CH 20: Together Alone

~ Alastor's POV ~

Every word that passes her lips is the equivalent of a knife being plunged into my heart. The sharpness severed my vessels one by one until the metallic juices built up in the back of my throat. The pain from watching her explain her devotion made such thoughts feel like a reality. She would never understand how desperately I tried in our lifetime to prevent this very thing from happening, but I knew it was only a matter of time.

These things never end well.

I never wanted to bring a single tear to those beautiful eyes. My entire purpose in our marriage was to hold her to a standard that would protect her. I lifted her on a pedestal, worshipped her very exitance.  This was the very reason why I kept my identity a secret from her mind. Of course, I would want her to stand by my side. Together we could rule over these useless souls like a true King and Queen. Her power and mine together would be unstoppable, but above all else she would be back in my arms. 

Some things are never met to be. 

The day she left my life, I felt myself quickly become undone. I wasn't the same person after that. I rampaged through every tempting person I would run into once night fell. I lacked discipline, control, and worst...

...I became sloppy.

There was no motive, just anyone and everyone. I never felt so much rage in my lifetime. There had been too much loss to bask in. I usually didn't need anyone, but throughout the years she had filled my world with so much love that I couldn't fathom going back to my solitude. I would imagine that it was my carelessness during my hunts that eventually led to my demise. If she never perished, it would've never happened, but there was no going back, was there?

She was wrong about one thing. I am in fact a monster. There is not one sliver of good within my soul, despite how much she'd like to believe. I did love her throughout our time, and even in my time alone now, but that didn't make me the good person she assumes. Yes, I put that ring on her, for her protection. I knew even back then that if any harm had come her way, it would surely wreck me. I couldn't allow anyone to see my weakness, but there was one flaw in my plan.

That little ring on her finger, never protected her against me.

A fatal error, really.

She stands there, just hovering over the piano I had left for her before Charlie walks off. Her gentle eyes roam over it, seemingly lost in thought. She always fond peace within her music, it was something that brought her comfort in the darkest of times. Even with all my power, her presence still makes me weak. I can't help but walk over to her. 

Watching her sitting there, I'm reminded of the times I sat next to her all those years ago. She would take me through her manuscript, filled with notes of beautiful songs. The light in her eyes would shine and sparkle alongside each word that she said. She was alive. 

I yearned to go back there, to go back to a world where I could feel the warmth of her skin. 

I lay my hand on her shoulder. Her skin is slightly damp, something to expect from a sea creature. "My dear, if I may interest you, would you care to accompany me to some entertainment tonight?" I ask with a confident grin, 

Well, is confident really the right word? It's always fucking there. Trust me, I wanted to let it down so badly, but I had gotten used to the ache by now.

She looks up from the keys, "Hm?" She hums, suddenly forced back into reality, "Oh, are you sure? Perhaps after last night, it's not a good idea..." She looks away, but I lean myself back into her line of vision. Under no circumstances was I going to allow her to slither away from me.

"Trust me, sweetheart, I insist."

"Well then, alright." There it is, her smile. She always did have a soft and sincere smile with me, a striking difference than her usual cunning smirk. Although, I did find that hellishly attractive. It had been a long time since the two of us had lindy hopped our way around the ring. I took great pride in watching the faces of those poor souls scattering to the wind as we would walk on by. I was grateful that I was able to find comfort within her presence over the few decades. Her company brought a pleasant feeling alongside it, those I still longed to be able to hold her affectionately. 

She snaps her fingers and thus wraps herself in her coat before linking with my arm and heading out.

"And where are you goin'?" Ugh, that nonsensical chirp.

"Out, apparently." She responds, turning her head to Angel. "For a night of entertainment~" She teases, her voice parroting my usual tone. That was a power she didn't use often, but it was amusing on occasion. 

"Well, count me i-"

"No, no, this is strictly overlord business, my good man. We appreciate your eagerness, but I must forbid your attendance." And with that, I pull her out the door.

The night was still young, welcoming of possibilities. Tonight wasn't about asserting my power to continuing my conquest. I simply wanted to spend an evening together to extend to her my appreciation. After a while, her voice cuts through the silence, 

"That was certainly the performance this afternoon, with all those men at our doorstep." 

"Ah, you mean the fishes?" 

That gets a small chuckle out of her. It was comical to see how they fled and were devoured with little to no effort. Coming to the establishment where not one, but two overlords resided, was nothing more than a suicide mission. 

"Well, you certainly made your stance for the hotel. That 'Mimzy' character, though, seems to bring misfortune alongside her." 

"At times, yes, but she does make good company." 

"Betta than yours truly?" 

