CHAPTER 2


 

 

 

LILITH WALKED AROUND the chamber fingering the various objects on display. She had never seen anything like them and was curious about their origins and meanings.

"What are these? And what purpose do they serve?"

Sniffing one, she picked it up and licked it.

"This is awful!" she said, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

"Merely decorations," replied Dis, taking the small statue from her hand and putting it back on the table. Leading her to a chair he motioned for her to sit. Cautiously, not knowing what to expect she lowered herself on the thing and, finding it extremely comfortable, slowly relaxed.

"This is comfortable. What is it?"

"A chair."

"It's easier on the body than sitting on the ground."

"That's why it was invented."

"Invented?"

"Yes. Someone created it for a specific purpose... comfort."

"And that?" she asked pointing to the big round bed.

"Sleeping and entertainment."

"I see. What does entertainment mean?"

Dis laughed softly.

"It's better to show you what that means than explain it."

Lilith accepted the explanation without comment.

"Why can’t I see the trees and animals?"

"You're in my home," Dis answered patiently.

"Home?"

"Yes. It's where I live. Paradise was your home. This is mine. These things around us make it more pleasing."

"Watching the animals playing and listening to the birds is pleasing. Why do you need to create something? Wouldn’t it be easier to just live without... these?" she asked pointing to the walls.

"Easier, yes, but not as much fun. Walls provide privacy."

"Privacy?"

"It means no one can see us."

"Who is there to see us besides Adam and that voice? Who was that, anyway?"

"My dear, there are entire worlds out there. Places and things you could never imagine. As for the voice, that is my Twin."

"What is a Twin and why could we not see him?"

"He's a recluse. That means he rarely leaves his home. Twin means he was created at the same time as I and from the same material."

"You mean like Adam and I?"

"No... I mean... well, in a way, but you and Adam are not twins."

"Then I don't understand."

"It's rather difficult to explain. In time you will understand. There are a lot of new experiences awaiting you, Lilith. With your permission I would like to show them to you."

"Why?"

"Why?" Dis repeated, confused.

"Why do you want to do this?"

"Because I wish to please you," he replied, unused to being questioned.

"Why?"

Frowning, Dis realized Lilith was not only intelligent but also intuitive; more so than even he had imagined. Although she was an innocent, there was no doubt she was smart enough to be suspicious of his motives. He liked that.

"You intrigue me. Besides whom else do you know who will show you these things? Certainly not Adam."

"True. Adam is content to stay where he is. Now, who are you and what do you have to gain from helping me?"

Dis stared at the woman for several seconds and then burst into a loud booming laughter.

"An inquiring mind, I see. Forgive my rudeness. I'm not used to not being known. I am Dis, as you heard. My Twin and I oversee the residents of the Over and Underworlds. He, however, hates making personal appearances so I tend to take care of the more important issues."

"Like Adam and me."

"Yes."

"I see. I get the impression the two of you don't get along very well. Why should I trust you any more than him?"

"I never said you should. I merely offered to show you around, although the one thing I can promise is to treat you as my equal. You can have the top as often as you like," he promised, giving her an amused look.

Lilith suspected there was more to the offer than she understood but decided to forego pursuing that particular subject.

"And again what do you get in return?"

Dis shrugged.

"Your innocence and the pleasure of your company, of course. I can teach you about those feelings of yours. Stay with me and I promise you an eternity of satisfying experiences."

"We'll see," said Lilith. "What about your brother? Will he not object?"

"He objects to everything I do. What is one more thing?"

A loud knock on the door interrupted their conversation.

"Enter!" he commanded.

A small disfigured red creature shuffled into the room. Tiny horns protruded from its oversized head. Wrinkled skin, bony elbows and knees made it look peculiar. Lilith watched as it hopped awkwardly toward Dis and knelt at his feet.

"What is it, Cumo?"

"Master, your brother has sent three of his servants for the female," Cumo replied, nervously wringing its hands and casting Lilith a furtive glance.

"Send them in. This should be interesting."

Within minutes three males, dressed in white flowing gowns trimmed in gold, entered the room. Glancing momentarily at the woman, they quickly dismissed her as unimportant to the conversation and turned to speak with Dis.

"Thank you for giving us an audience so promptly, Underlord."

"I always have time for my brother’s most honorable messengers," he replied solicitously. "What can I do for you?"

Bowing his head slightly, the tallest male gave Lilith a disapproving look before continuing.

"We have come for her," he said pointing at Lilith.

"Then your journey is wasted. She has made her decision and chooses to stay with me, as my brother is well aware. Please give him my apology and my regards."

"Our Master has given us orders. He is displeased by her disobedience. I must insist that she return with us."

"You insist? Have you forgotten your manners, Gabriel? My brother is your master but you are here at my benevolence. He, however, is only my brother... not my keeper. Do not mistake my good manners for softness. I will not tolerate insolence even from you. Do you understand me?"

Gabriel lowered his eyes submissively; unable to meet the fury in the Underlord's blazing red eyes.

