NO HAPPY ENDINGS A FANTASY STORY (FINALE)

“It’s two against one,” my conscience muttered but I knew I had to end the cycle.

Tyban would only reincarnate through Mrs. Willow further perpetuating the horror. Why not let him possess me instead as he’d always wanted?

“You can’t win,” the demon intruded, his coarse voice in my mind. “No mortal has ever defeated me.”

“True” I dropped the matchbox, resignation washing all over my demeanor. “I’ve always wanted to be close to a power like yours.”

Mrs. Willow cackled, a rotten stench enveloping her. “Keep your games to yourself, child. Tyban didn’t get fierce by being played.”

“Silence I need to think”, the entity sounded disinterested.

I stared hoping my charms might seduce him but Mrs. Willow attacked swiftly, the knife from her son’s chest flashing in the dim light. I immediately tore my gown exposing my knees, ready to strike.

Tyban was unbothered by our combat, his eyes peaked at us being willing vessels.

“Not bad, Mrs. Willow,” I said as she drew first blood. Her relentless assault made me appear weaker.

“I don’t have time for this,” I snarled, grabbing the matchbox and setting her ablaze.

Tyban clapped, his lips wet with excitement. “Glorious!”

I then gave him more of an impressive performance as I pinned Marcus’ mother to the ground with the club she used to kill Father Andrea.

“Die already,” I rumbled, ending her twisted game.

The demon was amazed, it’s gaze locked onto mine with an ill smile. “You’ll make a fine addition to my collection.”

“See I’ve always loved you Aurora,” he ran to me, shapeshifting into Sean.

His emerald eyeballs once full of warmth now seemed like a cruel mockery.

I fell into his embrace, tears streaming down my face. “Why did you die Sean? You promised we’d see the world together. Why leave me?”

His hands wrapped around me, a reminder of the beautiful fingers that once made my back it’s home.

“I didn’t plan to leave you Aurora. Sometimes, there are no happy endings”, he confessed.

I felt a knife jabbed in my heart. Why was he deceiving me?

“Sean,” I looked into his eyes, “I have a gift from my soul to you.”

He seemed surprised. “What is it?”

I pulled out the club from Mrs Willow’s gooey spine, one still laced with fire.

“This…….Die liar. You took everything from me”, I roared.

Tyban screamed as I stuck the club in his mouth. His form began to melt like glue. I wasn’t still satisfied, it felt all too easy.

“This is for Maverick,” I struck his waist. “This is for Father Andrea,” I hit his forehead.

The entity begged, his face trying to transfigure as many times as it could.

“Wait…I…I…love you, Aurora”, he spoke feminine.

But I sighted my mother’s face, the woman I so cherished.

“No!”, the club fell from my hands as I approached him. “Keep my mother’s name out of your mouth you demon,” I hissed, dipping my fingers into his plastic skin. I also poked those eyes fueled by fury and betrayal.

The screams finally subsided leaving me shaken. I watched Tyban’s anguished face feeling every bit of pain as my hands scorched. God knows a part of me still longed to kill him more, but I knew I had to stop.

Just then, the town Sheriff burst in, his revolver drawn.

“You’re under arrest farm girl,” he shouted, his features fixed on my bloodied hands.

I raised them unsure on how to explain the carnage. Mr. Maverick’s covered body and the others were proof enough of my guilt. No one was left alive to testify on my behalf.

“Move!” an officer yelled as another mocked, “The beautiful ones are not yet born, yet this turned out to be a murderer.”

I stood dumbfounded, not certain if anyone would believe my tale of a demon’s responsibility.

“Move”, he screamed again before I was led away to the brown and white vehicle.

I saw a strange officer, a female I’d never seen before standing beside the cabin.

“Wait!” I stopped the driver, handcuffs on the transparent side window, “She’s beside you, Sheriff.”

The entire team looked around, confused at who I was talking about.

“Take her away officer,” his deputy nodded in pity.

But the mysterious woman crept closer,….. “Tyban never dies… Humans’ faces may change but beware he is near.”

A chill ran down my spine as the officer drove us away.

A wry smile I was left with as I pondered if part of me was already the demon’s.