I halted our steps, spinning her back towards me and resting my hand on her lower back. This may be too straight forward, but I simply do not care. Leaning forward, I dip her slightly, "Never, my sweet siren." 

"Oh, you flirt, beat it." She pushes me back, but her motion lacks intensity. She relished in the attention, staying close to my side and chuckling at the display. 

"In fact, why don't we head on over to her stomping ground. Perhaps you will find it enjoyable." 

I had brought her to Mimzy's club, knowing that she would appreciate the atmosphere. I wondered if the music, the dancing, the energy would strike a chord within her. Maybe, for just a moment, I could see her eyes light up with the same sparkle they once carried all those decades ago.

But, she didn't seem phased. We just sat there at the table, a drink in front of each of us. My eyes linger to her finger, as it traces the rim of her glass in annoyance. She watches Mimzy in front of her, almost critiquing her. I hum in amusement, sipping at my drink. The two always had a unique dynamic way back when, it was funny how some things never change, even in death.

A feel a pressure on my shoulder and I snap my neck back. "Hello Sir, my name is Ellie, I'll be your server for this evening..."

Hmm, she seemed vaguely familiar. Although there are too many cuts on her face to decipher where I know her from, but I do know one thing.

I don't appreciate the touching...

"Very well, I'll have a whiskey sour and for t-"

"Alright! I'll get that right for you." She interrupts.

I was still speaking...

But then my ears perk up at the low hiss coming from beside me. Oooh, someone isn't too happy...

~ Esme's POV ~

Was she going to ignore me this whole time? How disrespectful could she possibly be?

Am I not frightening anymore beside him?

And for the love of Satan - remove your wretched fingernails before I show you some real claws.

I don't know what was coming over me, but I did know something. I really did not like this girl. Something in my mind was tempted to trace along every scar on her face and relish in the thought of how they got there.

I lean forward over him, "Hello, dear~" I sing in a haunting melody, "Were you going to take my order as well?"

She freezes as soon as she makes connection with my eyes. I can feel her mind shaking, pleading to be spared. Well, isn't this a sight? Did she truly expect me not to interject as she was so blatantly showing me disrespect. She reeked of desperation and hopelessness, showing no self regard. If she could drown herself within Al, she would do so happily. 

And that didn't concern me - why would I care? 

It was the sidestepping over me that I didn't appreciate. It was as if I was invisible. If I hadn't known better, I would think she considered me a common soul. But, there was no possible way that this broad did not know who I was, my face was presented on several billboards throughout the streets. 

"O-Of course..." She whispers.

My jaw clicks as my smirks intensifies, "That's so good to hear, lovey~." I drag my claw along the table where he's sitting. "Now, be a good girl and grab me another martini. We wouldn't want to spoil your evening. Thank you~" I burn my eyes into hers, forcing her to turn to the kitchen and retreat.

I sigh with satisfaction and lean back into my chair. Geez, when he had invited me out for an evening on the town I didn't expect to be met with such annoyance. There's a low chuckle next to me, "My what a temper."

"Excuse me?" I turn to him.

"That little performance you just did, all for moi?" He's suppressing a laugh as he rolls his glass on the wood. 

Oh, so you find this humorous? Well, I'm so glad I could provide you some laughs. 

"You flatter yourself, Alastor." I smirk, concealing my frustration, "I was simply helping a friend out."

"Oh, but of course, helping little ole' me out. I was in such peril, dear." 

Alright, you prick...

"Were you fancying her advantages? No? Then, I advise you to refrain from speaking." I can feel the wood piercing my fingers as I had subconsciously been digging into the table, "Besides, she showed me obvious disrespect. Had someone ignored your presence like that, they would have been biting the concrete. You and I both know that to be true." 

"Temper, temper, my dear..." He hums, leaning closer like barring a smug grin. He was coming so close that I could feel his arm melting into my side, "I never said your actions weren't warranted, I'm simply observing..." 

"Ah, yes, you were observing..." 

"Precisely..." 

Suddenly, there's a bang on the table, which causes my head to fall forward. "Alastaa!!!"

Ugh, that screech.

"So good to see you back where ya belong." Mimzy smiles. She turns towards me, "I see you brought the fish."

I smirk, looking up at her with narrowed eyes. My new drink has arrived, and I raise it to my lips, taking a small sip. Had she been anyone other than a friend of Alastor's, I would have taken the term Bloody Mary to new heights. Alas, out of regard for my friend, I guess she does get to see another day.

"I hope you enjoyed the show..."

Was I supposed to be impressed? 

I smirk into my glass, chuckling softly. "Oh, honey..." I swallow, "That wasn't a show." I slowly place my drink back down and smile up at her.

I pause.

"This is." 

Snap.

🖤Words: 2017🖤

~ Artemis💗🦌