safe. We can be happy."

Dad held my hand. "I'm sorry for all that pain. I was too sad. It's okay now. I'm better."

I blinked away the tears, feeling them trickle down my face. "Where were you? Why did you drink dad?"

"Shush, child. Forget about that."

Wait, child?

The scenery ripped away, giving way to darkness. Mother morphed into Lorea.

I blinked in confusion.

"What happened?"

Lorea grinned. "Do you ever wonder why it's so rare to have a Self-Becomed Evolved?"

I shook my head.

"That's because they almost always die."

My eyes widened in shock and disbelief.

Lorea laughed. "You didn't expect me to actually help you, did you? You may have me bound in a contract, but you never ordered me to keep you alive.No way am I going to let myself be bound to a human if I can help it."

I sank to my knees.

"No way. You helped me endure, and you kept me company and-"

"And?"

"Was that all a lie?"

"Yep. I thought it was a fun game, but I got bored."

She smirked at my expression. "It's fine, at least you'll become immortalised in a fairytale."

"What?"

"That's what happens to those who die at the hands of a demon. It's a pesky thing, but the order of the universe demands it."

I blinked. "What?"

Lorea bent down as she gazed at my face.

"I will give you one thing, though. I'll tell you how your tale ends."

I nodded, not truly comprehending.

Lorea smiled. "In the darkness of a shed, the child's, mutilated remains lay. A friend of the child's father discovers the body and calls the authorities. The authorities arrested the father and investigated the mangled half-demon remains. In the end, they concluded that the father was a cultist who used the child as a sacrifice. He got executed, and the case was closed."

Lorea straightened herself. She gazed down with cold, uncaring eyes. "Well then, this is goodbye."

She clicked her fingers. Pain assaulted my senses, and everything went black.

All was peaceful.

******

This is very high up in the to-become-a-story list. However, the more encouragement to the idea, the better.

Also, if this is anywhere else other than wattpad, it is most likely pirated and your device at risk of malware attacks. Please go to wattpad to read the legitimate stories. I doubt short story collections are pirated but one can never be too careful...