The sun had just risen when Rosette's footsteps were heard coming down the cobblestone path that surrounded Journee’s little guesthouse. "Good afternoon, miss. It's a beautiful new day," Rosette exclaimed cheerfully. However, Journee couldn't help but stifle a yawn. "Did you sleep well, miss?" The cheerful maid asked. "Not particularly. I kept tossing and turning all night. I suppose it's because of the unfamiliar bed," Journee replied with a smile, but today is the day she dreads, knowing she has to go through it if she doesn’t want to get her father into trouble. "I understand, miss. Being separated from your family like this is not something I would wish for either," Rosette sympathized. "Yeah... it's not exactly an enviable life," Journee said as she stretched and got out of bed. "Shall I prepare a bath, miss?" Rosette inquired. "You know, you can call me Journee," the bride-to-be suggested, starting to like Rosette. Life in this mansion might not be so terrible after all.
Standing as still as the matrimony statues, Montgomery and Journee plastered on polite smiles. There was so much activity in this fantasy brought to life – the soft glow of the crystal chandeliers that lit the ballroom, elegant flower arrangements and beautiful people flood the space. And yet, a sense of ennui settled over the bride as she stood at the centre of attention, as Montgomery was hauled away by a group of men. “Can you believe it? She chose THAT Vera Wang.” A woman in red sniggered loud enough that Journee heard her. “I know! It’s the cheapest from the Luxe Collection… that … bride certainly doesn’t know quality.” Another lady commented. Hearing words being thrown around, Journee strained her ear to find out more about those around her. “How much is that anyway? $9,000, $10,000?” The woman in red said as she took a puff of her vape. “NO! A mere $6,900!” Her friend answered, her body language made Journee think of the overacting in the High School Musical. “Oh My God!
CHAPTER 8: The Morning After The blaring sound of honking cars woke Journee. It was 7.30 A.M Half falling out of bed, she held on to the bedside table, then propped herself back on to the pillows. Blinking at the bright chandelier that hung above the bed, Journee sighed. It’s all still so surreal. Many women would be envious to be surrounded by such luxury and married into a wealthy family. I should count my blessings. Perhaps I can ask granny if there is a position I can hold to help the family business. As a graduate, I would be hunting for a job now if I had not gotten married. Maybe I can ask her over breakfast. I should make a good impression before making my request. After a quick shower, Journee chose the most casual and least ornamented new clothes provided for her – a pair of bootleg Guess jeans, button-down silk shirt and the same white sneakers she had worn for her wedding yesterday. “Good morning, mam.” Rosette called out as she entered the ro
It had been a quiet day for the most part, giving the Demon King time to practice Mindfulness. That was until that human’s voice came blaring into time and space. It was all erratic and…well plain chaos as her thoughts came streaming into his mind. He thought he would surely go mad if this continued. “Damon!” “My Lord?” “How is the search? Anything yet?” “Well…There is something.” Damon’s voice shook with uncertainty. “Genies who are bound to humans must grant them 3 wishes before they are released.” “G…How dare you compare me with a mere Genie?! Those slobbering fools have less than half my power!” “I’m sorry my Lord but this is all I could find. It’s worth a shot. How many wishes have you given her?” Ma’oz thought about it for a moment. The first wish happened when she first got on the plane. I wish for...a way out. To spread my wings and fly away. Perhaps even to return home... Alas... alas...alas...if wishes can come true and I can't get out of this, then I wish Montgomer
“Dear heavens and hell! How do I get this human to see the truth?! I am up to my neck in silliness. Surely, she knows that Demons cannot lie.” “My word…you give your opinion quite frankly.” The human stared at Ma’oz, her eyes round like saucers. Her face pale as snow as blood leaves its unblemished skin. She is obviously afraid but if she doesn’t believe that I am a Demon King, then why is she afraid? Wait…” You can hear me?! How?” The Demon King had only been speaking in his mind. How is she hearing it? “You are speaking, loud and clear. I would have to be deaf not to hear you.” Journee answered boldly. “I wonder…” He picked up her hand to inspect the ring of Solomon, to speak to its inner spirit. Interrupting his concentration, Journee quickly snatched her hand back and questioned him. “What do you think you’re doing?” “Look at my mouth. Are my lips moving?” He demanded. “Oh!” Her lips formed a circle as she stared at his lips. “I am speaking in my mind. What you hear, are m
A little old lady with snowy white hair stood, gaping at the man before her. There were lines of worry on her weathered face, her aura was dim and frazzled. “How can this be? Monty, my dear dear boy.” She said as her shaky hand reached out to touch the face of the one she loved, and pulled him into a hug. “Moe! Murphy!” The two men were running down the steps of the mansion into the garden, stunned by the sight before them. Humphrey had a hand on his waist, and another over his mouth. Montgomery Sr brisk walked towards his son and looked at him from head to toe. “Did they have the wrong person?” Granny asked Montgomery Sr. Instead of answering the old lady, he asked, “Monty, what are you doing back here? What happened in Paris?” The man stared from one person to another, seemingly confused himself. Huh? They can all see me? What is happening? He glanced at himself in the glass reflection of the greenhouse. “What the fuck?!” I am the splitting image of the human’s husband. Not
The earth beneath shook as the Demon King’s voice shook Journee to the core. A tiny part of her brain whispered I hope the Lewis family thinks it’s just an earthquake, while another part of my irrational brain argued Who cares?! Better they know and come to rescue us! The third voice in her head injected What if they come and Ma’oz loses it completely? We’ll all die! Die for sure! DIEEEE! The tiny human tried to speak, but her voice was firmly stuck in her throat, making her wheeze and sound like a baby otter trying to scream. Frantic, Journee tried to sign to the Demon King that she understood that she had crossed a line. She rubbed her chest in circular motions. But her scattered brain had her hand flat out instead of in a fist. “What do you mean?” He growled again and this time, she found her voice. What do you mean by “please?” Please? When did I say please? “Tell me!” He demanded with such force, that Journee’s words flew out of her mouth, “I’m sorry!” Her voice was scratchy
“Haha…hahahaha” Ma’oz’s voice rumbled through the plane. Journee looked up to see him sipping his Whiskey. The ice has melted, making his Whiskey on the Rocks just Whiskey and water now. “You seem to have forgotten who I am.” “Oh!” Realisation dawned upon her. Ma’oz can stabilise this plane should he wish to. But I am unwilling to make another wish. “So…what will you do?” “What would you like me to do?” He raised an eyebrow at her and winked. Journee felt the plane plunge again and the little hairs on her body started standing on ends again for the umpteenth time this week. “Decisions, decisions…I can survive this crash. But you, Journee and the other 3 humans will surely perish.” His eyes glowed red again. “Okay, okay!” Placing her hand together in prayer, she looked Ma’oz in the eye. My fear of death is far greater than my worry of how I will repay him right now. “Please…I wish for you to please let this plane land safely.” “Your wish is my command.” Ma’oz gave her a nod and th