Nightmare (1)

I stormed into Novelle-Sama's room.

Why!? Why!? Why!?

I rolled atop the bed, a pillow wrapped my face around through the means of both my arms.

Why.. Why am I feeling like this.. this heat.. this shame. Could I perhaps like Noel—sama?

Never! Such a thought should be ostracized!

"Oh Liliath."

The world seemed to freeze.

I raised my head, and faced the door.

Novelle-sama expressed a grand smug, her arms folded. An innocent, lissom body in a light-rose coloured night clothing.

My natural action was to glare at her. Novelle-sama shut the door— a click.

Novelle-sama giggled. "You and big brother look so cute together— the perfect couple!"

"SAYS WHO?!"

Why.. such shame. I didn't think Diana-sama and Novelle-sama would betray me!

B-betray?

"I ship big sister Liliath with big brother Noel! I support incest!"

I-INCEST?!

W-WHA.. SUCH A VICIOUS VOCABULARY HOW COME I COULD UNDERSTAND DESPITE NEVER HEARING IT BEFORE?!

I-INCEST?! D-DO THAT WITH NOEL-SAMA?!

!!!

I trembled. Genuinely frightened.

Novelle-sama giggled.

"Why.. Novelle-sama.. what did I do to deserve this?!"

My vision distorted and in the next moment I felt two small hands on my chest— my breast. Those two hands fondled my front, unable to bear such stimulation, I couldn't help but let out a moan.

"Hm.. Big brother would love this, don't you agree?"

"N-Novelle— huh?"

How? How could she have suddenly appeared behind me?

"Velvet hair, velvet eyes, rosy cheeks, jade-like skin— the immortal personification of the perfect woman. I doubt nobody wouldn't fall for someone like you, big sister Liliath!"

I shuddered. Those words. Though it was said through Novelle-sama's voice.. how could it be so familiar.. so..

"Did you miss me dear?"

"Hiikh!"

He wrapped his arms around waist— I couldn't escape. I didn't need to turn around.. this person..

Demon Lord Javiel.. but how? How could he be here? I thought I left that world for good.. why?

Beads of tears rolled down my face, I could sense his cold, beguiling breath, leaving me in a vulnerable state. My mind swirled, like a raft in a storm out in the sea.

"NNOOOO! GET AWAY! GET AWAY!"

I screamed— no sound. Flailed my arms— to no avail.

Tears choked my vision, something came closer in the distance.

No longer was I in Novelle-sama's room. It was a black vast expanse— an empty void shrouded in mist. The ground was a shiny grey, a tint of red mixed within.

I was writhing, limbs tied by red satin to a black throne made from ash and bones.

The figure in the distance came closer— velvet hair, heterochromic eyes, one red the other glowing a toxic purple, a sleek black gown that dragged behind her. Four hours sprouted from her head— pulsing in a blood red colour.

You..

"Oh Liliath sweetie.. how was your date? You didn't forget me did you?"

"No.. why.."

This person— was me—the true demon queen that laid dormant within myself.

"Why did you lie my Princess? You could've requested for the philosophers stone couldn't you? Everything would've fallen into place, all that's left would be to seduce him. Who needs the demon lord when you found such a frail being capable of supporting your cause," her cackle echoed in my mind, "All you need is the philosopher's stone. I assure you that you'll never be lonely again. I'll be able to stay by your side forever and ever and ever and ever. Nobody can betray you when you have me with you my sweetheart."

"Stop this... STOP THIS!? Everything should be over so why?! This is a dream! A dream! This isn't real, please don't be real!"

No.. I didn't want to wake up.. those moments spent with Noel-sama, was it all a fraud? It felt so real.. it didn't make sense.. why.. why now. Why did I have to wake up now— that pleasant dream.. was it fake all along.

"Oh sweety.. don't cry. I'm still here, I'll never abandon you, couldn't you say the same for me?" Liliath drew closer, wiped a tear with her finger and licked it, "Sweet! Your tears are delicious!"

I cried.. weeped.. prayed.

She pressed herself against me who was incapacitated. One hand lifted my chin, tongue ravishing my tears, with her other hand, a sharp object touching the left of my chest— my heart.

Sensing my frightful gaze, Liliath smiled. It was the smile I always showed. A smile so natural, it became the mask that hid the pain and anguish within me.

"Ah—"

I cried out as the nails imbed itself within my flesh. This pain.

Was I going to die?

Could everything that I've experienced till this point be a lie?

Could this be my end?

Would I cease to exist?

Would I..

Her nails reached my heart, the bitter-sweet taste of blood in my mouth.. and a slap.

A slap?

I opened my eyes, the first object to greet me was Novelle's face which contained a worried expression.

I sat up straight and corrected my ragged breathing. Sweat ran down my side, tears streamed down my face.

"Another nightmare?" Novelle-sama asked, a book in her grasp, "You were whimpering."

A dream. It was a dream after all.

Novelle-sama offered me her shoulder and there I cried.

"There, there. I have no idea what you've experienced before in your world but it's alright now. Big brother was able to summon you here so you're safe with us."

"Novelle-sama.. don't go away.. don't leave me."

Such words came through. I couldn't imagine living in that world ever again. Betray by the demon lord— betrayed by the kingdom— mother and father— my citizens— and even myself.

When I regained my calm, Novelle-sama's night clothes were soaked with my tears. She had a slack expression where one would express defeat while raising a white flag.

"M-my apologizes," I lowered my head.

"No. It's alright. Big brother told me to take care of you after all," Novelle-sama waved her hand with a sympathetic smile. "Ah, what time is it? 1 am.. I better go to sleep."

Novelle-sama yawned, stretching her hands to the air.

"Do you think you'll have another nightmare, big sister?"

I shook my head. But the truth was I had no idea.

"Hm. I should tell big brother about it.. perhaps he can do something."

"Please don't," I pleaded. Novelle-sama smirked.

"Why not? Big brother likes you a lot doesn't he? He's your master, so I'm sure he'll be able to find a way to comfort you so you no longer have these nightmares," Novelle-sama joked.

"I-I would only cause him to worry... I don't wish for that."

Master..

"Pfft. Whatever you say, I'm going to sleep, I'll turn off the lights alright?"

I nodded, tucking myself under the soft duvet.

Novelle-sama placed the book she was reading on the side of the table before toggling the light off.

The room fell into darkness, Novelle-sama's faint silhouette could be seen glowing under the dim moonlight. She climbed onto bed and turned to look at me. Her glittery black eyes stared into mine.

"I'll hug you until you fall asleep. I'll chase the bad dreams away," Novelle-sama giggled in a soft voice.

Before long, she fell into a deep slumber. I was left awake.

I pulled myself away from her embrace, grateful for her good will and stared at the ceiling. The shadows of trees portrayed swayed, forming ripples.

Those words that I, the demon queen said.. the vivid memory that triumphed the rest..

I closed my eyes.