Chapter VI

   

 "And you are here once more, priestess of the East."

Clairra swallowed hard as she raises her head. She was scared of the tomorrow without her looking after her people but this sacrifice that she's going to make is for her people. And to the soul that's from another world, she hopes she doesn't try to die in this era as well. 

"I have decided," she stated. "I bargain my soul for that spell, Sage of No Name."

"Very well," he uttered, taking heavy steps towards her and stopping when he was in front of her. His finger slowly lifted and touched her forehead. A crescent moon marking appeared on her forehead but after a second, it disappeared. "Your lips are to be touched by the demon's lips and he will be under your command."

"Will it really work?"

The Sage of No Name slowly nodded his head. "Once you do, your soul will be bargained. You're wise. You would not show up in front of me if you had not found yourself a solution, priestess of the east."

"Of course!"

For the first time, the Sage smiled but it was a tricky one. "Very well. But be warned, priestess, the other world is so much different from our world. The soul you're about to use to keep your body unalive herself. She is bound to do the same with yours."

"I am gambling, as it is my last resort."

"You have been warned," he said and just suddenly snapped his fingers. 

Clairra opened her eyes and she was back in her tower. Eyaren saw her and ran to her with furrowed brows and eyes that were red.

"Tell me you didn't do it!" Eyaren cries but all she could do was avoid her gaze and she sobs. "How could you trade your life? All our days together, you've been sacrificing yourself for the people! Why can't you think of yourself for once, Clairra?"

Tears came rolling down Clairra's eyes. She cupped her dearest friend's face and wiped the tears off her cheeks. 

"I am a sacrifice, Eyaren. I need to save everyone and if not everyone at least you." She sniffled hugging her friend. "Take care of her for me and do not let her end her life. Teach her our way and treat her as if she is me."

***

As planned, when the moon was high above, Clairra went out and into a field of moonflowers. It was colder than the other nights but she needed to endure and get closer to the Demon King. 

 "Something is strange with you tonight, priestess."

That voice had alerted Clairra and she instantly looks at the tree. Slowly, the demon showed himself. He looked harmless but she knew he isn't. 

"Nothing is strange," she replied. "I was not expecting that you would come back."

"You expected the least because I am a demon? Is that what you're saying?" he asked, tilting his head to one side. When Clairra could not affirm he stated, "So, what is it that you have planned for me, human?"

 "I wish to marry you," she blunted which made his eyes grow wide. It didn't last long and he snickers, throwing his head back. 

"You make me laugh, priestess. I see hatred in your eyes so why would you wish to marry a demon? Do you feel threatened knowing your arrows are no match for me?"

"Yes, I am threatened," she answers frankly. "If I can't kill you then I should make you some sort of an ally to me."

"An ally?" he scoffs. "You wish to marry me so you can attain peace in both our lands? Peace? What does it even mean?"

"It means no one is hurting each other." She inhaled and exhales, letting all of her guard down. If she was to die here, it is to save her people. "Would you agree to marry me, demon?"

"I was told that men are the ones to ask women for marriage."

"I am desperate for my people!"

"Then I guess you don't know about love, priestess." 

He was about to turn away when Clairra suddenly grabbed his hand which made him dart his electric eyes at her. When Clairra realized what she did, she immediately let go of him, looking away.

"I apologize," she muttered. Never in her life has she held a demon's hand but the demon king's hand was warm. It isn't like what is said by anyone or in the books. 

"You apologize? For what, priestess?" He lowered his head just so he could meet her gaze. Instantly she flustered and he smiles, moving back. "The moon looks beautiful tonight. I might as well give you the night and if you convince me, I might consider."

As the demon sits down on the field of moon flowers, Clairra couldn't believe what she is witnessing. He was not what she had expected and that was given but look at him! He is calm and is almost like a noble human who adores his surrounding. He was undeniably gorgeous. 

One thing she's worried about the most is how to convince this demon to marry her. Should she act in love? No, that's a terrible idea. He knows by looking into her eyes. 

When she glances at the demon, he was already laying on the ground and her brows instantly knitted together. He is so carefree. 

"You're enjoying yourself," she remarks which made him look at her. "Must be feeling ecstatic knowing you have won and my offer is terribly baseless because you have my people wrapped around your fingers."

"It might be that you're thinking too much of it, human. Your head will start hurting," he calmly said, ignoring her outburst. "You've shown me what you assumed of me. And it upsets you because I am not what you expected."

The demon has a brain and she could not argue but there was no way she wouldn't look proud at all. While he lies down, she stands still with a grumpy look.

"Why don't you adore the night and not think of anything... just for the night, Clairra."

That was the first time she hears a demon call her name and he was no mere demon, he was the Demon King. The night was soothing even though they were enemies. Could this be what it's like to be at peace? 

Clairra lets out a heavy sigh and sits beside the laying demon. She looks at the night sky and said, "It is indeed beautiful." 

"This is one way to start what you humans call love," he spoke. 

She glances at him but her eyes went wide when his face was so close to hers. But before it even started... it had ended.