"Forgive me. I mean no disrespect."

"Good. Now, as I said, she stays with me by choice. Is that not right, my dear?"

Lilith nodded but refused to stand. For some reason, she felt it important to remain seated. It showed a lack of fear and a certain disregard for these males.

"As you have said, I will not return to Adam."

"He is your mate, Lilith. You were created to be together," replied Gabriel, addressing the female for the first time.

"I was made from the same dust as he and yet everyone but Dis treats me as if I were inferior."

"In time you will..."

"What is time? I don't know the meaning of this word but it makes no difference. He is no more and no less than I and yet he dares to treat me differently in this one thing."

"It means nothing," said Gabriel, spreading his hands in an imploring manner. "I regret I have misjudged you. You are an intelligent female. Surely you see this is just a misunderstanding. I am sure it can be resolved if you return with us."

"It means everything to me and I understand perfectly. I will not return."

"Lilith, the decision is not yours to make. Our Master has instructed us to bring you back to Paradise."

"Your Master may be yours to obey but he is not mine," challenged Lilith, glancing at Dis for support. The slight nod of his head was enough to give her the confidence to continue. "I have no memory of my origin and no recollection of having pledged my allegiance to him therefore I am under no obligation to serve him."

"We must insist."

"And I must refuse. If you force this on me I promise you I will do everything in my power to make Adam’s life miserable. I will destroy him and everything I can get my hands on. He and I will never join. He will never know one moment of peace or happiness. Your Master will grow weary listening to my screeching and Adam’s pleadings," swore Lilith. "Tell Adam I am sorry for causing him pain... and tell your Master he has made a mistake."

Gabriel gave her an indignant look.

"Our Master never makes mistakes," he replied, displaying anger for the first time. When he took a menacing step toward her, Dis stepped between the Arch angel and his guest.

"You've exceeded your limits here," interrupted Dis, realizing the discussion was going no where. "And you try my patience, Gabriel. She has given you her answer. You will tell your master what she has said and give him my regards. Now, Cumo will escort you out of my home and the Underworld."

"This is not over, Dis," threatened Gabriel, momentarily forgetting he was talking to the Underlord. "No one defies our Master. His word is supreme and you know it!"

Dis stiffened, his whole body tensing in anger at both the implied threat and the show of disrespect by an underling. Stalking over to the three angels, he positioned himself in front of the senior angel and leaned down to make eye contact. Fire raged uncontrollably from his crimson eyes.

"You dare address me in such a manner in my home and in front of my guest?" he hissed. "Do I again have to remind you who I am and what I can do?"

Gabriel shook his head no and took a step back, more afraid than he had ever been in his life. His unquestioning loyalty to his master didn’t prevent him from fearing Dis. As Twins, it was possible their powers were equal, making the demon a force not to be taken lightly.

"Good! Now, you have outstayed your welcome. You would be wise to remember, Gabe, no one rules over me! You may follow him willingly but he doesn’t command such loyalty from everyone. Now, be gone before you anger me further."

Bowing slightly the three hurried from the room. Although their allegiance was to their Master, they knew better than to push their luck with his Twin.

"Who are they?" asked Lilith, watching Cumo escort them away.

"Angels. They serve my twin."

"I have caused trouble between you and your brother."

Dis laughed. He had never gotten along with his brother, although he cared for him in his own way.

"We have never agreed on anything. He resents my carefree life and the... ummm... partaking of the pleasures it offers. I have never understood how he can stay in seclusion all the time like he does, hidden behind closed doors, tinkering with his projects as if they were the only things of importance. Where’s the fun in that?"

"Tinkering?"

"It means to experiment. He has great hopes for making a perfect world. You and Adam were his latest attempt."

"Is there something wrong with his world?"

"He thinks so. Personally, I like it. It’s fun and exciting, and the sex is great?"

"Sex?"

"Forgive me. I forgot you are new to all of this. I will explain that later and tell you more about my brother. For now, though, I think you need to decide if you want me as your mentor... teacher. Do you wish to begin your journey?"

"As equals?"

"As equals," Dis promised, taking her hand and kissing it lightly.

"Then yes. I am eager to see what you have to offer."

"Good." Dis grinned, pleased with himself. "Let us begin. First there are some changes I need to make to protect you from my brother’s followers. They can be quite persistent and devious when it comes to pleasing their Master."

Dis knew he needed to transform Lilith from human into a demon and quickly. It was only a matter of time before his Twin would send his forces in an attempt to retrieve her. As a demoness, he could guarantee her safety and eternal life... and insure she would be an unsuitable mate for Adam. Once accomplished, it would be impossible for his Twin to reverse the process.

Minutes later, he held a mirror before Lilith so she could see the new her. Reaching up she tentatively touched the black hair. Leaning closer, she stared into sparkling black eyes. Glancing quickly at Dis, she smiled happily. Lilith liked how she looked, unaware that she was experiencing her first emotion as a demoness...  vanity. The transformation was complete.