Murder in the Inferno

VENUS (Present)

You know the worst part about being blind? Forever living in the dark. The imagination is a scary place. The only difference between you and me is when you blink, your thoughts vanish. I on the other hand can never escape the visions that consume me. The only time I get to see as you do is when I dream. And for the past week even that has been taken away from me. I keep having this dream where I’m in hell, well my version of hell I guess. My arms, legs, and head are bound to a chair under a hanging lamp. I can’t see more than an inch in front of me. The irony of finally being able to see and the only thing I can see is myself tied to a chair. I know the demons are there, lurking and hiding in the dark. They always show their face at the end of the dream when they surround the chair reaching out for me and take my eyesight. I wake up screaming, sweat soaked and out of breath but the darkness doesn’t vanish. I’m stuck in that hell forever. Rocking in fetal position, I bite my lip keeping my concentration on my breathing. Tonight is night #7 and if it were up to me I’d never sleep again. Feeling my left hand over the blanket and onto the nightstand I press the button on my clock
“3:04 am.” The automated voice echoes throughout my bedroom. Great. What am I supposed to do until I have to go to piano practice at 8 am? I guess I could get a workout in, just because I’m blind doesn’t mean I don’t or shouldn’t care about my appearance. Scooting off the bed my feet touch the cool hardwood floor. I make my way to the dresser and run my fingers down until I reach the 3rd drawer. I pull out a pair of bicycle shorts and a breathable tee. Quickly dressing, I throw on a pair of my Furoshiki running shoes. You know the running shoes that wrap around your foot like a sock, that look like they give no support? Trust me I only use them indoors. I decide against putting my hair into a ponytail seeing as waist length hair will only get in my way bouncing back in forth with nothing tying it down. One long braid is what it’ll be. Going through my door way with ease and walking down the hallway to the elevator I push the button. Yes, I did say elevator. My sister insisted on having it put in seeing as steps aren’t my best friend and after a pretty bad fall last year which costed me a month on crutches. As soon as I hear the ding of the elevator I step in and wait for the doors to close. Some really melancholy opera music starts to play. Leaning back on the wall, I’m trying to figure out what the hell is going on. I made sure they didn’t put in any music when I had it installed and its never played any music until now. To add more creepiness on this already eerie situation I know exactly what song this is. “When I Am Laid In Earth” by: Henry Purcell. But why? Calm down V, you can find out another time when everyone is awake. I live with the over protective sister I just mentioned. Ophelia Macabre is my other half, we aren’t twins but I couldn’t imagine my life without her. Oh, her name? Yes, my dear sister was named after the basket case in Hamlet. And the crazy last name? We all have it, from what my dad use to tell us our ancestors lost a bet with Lucifer himself in return for a curse and this dreaded family name. Of course it’s a made up story but wasn’t easy to swallow for two young girls. To keep us “safe” from the curse my father Dante Macabre gave my sister and I angelic middle names. Ophelia’s middle name is Sariel, Sariel meaning angel of guidance. My name is Venus Lilith Macabre, Lilith being the first woman ever created. No, not Eve. Lilith, she was created from the ground just as Adam was. Depending on where you read they will say she was a demon, serpent like wandering the earth throughout the ages, and taker of newborns. But in the first chapter of genesis it states “And God created man in His image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and God said to them, “Be fertile and increase, fill the earth and master it;” Them, not he. God doesn’t create Eve until Chapter two, so who is the mystery woman who is never named and discussed? Lilith. She got into a quarrel with Adam for she believed they were equal having come from the same place. Upset, she spoke God’s true name and was supposed to burn on the spot but instead grew wings and flew into the 7th heaven. This is who I was named after, and for the longest I believed it was a bad thing the whole story sounded like she did wrong. But I have accepted my name and grown to love it. The elevator stops at the basement and I walk out. Grabbing my iPod from the basket hanging from the wall I hit the power button and press play. Believer by Imagine Dragons blasts through the ear buds, counting my steps I bump into the treadmill. Stepping up onto the platform, I latch the safety belt to my shorts and place the earbuds in my ears. Hitting the start button, I begin my workout.

