Chapter 4

In the morning I wake up alone in the big bed, which made me surprisingly disappointed but slightly releaved I didn't have to wake up and deal with the awkwardness of waking up next to a demon who the whole village fears and whom I was forced to obey. I sit up in bed and rub my neck, feeling the leather collar that I had been stuck with last night. I look around and noticed it began to click on my brain that there was only one door and no windows, the only door leading to the bathroom. I was in a room with no way in or out. (unless you were a demon that could teleport wherever the hell you want, unfortunately I was not.)

My focus sets on the small wooden table that was to the left of the bed, away from the fire unfortunately, since my legs were cold immediately after pulling the covers off them. I walk over to the table in my socks, trying to keep my grip and not slip on the clean, slick wood floors. When I get to the table there were 2 pancakes on a plate in front of the chair, containers of chocolate drizzle and syrup sat in the middle of the table along with napkins. On the sides of the plate there was one small bowl of strawberries and blueberries and on the other there was an egg and two pieces of bacon. I had never seen so much great food, they looked as delicious as they smelt. a glass of orange juice and a glass of water sat next to each other on the right side, behind the plate with the eggs and bacon. I sat down a little too eagerer than I probably should have.

I start with a strawberry. When I bite into it is was a lot better than the one I had when I was a child. It was ripe and perfect, sweet but not too much. I eat a few more, licking my fingers between each one. I felt a spark of happiness. This was the first morning I hadn't had fear or pain. My body wasn't aching like it always had after a long day of work and a stiff bed that could barely be called one. My wounds still hurt when bumped, but I was to focused on the meal ahead of me. I finished most of it, leaving a few blueberries and some pancake behind. It was the best I have had and the first time I've had eggs, orange juice, or such clean water. Most of the rest was when I was a kid and not seen as a complete piece of trash by my father.

After I finish eating and drinking I didn't know what to do next. I was nervous to snoop around or touch anything but wasn't willing to let my thoughts swallow me. I couldn't just sleep either...I had no idea when the demon would return or what he would do when he does. Even after our conversation yesterday I still didn't know what 'being his' exactly meant. Since he thought I was a woman... would he try something like..that? He wouldn't, right? If he did I'm not sure if be able to exactly keep my gender a secret...

After a while of debating I decided to look around the big room a bit. I start by staying standing next to the chair at the table. I see the couch and fireplace, the TV, the bookcase, nightstand, all of which didn't seem like something that screams 'your in the den of a sadistic demon that has done unspeakable things to the maidens that get sacrificed every year and your next'. Though how many murders get far in life because of their charm. Many tales I heard from the people who prepared me before the sacrifice were talking about all the rumors about what the demon did to the girls, I assume in a whispering voice. (clearly people suck at whispering, especially near someone who the information is sensitive for or the person that shouldn't hear it.)

As I look around I decide to make my way to the bookcase. To my surprise as I red some of the spines tittles, they were all on folklore and about tales of demons. This surprised me, was the demon curious about how humans sees his kind? I reach out about to grab one but stop myself, knowing messing with his stuff without permission probably isn't the best starter to my first actual day here. "...I just can't live without fear, can I?" I sigh and rub my wrist where marks from the chains are masked by the dye. it felt swore, they were still fresh considering that the night before the last I had been chained up and thrown into the basement as punishment.

My breath unsteady as I remember my fear of constantly being chained and locked in the freezing, pitch black basement. As a kid that was way worse than any beating. I hated the dark, the chains always to tight and the night to cold for my small body to handle. I reminded myself even if I'm killed, I won't have to return there. That basement is just one of the many things I could leave In the past. I silently promise myself that this time, I'll do anything I can to keep the demon happy. I'mm not willing to suffer again if I have a shot this time.

I sit on the couch curled up and staring into the flames as I look down at my for once clear skin. My fingers gently pull section of my fake long black hair. I study it, the feeling was convincing. If I didn't know myself I'd think I was a girl too. One who didn't live through hell all their live. It was both sickening and realeaving of a thought. Now I could hide from my past, at least till the dye starts to fade enough to reveal my true identity. I hated the fact after all I did, I was given to a demon just like that. It sickens me. But I could finally be free of my father's fury and abuse. I could finally not have to see moms indifferent expression. For once, I had a chance to have a knew start. If the demon wasn't lying last night, if as long as I do as he says I can be treated as gently and warm as I have, I have hope.

I sit there on the couch and watch the flames, a warm feeling spreading through me. For once I feel a smile on my face. A real one. I remember the gentle embrace by the demon last night. For once I didn't mind that the scent on me wasn't my own. I take a deep breath into the sweatshirt. Although clearly new when he gave it to me, his scent clung to it from last night. It was calming. Comforting. I felt nervous about my future but the fuzzy feeling in my chest and the soft scent that lingers doesn't let me dwell on it.

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