Chapter 16

                                    

                                          
The last thing I remembered was running through the woods. Falling down. Bill. The chains that burnt me. The scars Bill cut into my chest. I could still feel his label bleeding from me, but it wasn't painful. It wasn't anything. Everything around me was completely black. I couldn't see where I was, but I knew I was laying on my back, unable to move.
                          
 "Bill!" I yelled aimlessly. "I know you're there! Show yourself, demon!"
                          
A glowing cyan light emerged, drifting towards me elegantly. It was dancing delicately, almost beautiful, yet unnerving as it drew close to my frozen body. As it got closer, I realised it was gently burning in somebody's hand. Bill. 
                          
"Wow, Pinetree, you really know how to send some mixed signals!"
                          
I glared in his direction as he stroked my cheek playfully, unaware of the dangers of this game. Suddenly, his hand struck my heart. I flailed in distress as he teared my soul out of me, rendering me truly lifeless, truly a puppet. There was nothing but strings and wires inside of me. He tucked it inside his tuxedo jacket, his golden eye shining down on me. I tried to avoid the piercing stare, but I had no choice.
                          
"Bill," I began sincerely. "I love you, and you know that, but I would never leave everything I have just to be with someone. I'm sorry, but is there any way I could get back?"
                          
Bill just smiled devilishly, concerning me deeply. "Of course there is!" he laughed in glee. "But your soul now belongs to me, and you can never leave now! Did you really think you'd ever be the puppeteer here? I've controlled you since the beginning, Pinetree! I can't believe you're so gullible!"
                          
Whilst he continued to chuckled in delight, I was horrified. Bill had tricked me, like he always did, and then lied to me about the unfair game he was playing. And I was supposed to love him.
                          
"What about Mabel? You said my soul would save her."
                          
"Lies!" He stated theatrically. "Duh, Pinetree!"
                          
Infuriated, my cheeks blazing the worst shade of scarlet, I shouted to him, my voice wavering more than usual. I had never been more scared to be alone, but being with him was a more terrifying thought. Could I handle an eternity with a demon?
                          
"Did you ever even love me at all?" He stopped in his tracks as he heard my words, but still grinning like a lunatic. He looked at me in the eye, my reflection against his iris. My cheeks were tear-stained and burning with sweat as I awaited his answer. However, when it came, it wasn't worth it.
                          
"No." 
                          
***
                          
Another damn cliffhanger! Bill really is a jerk... tearing the soul out of someone is not good! Love you guys,
Em xx