The Demon King's Possession Book 2
highlight_author
A. L. Smith
highlight_reads
404K
highlight_chapters
19
Prologue: Winter Tale
Book 2
UNKNOWN
The first snowflake of the season fell, whispering tales of a winter yet to comeâa story that could either rebuild the world or lead to its downfall.
Hidden within this tale, in the depths of a dark cave shrouded in mystery, sits an ancient statue, long forgotten by the world.
Its origins are a mystery, with some saying it was crafted by human hands, while others believe it was created by a more sinister force.
One chilling tale suggests the statue was once a living woman who committed an unforgivable act and was punished by being turned into stone, doomed to an eternity of stillness.
Yet, others believe this wasnât just an act of revenge but a justified punishment for the womanâs own wrongdoings.
They say she held a deep, malevolent darkness within her, a darkness thatâif ever releasedâcould destroy life as we know it.
So, she was turned to stone, forever frozen in time.
These three ancient stories, lost to the ages, leave us wondering which one is true.
The statue of a woman trapped in unbreakable stone remains a mystery that may never be solved.
Was she innocent or guilty? Was her punishment fair or unjust?
The truth of this riddle remains hidden behind a veil of uncertainty.
As the wind howled through the narrow entrance of the cave, it seemed to stir the vines that had been wrapped around the stone throne for centuries.
And there, atop that throne, sat the stone figure, her hidden eyes seeming to pierce the soul of anyone who dared to look.
A medusa-like figure, threatening to turn those who met her gaze to stone.
But those brave enough to face her could see one of two stories in those unblinking eyes.
The first story those eyes told was of an innocent woman with a shattered soul begging to be freed from her prison.
It was a cry for help, a desperate plea for someone to save her.
But those same eyes could also tell a much darker tale.
They could speak of a cruel soul filled with malevolent intent.
Just one look could make your skin crawl and your worst nightmares take on a new, terrifying form.
No matter how you saw it, those eyes were like windows into the soul of the stone woman.
They held a story, waiting for someone brave enough to uncover its secrets and reveal the truth.
***
Two decades ago, an angel rose from the ashes, and with her rebirth, she brought a new worldâa new way of life for all living beings.
This new world was one of harmony and peace; she was feared, but also deeply respected.
A world once divided into three was now united as one.
Life was forever changed.
Or so we believedâŚ
TWENTY YEARS AGO
DAMIEN
âDamien!â Graceâs scream echoed through the room, her hand gripping mine tightly.
I could barely feel my fingers as she was pushed to her limits, enduring pain and exhaustion for the most cherished and loved soul in the world.
Our son.
âJust one more push,â the healer said calmly, positioned between Graceâs legs.
She took a deep breath and pushed one last time.
The room fell silent as we waited for the first cries of our newborn son.
Cerberus Crow.
Suddenly, Grace was holding a bundle of blankets, looking down with the most loving, tender eyes I had ever seen.
I leaned in closer, hearing the cries turn into soft coos and saw a tuft of black hair.
His tiny button nose and small, heart-shaped lips nearly melted my heart.
I had never felt such a strong need to protect anyone other than Grace until now.
I felt complete.
My other half, the one who pulled me back from the brink of despair, had given me the greatest gift life could offer.
A family of my own.
Grace looked up at me, her eyes swollen and glossy.
âMeet our son, Cerberus. Cerberus, meet your daddy,â she said softly, a tear shining in her eye as she gently kissed his forehead before handing him to me.
I was still getting used to the sensation of being so gentle, so cautious.
I held my son, so tiny and fragile his entire hand could wrap around my pinkie.
His grip was as light as a feather, causing me to chuckle softly.
My little prince.
He was the first in line to the throne of both the angels and the demons.
The only one of his kind.
His true nature was a mystery to everyone.
No one knew the extent of his powers or what he was capable of.
Some would bow to him out of fear or respect, their loyalty unwavering.
Others would be terrified and try to hunt him down.
But one thing was certainâŚ
I would give my life a million times over before I let anyone harm a hair on his head.
He was the Demon of Darkness, with a heart that was light, yet deadly when provoked.
SIX YEARS LATER
GRACE
Cerberus was playing with one of the boys from the orphanage as I handed over some of his old belongings that he had outgrown.
In the six years that had passed, a lot of changes had taken place.