DRACO (Present)

She’s so beautiful. Watching her run, skin glistening with sweat, hair flowing like a black river. And her eyes? God those eyes, Icy white almost frozen. I can’t help myself but to watch and with her engaged in her music she doesn’t even know I’m here. She never knows I’m here, though on a few occasions she’s noticed my presence when she plays her piano. The music is orgasmic to my ears, so very soulful and empty. She sounds so lonely when she plays, little does she know I’m always with her. I shall make myself known, just not yet. Everything is going to go to hell when I announce myself and if she’s the one she better be ready. Venus, she has no idea how I’m about to change her world with or without her consent. She runs on the treadmill for about 15 straight minutes before using weights and core exercises. How I envy the sweat on her body, my eyes follow along a droplet as it slides down her stomach and into her shorts. Damn, it's not fair. Stalking in the shadows I follow her back upstairs, I hope she enjoyed the music I played for her. I’m the only one who knows what she likes. What she needs. My obsession with her has become troublesome. I shouldn’t be here but I am, everyday. Ever since I found out the Macabre family made a deal with the dark lord himself for what all humans seek. Immortality. The deal was in return for the power of Immortality that every 1st born son was to be given up and take their place in hell. Zexus Macabre had two sons and two daughters. He did give up a son but not the 1st born. Humans being the stupid organisms they are, thought they could outsmart the devil. And that is a no-no. So Lucifer gave him back mortality and exchange for his life took his youngest daughter and married her. Lucifer vowed that every youngest daughter would be claimed for generations if the Macabre's wanted to continue living. Some gave up their daughters without blinking twice, some tried to fight. Like Dante Macabre, but here I am and he is not. The butterflies in my stomach start to go frantic. I know exactly what time it is, Venus is going to take a shower. This is the highlight of our days together. Walking to the bathroom she quickly closes and locks the door behind her. Silly girl. Little does she know I’m already sitting in the corner. She thinks she's safe, locked doors do nothing but shut you in. They don’t make you safe when there is someone already inside. Watching Venus strip down I know she knows I’m here, she has too. The way she slowly pulls her shorts down teasing me with those frilly pink lace underwear. Shit, Draco get a grip it’s not like you haven’t seen it before. But every time is better than the last, and the last always seems so far away. Not enough time in the world to capture, drink in all her beauty. Pulling her shirt over her head I can see her nipples peaked, see she knows I’m here. Maybe not physically but she can sense my spirit and it turns her on. I can’t touch her, not yet but I can help her out. Smirking to myself I watch her bend over to start the water, Christ how I’d love to take her right here and right now. No, when I have my way with her she’ll want it. More than want it she’ll beg me, and I’ll oblige. Venus unhooks her bra and slides her panties down. She’s glistening, I knew it. Physical activity always gets her flushed. That and me standing behind her, it takes all my might not to reach out. She pulls her hair over her shoulder and begins undoing her braid letting her hair cascade down her back. Her hair smells of jasmine, just too damn perfect. She steps her dainty foot inside the shower testing the water, I know the temperature is just right seeing as I turned the hot water up. Swear I don’t know what Venus would do without me. The water dances over her soaking her hair making it cling to her. How I envy that hair, grasping and laying on her smooth skin. Rubbing my hands together, it’s showtime.
“Vanisshen.” I whisper. Vanish, I can’t be seen or physically touched. But I can touch anyone. How you say? It’s 1st tier necromancy, child's play. Oh, you mean how I did it? Well lets just say I have one hell of a family and Venus’s involvement? I’ve come to take what is owed to me. What Dante Macabre tried to defend and hide. I should take my clothes off, but they would appear on the floor. I’ll just leave them on, stepping into the shower Venus is already washing up. Such a good girl. I reach from behind and massage her chest. Her breathing deepens and she starts to pant. God, yes.
