Awaken

**Awakening**

Ethan, his heart pounding, felt scared as he tried to wipe away the mark on his neck. The blood moon would be coming soon, and he could not be the devil's beloved.

Everyone had moved away from him, and the only place he was allowed to stay was the place given to anyone who had the devil's mark.

Ethan could not believe that even his own mother was moving away from him. He moved back, unable to believe that all this was happening. Would he be like the others who were chosen and then killed because the devil didn't want them?

He ran away into the woods as he broke down in tears.

"I hate you," he stared at the sky as he screamed so loud. He could not believe that he was bearing the mark, or was it because of what he said.

Time kept going fast, and night started coming. He felt weak, as if his life was being taken away from him. He felt as if he was about to lose his senses.

Ethan walked back into the village, his eyes almost turning dark, and he felt as if he was unable to walk anymore.

Just then he fell to the floor as he stared at the sky. It felt as if everything was turning dark, and he noticed how people surrounded him and stared at him.

Was he really dying? Is this how his fate would end?

Slowly, he closed his eyes, and before he knew it, darkness took over him.

.

.

Ethan stared around him as all he could see was flame and darkness. Was he in hell, and what the heck was going on?

"Ethan."

He heard his name as he stared in front and took a step, walking closer. He felt as if he should run away, but where would he go? There was no door or way out.

As he kept walking, he soon came to a stop when he saw a man turning his back towards him. Was this the devil, Ethan thought, moving a bit closer only for the man to turn and stare at him.

Ethan moved back in fear. What kind of beast was this, and why was it coming closer to him?

"Hello, my beloved," the man said, only for Ethan to move back in fear as he spoke.

"Are you the devil?" The man smiled as he placed his hands on Ethan's face and smiled.

"Yes, I am the devil, and I think I have found my beloved."

Ethan tried to move away, but he felt his body still, as if he could not control his movements anymore.

"This isn't real, right? I am not actually staring at the devil, am I?"

The devil chuckled as he lifted Ethan up and stared at him with a smile, then moved his hands around Ethan's face and pulled him closer to him.

"You belong to me now, and don't worry, I won't leave you in hell. I will give you your life on earth, but do know that I am always watching."

Ethan felt as if his heart was about to jump right out of him, but staring into the scariest eyes ever, he didn't want to believe all this was real.

"Why me? Why don't you kill me like the others? Why do you want me?"

The devil chuckled but pushed him to the floor and walked over to his throne where he sat down and stared at him.

"I can't kill my beloved. You are now mine, and we are now bonded together. You cannot escape from me, nor can anyone save you."

Ethan placed his hands on his face as he screamed, telling himself that all this was just a dream and he was not in hell or in front of the devil.

Soon he felt his chest hurting as he lay down slowly and closed his eyes.

.

.

Ethan woke up and looked around, only to notice he was in a different place. Where was he, and how did he end up here? Was he not supposed to be in the village, or was he still sleeping?

He quickly stood up and walked over to the mirror and saw the mark still on his neck. If everything that happened wasn't a dream, then what was he doing here?

"Ethan," he heard a loud voice as he stared at the door. He wondered who was calling him, and he knew that voice didn't sound like his mother.

"Get dressed, Ethan, or we are going to be late for church service."

Ethan felt confused. What the heck was going on? How did he appear in this world different from his, and why was he dressed in this fashion?

As Ethan stared at the mirror for a long time, he quickly moved back in fear after he saw the devil staring at him with a smile.

"How do you like the new life, beloved?" he heard the devil say, his voice creeping through the room like a chilling breeze. He moved closer to the mirror, his finger pointing accusingly at the reflection.

"You did this? Well, the hell I am in, and why am I in this world? Where the heck is my mom?" Ethan's voice trembled with confusion and fear.

Just then, the door swung open, and he caught sight of a lady. She stared at him with concern etched on her face as she approached.

"Are you okay, dear?" Her words were soft, her presence comforting. But Ethan recoiled, his gaze wary.

"Who are you?" His words came out sharp, his suspicion evident.

The lady paused, studying him for a moment before delivering a gentle knock on his head, causing Ethan to wince in pain.

"I told you to stop drinking. Now get dressed and let's get ready, or we are going to be late." Her tone was firm, her authority unquestionable.

Ethan watched as she walked away, his mind spinning with confusion. Suddenly, he felt a presence behind him, and turning, he found himself face to face with a man, a smile playing on his lips.

"Who are you?" Ethan's voice quivered as he stared at the man.

"It is I, the devil, or you can just call me Lucifer. Welcome to a new world, my beloved." The man's voice was smooth, his gaze piercing through Ethan's soul.