You know what? I am not okay.

4 years 8 months 19 days and 21 hours ago, began my nightly escapade of talking with the devil. Now, you may not take that literally, but I am quite literal when I say there is dark eyed, paled skin creep of a man that visits me at 2 am every night regardless of how much I try to avoid it. When I fall asleep, he jolts me awake. Switching rooms doesn’t do the trick. He knows where I am at all times. I learned pretty quickly to never have company either, as the first time I brought my sister into my room in hopes of him leaving me alone, he cursed her. To this day, she still cannot utter one word that makes sense. Everyone thinks she’s lost her mind. Little do they know it’s me that’s doomed us all.

I didn’t mean to strike a deal with a monster; it just happened. And I never set out to use magic, for my father always taught me magic is a two-way weapon. In the end, everybody gets hurt. I’m starting to understand his point.

3 more hours I estimate, the cursed devil would be visiting my balcony. 3 more hours and I’d destroy him.

You may be wondering, how on earth do you kill a devil? Yeah, I don’t really know either. I’ve tried many things, including the time I foolishly stabbed a sword in the creep’s back, to no avail, but something tells me this time is going to be the last. With the help of an old hag and a smelly herbal potion, I am more than determined to end his reign.

I finish washing and soaking my blade in the tea-like concoction, (this had better work), when I notice my curtains blowing in a thick rush of wind. Not a good sign. In a rush, I stash my blade, pull my hair back, and prepare myself for what could either be a painstaking victory or a nasty defeat. I desperately hope it won’t be the latter.

Claws and teeth are the first thing I see every time the ugly creature greets me. A mix of man and beast, his voice always seems to be a paradox. A calm, comforting tone calls to me.

“Darling, I’m relieved to see you don’t have any company. Makes my job far easier when I only have one to control.” His long, sharp fingernails trace my chin while I hold back a grimace.

“Yes, it is rather a relief that only one of my family members remains insane due to your encounters.” Years of cowering to him aside, I found satisfaction through enacting my rage with passive aggression and sarcasm.

“Hold your tongue girl!” He warned. “I will not allow such disrespect after all I’ve granted you!”

He was right… sorta. Before I found myself in this dreaded position, I was a king’s daughter, a princess respected and well-liked by the people. I didn’t scout for trouble and I certainly didn’t make deals with strange men, but that all changed with the war. My father, ruler over all nearby lands, found himself in a dispute with a diluted lord of our own courts. Ever since, many rebellions broke out due to poverty and illness in our massive country.

Being young and decisive, I struck a bargain with a seemingly kind and frail man in hopes that a little magic could dispel the plagues and conflict among our people. I swear my intentions were good, but nonetheless, magic drew me in more and more each time until I became a servant to the cruel man haunting me now. A deep scar on the inside of my right wrist was proof of that; an eternity of servant hood.

See, if the source of the magic is diminished (the devil before me), everything should be righted and I will be freed, but if I don’t keep my promise to aid and serve, all magic will be undone and further curse will be brought upon the land. So you can see what massive predicament I’m in.

“How may I be of service to you, lord?” I settle on obedience for now.

“Mmm,” he clicked his forked tongue, “well that’s better.” The more he talked, the more snakelike his voice became. “As you know, I am a few hours early tonight. I’ve been hearing some rumors of deceit and betrayal in my service. You wouldn’t happen to know about that would you.” He toyed with a lock of my hair as I felt my skin pale.

“No, your grace, I would have informed you if I ever did!”

“Your grace!” He cackled. “I like that you beg. Do it again.” I was as white as a ghost. Sitting on my knees now, I brought my hands to my chest, fully aware of the dagger in my boot.

“Lord, I am indebted to thee. I’d never dream of deceiving you.”

“Hmm,” he toyed like a cat with a mouse, “I almost believe you.” I snatched my blade right then and plunged it right where his heart should be.

“Good, I’d hate to know you think me a fool. No person in their right mind would be grateful to you. You’re a snake!” He only laughed, hard. His creepy laughing face was quite disturbing.

“Oh little girl. Foolish, little girl. You cannot kill a demon, for I am immortal!” He shouted, haughtily. I felt a smirk wash over my face.

“And if you weren’t?” His eyes darkened, then they widened.

“How could you have known?” He seemed to realize how weak he was becoming. “You stupid, stupid girl!” With one more stark look of hatred my way, he disappeared into ashes. Ashes and smoke.

Finally letting out a breath, I picked up my blade. It was then I saw my scar. Not only was it still present, but it was bleeding like mad. Shoot. What have I done?