“W-what’s happening.” She questions. Of course no one is going to answer, because no one is here. Well, besides me. Resting my back on the wall I pull her back to my front sliding my hand down grazing her clit with my middle finger. Her mouth opens up while her back arches. Fuck, yes.
“Oh my god, mm what? I-I who?” I almost want to laugh at her half asked questions. She reaches her hands up on top of my hands but to no prevail, can’t touch me. Rubbing her harder, I make sure she’s full of ecstasy before I talk.
“What? What is it baby?” Her body tightens but doesn’t move.
“W-who are you? What are you?” Who am I? The man who is about to ruin you. What am I? Whatever you want me to be.
“I am someone who has been watching you for awhile, and I’ve come to take whats mine.” Sticking a finger inside her, I massage her walls that are strangling my finger. She gasps loud, like I hurt her. Fuck, I can’t wait to have her.
“I-I know who you are.” I tense up, there is no way she knows who I am.
“Yeah I’m the guy you're letting finger you right now, bad girl.”
“Mm, y-yes but you're also the guy who .. Mm, I must be crazy and dreaming right now.” I frown, this is not a dream. Dropping to my knees in front of her I put her legs on my shoulders.
“Still dreaming now?” I can’t hold back my smile as I put my face between her legs. God, she tastes so good. Circling my tongue around that swollen head of hers. Moaning loudly she tries to grab onto my head. She’s grabbing nothing but air to her, but to me I can feel her fingers in my hair. Wanting to pull me away but pulling me into her as well. She’s conflicted and I want her to relax and enjoy this. How can she enjoy a ghost fucking her. I’m not a ghost, though I am non existent right now, I’m also not fucking her. Not yet. Pushing her legs up higher I cover her whole p*ssy with my mouth. Venus screams frantically trying to grab the wall
“Cum for me baby, I want it all.” And I know when she does, I feel it all leaking out of her. Putting her legs down, I stand up.
“I-uh, thank you.” I snort, did she just thank me?
“Thank you?” I question. Her cheeks turn bright red. Oh my god, she’s a virgin. So perfect.
“Stupid of me, I know. Sorry, can I get your name before I wake up.” Christ, she still thinks this is a dream. I peck her on the lips softly.
“I’m your worst nightmare.” She has no idea.
“You can’t be my worst nightmare, my dreams are way worse than this. If this is a bad dream. I want to live in it forever.” My head flies back like she knocked the wind out of me.
“I’m Venus, in case we never meet again.” She stretches out her hand.
“I know who you are Lilith, you're mine.” Smacking her hand away.
“Lilith? How did you know-”
“I said I know who you are, and you’re mine.” Cutting her off.
“I’m Draco, now time to wake up slaepen.” Not really. Sleep, she’ll knock out in 5 seconds.
“Draco” She smiles.
“I hope to meet you aga-” I catch her slumped body. Well, that didn’t go as planned. Carrying her out the shower, I dry her off with a towel and bring her back to her room before her sister wakes. Ophelia can be a pain in the ass to sneak around from. The girl is way smarter than she looks. And seeing her sister float through the air won’t be easy to explain. I dress Venus for bed and lay her down. She should wake right before piano practice. Kissing her forehead, it pains me to leave her. But I have to let her enjoy her last day normal, before my life devours her. I take one last glance before going out the door.
“So perfect.”

VENUS (Present)

Uh, what time is it? Must be morning, I can feel the sun coming through my windows. Sitting up, man what was up with that dream last night? Not the one with the demons, that's normal for me. But the invisible guy or ghost, whatever it was supposed to be. The things we did, I shutter at the thought. It’s almost like I can still feel him, he said he is always watching me. What am I talking about? God, am I that pathetic I can only get someone in my dreams. Yes you are, no one wants the blind girl. This is true, I’ve never even kissed a guy besides my best friend in grade school. Not only did he kiss me, he touched me and I let him. Falling back on the bed, what the hell? My hairs wet. No, no way that’s impossible!
