Demonic Designs (To Absolve the Fallen) Read Free Page A

demonize an act meant to bring forth life, and you completely underestimate the altogether offensive nature of Hell.”   With this, he shrugged his shoulders and put the car into reverse.
    “What the fuck is happening?” Alex mumbled as he moved to open his door.
    “Seventeen.   And don’t bother with the door.   You should just relax and enjoy the drive; I assure you that you’re not getting out until we reach our destination.   You’ll need to learn to trust me because if you don’t, I promise that very bad things will happen to you.   Your life is in danger, and I’m the only one, ironically, who can keep you safe.   On the other hand, you could choose to become problematic for me.   In which case, your death will come before its time, and it will be most excruciating.”
    Alex’s was entirely focused on the driver now.   He couldn’t help but pay complete attention to the person who was threatening his life and driving away from school in, presumably, Mr. Jenkins’s car.
    “Wh-What are you?”
    The other boy turned to face Alex and replied, “It’s complicated.   Besides, that kind of information is bound to make you uncomfortable.”
    “What do you want with me?”
    “I want everything, Alexander Tanner.”   The red-head turned his attention back to the road as he spoke.   “Pray that I never ask for more than you have to offer.”
    After that, Alex could sense no more.
    Alex could not physically hear the voice, but he knew it was there.
    For decades I have awaited your arrival.   I have suffered pain intolerable and torment unimaginable to have this...opportunity.   I have betrayed all that I once thought to be important in the hopes of getting back what is rightfully mine.   Within your fragile body, your worthless mind, and your weak heart exists my key to freedom.   I expect resistance.   As a matter of fact, I welcome it, but you may find that I am a harsh teacher .  
    Then, the voice was no more.
    Alex awoke on a bed and in a room he’d never seen before.   It looked as though this room, and perhaps the house, had not been used in some time.   The bed he was on was ragged and dirty.   And, the only other thing in this room was a basic, wooden chair, which was occupied by someone.   Through blurry eyes, Alex made out the figure of the boy who had stolen Mr. Jenkins’s car.   The boy was smoking a cigarette and leaning the chair precariously against the wall.   He casually lifted his head to meet Alex’s eyes.   Smoke rolled out of his nose, as the corners of his mouth started to curl in a way that sparked something terrifying deep inside Alex.
    “Who are you?” Alex asked as he got up.
    The boy just looked at him curiously, and then a wave of comprehension swept his face.
    “I suppose it was a lot to take in all at once,” the boy explained.   “I had hoped that you would pick everything up a little quicker.   But this happens sometimes.   Shock kicks in if the mind is too weak to accept truth.   Let me remind you.  
    “About twelve hours ago, I looked like a teacher of yours, Kyle Jenkins.   We strolled away from your school to my car.   Once there, I changed to resemble what you see now.”   He brought his hands up to his face, indicating it, and smiled.   “We had a drive and a chat, and I decided that it would be best if you accompany me to this place.   You had gone unconscious before we got here, so you’ve been lying there ever since.”  
    He took another drag of the cigarette and exhaled as he spoke.   “As to my name, it’s irrelevant, but because I know that drives people like you insane, you may call me Jeremiah.”
    Alex narrowed his eyes, and his voice dropped to nearly a whisper, “What do you want with me?”
    “I have a task to accomplish, Alex, and you’ve been chosen to play a role in it.   It’s really up to you how much you wish to participate, but you should know that it really frustrates me when people don’t even