Prologue

He knew this was the start.  The beginning of the end.

He had been offered a deal he possibly could not refuse. And the reward for his services?

Immortality The thought echoed in his mind.

What more could he want?  He trembled with excitement and anticipation.  It was of course a shock when ‘they’ had approached him and opened up to him, telling him what they were and what they wanted.  He was afraid at first as their dirty and ghostly appearance shocked him into a silent terror.  These things were of myth and legend how could they be possibly real?  He remembered those piercing yellow eyes how they looked straight through him and seemed to penetrate his inner thoughts.  The ground had almost appeared to shake and move beneath him as he stood there watching them in horrific fascination.  He blinked allowing himself to check if this truly was real. Closing his eyes he cleared his mind.  His thoughts tumbled through his mind…memories of his life, his family and his job filtered through. 

Could he leave it all? Could he leave this mortal life?

Fear paralysed his thoughts and feelings and sent him spiralling.

When he finally opened his eyes he focused on the one that seemed to be their leader.  The creature was smiling widely; his pale marble skin seemed to stretch unnaturally over his skull. 

The creature already knew his decision.

It closed in on him; its minions smiled joyously and spoke so fast in a guttural tongue that was unrecognisable and harsh to his ears. 

The creature’s bony long hand extended to crawl around his shoulder.

“That was the right choice” It had hissed 

He could only smile.  He was not afraid. He was anxious. 

He felt sad to leave his life. It was a fleeting feeling. 

He looked up into the beautiful blue sky and then closed his eyes as the summer wind blew gently across his tired face

He shook his head, convincing himself that he had made the right choice. 

He felt upset to leave his ‘mortal life’.  The hard work that would be ahead would be worth it. It would future proof his family at least.

“Daddy!?”

He was awoken abruptedly by his daughter.

He faked a smile and waved at her from the wooden park bench that he was sitting on.

“You see mummy he is watching me!” He heard her say

“Yes, I’m sure he is very proud of you for climbing and hanging upside down on that climbing frame” He heard his wife say sarcastically.

His jaw tightened as his eyes glazed over.

He would miss this.

His daughter's golden blond hair shimmered in the sunlight. She looked angelic. If only he could tell her how important she would be. Prepare her for what obstacles she would need to overcome. To face death and the hounds of hell would be no mean feat.

She would also have to face him. The one that all are drawn to. That made him angry. Made the pit of his stomach churn. 

He would not have her. 

He waited patiently for his daughter and pregnant wife to explore the other side of the park.  He twisted his fingers in between his hands nervously.

Finally they both moved to the playing equipment on the far side of the park.  Carefully not to draw any attention to himself he pulled himself up and started walking. 

Pacing out of the park he found a black unmarked van waiting for him by the curb.  Taking one final look at his family he turned back round and pulled the door roughly to climb into the back seat. 

The creatures sat silently as he shut the door.

“You do realise that you can never see them again.  To do so would bring a swift decision to kill them” Said the leader who sat unnaturally close to him.

He knew that’s what would happen to them if he saw them again.

“I understand” He muttered

As the van pulled away he shoved his hand into his jacket pocket and withdrew a photograph.

The creature chuckled dryly.

“Pretty for a mortal... he will want that one”

He nodded and brushed his thumb over it tenderly, ignoring the rise of emplosive anger that threatned to emerge

“Yes” he said “She is”

Have you ever thought there could be more to life?  That there are higher beings at work, in constant battle?  Do you believe in him, the almighty?  Or are you a different believer?  Is your heart tainted with callous doings? Do you believe in HIM…the supernatural being who…it is believed to be an evil, powerful entity and the tempter of humankind?  No?  Then why are you reading dear friend?  For if you do not believe in the master of evil, influencer of heretics, infidels and other unbelievers, then maybe you should revert your eyes elsewhere, for while your ignorant kind fight for what religion could be the right one, you are missing the finest war in this world and the next. He is coming for me. I cannot stop him. He wants me.... he will not stop until he has me. 

A crash above her erupted. Her wild scramblings on the burnt piece of paper halted immediately. She smiled manically, her eyes darting from side to side trying to find if it was HIM. She wasnt threatened by the thought of fear but elation engulfed her very been. He was so close, she could taste him. 

Her cut and bruised hand tightened on the pen again and ploughed into the paper 

Dearest mortal you have become blind…blind to the fight that is constant around us, that creeps in the night while you sleep, that watches your every move…just so that when you trip and fall…your soul is on the line…easy for the taking.  Don’t fall for his tricks… he fights over your soul dear human that Devil seeks to lure people away from God, his doing a mighty fine job.  And you’re letting it happen.  Have you ever wondered how some mere humans are so poor and unheard of, then extremely rich in a matter of seconds?  This person has obviously offered his or her soul in exchange for diabolical favours. Of course these favours vary by the tale, but tend to include youth, knowledge, wealth, or power. Regardless, the bargain is a dangerous one, for the price of the Fiend's service is the wagerer's soul and eternal damnation.  And believe me hell is very hot…trust me i've been there.  If you’re not bored already from all this religious talk…then don’t bother…but aren’t you slightly intrigued?  After all, it could just be you that appears on my list, and just as my master says… a debt must be paid. 

She closed her eyes and sighed loudly

But I do long for death…it is now my only true comfort.  To die would be beautiful, a divine release from my painful existence.  Every second, every minute, every hour, every day I am changing, I am becoming something that is not supposed to exist in this world. 

I actually want to be with him. His touch, the taste of him is so overwhelming. 

Tears cascaded down her face

Please help me…Save me…