“Still dreaming now?” I can literally hear his voice in my head. It wasn’t a dream? But how! Feeling my hand over the nightstand I hit the button on my clock
“7:54 am” Shit, I’m gonna be late for practice. Jumping out of bed
“Ouch, son of a-” I bang my toe on something. Calm down V, I take a big breath. Feeling for my closet I pull out a slim fitting off the shoulder dress. After sliding in it, I don’t have time to dry my hair so I just brush it out and make it a bit more presentable. Yeah right I probably look like a wet dog. I go to my dresser and place my mother's pearl studs in my ears. I wear them every time I play, I decided against wearing shoes today. Monsieur Bernard is going to be a little upset seeing as he has been getting me to learn how to feel the vibration through shoes but not only do I feel natural without them on, I can feel every chord in my bones barefoot. Taking the elevator to the 3rd floor I walk to the west wing. Ophelia inherited the estate after father’s death. Technically it’s supposed to be mine but I don’t get the deed until my 22nd birthday. So, it’s my sisters until then, 1 year and 1 day away. I completely forgot my birthday is tomorrow, I’m not much of a party person. Especially adding in the blind part, can’t really enjoy all the commotion and can’t see the decorations. It can be frustrating and I pray my sister doesn’t try it again this year. Counting the doors my walk slows when I get to door 4. I know it’s my father’s study. When I grab the handle surprisingly the door is cracked, I step up and put my ear to the cracked space. I don’t hear anyone so I step in closing the door behind me. I’m already late for practice anyway. I stand there for a minute unable to move. Not sure if it’s because I don’t feel like I belong here, or nerves of being in his space with him gone. Pushing off the door, I walk around feeling more like bumping my way until I get to his desk. Tapping until I reach his chair, pulling it out I think twice before sitting. Inhaling deeply, I can still smell him. His ashtray must still be in here, it smells of aftershave and smoke. Running my fingers across his desk it's so cold. No one has been in here in years. Over 15 years to be exact. He didn’t leave a letter, or a note. He did leave a will but that was made years prior to his disappearance and death. I know the last few months before he walked out the door and never came back that he stayed in his study all day and night. Here in this room, he never came out even to eat. We were all worried sick about him, it was bad enough losing Mother. I just watched him kill himself slowly overtime. Before I realize it, I’m crying. Why am I crying? Did you ever let yourself mourn? I guess not, I miss him more than I’ll admit.
“Mademoiselle Macabre!” Shit. I’ve been here too long. Scooting the chair out, I wipe my tears away and scurry to the door tripping over what I think are a stack of books.
“Dammit, Coming!” I yell. Getting off the floor, I brush off my dress and feel my way to the door. Rushing down the hall, I count doors as I run my hand over them.
“6, 7..8” I arrive and the parlor door is already open. Great.
“Mademoiselle Macabre tardiness is not to be accepted with me. Petit défunt irrespectueux.” I’m pretty sure he just called me small and disrespectful. Taking a deep breath I curtsy
“My deepest apologies for being late Monsieur Bernard, my alarm didn’t go off this morning.” I hear him scoff, I don’t really care I apologized and that's that. He grabs my hand and escorts me from the doorway to the bench. I crack my knuckles and run my hand along the keys. He must of been playing because they’re warm. Perfect.
“I want us to not only practice the piano but the violin today as well.” I notice when he looks down at my feet
“And I’m not even going to ask why you are barefoot today, you did say you’re alarm clock didn’t go off and for that I will excuse the lack of footwear.” I don’t really care if he excuses it or not.
“There is a new piece I want us to try, and today I will record you playing both the piano and violin to make a masterpiece.” I can sense the adoration in his voice. Regardless of how stuck up Monsieur Bernard can be he loves my playing. Believe’s I can be the next Mozart without the composing, which is where he comes in.
“Alright, I’m excited to get started what is the piece?” I ask unable to hold back my smile.
“The piece is "Sad Romance" composed by: Thao Nguyen Xahn, we will start with the piano piece and then the violin since the center of attention is the violin.”
