Excerpt

Editing completed…

~Chapter 1~

A MAN STOOD IN what was presumed to be a beautiful Marigold field, staring deep into the dark abyss. It was always dark and gloomy.

It was no surprise that no plant grew here. After all, it was a place called Daemarral.

Death.

It was where the dead came – well, only for the people who had committed vile atrocities while in the land of the living. They were condemned and sent to Daemarral.

The man's presence exude an air of darkness and authority. He was adorned in a flowing, voluminous cloak made with rich, heavy brocade fabrics, in shades of dark crimson. The cloak flares dramatically as the dry, airy wind blows around it at his feet. Beneath the cloak was a tailored tunic crafted from textured dark silk. His high collar reached up to conceal below his nose, his well-developed and well-defined jawline.

His trousers were form-fitting and were made from study, dark leather material, that gave an intimidating silhouette, also with his knee leather boots. Around his waist was a wide, beautifully crafted belt that holds a razor-sharp sword.

Its length was four feet long, and it balanced right with his tall frame. The sword hilt had a snake head design on it. The artistry design was very intricate, and it was obvious, time and effort were put into making it.

His black fingerless gloves were tucked into his leather pocket as he studied the sudden change in the atmosphere.

The dry atmosphere's grip fades away and a blooming season bursts forth in a vibrant and beautiful display of life.

It was as though someone had awakened Daemarral's dry land and transformed it into a vibrant color with captivating scents.

Scents?

The man looked at his feet, and before him were Marigolds. The vivid golden yellow of the flower glistened before his eyes. Bending to one knee, he plucked the flower between his fingers and lightly twirled it. Lifting it to the now clear sky, the sun reflected on the delicate flower, making its golden yellow sparkle some more.

He was bewildered at these. This had never happened in Daemarral before. It was always a dry land; the sky was always dark, and there was barely any sun here.

The sound of rivers and streams flowing caught his ears. This was yet another astonishing feat in the land.

Water?

Stream?

These were all non-existing in Daemarral. A soft singing voice distracted him from his thoughts. The voice pulled him in its direction. As he walked through the Marigold field, he saw more plants and wild edible fruit.

If someone had told him this was Daemarral or Daemarral could look like this, even though it was a place for the dead, he would not have believed them.

Passing a large, beautiful, and healthy Silk floss tree, he leaned to it, touching its thick and healthy trunk. It was so surreal.

He kept walking to the sound of the singing voice. As he walked, the splashing sound of the river could be heard evidently.

He soon reached the source of the voice. Lo-and-behold, a lady was standing there fetching water with a pail in hand.

Just looking at her side-view, he could tell she was a beautiful woman who was blessed blessed by the goddess of beauty.

Her long, flowing hair cascades down her back in lustrous waves, shimmering like the beautiful onyx gemstone. Adorned with delicate, ornate hairpins, her hair frames her face with an allure.

A loud bark from a dog made his hidden presence known. Turning to the direction of the dog, It was Cerberus, his guard dog or pet.

What was he doing here? And more so with a woman he had never seen? Cerberus wasn't the type of dog that was eager for company or chased after one. He only did it with him, the ruler of Daemarral.

So who was this woman? Why was Cerberus with her, and more importantly, why was she in Daemarral?

"Oh! My King" The mysterious woman fully turned to him, holding the pail in her hands. He then took in more of her features.

Her eyes, like a pool of enchantment, hold a myriad of colors—rich amethyst purple. They possess an otherworldly glimmer reflecting compassion, with a slight glint of mystery. Thick, dark lashes fan out, casting gentle shadows on her flawless skin.

Her lips, full and soft, bear a natural color that had a delicate rose petal pink. The soft smile she gave him, was like he lights up her world. This sent radiating warmth into his body.

She walked slowly towards him because of the body of water around her. Her figure was elegant, with a slender yet curvaceous form that underlined her regal bearing. Her beautiful fitted bodice, laced tightly to emphasize her shape, was made with a luscious velvet fabric, displaying simple patterns that caught the glimmer of the sun.

From the waist, the dress flows gracefully into a skirt that was buried in the water. It was clear, hidden beneath the heap of clothing, was a body that could turn any righteous man into a sinner.

Hit with her scent, she smelt like the Marigold that was abundant in the field. It was clear she stayed in Daemarral to have the pungent scent of Marigold.

"My king?" Her soft voice called out again, this time right in front of him. His icy blue eyes met her worried and compassionate ones.

"Yes, My Darling Queen?" He found himself calling. My Darling Queen? Where in Daemarral did that come from?

"Is something the matter? You look disheartened," she queried. She softly placed her palm on her lover's cheek. Her gaze didn't hide the worry in them.

Overwhelmed with the emotion not to worry or cause distress to his mysterious lover. He carefully pulled her out of the water fully, setting the pail down by his feet.

Arms wrapped around her waist, he looked at her, muttering against her lips, "It is nothing of concern, My queen."

"Are you sure?" She asked, lifting her head, bringing her lips much closer to his.

"Yes," He answered, sealing his response with a kiss. It was not a heavy kiss. It was a small, pleasurable kiss. He found himself humming in gratification in the kiss. He was taken away by this woman, he dares to say. Not only that, but he was bewitched by her, but as the ruler of Daemarral, he had darkness, and he knows every atrocity and sin of the world. So a mere bewitching from a woman, nonetheless, would be something he could detect with a snap of his fingers.

But here he was basking in that warmth and solitude. It would take the world crumbling down before he leaves the woman, even then would he be reluctant to go.

Pulling away from his lips, she licked hers and smiled.

"I see you missed me," she spoke, her eyes glimmering with joy. Not waiting for him to respond, she spoke again. "Well, I did also"

"That's good. I guess I have more reason to stay," he hummed. Turning around, her back pressed against his broad and clothed chest, he placed his chin on her head as they both stood there watching the waterfall slash and hit the rock.

He was happy.

He was satisfied.

Not only that, but he was contented.

She soon pulled away from him, not turning to face him. An anxious aura came off her as she kept staring at the water.

"My King, are you still busy?" she asked quietly

"No, Not at all" he assured immediately.

"Then why haven't you found me yet?" immediately she asked, she whipped around, and blood tears trailed down her eyes.

"Please come find me," She begged, stretching her hands to him as he replicated her movement. Her body began falling apart like part of a puzzle piece. She was soon getting further and further away from him while falling apart in front of him.

Screaming in agony at his loss, Cerberus started barking out, his barks increasing in volume as his surroundings began to darken.

The river and waterfall ran dry, and the silk floss tree, and the beautiful Golden Marigold withered. Suddenly, lying around him were dead bodies. The stench was familiar and inevitable.

Yes.

This was the real Daemarral that he knew. The sound of Cerberus's bark faded, the cries of torment of the dead faded, and the series of loud caws from thw crows also faded.

Welcome to Daemarral.

Jumping up from his sleep, he looked around to observe his surroundings. He was in his bedroom in Daemarral. The caws sound of the crows reminded him of that.

"It was just a nightmare."

"Or a wonderful dream you wished you never came out of?" a soft voice suddenly spoke.

🌑

Lexicon:

* Daemarral is also known as underworld.