The orphanages were no longer training grounds for innocent human children, destined to serve demons.
Now, children of all races could live happily, free from the stigma of servitude.
âThank you, Grace. Youâve done so much for the children,â Adalie said as I handed over the last of the boxes.
âItâs no trouble. These things would just be collecting dust otherwise,â I replied with a smile.
Over the years, Adalie had decided to use her spare time to help the orphanages.
She had a natural talent for sewing and spent her time making new outfits with Lisa, a friend from the rebel faction.
It felt like just yesterday when Lisa had made my gown for the ball, the day Damien and I discovered we were bound to each other.
That day marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
âMamma, look what I found!â Cerberus came running over, a proud grin on his face as he held a stick almost half his size.
His eyes were a captivating black, just like Damienâs, but what made them unique was the golden rim around them.
His long, raven-black hair fell just below his chin, and he insisted on letting it grow.
He was the spitting image of Damien, but his kind and patient heart shone brightly.
âWow! Thatâs amazing, sweetheart,â I said, playing along.
Ever since he could crawl, Cerberus had loved the outdoors.
He was my little explorer.
âI should get going. Are you going to Robby and Ellaâs opening night?â I asked.
Robby and Ella were still together. They had a daughter, Lily, who had just turned one a few weeks ago. They were opening their own tavernâsomething Ella had always wanted to do.
It was surprising, considering her past disdain for demons, but she was finally accepting a world where everyone was equal. If any demons tried to revert to their old ways, they would have to deal with Damien and me.
âIâll stop by later. I have a last-minute order from Miss Stanner. That woman sure loves her sparkles!â Adalie said, laughing.
PRESENT TIME
GRACE
âDamien, have you seen myâŚ?â I started to ask but stopped when I saw Damien holding my pearl earrings, a smug smile on his face.
âThank you,â I said, snatching them from his hand.
Once I had finished getting ready, I slipped into a stunning, long, golden mermaid dress that Adalie had given me. The dress was designed to highlight my figure, with a tastefully low necklineâand it did just that.
Damien, on the other hand, looked as handsome as ever in his signature black suit accented with a thin golden thread.
I felt strong arms wrap around my waist from behind, and butterflies filled my stomach as Damienâs lips hovered dangerously close to that sweet spot on my neckâright next to my mark.
âYou look breathtaking,â he murmured in a deep, seductive voice.
âNo, Damien,â I said, already feeling the heat building between my thighs. âWe need to go; we canât be late.â
âNo, what? I was just admiring my heavenly queen,â he joked.
Reluctantly, I pried his arms from around my waist. I turned to face him, his eyes dark with a desire Iâve grown familiar with, so incredibly familiar with.
I gave him a quick peck on the cheek before pulling him out of the room and toward the grand hall. If we didnât get moving, weâd surely be late.
As we neared the entrance, we spotted Ivan and AliceâIvanâs wife of ten yearsâpatiently waiting for us.
Alice was the perfect match for Ivan. Even before I put an end to the laws against keeping humans as slaves, entertainers, or laborers, she didnât share the same beliefs as most demons. She was grounded, practical, and politically savvy.
Sheâs been a great help to me as queen, something Iâm eternally grateful for. Even Ivan had a hard time adjusting to the new laws, which put a strain on our relationship during my early reign as queen.
I could understand his struggle. Realizing that something youâve believed your whole life is wrong and immoral can be tough; being at the top of the food chain was all heâd ever known.
I can say with certainty that Alice played a part in Ivanâs shift toward supporting the unity of the races, something I couldnât be more thankful for.
At sixty-seven, Alice was still considered young for a demon, but her wisdom and kindness were beyond her years. She recently discovered her telekinesis ability, which makes her a Greater Demon.
Alice is still getting the hang of it, but sheâs a fast learner, so I have no doubt sheâll be as skilled as any other Greater Demon before the yearâs end.
âThought youâd never get here,â Ivan teased with a playful smile.
âWe almost didnât,â Damien responded with a wink. He earned a playful smack on the chest from me as my cheeks flushed pink.
No matter how many years passed, he was still as insatiable as when we first metâŚthough I canât say I was much different.
âWhereâs Cerberus?â Alice asked, her voice tinged with worry, as if she already knew the answer.
We all knew the answer.