“I will play it and you repeat after me since this method works for you the fastest.” I hear him sit beside me. My ears are heightened at full attention waiting for the first note to hit my ears. Monsieur Bernard begins to play the most beautiful piece I’ve ever heard. The notes are so clear I can almost see him play. The song is so filled with pain, without my consent my head starts to sway back and forth. Just then he stops playing and I want to yell to continue on.
“Now you try.” I’m the type of person if I want something I will make it my business and duty to capture it. I begin the first few notes but something is off. I tap a few notes until I hear it. Monsieur Bernard begins humming the beat for me to play along. I don’t even notice when he stops humming. Or when he gets up. Not even when he begins recording my playing. Everything melts around me, I’m in my own little world. I hate my life, I hate not being able to see. I hate that my father is gone, I hate that I’m alone. That’s when it hits me, a faint voice that sounds far.. his voice. It’s him, Draco, I know it he’s here. I play harder, chasing the voice not wanting to lose it.
“You’re not alone, I am here with you.” I stop playing. Monsieur Bernard rushes to my side
“Are you alright Mademoiselle? You spaced out.” Yeah, I’m fine. There is an imaginary guy I hear in my head. I really am losing it.
“Yeah sorry, got carried away by the music as always.” I force a smile.
“It's quite alright, you gave me a fright.” Clearing his throat
“Well, we did get some outstanding recordings. Let's have you get on the violin while I play your piano clip back to you. You may play the accompany piece as normal or seeing as when you go off on your own it makes magic. That is an option as well.” He takes my hand and standing me up and walking me across the room. After placing the violin in one hand and bow in the other. I play the corresponding violin piece, not wanting to even play at this point. What is wrong with me? You know what is wrong with you, you’re stuck on a non existent fantasy man.
“Monsieur Bernard can we stop for today. Suddenly I’m not feeling well and would like to lay down.” Half-truth
“Why of course Mademoiselle Macabre, maybe you should get something to eat while you're at it.” Eating, wow. Yeah I haven’t eaten, so worried about fantasy ghost man I haven’t even filled my stomach. Christ V, get yourself together. As a matter of fact don’t think about him anymore today.
“Yes food would be nice, I’ll head down to the kitchen now. Thank you” Bowing to Monsieur Bernard, he escorts me to the elevator.

DRACO (Present)

“Draco are you out of your mind?!”
“Maybe, I don’t see what the big deal is.” Well, I don’t. Laying across the throne chair in my father's library, throwing and catching an apple in the air.
“How don’t you see the issue? You’ve been sneaking off to earth Draco that's not okay.” Apus has always been this way. The worry wort of our duo. He’s been my best friend since I can remember. Looking at him now pacing back and forth I realize he’s not a bad looking guy. Apus is about 2” shorter than me which would make him 5’10’’. Slicked back blonde hair and garnet eyes. He looks like he’s just got out of a business meeting. White button up with the sleeves rolled up and slacks.
“Are you even listening to me Draco?”
“Yeah yeah, I hear you. Why don’t you relax yourself, the Macabre’s owe us their very souls. So what I told her my name, she’s mine to do what I please with.”
“That is only partially true, and you know it! You are not supposed to do anything until her 21st birthday. Your father is going to have your head for this!” He’s probably right but oh so what her birthday is tomorrow is it really that big of an issue? A tall curvy woman in a tight fitting pants suit with long green hair walks in.
“Apus.” The woman nods. Her amethyst cat-like eyes land on me.
“Draco, your father would like to see you in his office.” I stand corrected.
“Told you.” Apus whispers. If the siren hadn’t been standing there I would've punched him. Throwing him a glare, I follow her out the double doors. For my father to be CEO of Judeca - a company that gets souls a lesser sentence. He sure needs to change up the atmosphere of the building. Looks like hell in here. I put my arm around her shoulder
“What’s up Calypso? Why you acting like that?” I can feel the heat through her skin. She peels my arm off her shoulder
“Draco I would appreciate it if you didn’t touch me. Or talk to me.” Ouch.
“Why so cold? You still mad about us not working out? It was conflict of interest, do you think you would have kept your job if my father walked in on me bending you over your desk?” Wrapping my arm around her neck and Grinding against her, I sense her hesitation before she rips away from me. I can’t keep the smile off my face. She knows that's not the reason why. I walked in on her in my father's office on her knees. I knew it was her because of the sage green hair peering over his desk. The bastard just looked at me and smiled. He knew I liked her. Just did it to get back at me for not taking the reaper job offer I got earlier that day. I know my father had to put her job on the line for her to do it. At least that’s what I tell myself. Thinking about it pisses me off all over again. And when she doesn’t answer I had enough.
“Fine, be that way. Venus is double the woman you’ll ever be. And when I fuck her, oh cause’ I’m going to fuck her good. She’ll be screaming out my name, and it Won't. Be. You.” Smack. Calypso’s chest is rising and falling while tears are streaming down her face. Did she just smack me?
“You think you're so much better than everyone else, that no one is affected by your horrible prince of the underworld attitude. Well, fuck you!” Wiping her tears away.
“Oh and that human of yours? She’s going to hate you; you are going to make her life a living hell and you don’t even care. You make me sick.” I’m more shocked than anything, and I can’t get one word in rebuttal. She’s right about Venus but that's none of her damn business.
“You wanna talk about making someone sick, you sure didn’t look sick when you were on your knees blowing Vergil!” Her face goes completely pale like she saw Lucifer himself walking down the hallway. Shit. She sprints down the hall, turning the corner without so much as a glance back.
“Calypso! Please, wait!” Sighing deeply, damn Draco do you have a heart? Honestly I don’t even know anymore. I take my time to get to Vergil Rachiel’s office; my father. What in the hell could he want to talk about? You being at Venus’ dummy. But How? How could he know about that? How could Apus? How could Calypso? Has he been spying on me? Probably, there are two things to know about my father. For one he loves money, he’s a power hungry egotistical asshole. Anything he feels like is getting in the way of his money is a no go. For two he’s a terrible father and husband. My mother has known for years of Vergil’s infidelity yet won’t leave the bastard. I use to think it was for me but I’m grown now and it’s high time she moved on from him. Knocking on the door, I hear a shuffle of papers
“Come on in!” Lord give me the strength. As soon as I open my father's door, my eyes jump to the young blonde female fixing her shirt looking flushed. My father meets my gaze with a smug smirk. I hate him.
“Why if it isn’t my only son, come sit down.” The blonde bows and excuses herself sliding past me.
“New intern?” I can’t even keep the disgust off my face. While Vergil can’t keep the smile off of his. Lighting a cigar he motions me to sit down again. My father is a heavyset sack of shit, the pornstach running across his lip doesn’t help. He’s wearing a suit that's two sizes too small. Pushing his aviators down to the tip of his nose
“As a matter of fact she is. Just had to let her know the rules and regulations around here.” God, make this end.
“What do you want old man?”
“Now, now is that anyway you talk to your father Draco.” You’re not any father of mine.
“This is a matter of importance, don’t think I don’t know about your midnight earth escapades. You will follow the rules son or no son! You are not to do, and or say another word to her until tomorrow is that understood?” I nod, looking out the window.
“Don’t forget this is a paid job. And you showing up whenever the fuck you feel like it is costing me money..” Making his way around his desk, he grabs my shirt
“And no one costs me my money. Tomorrow you will go extract what that damn Dante tried to keep us from. Do not disappoint me.” Releasing my shirt and puffing smoke in my face before walking back to his desk he stops
“Oh and another thing, let your mother know I’ll be a little, uh, late tonight haha.” Speeding out the door I slam it. Massaging my temples, I don’t have the patience for this. Who’s going to keep me from Venus? No fucking body. I need to find Apus we have plans to make. Damn it. Damn him.

TO BE CONTINUED